Soccer
With little creativity, Flamengo suffers defeat to Atlético-MG at Maracanã
31 Jul 2025 | 23:36
0
Soccer
18 Nov 2024 | 10:11 |
0
In an interview with the Mesa Redonda program, on TV Gazeta, Cléber Xavier, Flamengo's former technical assistant under Tite, was asked about the controversy statement by Gabriel Barbosa, who stated that he did not receive due respect from the former commander of the Brazilian team. Without delving into the controversy, Cléber spoke about the experience of working with the Mais Querido striker and explained the technical committee's preference for Pedro as a starter.
According to Cléber, upon arriving at Mengão at the end of 2023, the technical committee needed to guarantee classification for the Libertadores. The choice was to start the games with Pedro in command of the attack, while Gabigol was used as an important option among the reserves. "Pedro was the starter, and we had Gabigol as an option", highlighted Cléber.
The former assistant explained that, even in the face of minor injuries that sidelined the number 10 in some games, the decision to keep him as a tactical alternative aimed to strike a balance in the game plan defined by the committee. Cléber reported that the 2024 season started with the same approach, but external factors complicated Gabriel's continuity in the team.
OFF-FIELD PROBLEMS AND INJURIES WEIGHED IN THE DECISION Cléber also mentioned that some events influenced the performance of Gabriel Barbosa and, consequently, the team's planning. "Gabigol had problems during the year, such as the doping case and the disagreement with the board over the Corinthians shirt," he stated. Furthermore, occasional injuries made it difficult for the striker to maintain a solid run in the team. With Pedro's injury at a certain point in the season , Gabigol was activated, but he also suffered from physical problems, which required new changes in the lineup. "When Pedro had an injury, we opted for him, but he was also injured, and we had to look for another alternative", explained Cléber. CONTINUITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS COACHES The former assistant commented that Gabriel Barbosa's relationship with the coaching staff followed patterns similar to the periods of other coaches, such as Filipe Luís. Cléber highlighted that Gabigol had moments of highlight, but also faced difficulties. "There was a game in which he started as a starter, he was replaced at half-time... He performed well against Atlético-MG, but was later removed due to a board decision", reported the former assistant.
The striker was one of Mengão's standout players in the defeat against Atlético-MG and shows how he can reverse the result in the return match.
01 Ago 2025 | 08:41 |
0
Samuel Lino's debut with the Flamengo shirt was not a victory , but the striker left a good impression . He came on in the second half of the match against Atlético-MG, this Thursday (31), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Despite the 1-0 defeat, the number 17 showed confidence for the return match and spoke about the experience of playing in Brazilian football as a professional for the first time.
Samuel Lino on his debut at Flamengo: "I felt really good"
"I felt great. At first, I was a little confused; it's all new to me . I'd never played professionally in Brazil. But little by little, I adapted, feeling better and more comfortable on the field. Physically, I'm fine," said Lino.
Despite the setback, the debutant assured that the group remains focused on the decisive match: "We didn't get the win today, but the 1-0 score doesn't change our mentality. We're going to Belo Horizonte to seek qualification . Of course, it would have been special to debut with a goal, maybe even an equalizer, but unfortunately it didn't happen. Maybe in the next game. I'll work towards that," he added.
Samuel Lino came on in the 15th minute of the second half, replacing Matheus Gonçalves, and brought new momentum to the red-and-black attack. With his speed and skill, he caused problems for Atlético's defense . In the 36th minute, he crossed to Emerson Royal, who hit the post. In stoppage time, he managed to score a goal, but the referee ruled him offside.
Flamengo will have the mission of reversing the disadvantage next Wednesday (06), at 7 pm (Brasília time), at Arena MRV. Before that, the team led by Filipe Luís visits Ceará on Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm, at Arena Castelão, for the 19th round of the Brazilian Championship.
Mengão was defeated by Galo at Maracanã in the Copa do Brasil and the coach said that a change in midfield was part of the plan
01 Ago 2025 | 08:23 |
0
Flamengo was defeated by Atlético-MG 1-0 , last Thursday (31), at Maracanã, in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. In addition to the setback, the team's performance generated criticism from the fans, mainly due to the apparent fragility in the midfield. After the game, coach Filipe Luís explained that the “hole” in the central strip was, in fact, a tactical choice .
Filipe Luís on Flamengo's strategy against Atlético-MG: "This space was intentional"
"The hole in midfield was part of our game plan. The defensive midfielders were positioned, and that space was intentional to attract marking and create openings for infiltration. At times, it worked. We were able to find passes inside because Atlético allows that type of play. They mark man-to-man and rely on winning duels to block vertical passes . This type of match generates a lot of transitions, with constant back-and-forth passing. That's why Jorginho would occupy the same space as Evertton Araújo or Allan," explained the coach.
Filipe also commented on the play that resulted in the winning goal: "The goal came from a passing error. Léo Ortiz was free, but the ball didn't reach him. It happens. Every game, we prepare different ways to move the ball around, based on the specific tactical plan . Unfortunately, today's error led to the goal, but I don't see it as a serious problem. Risk is part of our style and will always exist. The important thing is to correct it so it doesn't happen again," he added.
The only goal of the match was scored by Cuello in the second half, after Flamengo failed to clear the ball. The subpar performance, coupled with the defensive error, caused dissatisfaction among fans . Now, Flamengo needs to win by two goals in Belo Horizonte to advance to the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil.
With the Copa do Brasil on hold, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. Filipe Luís' team faces Ceará this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, for the 19th round of the national competition.
Mengão was defeated by Atlético-MG at Maracanã and the goal came after a mistake by the defender when leaving the ball, but the coach avoided talking about who was to blame.
01 Ago 2025 | 07:50 |
0
One of Flamengo's trademarks under Filipe Luís has been the ball out play built up by goalkeeper Rossi . However, this Thursday (31), this strategy failed at the most delicate moment. Léo Pereira misplaced a pass inside the box, Cuello took advantage of the mistake and scored the winning goal for Atlético-MG, 1-0, at Maracanã, in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Despite the negative result, the red-black coach made a point of defending the team's philosophy.
Filipe Luís on Flamengo's ball release: "This ball release brought us a lot of success"
"Games against teams led by Cuca are never easy. They're always tough, largely due to individual combinations and pursuits. Often, our players end up forcing plays, which leads to counterattacks, a game of quick transitions that doesn't favor us. That's how it was in the first half. We weren't able to create many advantages within our game plan —and for that I take my share of responsibility. Still, we had chances. I'd venture to say we created even more than in the previous game, despite a worse performance. Today, our defensive performance was below par. This needs to be corrected for the return leg. Everything is up for grabs. In the second half, we improved significantly, managed to break down their defense a bit and create opportunities," assessed Filipe Luís.
The coach also commented on the match's decisive play: "I haven't seen the whole play yet, but I know how Atlético presses and what solutions we practice. This ball release has brought us a lot of success. We've been able to play out against different types of pressure. Unfortunately, today was the first mistake that ended in a goal . I ask my players to play out, I know the risks and I take responsibility for that. That's how I believe in football, that's my idea. In that play, Léo wasn't expecting Cuello to be present. But it was a mistake in a play that we practiced and encouraged," he added.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Rossi passed the ball short to Léo Pereira, who kept the ball close to the goal, despite intense pressure from Atlético's defense. The number 4 attempted a pass to Léo Ortiz , but the ball was short and Cuello intercepted it, finishing with precision to seal the score.
With the 1-0 defeat at Maracanã, Flamengo needs to beat Atlético-MG by two goals at Arena MRV , next Wednesday (06), to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. Before that, Rubro-Negro faces Ceará for the Brazilian Championship, on Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Castelão.
SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER
See previous
