
Soccer
28 Jun 2025 | 14:37 |
During an interview with the newspaper Correio do Povo, Mano Menezes was direct when commenting on the current scenario of Brazilian football: Flamengo 's financial hegemony imposes a new logic on the market. For the coach, it is practically impossible to compete with Rubro-Negro using the same parameters and the same current numbers.
Mano Menezes about Mais Querido: "We can't compete with Flamengo under Flamengo's rules"
Alongside Palmeiras, Flamengo appears to be an outlier club, not only in terms of structure and squad, but also in terms of investment power. The coach does not hide the fact that this advantage is an obstacle for most rivals. Despite recognizing that Flamengo has always had financial potential, Mano highlighted that the big difference in recent years has been its administrative organization.
The coach believes that the Rio de Janeiro club has consolidated its dominant position through solid management, with strategic decisions on and off the field. According to him, this structure strengthens the team, finances and competitiveness. For Mano, other clubs need to recognize their limitations and find their own ways to compete. According to him, direct comparisons with Flamengo and Palmeiras are counterproductive.
The statement highlights the financial gap that separates the richest clubs from the rest in the Brasileirão, a reality that is reflected in both signings and sporting performance throughout the season . The interview also provided a detailed analysis of Gustavo Cuéllar . The Colombian midfielder, who had a notable stint at Flamengo between 2016 and 2019, returned to Brazil this year, signed by Grêmio.
Mano Menezes, however, urged caution when assessing the athlete's current situation. He believes that the weight of the emotional memory of the red-black fans could hinder the analysis of what Cuéllar can deliver today. "There is already a huge financial disparity, especially between Palmeiras and Flamengo, compared to the rest of the others. We cannot compete with Flamengo under Flamengo's rules."
Mengão faces Raposa at full strength at Maracanã, in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão and Gabigol's reunion with the Minas Gerais team
02 Out 2025 | 19:25 |
Flamengo takes to the field this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, to face Cruzeiro in a direct duel for the leadership of the Brazilian Championship. The match opens the 26th round of the competition and will have a full house, with tickets sold out.
After resting some players in the victory over Corinthians, coach Filipe Luís opted for a full-strength squad . Ayrton Lucas returns from suspension, while Matías Viña and Léo Pereira, cleared by the medical department, are available.
The Rubro-Negro formation for the match is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Carrascal.
Flamengo leads the Brazilian Championship with 54 points, trailing Cruzeiro with 50 and Palmeiras, who beat Vasco 3-0 and have 52 points. The match at Maracanã is considered a "six-point" game , which could either increase or reduce the advantage at the top of the table.
In addition to the battle for the top spot, the match marks Gabigol's reunion with his former club. Currently at Cruzeiro, the striker will face the Flamengo fans, who idolized him during his time at the club between 2019 and 2024. Gabigol left Flamengo after a year of ups and downs, ending a run full of goals, titles, and a strong connection with the club.
Mengão faces Raposa this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship
02 Out 2025 | 18:30 |
Flamengo faces Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in a duel valid for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be broadcast by SporTV and Premiere, without showing on open TV.
The Rubro-Negro 's probable lineup for the match is: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira (Danilo) and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino and Pedro.
Number 10 negotiates renewal with Mengão until 2029, while Filipe Luís and Rossi also discuss new contracts at the Rio de Janeiro club
02 Out 2025 | 18:00 |
Flamengo continues working behind the scenes to secure the retention of key players. With the transfer window now closed, the club has begun talks to extend the contracts of coach Filipe Luís, goalkeeper Rossi, and, most notably, Uruguayan midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta.
The club's board, represented by José Boto, is seeking to extend Arrascaeta's contract until 2029. The player's agent, Daniel Fonseca, is expected to meet with the club's leadership soon to finalize the final details. According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, proposals have already been exchanged between the parties, with only final adjustments remaining before the signing.
The number 10 is expected to receive a pay raise as part of the deal. Arrascaeta is considered a key player in Filipe Luís' squad, racking up 14 goals and 10 assists in 22 Brasileirão matches this season. The star's goal is to play for Mengão until the end of his career. In 2029, he will be 35 years old.
In addition to Arrascaeta, the board is working to retain Filipe Luís. The coach, who took over after retiring as a player, has publicly stated his desire to stay for the long term. His current contract runs until December, and a smooth renewal is expected.
While negotiating behind the scenes, the team focuses on the Brasileirão. Flamengo hosts Cruzeiro this Thursday (2), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 26th round of the competition. The duel is direct in the fight for leadership and can increase the red-black advantage at the top of the table.