Ex-Flamengo player contributes to two goals on debut in Europe

Flamengo is enjoying a solid season, leading the Brasileirão despite playing a game less and qualifying for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. This performance is the result of a strong and skilled squad, but the team recently had to deal with the departure of one of its key players .

Gerson left the club to sign with Zenit in Russia after receiving a salary offer three times higher . The negotiations took place while the team was competing in the Super Club World Cup in the United States. Throughout the process, the player remained silent, generating apprehension among fans about his future.

RETURN PLAN

Despite the manner of his departure, information released by the 'Bolavip' portal indicates that Gerson intends to return to Flamengo after his contract with the Russian club ends. The midfielder understands that, given his importance and the winning history he built at Gávea, a new stint would further enhance his legacy at the club where he won multiple titles.

CAST REORGANIZATION

Even with the loss of Gerson , Filipe Luís still has good options on the roster . The board, which was considering releasing some players, changed its mind. One example is Cebolinha, who has been showing his worth on the field and is unlikely to be traded again.

Another name in focus is midfielder Saúl, who faced questions about his performance, but made a point of speaking out and projecting a recovery for the team in the Brasileirão , demonstrating confidence in a turnaround.

The excess of options in the squad is a new challenge for Filipe Luís at Flamengo . After the victory over Mirassol, last Saturday (9), the coach stated that the club can promote departures in this transfer window , open until September 2. In the game, the coach left important names out of the list of related and also chose not to select recently signed reinforcements, signaling that it will be necessary to make space.

Among those absent were left-back Viña and forwards Michael and Juninho. With three full-backs competing for one spot—Alex Sandro, Ayrton Lucas, and Viña— the tendency is for Filipe to have to rotate his options and leave one out in certain matches . This time, the Uruguayan was chosen.

At left back, there's no clear case of loss of place. Everyone has received opportunities and is highly regarded internally . However, Ayrton Lucas is attracting interest from Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, which has yet to submit a formal offer but is keeping the player on its radar.

ATTACKERS IN UNDEFINED SITUATION

Michael and Juninho are facing different scenarios. Both have lost their place in the squad and could leave. Recovering from ankle pain, the number 30 has missed the last two games due to technical reasons and has already expressed to those close to him his desire to leave the club this summer . The board isn't opposed, but is awaiting offers. The player recently turned down a loan offer from Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia.

Juninho, in turn, received two loan offers from Saudi clubs, which Flamengo rejected. At the time, there were expectations of more opportunities with Filipe Luís, but his use has been limited and is likely to decline further . The club is seeking a center forward on the market, which could further limit his playing potential.

MIDFIELD AND MORE DISPUTE FOR A PLACE

Matheus Gonçalves is also expected to lose his place. With few opportunities this season, the young midfielder is now competing with newcomers Saúl and Carrascal . The player had reached an agreement with Cruzeiro, but the transfer was blocked by Flamengo. While not included in the squad against Mirassol, he is expected to strengthen the U-20 squad in the coming weeks, aiming for the U-20 World Cup on August 23rd against Barcelona at the Maracanã.

Turning attention to the national competition, Flamengo took to the field this Saturday (9), at Maracanã, and beat Mirassol 2-1. The goals for Mais Querido were scored by Léo Pereira and Plata, guaranteeing three more points and keeping the team in the isolated lead of Brasileirão , now with 40 points and one game less than most of their opponents.

With coach Rafael Guanaes suspended, permanent assistant Ivan Baitello was on the sidelines and commented on the difficulties faced by the São Paulo team. For him, the difference between the clubs goes beyond the technical aspect.

Mirassol praises Flamengo, but emphasizes: "We know our size"

"You have to have courage. Trying to equalize isn't a technical deficiency, but an investment. Flamengo has a player who is Mirassol's year. And it's not just one, there are several. We know our size and our capabilities, but we know through Rafael Guanaes, during the week, that you have the ability to compete, regardless of where you play. That's if you have well-defined standards and the players buy in and share the same idea. We knew we couldn't let Flamengo believe, at any point, that the game would be easy," the assistant coach emphasized.

NEXT CHALLENGE WILL BE FOR THE LIBERTADORES

After securing another victory in the national competition, Mengão turns its attention to the Conmebol Libertadores. The next match will be on Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm, against Internacional, in the first leg of the round of 16.

AND THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP?

In addition to facing Internacional at Maracanã, for the Libertadores, Mais Querido will face the team from Rio Grande do Sul again in the Brasileirão , next Sunday (17), at 6:30 pm. Mengão faces the team from Rio Grande do Sul three times in a row.