Ex-Flamengo speaks out against the coach of the Chilean national team

Next Wednesday (17), Flamengo's deliberative council will have a decisive meeting . The meeting will feature the presentation of an economic feasibility study on the construction of the club's new stadium , planned for the port area of Rio de Janeiro. The survey was commissioned by Bap's administration and prepared by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV).

In addition to the report, the board members will also discuss topics such as the organization's revenue generation capacity , financing costs, and potential strategic partnerships. The agenda also includes the possibility of seeking naming rights for the future arena.

WHERE WILL THE NEW STADIUM BE?

Flamengo 's stadium will be built in the Gasômetro district of São Cristóvão, covering an area of 86,000 square meters . The expected capacity is 77,923, close to that of Maracanã, which currently holds just over 78,000 fans.

WHAT WILL THE PROJECT COST?

During Rodolfo Landim's administration, the initial estimate for the stadium's construction was R$1.9 billion. However, after the first data from the new study, Bap has already announced that the estimate is much higher . The project could cost as much as R$3 billion.

AND MEANWHILE, THE TEAM CONTINUES ON THE FIELD

While the project advances behind the scenes, Flamengo continues to play its games at Maracanã. However, this Sunday (14), the team plays outside of Rio: it faces Juventude , at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.

After Flamengo's victory over Juventude, coach Filipe Luís stated that Saúl is experiencing "perhaps the best moment of his career." However, the Spanish midfielder was frank in disagreeing with the coach's assessment and took the opportunity to reflect on his experience in Brazil.

Saúl responds to Filipe Luís about his time at Flamengo being the best moment of his career: "I don't think so"

"I don't think so (about being at the best moment of my career). I've had some really good moments, but today I feel really good mentally . I'm lucky to have my family with me on this adventure, even though I know it's not easy for them. I train, play, and enjoy what I do, but for those who follow us, it's more complicated," the midfielder began.

"I'm very proud of my family; it allows me to enjoy the present. I've had some great times, and I know the best is yet to come . I'm playing well now, but the bad times will come too, and I'll know how to handle them," Saúl said at a press conference.

WHAT DID FILIPE LUÍS SAY?

The Spaniard had an intense few days. On Saturday (13), his son, Marco Ñíguez Salamanca, was born, and on Sunday (14), Saúl traveled to Caxias do Sul to play against Juventude. Despite the atypical preparation, the midfielder was decisive and provided the assist for Arrascaeta to open the scoring in the red-black victory.

" We're seeing the best Saúl. Perhaps the best Saúl of his career . This is a credit to him and also to the club, which believed in and managed to unlock this player's potential. Everyone knows the career he built, especially at Atlético de Madrid," said Filipe Luís.

WILL SAÚL HAVE TIME TO ENJOY HIS SON?

Flamengo returned to Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (14), around 10:30 pm (Brasília time). However, the rest time will be short: on Thursday (18), the team faces Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.

Sunday (15) was special for Flamengo, which ended a taboo of almost 28 years without beating Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi . In Caxias do Sul, in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro beat the Gauchos 2-0 , with goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal.

Filipe Luís on Flamengo: "Our goal is not only to maintain our performance, but to improve over time"

After the victory, coach Filipe Luís praised the team's performance and emphasized that it is poised to grow even further as the rounds progress. "Our goal is not only to maintain our performance, but to improve over time. With corrections, videos, training, and new concepts implemented, the team tends to evolve . We've already seen significant progress from the first half of the season to what we're seeing now," the coach stated.

The manager also emphasized that he can't control the results, but he has full responsibility for the way we play: "There's been a huge change in the team's backbone. Key players have left, and the new ones are trying to adapt quickly so we can continue to improve . I can't control the results, but I can control the way we play. We'll strive to improve our performance even further," added Filipe Luís.

WHAT WAS THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE LIKE?

With the victory in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points and remains the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship , with four points more than Palmeiras, in second place, but with one game more than the São Paulo club in the competition.

WHAT'S FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

Now, the focus turns to the Copa Libertadores. Flamengo faces Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the continental competition.