FORMER FLAMENGO, VINICIUS SOUZA AROWS INTEREST FROM FULHAM WITH A POSSIBLE MILLIONAIRE PROPOSAL

Despite being in charge of the current Brazilian champion, Renato Paiva does not consider Botafogo to be the main candidate for the 2025 Brazilian Championship title. In an interview with the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the coach admitted that Flamengo and Palmeiras are the strongest teams in the competition, mainly due to the high investment and the quality of the squad.

According to Paiva, Flamengo has a balanced group, where starters and reserves have the same technical level, while Palmeiras strengthened itself with important signings in the last transfer window. However, the coach stressed that football does not always follow logic and that Botafogo will seek to prove on the field its ability to overcome its rivals.

BOTAFOGO COACH HIGHLIGHTS QUALITY OF THE TEAM

— In theory and in terms of investment, yes ( Flamengo and Palmeiras are favorites in the Brasileirão), but since theory is often contradicted by practice, we want to show, in practice, that we are better than them. Whether we will succeed or not, I don't know. Flamengo has two teams, the coach looks at the bench and has 11 of the same level, Palmeiras signed two great players, Paulinho and Vítor Roque, plus Lucas Evangelista — said Renato Paiva to the newspaper A Bola.

Botafogo's commander stressed that the challenge will be enormous, but he remains confident in the team's strength to compete on equal terms against competitors who are better structured financially.

RENATO PAIVA REMEMBERS EXPERIENCE IN BAHIA

In the same interview, Renato Paiva recalled his time at Bahia in 2023 and highlighted that he has matured as a coach since then. He won the state title, reached the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil, but faced difficulties in the Brazilian Championship, fighting against relegation before leaving the club.

— Without a doubt. After my experience at Bahia, where I think we did a good job – we won a (state) title, reached the quarterfinals in the World Cup, when we were eliminated on penalties (by Grêmio), but in the Brazilian Championship, yes, we suffered more – I am a much more prepared coach. Even though they are different realities, I took over Bahia during a rebuild, coming from the Série B, year zero of Grupo City, 25 new players. Now I arrive at Botafogo, Brazilian and Libertadores champion, with a complete squad, despite arrivals and departures — added the coach.

This past Thursday (27) Flamengo 's Legal Department, represented by lawyers Marcos Motta, Michel Assef and Flávio Willeman, held a lecture for the professional squad players with the aim of addressing issues related to integrity and disciplinary issues off the field.

According to information from journalist Venê Casagrande, among the topics discussed, one of the most relevant was match-fixing , a problem that has recently regained prominence on the world football scene.

Mais Querido took the time to warn its athletes about the risk and legal consequences of involvement in illicit schemes, reinforcing the club's stance against any type of irregularity.

Thus, the Rubro-Negro initiative demonstrates a preventive and educational effort, aligned with the guidelines of football regulatory bodies , such as FIFA and CBF, which constantly reinforce the need to combat unethical practices in sport.

FOCUS ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP PREMIERE

Thus, the Flamengo squad remains focused on preparing for the debut in the Brazilian Championship. The Mais Querido enters the field this Saturday (29), against Internacional, at 9 pm, at Maracanã .

Flamengo will debut in the Libertadores on April 3rd, but continues to see its opponents in the group strengthening. This is because LDU (EQU) has signed striker Melvin Díaz . The player was on trial for a month with the Ecuadorian team and his performance convinced the coaching staff.

Melvin Díaz is 23 years old and is considered one of the great promises of Ecuadorian football. The youngster began his career at El Nacional (EQU). Before signing with LDU, the player belonged to Cumbayá-EQU .

LDU AND FLAMENGO WILL FACE EACH OTHER IN THE LIBERTADORES

Flamengo and LDU (EQU) are part of Group C of the Libertadores, which also includes Deportivo Táchira (VEN) and Central Córdoba (ARG). The Mais Querido will debut in the competition against the Venezuelans, on April 3.

The first match between Mais Querido and LDU will take place on April 22, in Quito, at 7 pm. The second duel of the group stage between Rubro-Negro and the Ecuadorians is scheduled for May 15, at Maracanã.