Soccer

Former Flamengo coach reveals behind the scenes of his departure from the club - understand

Even after winning the U-20 Libertadores and being aligned with the board's game model, the coach was suddenly dismissed and revealed dissatisfaction

Cleber dos Santos during the U-20 Libertadores match, before being fired from Flamengo's youth academy by José Boto (Photo/CRF)
Cleber dos Santos during the U-20 Libertadores match, before being fired from Flamengo's youth academy by José Boto (Photo/CRF)

04 Abr 2025 | 18:59 |

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The sudden departure of Cleber dos Santos from the leadership of Flamengo's under-20 team caused surprise behind the scenes at the club and anger among the coach himself. Less than a month after winning the Libertadores title in the category, he was informed by the human resources department that he was no longer part of the staff, without further explanation.




“I am surprised and saddened by the way this was handled,” said the former coach.



DISSATISFACTION WITH THE NEW MANAGEMENT'S ATTITUDE


Cleber, who has a long career at Mais Querido, said that the decision was made by the new management led by José Boto, football director. According to him, the problem was not the change itself, but the way the process was conducted. “I am surprised and saddened by the way this was handled. I have always had a respectful relationship with the club,” he said.

OFFER OF NEW POSITION DID NOT GO FORWARD

Before his dismissal, the coach had been called for a conversation at the training center where he received the proposal to take over the under-20 B team, made up of 18-year-old athletes and focused on smaller tournaments. However, before he could even give an official response, he was informed of his dismissal , which intensified his frustration.

With Cleber's departure, the CRF announced the Portuguese Nuno Campos as the new commander of the category . Directly recommended by José Boto, Nuno has not yet made his debut as the team's leader due to bureaucratic issues. The expectation is that he will take over soon, counting on young talents such as Lorran, Shola and Iago. In his defense, Cleber reinforced that he had been implementing a style of play aligned with the model of the main squad, commanded by Filipe Luis. According to him, the performance in the Libertadores demonstrated this adaptation , with impressive statistics on ball possession, number of passes and high pressure in the opponent's field.

The proximity to the main team was also reflected in the youngsters’ use of activities with the senior squad. “Since Filipe Luís and his team came from the youth team, this made the transition easier. We always worked to ensure that the athletes were ready for this opportunity,” explained the former coach.


Soccer

Flamengo faces absences and uncertainty ahead of match against Internacional

The Rio de Janeiro team heads into the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 with confirmed absences and doubts about De La Cruz, looking for an advantage at the Maracanã

Flamengo Mais Querido faces Internacional at Maracanã with important absences and expectation for the return of De La Cruz - photo: reproduction
Flamengo Mais Querido faces Internacional at Maracanã with important absences and expectation for the return of De La Cruz - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 19:08 |

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The countdown has already begun for one of Flamengo's most important matches this season: the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Internacional , this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The team will have to overcome significant absences and the uncertainty regarding the presence of a starter to seek a positive result at home.


Among the confirmed absences, Erick Pulgar remains out due to recovery from surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. Another absence is Danilo , who is recovering from a hamstring injury in his right thigh.


Despite showing improvement and already beginning physical therapy on the field, the defender is not expected to return until the weekend. Arrascaeta completes the list of absentees, serving a suspension after receiving his third yellow card against Deportivo Táchira (VEN) in the group stage.


DE LA CRUZ IS DOUBT

In addition to the confirmed absences, coach Filipe Luís is awaiting a decision on De La Cruz. The Uruguayan midfielder has not played since July 16 due to a problem in his left knee, but trained with the group last Monday (11).


The decision on his participation will depend on training this Tuesday (12). If he is released, the number 18 should be one of the bets to strengthen the creative sector and provide more offensive options. The expectation of his presence moves the fans , who await a definition.

CROWDED MARACANÃ AND PRESSURE

The matchup is particularly important as it's the first knockout match, and Flamengo 's goal is to capitalize on home advantage to build a favorable score. With the Maracanã packed, fans are expecting over 60,000 people.


Soccer

Libertadores: Flamengo vs Internacional - where to watch, probable lineup and time

Teams take to the field this Wednesday (13), at 9:30 pm, looking for a decisive advantage for the return game and keeping the continental dream alive

Flamengo hosts Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores in a clash for the round of 16 - photo: reproduction
Flamengo hosts Internacional at Maracanã in the round of 16 of the Libertadores in a clash for the round of 16 - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 18:37 |

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Wednesday night (13) promises strong emotions at Maracanã. Flamengo and Internacional face each other at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) for the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores . Both teams are looking to build a significant advantage for the return leg, keeping alive the objective of continuing in the fight for the continental title.


The Rio de Janeiro club arrives buoyed by its lead in the Brasileirão , despite having played a game less, after beating Mirassol 2-1 last weekend. The result helped improve the mood within the squad, which was coming off an early elimination from the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG.


PROBABLE LINEUPS


Coach Filipe Luís will have a significant absence: Arrascaeta, suspended, is out of the match. On the other hand, Nico De La Cruz is expected to return to the starting lineup. Thus, Flamengo 's likely starting lineup is: Rossi; Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Emerson Royal; Allan, Jorginho, Samuel Lino, Luiz Araújo, Plata; Pedro.

Internacional, on the Colorado side, arrives confident after a 3-1 away win over RB Bragantino in the Brasileirão. Despite their recent elimination from the Copa do Brasil to Fluminense, Roger Machado's team is showing signs of improvement. The likely lineup is: Rochet; Bernabei, Victor Gabriel, Vitão, Aguirre; Thiago Maia, Bruno Henrique, Wesley, Alan Patrick, Bruno Tabata; Borré.


WHERE TO WATCH LIVE

Fans will be able to watch the match on broadcast TV, on Globo, and also on ESPN and Disney+. A full house is expected at Maracanã, with overwhelming support from the red-and-black fans, with over 60,000 people in attendance.


Soccer

Flamengo lines up behind-the-scenes deal for a million-dollar severance package

Negotiations could yield more than R$600 million over three years, surpassing previous agreements and strengthening the club's financial stability.

Negotiations between SuperBet and Flamengo could yield more than R$600 million and be the largest sponsorship in Brazilian football - photo: reproduction
Negotiations between SuperBet and Flamengo could yield more than R$600 million and be the largest sponsorship in Brazilian football - photo: reproduction

12 Ago 2025 | 17:21 |

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The current sponsorship agreement calls for PixBet to pay R$105 million in 2024 and R$115 million in 2025 , with the possibility of automatic renewal until 2027, when the annual amount would reach R$125 million . At the same time, FlaBet, the PixBet division authorized to use the club's brand , will also cease its activities, with expected payments of R$10 million in 2024, R$22.5 million in 2025, and R$25 million in 2026 and 2027.


SuperBet, the new bidder for the mastercard space, is negotiating a contract estimated at over R$600 million over the next three years. If signed, the deal would become the largest ever signed in Brazilian football, guaranteeing significant revenue for the Rio de Janeiro club.


PIXBET DEPARTURE AND SUPERBET ARRIVAL


The transition between sponsors is seen as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Flamengo 's financial health. The board intends to direct part of the resources toward strengthening the squad and investing in infrastructure, ensuring competitiveness in national and international competitions.

Even with negotiations at an advanced stage, the club remains cautious to maintain a good relationship with PixBet until the official termination of the contract. The goal is to complete the transition smoothly , ensuring a planned and safe transition.


PERSPECTIVES OF A HISTORIC CONTRACT

If finalized, the deal with SuperBet will not only represent the largest sponsorship contract in the country , but will also give Mengão a prominent position in the South American sports scene. The arrival of a new sponsor at this level should further boost investment potential, increasing the team's ability to retain star players and attract key reinforcements.


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