Soccer

Filipe Luis praises De La Cruz amid Arrascaeta's return to the pitch for Flamengo

The Uruguayan's return highlights the team's dependence and reinforces the search for alternatives to maintain performance without the number 14

Arrascaeta in action after returning to the team; the absence of the number 14 exposed the need for reinforcements in Flamengo's midfield (Photo /CRF)

06 Abr 2025 | 22:04 |

After two games out due to injury, Arrascaeta returned to play for Flamengo and quickly showed why he is considered a key player in the red-and-black team. His presence was decisive in the 2-1 victory over Vitória , and at the same time, he exposed how much the team feels his absence. The difficulty of finding a suitable replacement became a topic of discussion among fans and the press, reigniting the debate about the options available in the squad.

“I won’t always get it right...” - said Filipe Luis

DE LA CRUZ AS A MIDFIELDER? FILIPE LUÍS DISMISSES IT

In response to speculation about a possible improvisation with De La Cruz further forward, Filipe Luís was direct when asked after the victory at Maracanã. Despite acknowledging that the Uruguayan has already played like this for his national team, the coach made it clear that this is not the idea for the moment. According to him, the number 18 does not perform at his best in this role and it would only be a stopgap solution.

ENGAGEMENT WITH PULGAR WEIGHS IN THE DECISION

More than tactical preference, Filipe Luís highlighted the rapport between De La Cruz and Erick Pulgar as a determining factor in keeping them together in the defensive midfield. For the coach, the duo is one of the most consistent in football today . “They are two players at their physical and technical peak. They complement each other and understand each other very well. I'm not going to undo that because of improvisation,” he reinforced.

The coach's logic is to preserve the team's balance. With Arrascaeta out, the priority was to adjust the attack without dismantling the midfield structure. "I always think about maintaining what gives the team stability and control," said Filipe . The coach has been looking for internal solutions before resorting to improvisation, even under pressure.

Filipe Luís acknowledged that, in the offensive sector, the options vary greatly, which brings both challenges and possibilities. “Up front, we have faster players, others more vertical, and some more controlling. It’s up to me to find the best fit for each game,” he explained. He also took responsibility for the choices: “I won’t always get it right, but I try to put together the ideal plan with what I have.”

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Soccer

Rossi preaches focus on Flamengo despite dreaming of playing for the Argentine national team

The goalkeeper doesn't deny that reaching the current world champion is a goal, but says it's necessary to keep his head in his work at Mengão

Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 22:00 |

In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.

Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"

"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.

TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.

"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.

Filipe Luis praises De La Cruz amid Arrascaeta's return to the pitch for Flamengo