FLAMENGO MANAGED TO SURVIVE THE COPA AMERICA PERIOD WITHOUT ITS OWNERS, IN THE LEADERSHIP

Flamengo plays the last game of its journey this Thursday with absences caused by the Copa América. Against Fortaleza, at 8pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, Tite's team can finish the round consolidated in the lead of the Brazilian Championship and reap good results for the season. The match marks the end of a challenging period for the red and black team, who had to deal with several important absences in their squad.

There will be nine matches with absences. Flamengo was the team most affected by the calendar with games taking place during the Copa América. Fla had five casualties, with Erick Pulgar returning after the group stage, as he was eliminated with Chile. Arrascaeta, Varela, De la Cruz and Viña remain with the Uruguay team, still competing in the competition. Even with so many absences, Flamengo managed to maintain a good performance.

Fla has five wins, one draw and one defeat in the period. The 16 points from 24 played were essential for the team to take the lead. This is one of the legacies of the most complicated period of the season. The ability to maintain competitiveness even without some of its main stars shows the depth and resilience of the squad led by Tite.

Another advantage is the strength of the group. Several players went to the field in sacrifice, especially because Fla also suffered from injuries, in addition to playing improvised in some situations. The group bought the technical committee's ideas to make the period work and this has been celebrated at Ninho do Urubu. The unity and commitment of the players stood out as a crucial factor in overcoming the difficulties.

Leadership was also consolidated. Gerson, David Luiz and Pedro became technical references and within the locker room. They already had an active voice on a daily basis, but the period consolidates them as important names in the team. The role of these leaders was essential in maintaining the team's morale and cohesion during the most challenging moments.

"Forgotten" became an option. Wesley and Léo Ortiz were the players who played little and stood out the most in these weeks. The first can fight for a place with Varela, while the second, without a place in defense, can compete for a position in midfield. Another who played improvised was Léo Pereira, who became a reserve among the defenders, but did well as a left-back. These adaptations enriched the team and gave Tite new tactical options.

Young people gain confidence. Lorran was the one who gained the most minutes and, despite the lack of regularity, was praised by Tite. The coach understands that he still needs maturity, but the boy could appear as an important player in the game until the end of 2024. Others like Victor Hugo, Everton Araújo and even Matheus Gonçalves gained some minutes. These young talents had the opportunity to develop and contribute to the first team.

Pedro establishes himself as an idol. The striker was booed at the beginning of the year and just under five months later there is a flag in the stands and music in his honor. Decisive and fundamental for Flamengo in the last few games, he has established himself among the club's main names. The time of problems with Gabigol also helped in this sense. Flamengo could end the period with 70.37% success rate if they win today, something that many people would not think of. In the seven Brasileirão games before the national team competition, the success rate was 66.66%.