Flamengo intensifies preparations with an eye on the classic against Fluminense

With Wesley 's recent departure and Emerson Royal's adjustment period, Uruguayan Guillermo Varela has taken over as Flamengo's right-back. The number 2 is enjoying his best moment at the club and, at the same time, is making progress in negotiations to renew his contract, a negotiation that has been dragging on since the beginning of 2025.

The player was one of the standout performers in the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG at Arena MRV. Despite the penalty shootout loss, he demonstrated defensive confidence and efficiency in attacking support, reinforcing his importance in Filipe Luís's tactical scheme.

NEGOTIATION BETWEEN CLUB AND ATHLETE

According to information from GE, the talks that began in March are close to a positive conclusion . Issues related to the salary adjustment and the duration of the contract have already been resolved. The new contract is expected to be signed in the coming days, extending Varela's tenure until December 2027.

The full-back, whose current contract expires at the end of this year, has the backing of Filipe Luís, who has previously publicly advocated for his continued presence . The Uruguayan's versatility, which can also play improvised left-back and midfield, was a decisive factor in his increase in value.

COMPETITION FOR POSITION

Although he's enjoying a moment of prominence, Varela isn't assured of a long-term starting spot. The coaching staff values the healthy competition for the starting spot, noting that each full-back offers different attributes. While the Uruguayan stands out for his defensive solidity, Emerson Royal is seen as a player with physical explosiveness and speed, ideal for accelerating offensive transitions.

Flamengo said goodbye to the Copa do Brasil after being eliminated by Atlético-MG on penalties, last Wednesday (6), at Arena MRV. The Mais Querido, which prioritized other competitions in the season , ends its participation earlier than planned. Since 2016, the club has at least reached the quarterfinals, including three consecutive finals in recent years.

With the relegation, the team earned R$5,953,500.00 in the competition, well below the amount projected in the 2025 budget , which predicted at least a spot in the semifinals and a prize pool of R$20,616,750.00. In 2024, Rubro-Negro earned around R$93 million during the title campaign.

Despite the negative financial impact, the deficit was offset by a better-than-expected performance in the Club World Cup . Initially, the club only projected a group stage, but advanced to the round of 16, only to be eliminated by Bayern Munich. The campaign generated US$7.5 million (approximately R$41 million), a figure that more than covers the nearly R$15 million lost from the Copa do Brasil.

CLUB PRIORITIZES BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

From now on, Flamengo will focus its efforts on two fronts: the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores da América. In Serie A, the team is tied on points with Cruzeiro, with one round remaining in the first round. In the continental tournament, their opponent in the round of 16 will be Internacional, and the goal is to reach at least the semifinals.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Rubro-Negro's next match will be on Saturday (9), when they face Mirassol at Maracanã, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. The expectation is that a large crowd will support the team in its quest to maintain its leadership.

On Wednesday night (6), Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 at Arena MRV , equaling the aggregate score at 1-1 and taking the decision of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil to penalties. In the penalties, the Minas Gerais team won 4-3 and advanced to the semifinals.

Young Wallace Yan , the protagonist of recent controversies with Galo players, missed the penalty that sealed Mengão's elimination. After the match, Hulk commented on the arguments and denied any animosity with the red-and-black striker .

"I have nothing against Wallace Yan. I tried to tell him he's a very talented kid , but he wouldn't listen. Sometimes the press ends up taking jabs at us. There's no such thing as a player fighting against another; what we try to do is offer advice..." said Hulk, before detailing an incident involving a disagreement on the field.

ATLÉTICO-MG STRIKER HIGHLIGHTS TALENT

Galo's number 7 stated that Wallace Yan's potential is evident , but that his immaturity could hinder his development in professional football. Despite Hulk's 'criticism', the player remains protected behind the scenes at Flamengo .

"But he's a very talented kid, maybe because he's at a very big club and has been promoted so young , you don't have a strong mentality and end up being influenced. I hope he stays focused, because he has a long way to go to become a great player. He needs to keep his head strong, otherwise it will end up ruining his performance," Hulk added.

TOTAL FOCUS ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Now, with the Copa do Brasil off the calendar, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brasileirão. The next challenge will be on Saturday (9), against Mirassol, at 6:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the 18th round. The expectation is a large crowd to support the team in the fight to maintain the top of the table.