Flamengo beats Vasco and takes sole lead in Women's Rio Cup

After Flamengo's victory over Juventude, coach Filipe Luís stated that Saúl is experiencing "perhaps the best moment of his career." However, the Spanish midfielder was frank in disagreeing with the coach's assessment and took the opportunity to reflect on his experience in Brazil.

Saúl responds to Filipe Luís about his time at Flamengo being the best moment of his career: "I don't think so"

"I don't think so (about being at the best moment of my career). I've had some really good moments, but today I feel really good mentally . I'm lucky to have my family with me on this adventure, even though I know it's not easy for them. I train, play, and enjoy what I do, but for those who follow us, it's more complicated," the midfielder began.

"I'm very proud of my family; it allows me to enjoy the present. I've had some great times, and I know the best is yet to come . I'm playing well now, but the bad times will come too, and I'll know how to handle them," Saúl said at a press conference.

WHAT DID FILIPE LUÍS SAY?

The Spaniard had an intense few days. On Saturday (13), his son, Marco Ñíguez Salamanca, was born, and on Sunday (14), Saúl traveled to Caxias do Sul to play against Juventude. Despite the atypical preparation, the midfielder was decisive and provided the assist for Arrascaeta to open the scoring in the red-black victory.

" We're seeing the best Saúl. Perhaps the best Saúl of his career . This is a credit to him and also to the club, which believed in and managed to unlock this player's potential. Everyone knows the career he built, especially at Atlético de Madrid," said Filipe Luís.

WILL SAÚL HAVE TIME TO ENJOY HIS SON?

Flamengo returned to Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (14), around 10:30 pm (Brasília time). However, the rest time will be short: on Thursday (18), the team faces Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.

Sunday (15) was special for Flamengo, which ended a taboo of almost 28 years without beating Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi . In Caxias do Sul, in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro beat the Gauchos 2-0 , with goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal.

Filipe Luís on Flamengo: "Our goal is not only to maintain our performance, but to improve over time"

After the victory, coach Filipe Luís praised the team's performance and emphasized that it is poised to grow even further as the rounds progress. "Our goal is not only to maintain our performance, but to improve over time. With corrections, videos, training, and new concepts implemented, the team tends to evolve . We've already seen significant progress from the first half of the season to what we're seeing now," the coach stated.

The manager also emphasized that he can't control the results, but he has full responsibility for the way we play: "There's been a huge change in the team's backbone. Key players have left, and the new ones are trying to adapt quickly so we can continue to improve . I can't control the results, but I can control the way we play. We'll strive to improve our performance even further," added Filipe Luís.

WHAT WAS THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE LIKE?

With the victory in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points and remains the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship , with four points more than Palmeiras, in second place, but with one game more than the São Paulo club in the competition.

WHAT'S FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

Now, the focus turns to the Copa Libertadores. Flamengo faces Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the continental competition.

Back in Flamengo's starting lineup after almost two months, Danilo started the match against Juventude , last Sunday (14), in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. The defender, who had not played since July 20, in the victory over Fluminense, spoke about his leadership role within the squad and even revealed a harsher charge made to Samuel Lino during the clash at Alfredo Jaconi.

Danilo on his leadership role at Flamengo: "I accept this responsibility and live it daily"

"This is certainly changing a lot. Many people are taking this path of raising awareness. I'm very pleased that many colleagues are preparing themselves thoroughly, understanding much more about the context not only of football, but also the reality of our country . Obviously, when I came to Flamengo , I already understood that my responsibility would be much greater. I accept this responsibility and live it daily. I have to set an example in training and in how I deal with things internally," said Danilo.

"There too (with the Brazilian national team), I followed a responsible, motivated, and committed approach. I'm annoying. I spoke to Lino, who lost two balls, and I gave him a hard time. I'll continue doing this if he loses balls he shouldn't, and he can talk to me too if I make things easier . That's how we grow and build a winning team. It's been a great pleasure to experience Flamengo , interact with the youth academy, and experience the culture of being a Flamengo player. I hope I'm doing something good for the club," he added.

DANILO'S LAST DAYS

Competing with Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira, and battling a few injuries, Danilo made his 19th appearance for Flamengo . In total, he has three goals and one assist. In the match against Juventude, he saw Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal seal the Flamengo victory with headers.

BACK TO THE BANK?

The tendency is for Danilo to return to the bench next Thursday (18), since Léo Ortiz will be available again after serving a suspension . Flamengo faces Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.