Soccer

"It was a choice, I have 3 national team defenders", says Filipe Luís when talking about Danilo as a starter

The defender's selection was the subject of much criticism from fans at the end of the game against Central Códorba in the Libertadores

The Flamengo defender was highly praised by Filipe Luís, who also highlighted the experienced player's leadership. Photo: Gilvan de Sousa/CRF

08 Mai 2025 | 00:16 |

Flamengo drew 1-1 with Central Córdoba in Argentina, and the performance is being heavily criticized. But even before the match started, coach Filipe Luís was already being heavily criticized. This is because Flamengo's lineup did not please the fans, who criticized the coach on social media.

One of the main criticisms was regarding the selection of Danilo . Not because of the entry of the experienced defender, but because of the decision to put him on the field in Léo Ortiz's place.

Mainly with Léo Pereira coming off a poor performance , making a penalty in the game against Cruzeiro, as well as poor marking on the Minas Gerais team's first goal.

According to Filipe Luís, the decision was made based on the scheme. The coach believed that having a left-handed player on the left side would help to stop Central Córdoba's pressure.

"It was a choice. I have three defenders from the Brazilian national team. Against LDU, Danilo and Léo Ortiz already played. Today, given the context of the game, I understood that it was better to have a left-footed player on the left side to avoid the pressure," he explains.

COACH PRAISES DANILO'S LEADERSHIP

The Flamengo defender was highly praised by Filipe Luís , who also highlighted the experienced player's leadership.

"I'm going to give minutes to a player of that caliber. Danilo is a very important leader for me. It's like that with me, when you least expect it, they get an opportunity in the most difficult game of the season" , he concludes about Danilo.

FLAMENGO GETS COMPLICATED

With the draw, Filipe Luís' Flamengo remains in third place in Group C. With five points, the team is three behind LDU and Central Córdoba. To seek qualification, the team needs to do well in the final rounds, against LDU and Deportivo Táchira.

At least Filipe Luís's Flamengo will play the matches at Maracanã . But they need to leave the draw against Central Córdoba behind.

Last minute

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.

"It was a choice, I have 3 national team defenders", says Filipe Luís when talking about Danilo as a starter