HISTORIC! FLAMENGO'S DEFENSE BREAKS RECORD FROM THE "ZICO ERA" AND REACHES THE 11TH GAME WITHOUT CONCERNING GOALS

The Sinergia Rubro-Negra Group (SRN), made up of influential partners from Flamengo, held a meeting last Saturday (7), at the club's headquarters, located in Gávea. The main objective of the meeting was to promote fraternization among the participants, but, inevitably, club politics ended up dominating the discussions throughout the event.

The main topic that emerged during the meeting was the support of the SRN to Rodrigo Dunshee's candidacy for president of Flamengo. Dunshee, who currently holds the position of general and legal vice-president of the club, is a prominent figure in the red-black political scene. The group, made up of members who share an aligned vision regarding the club's management, sees in Dunshee a name prepared to take over Flamengo's leadership, especially considering the upcoming electoral cycle.

During the event, members of the SRN highlighted Dunshee's role in the current administration, remembering that he was a fundamental player in several legal achievements of the Flamengo in recent years. The group believes that his experience and proximity to the club's internal processes make him the ideal candidate to succeed current president Rodolfo Landim, whose tenure ends at the end of his term. 

Although the initial objective of the meeting was a celebration between the partners, it was inevitable that the conversations turned to Flamengo's political future. The club's presidential elections are approaching, and political groups are already beginning to articulate support and strategies. The SRN, being a strong group within the red-black political structure, has stood out for its organization and capacity to mobilize members.

Those present discussed, among other topics, the possible implications of a possible Dunshee's candidacy. His name has been circulating among members for some time, but now, with the explicit support of the SRN, his candidacy is gaining strength. The members highlighted that Dunshee is a name of continuity, someone who is already part of the current management and deeply knows the challenges and needs of the club. This, in the group's view, represents a positive point, as Dunshee could continue the projects started under the Landim administration.

Flamengo continues to debate whether to look for a replacement for Pedro, a striker who is recovering from an injury. The decision is complex, involving several variables ranging from the financial cost to the availability of players on the market. One of the main points under discussion is the high cost of a possible replacement. The club is aware that signing a center forward may require a significant investment, something that needs to be carefully evaluated within the team's current budget.

In addition, Flamengofaces the challenge of downtime of players available on the market. Many of the center forwards who are free for transfer come from long periods without playing, with recent injuries or prolonged absence from the field. This situation represents a risk, as the integration of a player who is not in the rhythm of the game may take longer and be less effective initially.

The club is also considering the limited number of viable options on the market. The scarcity of attackers who meet the criteria required by Flamengo – both in terms of quality and physical readiness – is a factor that further complicates the search for a suitable replacement. 

In this scenario, the management of Flamengo assesses whether signing a new player is the best solution or whether there are viable alternatives to deal with Pedro's absence, such as adjusting the tactical formation or promoting youth players. The final decision is still being studied, and the club needs to carefully consider all aspects before making a decision.

Coach Tite, recognized for his tactical expertise and defensive discipline, has left his mark on Flamengo's starting team since taking over as coach. In an impressive display of defensive solidity, the Rio team registered just seven shots against their target in six games, without conceding a single goal in that period. Since his arrival at Flamengo, Tite has implemented a playing philosophy based on defensive organization and midfield compactness, prioritizing team safety without giving up offensive potential.

This approach has been reflected in the numbers, with the red and black defense proving increasingly difficult for opponents to penetrate. Flamengo's defensive consistency under Tite was evident in a series of six recent games, in which the team faced opponents of different styles and levels of competition. During this period, the red and black players showed a high level of concentration and organization, limiting their opponents' scoring opportunities.

A key aspect of this defensive performance has been the team's ability to block their opponents' shooting attempts, closing spaces and putting pressure on opposing attackers before they can create clear scoring opportunities. Furthermore, communication and coordination between players have been fundamental in neutralizing attacks from rival teams.

Another point worth noting is the contribution of defensive line players and the goalkeeper, who have demonstrated a high level of concentration and security in their actions. The joint action of these elements has guaranteed a cohesive defensive line that is difficult to penetrate, providing a solid foundation for the team's success. However, it is important to highlight that Flamengo's defensive solidity is not limited to just the back line players.

The defensive commitment of the entire team, from the attackers to the defenders, has been fundamental to maintaining the consistency throughout the games and prevent opponents from finding gaps in the red and black defense. Despite the positive results achieved so far, Tite and his technical team are aware that work is still in progress and that there is room for improvement.

The coach emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and focus in each match, recognizing that competition in Brazilian football is fierce and that each game presents its own challenges. In the current scenario of Brazilian football, where games are often decided by small details, the defensive solidity demonstrated by Flamengo under Tite's command represents a valuable asset in the search for titles and bigger goals. With a solid defense as a base, the Rio team positions itself as a fearsome opponent for any team, establishing itself as one of the main candidates for achievements on the national and international scene.