FLAMENGO IDOL, ZICO ASKS FOR RUBRO-NEGRO STADIUM WITH UNUSUAL CAPACITY; SEE BELOW

Flamengo will try to sign at least three reinforcements in the next transfer window . However, one name that has emerged as an interest was João Félix , who is at Milan and belongs to Chelsea. The red-black board contacted the Portuguese striker, but there was no progress between the parties.

REASON

Flamengo understands that the amounts presented are not in line with its reality . The management of the Rio de Janeiro team would have to present a high salary to the player, who has offers from other European clubs. Therefore, the club has withdrawn from making an offer and already knows that it will not negotiate for the player.

The business model was also an obstacle to negotiations. While Flamengo sought a loan with an option to buy, Chelsea prioritized a permanent sale. Other than that, Benfica would be willing to pay for the Portuguese player's services . Given Félix's high salary and market value in Europe, Flamengo ended the negotiations.

FLAMENGO'S PLAN B

So far, Flamengo has no other advanced negotiations like Jorginho's and, at this point, it is unlikely that more reinforcements will arrive for the Club World Cup. In any case, the board has already identified the targets and started talks in the market. The July window will be full of news.

The club's goal is to sign a number 10 and a winger. Depending on the market, it may even consider signing two reinforcements for the wings. It also anticipates that there will be departures in the transfer window. If Wesley leaves Fla in the middle of the year, Fla expects an immediate replacement.

The 1-1 draw with Central Córdoba at the Monumental de Santiago del Estero has set off alarm bells at Flamengo. With five points from four games, the team is in third place in Group C of the Libertadores and is at risk of qualifying for the knockout stages. Despite the worrying scenario, there will be no change in coaching.

THERE IS PRESSURE, BUT NO DISMISSAL

The pressure is there, especially given the expectations created around the new sports management and the style of play proposed by Filipe Luís. Internally, however, the assessment is that the inconsistent performance is a reflection of a process still under construction. The watchword at Gávea, at this moment, is stability.

According to an investigation carried out with sources at the club, the board believes that the work needs more time to mature. José Boto, executive director of football, spoke with the coach after the game and reinforced that there is pressure, but also support. The priority now is to protect the squad and the coaching staff.

A READING MADE SIMPLE

The interpretation is that the team, despite its ups and downs, has demonstrated clear ideas on the field. Filipe Luís's own diagnosis after the game reinforces this. In the press conference, the coach admitted a lack of confidence and frustration with the result, but highlighted that the group created chances and that there is room for improvement.

Behind the scenes, what was seen after the final whistle was a tense atmosphere, but without a sense of rupture. The biggest dissatisfaction was due to the performance in the second half, when the team retreated, lost intensity and let Central Córdoba grow. The pressure was tough, but surgical — without excesses. In addition to the coaching staff, the squad will also be the target of meetings. José Boto intends to speak with the players in the coming days to adjust the focus and regain concentration in the decisive matches to come. With two games at Maracanã ahead, Flamengo still depends only on itself to advance.

With performance below expectations, Flamengo reaches the final stretch of the group stage of the 2025 Libertadores with warning signals on. The draw in Argentina this Wednesday (7), against Central Córdoba, left Rubro-Negro in a delicate situation in Group C. With only five points added in four games, the team led by Filipe Luís occupies third place in the group . The situation requires 100% success in the two remaining games to guarantee classification without depending on other results.

Updated Group C table:

LDU (EQU): 8 points | Balance +3

Central Córdoba (ARG): 8 points | Balance +2

Flamengo (BRA): 5 points | Balance 0

Deportivo Táchira (VEN): 0 points | Balance -5

The Red-Blacks will have two matches ahead at Maracanã: against LDU and bottom-placed Deportivo Táchira. With six possible points up for grabs, the Rio de Janeiro team could reach 11 and secure a spot in the round of 16. The math is simple: if they win their two remaining games, Flamengo will qualify. In this scenario, the team would overtake Central Córdoba and LDU, who will face each other in the last round. Thus, the Red-Blacks would secure at least second place in the group, and could even finish top.

WHAT IF I STUMBLE?

If Flamengo fails to beat LDU or Táchira, the situation becomes more complex. With a draw or a defeat, qualification would depend on a combination of results. The most “accessible” scenario would be to hope for LDU or Central Córdoba to stumble against Táchira, who have yet to score any points in the competition. But even with this possibility, Flamengo would lose control over its own situation.

FILIPE HAS AN ALARMIST SPEECH

Internally, the talk is that there is confidence in the reaction. Filipe Luís, interim coach and former multi-champion player, maintains a calm tone in interviews. However, behind the scenes, there is concern about the recent fluctuation and the drop in offensive performance in decisive matches. Flamengo's bad phase is not restricted to the continental competition.

Before turning its attention to the Libertadores, Rubro-Negro will face Bahia this Saturday (10), at 9 pm, at Maracanã. The game is valid for the eighth round of the Brasileirão and can serve as a final adjustment before the decisive clashes for the Libertadores. After the draw in Argentina, midfielder Gerson made a direct statement in the mixed zone. The number 8 demanded less talk and more action on the field. The statement went down well with fans, but it also showed that the team is aware of the responsibility.