Soccer
Boto explains Flamengo's failure to sign Mikey Johnston: "Timing error..."
17 Set 2025 | 11:32
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Soccer
23 Abr 2025 | 15:47 |
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João Fonseca is not intimidated by the big names on the world circuit . On the contrary, he faces the challenge with enthusiasm. In an interview with the official Roland Garros website, the young Brazilian tennis player said that he dreams of facing Novak Djokovic in the first rounds of the French Grand Slam, which will be played between May 25 and June 8 in Paris.
If I go to the main draw, I want to play against Djokovic"
“When we start these big tournaments, the Grand Slams, the qualifying rounds, I always tell my coach : ‘If I go to the main draw, I want to play Djokovic’. Because it will probably be one of the last times . I hope I can face him. I would love to face Djokovic in the first or second round . I would try to play my best tennis, the result would not matter, I would just enjoy it ,” said the 18-year-old Brazilian.
Fonseca sees a potential match against Djokovic as a unique opportunity , not a source of pressure. For him, facing top seeds right away represents extra motivation .
“I like playing against the top seeds, I like the challenge . I play without pressure , so I think I can do well there. I also like playing with the fans , so that's an experience I want to have. Some players will want to play the ' easier ' games first, but I want to play with the most iconic ones,” he added.
In his second season as a professional, Fonseca has already achieved significant achievements, such as qualifying for the Australian Open and a remarkable victory over Andrey Rublev , then seeded number 9. For him, the key to this early success lies in his maturity, a characteristic praised by Djokovic himself .
It may sound a little arrogant, but..."
“It may sound a bit arrogant, but I have incredible maturity . My coach and my parents say that I understand things and that I learn very quickly. For example, I learned very quickly how to go from juniors to professionals. It takes a lot more consistency , a lot more physical work and even more dedication,” he explained.
Fonseca also spoke about the sacrifices he made in the name of his career, especially his decision not to pursue a college career. The young Brazilian tennis player remains one of the country's main bets for the future of the sport and shows that he is not afraid to dream big — on equal terms with the giants of the circuit.
“When I decided to go pro and not go to college (after the 2024 Rio Open), I knew this would be my job for 20 years. I need to be responsible , earn money to live, so my maturity makes a big difference for me and explains why success came faster,” he concluded.
The Libertadores quarterfinal clash between Mengão and the La Plata club will be broadcast exclusively on the group's channels.
17 Set 2025 | 11:59 |
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Flamengo and Estudiantes face each other this Thursday (18), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The match will be broadcast by ESPN, with narration by Rogério Vaughan and commentary by Zinho and Paulo Calçade . The duel will also be available on Disney+ streaming. The ball rolls at 9:30 pm (Brasília time).
Estudiantes will have two key absences for the match in Rio . Defender González Pírez suffered a Grade 3 injury to his right hamstring during the loss to River Plate and is out for both quarterfinal matches. Santiago Núñez is expected to take his place.
Up front, Edwuin Cetré is also out due to a Grade 1 biceps femoris muscle injury in his left leg . With the injury, the Argentines will face Flamengo in a packed Maracanã stadium—all tickets for the match were sold out in advance.
Rubro-Negro continues with Erick Pulgar in the medical department, recovering from a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The main doubts for the match are Jorginho, Alex Sandro, and Varela, who will undergo evaluation this Thursday to determine whether they will be available for Filipe Luís.
With Mengão leading the Brasileirão and in the Libertadores, the board is accelerating negotiations to extend the coach's contract, as he rejected an offer from abroad.
17 Set 2025 | 11:49 |
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Filipe Luís is one of the "jewels" among Brazilian football coaches. With the red-and-black coach still in charge, the team maintains a real chance of winning the Brasileirão Betano and the Copa Libertadores . With 50 points from 22 matches, the club sits atop Série A and is solidifying itself as a top contender for the national cup.
According to information published by the newspaper “O Globo” this Wednesday (17), José Boto, Flamengo's football director, met with businessman Jorge Mendes to discuss the renewal of Filipe Luís' contract . According to journalist Diogo Dantas, the meeting led to a positive move towards the coach's permanence, although the official signing should only take place at the end of the year.
In recent weeks, Filipe Luís received an offer from Fenerbahçe of Turkey, but opted to remain with the Rio de Janeiro club. The board's plan is to extend his contract until the end of 2026, with the possibility of automatic renewal. President Bap intends to value the coach's work, who has maintained the same salary since leaving the youth academy to replace Tite in Flamengo 's first team.
Filipe Luís is about to complete a year in charge of Flamengo . The coach took over the team on September 30, 2024, after Tite's dismissal, and has since collected titles: Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca, and Supercopa do Brasil . The coach has played 65 games, with 43 wins, 16 draws, and only six losses, consolidating one of the club's most consistent campaigns in recent years.
Flamengo, under the command of Filipe Luís, begins this Thursday (18) the dispute of the quarterfinals of the Libertadores against Estudiantes (ARG). The match takes place at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, with broadcast by ESPN (closed TV) and Disney+ (streaming).
Mengão has three former Atlético de Madrid players at the club, including the coach, and 'El Cholo' was in charge of all of them at the Spanish club.
17 Set 2025 | 11:37 |
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Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone was yet another foreigner to recognize Flamengo's greatness . In an interview with TNT Sports, the Argentine praised the Rio de Janeiro club when asked about the "colchonera community" that has been forming at Ninho do Urubu.
Simeone praises Filipe Luís' Flamengo: "It's always beautiful to see them play"
When asked by journalist Fred Caldeira if he follows the Rubro-Negro's games, Simeone explained that he cannot watch due to the time difference , but highlighted the historical importance of Flamengo in Brazilian football.
"The truth is, I haven't been following Brazil's games, honestly, mainly because of the time difference, which is very late. But I always have a huge affection for Filipe Luís, Samu Lino, and Saúl . And Flamengo , the truth is, is a historic team in Brazil and around the world. It's always beautiful to watch them play," said the coach.
In fact, the time difference is a barrier for those who live in Europe and want to follow Flamengo. The duel against Estudiantes (ARG), this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), will start at 2:30 am on Friday (19) in Madrid.
Beyond the praise, Filipe Luís's future in European football remains a topic of discussion. The Flamengo coach was once the target of interest from Fenerbahçe (TUR), but he declined the offer. Some in the Spanish press and Atlético Madrid fans are also speculating about a possible link between the former full-back and Atlético Madrid , the club Simeone has been with for over 13 years.
If the Argentine leaves the team, the chances of rumors of a future approach to the Flamengo coach increase . Meanwhile, Filipe remains at Flamengo, seeking the biggest achievements of the 2025 season.
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