Soccer
Filipe Luís analyzes Flamengo's performance: "I don't believe it is..."
04 Ago 2025 | 10:26
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Soccer
03 Ago 2025 | 08:00 |
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After a promising and praised debut , right-back Wesley, formerly of Flamengo, received his first criticism in Italy . This Saturday (02), after starting for Roma in the 2-0 victory over Lens, in a pre-season friendly, the 21-year-old was the target of negative comments from the newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
Corriere dello Sport on Wesley, ex-Flamengo: "he's not yet the prodigy full-back"
Wesley played 71 minutes in the match and, despite participating actively, was given a 5.5 rating by the publication. The newspaper questioned whether his performance justified Roma's significant investment of €25 million (approximately R$160 million): "They said he would arrive in top form, as he had been playing in Brazil. But Wesley is not yet the prodigious full-back Roma invested €25 million in ," wrote the sports daily.
Despite its critical tone, Corriere dello Sport acknowledged that it was too early to make a definitive judgment. " We're only in August football ," the publication mused, referring to the preseason. However, it emphasized that "the spark everyone was hoping for hasn't yet appeared" in the first two tests.
On the other hand, the newspaper highlighted the player's offensive potential and left a sign of optimism: " When he advances, Wesley continues to show an untapped potential that, if well worked, can turn into dynamite."
The review contrasts with the assessment made by the same outlet after the full-back's debut in the 3-0 victory over Cannes. On that occasion, Wesley came on in the second half and was described as "the most anticipated player," receiving praise for his dedication on the field: "He runs, runs, and runs some more. Up and down without stopping. He drew applause from the fans," the newspaper wrote after the first game.
While the press is cautious, Roma fans are excited about the Brazilian full-back, formerly of Flamengo . On social media, several fans praised his speed, strength, and chemistry with midfielder Soulé:
“Half an hour of Lens vs Roma and I can say that Wesley is probably the best right-back in the world due to his compatibility with Soulé,” wrote one fan.
"If Soulé understands how to pass the ball at the right time to Wesley, Roma will be very successful . Wesley is extremely fast and strong," commented another.
Negotiations between Flamengo and foreign clubs over the player's prize are progressing without a final agreement; Zenit is considering swaps or offering millions for the player.
04 Ago 2025 | 12:34 |
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In recent days, reports from Russia have circulated about a possible deal between Zenit and Flamengo. Matheus Gonçalves ' name has been linked to a direct swap deal with Robert Renan, a defender who plays for Al-Shabab and is currently on loan at the Russian club. Despite the rumors, sources close to the Mais Querido state that "nothing has been officially discussed at this time" regarding the deal with the former Corinthians defender.
Matheus Gonçalves was once close to an agreement with CSKA Moscow, but the Russian club is still awaiting authorization from Mengão to formalize a new offer. Meanwhile, two other foreign teams have expressed interest. One is based in the United Arab Emirates, and the other is in Europe, but outside the most prominent leagues.
So far, no official offer has been received by Flamengo . The amounts are expected to be close to those presented by CSKA , with variations in the percentages of the economic rights. The Rio de Janeiro club is considering its options: receiving a higher sum immediately or maintaining a stake in a possible future resale.
Starting in the first leg against Atlético-MG, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, Matheus Gonçalves had a discreet performance and did not take advantage of his chance among the starting eleven players.
Despite his potential, Matheus had few opportunities in the main squad this season , the last game against Ceará, last Sunday (09), the athlete did not even leave the bench and was not an option for the Brazilian Championship.
Atlético-MG striker highlights the collective and individual quality of the Rubro-Negro ahead of the second leg of the round of 16; the Rio de Janeiro club needs to win
04 Ago 2025 | 11:58 |
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Atlético-MG and Flamengo face each other again this Wednesday (6) , for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel will take place at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, at 7 pm (Brasília time) , with broadcast by SporTV and Premiere. In the first match, held at Maracanã, Galo won 1-0 and plays for a draw to guarantee classification.
Before the decisive clash, striker Hulk was full of praise for his opponent. In an interview, the Minas Gerais number 7 called the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) the best team in the country. " When you have an important game like this, which is the Copa do Brasil, against the best team in the country , there's no greater motivation. (...) When you face the best, you want to beat the best," the player declared.
Hulk admits: "Flamengo is the best team in Brazil"
The experienced athlete also highlighted the Rio de Janeiro team's performance on the pitch. "In my humble opinion, Flamengo is the best team in Brazil. (...) A team that plays very well. And we're going to do a great job collectively so that, God willing, we can qualify," Hulk added.
To advance to the quarterfinals, Flamengo needs to win by two or more goals. If they win by one goal, the match goes to penalties. Any draw favors the Minas Gerais club. Filipe Luís's team will have to find its way back to victory after two games without a win.
Flamengo may have a major problem for the decisive clash against Atlético-MG. Arrascaeta, who scored the equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Ceará last Sunday (3), at Castelão, felt discomfort in his left thigh and left the pitch at half-time in the match, valid for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship.
Officially presented this Monday, the Colombian midfielder signed a contract until 2029 with Mais Querido, who paid around R$77 million
04 Ago 2025 | 10:35 |
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Last Saturday (02), Flamengo officially signed Colombian midfielder Jorge Carrascal as the fourth reinforcement of the current transfer window. The player has already undergone medical examinations, signed a four-year contract and was presented this Monday (04), in a press conference at Ninho do Urubu. Carrascal will wear the number 15 shirt and arrives as an option for Mengão's midfield.
To secure the 26-year-old's talent, the Rubro-Negro paid €12 million, equivalent to approximately R$77.1 million. The negotiation involved Dynamo Moscow and also involved Atlético-MG, due to the parallel sale of Rubens, which contributed to the delay in the process of releasing the documents.
Despite already being integrated into the squad and physically fit, Jorge Carrascal is still awaiting his name to be published in the CBF's Daily Information Bulletin (BID). Regularization is essential for the midfielder to officially debut for the Mais Querido . The coaching staff, led by Filipe Luís, is already evaluating his fitness to use him once he's fit.
Internally, there is optimism that Carrascal will be available on Saturday (09), when Mengão faces Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship. If the regularization happens by then, the Colombian will be able to play alongside Arrascaeta and reinforce the team's creative sector, increasing the coach's offensive options.
While finalizing the bureaucratic procedures of the hiring, Flamengo turns its attention to the decisive game against Atlético-MG this Wednesday (06), at 7 pm, at Maracanã, for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel will be broadcast by SporTV and Premiere , and promises strong emotions for the red-black fans.
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