JOURNALIST DEFENDS FLAMENGO'S 1987 TITLE "THE LEGITIMATE CHAMPION" - UNDERSTAND BELOW

The return of matches at Maracanã also marks a new phase in the stadium's management. Under the concession of the Fla-Flu duo, the historic venue of Brazilian football has undergone a series of changes that promise to directly impact the experience of fans, clubs, and athletes.

Among the most significant upgrades is the complete replacement of the floodlight system, which now meets the standards required by FIFA, CONMEBOL, and CBF. The new lighting was installed in partnership with ArenaVision LED, a leading manufacturer of lighting technology for sports arenas.

NEW MODELS AT MARACANÃ

Maracanã CEO Severiano Braga highlighted the benefits of the new solution: "ArenaVision LED is an innovative lighting solution that offers excellent light quality, effective thermal management, and a long service life." In addition to superior quality for television broadcasts and night games, the new floodlights promise energy savings of up to 65%.

BETTER MANAGEMENT

The system is expected to be much more durable than the old floodlights. Another innovative feature is the possibility of synchronized light shows, as already occurs at Engenhão, expanding the range of events and experiences offered at the stadium.

Another important investment made during the break was the replacement of Maracanã's main pitch. The field was seeded with winter grass, which should improve its performance and appearance during the colder months. Additionally, the stadium also replaced the synthetic turf around the field, especially in the West Sector , improving safety and the stadium's aesthetics.

Striker Pedro will not be on the field in the duel between Flamengo and São Paulo for the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo's number 9 was absent from the collective training held on Friday morning (09), at Ninho do Urubu , and only carried out activities separate from the rest of the squad. The technical committee, led by Filipe Luís, chose not to include him among the athletes related to the match.

According to internal sources consulted by the website 'GE', Filipe Luís and his team are dissatisfied with the striker's performance during training sessions. The assessment is that Pedro has not been meeting expectations regarding commitment and intensity in daily activities. This perception was reportedly a determining factor in his exclusion from the match, which marks the Rio de Janeiro team's return to the Brasileirão after the Club World Cup.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEDRO AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The decision to leave him out of the match comes amid a period of instability in the relationship between the athlete and the club. The previous week, a UOL report revealed that Flamengo would be open to negotiating the player if a good offer emerged. The information, attributed to a source connected to the football department, generated internal unease and affected the atmosphere within the squad.

As ge learned, Pedro met with Filipe Luís last Saturday, during the squad's return after the World Cup elimination. On that occasion, the coach expressed support for the Flamengo striker in the face of the public exposure caused by speculation of a possible sale. However, he also reinforced the need for more dedication in training, emphasizing that his continued presence in the starting lineup depends directly on the commitment he demonstrates on a daily basis.

PEDRO'S FUTURE AT FLAMENGO REMAINS UNDEFINED

With a current contract, Pedro is still considered an important player in the squad , but his presence in the starting lineup will depend on changes in his attitude during training. This episode is another chapter in the player's difficult time at the club.

The club's early elimination from the Club World Cup, against Bayern Munich in the round of 16, did not change the club's board's plans regarding the new manager . On the contrary: Flamengo has once again intensified talks with Filipe Luís to renew the coach's contract.

With a current contract until December 2025, Filipe Luís received an offer to extend the agreement for two more seasons, until the end of 2027. The club has already presented the new terms, which include a salary increase and guarantees of technical autonomy in planning.

COACH HAS BEEN STANDING OUT FOR THE MOST LOVED TEAM

The decision to keep Filipe Luís at the helm of the team is directly linked to the board's confidence in the project in the medium term. José Boto, director of football, is leading the negotiations and sees the coach as someone who aligns with the club's philosophy and strongly identifies with the squad . According to sources close to the negotiations, Flamengo wants to ensure stability in its coaching leadership, avoiding the constant turnover that has marked recent years.

THE COACH HAS BEEN SHOWING GOOD NUMBERS

Recent performances have reinforced the idea of continuity. Taking over in October 2024, following Tite's departure, Filipe Luís showed immediate results. In just over six months in charge, the former full-back won three titles: the Copa do Brasil, the Supercopa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Carioca. Under his leadership, Flamengo suffered only four defeats, presenting a solid team with good space utilization and attacking intensity.

The team's performance has even caught the attention of direct rivals. One of the factors that most strongly favors Filipe Luís's continued presence is his strong relationship with the squad. Key players in the group demonstrate respect and complicity with the coach, who has played alongside many of them as an athlete.