
Soccer
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On the eve of the World Cup final against Flamengo, Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp shared his expectations and insights into the challenge that awaits his team. With his characteristic style, Klopp highlighted his knowledge of Flamengo's style of play, emphasizing the organization that the Brazilian team presents on the field. "I know well what to expect from Flamengo. They have a very organized style, and Jorge Jesus had a key role in this since his arrival. He has not only changed the team's fortunes, but also implemented several changes, especially in defense, bringing in new players. Now, it is a very well-established team, where all the players know exactly what they need to do This is reflected in the different forms of play that they are able to execute successfully."
Klopp praised Jorge Jesus' influence on Flamengo's transformation, recognizing the positive impact that the Portuguese coach has had since his arrival at the club . The change in fortunes, according to Klopp, was not just limited to performance on the field, but also brought a new mentality and strategic approach to the team."Jorge Jesus did a remarkable job at Flamengo. He changed not only the team's fortunes, but also introduced a winning mentality. This is something we respect and we are aware that we will face a very strong opponent in the final. Furthermore, the arrival of new players in the defense has strengthened Flamengo's defense, making them more solid and difficult to overcome ."
The German coach highlighted Flamengo's defensive solidity as one of the main challenges that Liverpool will face in the final. Klopp highlighted the importance of his own team remaining calm and focused to overcome the Brazilian team's well-organized defense. "We know we will face a considerable challenge against Flamengo's defense. They are well organized and have quality players. But at At the same time, we trust in our own game and in the quality of our players. It will be crucial that we remain calm, concentrated and continue playing in our style. We cannot underestimate Flamengo, but we believe in our abilities."
Klopp also recognized the different ways of playing that Flamengo are capable of presenting, demonstrating tactical versatility. This, according to the coach, requires careful preparation on the part of Liverpool to deal with the different approaches that the opponent may adopt during the match. "Flamengo is not a predictable team. They have different ways of playing that can surprise the opponent. We need to be prepared to deal with these variations and adjust our strategy as necessary during the match. Flamengo's versatility is a characteristic that we respect and we understand that we need to be ready to face different challenges throughout the game."
As anxiety grows ahead of the grand final, Jürgen Klopp conveyed confidence in his team and recognized the importance of facing Flamengo with respect, maintaining a balance between confidence and humility. The pre-match interview revealed a confident Klopp, but fully aware of the difficulty that the World Cup final will present for Liverpool against a strengthened and determined Flamengo.
The expectation is for a close game, with both teams seeking victory and paying close attention to the decisions made by Felipe Fernandes de Lima's referee.
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Flamengo faces Santos this Wednesday (16), at 8 pm, at Vila Belmiro, for the 14th round of the Brasileirão Betano. Rubro-Negro leads the competition with 27 points, the same number as Cruzeiro, but with an advantage in goal difference. The Rio de Janeiro team seeks to maintain the lead and extend its winning streak.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has appointed Minas Gerais referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima to officiate the match between Santos and Flamengo. This will be Felipe's seventh match in the 2025 Brasileirão Betano, his third for Santos and his first for Flamengo in the competition.
Felipe Fernandes de Lima refereed two Flamengo matches in the 2021 Brasileirão, both of which resulted in Flamengo victories: 5-1 against São Paulo and 3-0 against Fortaleza. The record is favorable to Flamengo, who have never lost under the referee.
Felipe Fernandes de Lima has been embroiled in controversy both on and off the field. In 2023, videos showed his ex-wife kissing Sérgio Santos Rodrigues, former president of Cruzeiro, which generated widespread attention. On the field, he was criticized for his performance in matches such as Internacional vs. Athletico-PR and Atlético-MG vs. Cruzeiro, both in 2024.
With Flamengo 's favorable track record under Felipe Fernandes de Lima and the recent controversies involving the referee, the match promises to be tense. Santos, which has already expressed dissatisfaction with previous decisions, will be watching every play. Flamengo aims to maintain its lead and extend its lead in the championship.
The Mais Querido coach was harshly criticized by the former player, who highlighted that despite the numbers below, the number 9 should be selected
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The Pedro and Filipe Luís case continues to generate controversy . Former Flamengo player Alecsandro appeared on the Panela SporTV program and expressed a strong opinion on the recent controversy involving the number 9 and the coach of the "Mais Querido" (Flamengo). The former athlete defended the striker and condemned the extensive use of technologies, such as GPS, to assess performance.
Alecsandro recalled his experience in the final stages of his career, when physical data often indicated he was the lowest on the team in sprints, speed, and movement. However, he emphasized that his role on the field as a center forward was much more specific and could not be evaluated in the same way as other players.
Alecsandro criticizes Filipe Luís: "I had a coach who didn't talk to the athlete and put the guy to play."
He continued: "Because the guy was performing well and had to play. On the other hand, when Filipe talks about the last in the physical part, the last in I don't know what... brother, Pedro is there to score goals. At the end of my career, I got this modern football with GPS. And I was always the last."
According to Alecsandro, the statistics used in soccer and training don't consider the true responsibilities and roles of each player on the field: "But I'd tell the guys: 'I'm going to score the goal and it'll end 2-1, 1-0, with a goal by me.' But I couldn't run faster than Marcos Rocha or Dudu. I was the last in my physical abilities," he said before adding:
But within the limits of my speed, I was good. So, from my perspective, he exaggerated a lot of what Filipe demanded. Pedro is a player who works in a specific area of the field, running 9 or 10 km, while a defensive midfielder runs 20 ," the former Flamengo player noted.
Thus, despite Alecsandro's criticism, coach Filipe Luís kept Pedro out of the list of players involved in the match against Santos, this Wednesday (16). Flamengo faces the São Paulo team at Vila Belmiro, at 8 pm, for the 14th round of the Brasileirão.
High numbers clash with the Italian club's financial demands; the striker already has an agreement with the Rubro-Negro and could be transferred within days
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Flamengo is keeping an eye on the transfer market and could invest heavily to strengthen its attack. Following the controversy surrounding Pedro , the club is evaluating its options and has entered the race to sign Taty Castellanos, a forward for Lazio and the Argentine national team. The information was initially revealed by journalist Venê Casagrande.
Valentín "Taty" Castellanos is 26 years old, Argentine, and currently plays for Lazio in Italy . A South American soccer sensation with notable stints at MLS clubs and Girona in Spain, the striker is known for his physical strength, intense movement, and eye for goal.
Lazio has indicated that it will only negotiate the player's transfer for €25 million—equivalent to approximately R$160 million at the current exchange rate. The amount is considered high by Brazilian soccer standards, but Flamengo is analyzing ways to make the investment viable. Castellanos and Flamengo have already reached an agreement: the contract length and base salary are aligned.
The Argentine, in fact, has reportedly expressed excitement about the possibility of playing in Brazilian football, specifically for the red-and-black team. The search for a new number 9 has intensified following the tension between Pedro and the club. The controversy surrounding the striker and assistant coach Filipe Luís has worsened the situation, and the player's departure is being considered behind the scenes. As a result, Castellanos's name has gained traction.