Soccer

FLAMENGO DOCTOR REVEALS REASON FOR THE CLUB NOT TO HIRE A PSYCHOLOGIST

Rubro Negro is part of a select group of clubs that do not have a psychology professional

10 Nov 2023 | 15:20 |

In recent years, several topics have been debated about mental health in society and in sports. Flamengo is part of a select group of clubs in Brazil that does not have a psychologist in its professional squad, and Dr. Márcio Tannure, Health and High Performance manager, detailed the difficulties the club has faced in past experiences.

“In practice, we have had experience and it is not that simple. My point: you have to have everyone's trust. It's not just technical capacity, but expertise to deal with. Sometimes, the athlete doesn't really take it to the professional, for fear of it being taken to the coach, etc... Coaches also have difficulty with this, sometimes not understanding”, said Tannure in an interview with Lance.

The health manager of Flamengo avoided classifying the hiring of a psychologist as right or wrong, however, he said that the club tried different methods and was unsuccessful. Márcio understands that the presence of a professional is essential in the youth categories, when the athlete is still in training.

“I'm not saying it's right or wrong, we've already tried in several ways... At the base , it is very important, so that the athlete can develop this and reach the professional stage well. But, when it comes to professionals, perhaps the ideal model is group interventions. Maybe you can figure out what's going on and follow up on each one. We already have experience, and we haven't always been successful”, said Márcio Tannure.

It's worth remembering that at Flamengo, players on the professional squad who want to work with a psychologist need to hire them privately. One case is that of Fabrício Bruno, who has had an outstanding season and relates his evolution to mental work.

Márcio Tannure also highlighted the importance of a high-level athlete being mentally well. Furthermore, he cited cases from MMA, another sport he works in.

“There has to be a human, doctor-patient relationship. When I can improve this athlete, humanly speaking, this in itself improves performance. Health is physical and mental well-being. For a player to be healthy and have peak performance, they have to be physically and mentally well. Mental health is a reality, bad for the decade or century, and it's no surprise that within the professional classes, athletes have the highest rates of depression, and people ask why. “

“I think mentality is everything, but experience with different sports comes with an understanding of tools… In MMA, it’s you and yourself. If it's not okay, it's gone. In the collective, sometimes you are not doing well, but there is someone else, and that minimizes it a little, because you can distribute failure or glory.”

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Soccer

Rossi preaches focus on Flamengo despite dreaming of playing for the Argentine national team

The goalkeeper doesn't deny that reaching the current world champion is a goal, but says it's necessary to keep his head in his work at Mengão

Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 22:00 |

In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.

Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"

"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.

TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.

"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.

FLAMENGO DOCTOR REVEALS REASON FOR THE CLUB NOT TO HIRE A PSYCHOLOGIST