Flamengo president meets with organized fan club leaders

Maracanã management began a process of decompression of the pitch this week, at Flamengo's request. The process aims to prepare the field for the intense series of matches in this final stretch of the season.

The decompression makes the turf softer and more even, improving the quality of play and ball circulation. This measure was a direct request from the club and was promptly met by the stadium . With the CBF's calendar change, Maracanã will host more games in shorter periods of time.

PREVIOUS CRITICISMS OF GRAMADO

Flamengo's Filipe Luís on the Maracanã pitch: "It's an eternal fight"

Earlier this year, the Maracanã pitch was criticized for being considered "hard." Coach Filipe Luís , in an interview after the Fla-Flu Carioca match, even called for investments to solve the problem , a long-standing complaint among clubs:

"The pitch? It's an eternal battle, but we have to think about the players, make an effort, and if it costs more, we have to make the investment . If we have to change the pitch, we have to make a big investment," the coach said at the time.

STADIUM MODERNIZATION

In early September, during the Flamengo vs. Grêmio Brasileirão match, the stadium debuted a new synthetic turf pitch installed behind the goals . The area is used for players to warm up before matches, or for substitutes to be used by coaches.

According to an official statement from Maracanã, the modernization offers more safety and quality , as the lawn has advanced technology and the FIFA QualityPro seal, guaranteeing better conditions for athletes during pre-game.

Tottenham striker Richarlison has once again been speculated about as a potential Flamengo signing. According to journalist Ekrem Konur, in addition to Flamengo, Crystal Palace has also expressed interest in signing him, increasing competition for the player. The English club has set a price between €20 and €25 million (approximately R$156 million) for the player .

PREVIOUS NEGOTIATIONS

Since the end of 2024, Richarlison's name has been linked to Flamengo . In December of last year, ESPN reported that the club offered €20 million (approximately R$130 million), a proposal rejected by Tottenham, which demanded almost double.

More recently, reports emerged that the club was monitoring the striker's situation with a view to a possible transfer in the July transfer window , but the deal fell through. The idea was to have the striker as a big name during the Club World Cup.

DISPUTE IN BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL

Besides Flamengo , Fluminense also expressed interest in Richarlison, but were stymied by the English club's high asking price. It's worth noting that the player previously played for Tricolor das Laranjeiras and is a staunch Vasco da Gama fan. Despite this, the possibility of a deal with the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) continues to be speculated upon every transfer window.

NEXT GAME

While Richarlison still seems like a distant dream, Flamengo is focusing its efforts on the Brasileirão, where it faces Corinthians this Sunday (28) at 8:30 pm (Brasília time) in the 25th round of the competition. Leader with 51 points, Mais Querido needs the victory to avoid losing first place in the table in the round.

Attacking midfielder Tetê, currently with Panathinaikos (GRE), confirmed that he was on Flamengo's radar during the last transfer window. In an interview with Cartoloucos, the player revealed that he also received inquiries from Botafogo, Fluminense, and Cruzeiro, but opted to remain in Europe.

Tetê, ex-Grêmio, reveals clubs that approached him: "So far in this window, Flamengo, Botafogo, Fluminense, Cruzeiro"

"I do want to return to Brazil. So far in this window, Flamengo , Botafogo, Fluminense, Cruzeiro... I want to experience that there, I haven't played professionally in Brazil yet. I definitely want to experience it, but I'm very happy here in Europe too ," said Tetê.

CAREER IN EUROPE

At 25, Tetê has built practically his entire career in European football. Discovered by Grêmio while still in the youth ranks, he played for Shakhtar Donetsk , Lyon, Leicester, and Galatasaray before signing with Panathinaikos in mid-2024. For the Greek club, he has already made 59 appearances, scored 11 goals, and scored six assists.

FLAMENGO'S INTEREST

Journalist Venê Casagrande confirmed that Flamengo considered signing Tetê in 2024. The name was considered because Luiz Araújo was not in good form , according to Filipe Luís and his coaching staff. However, Luiz's progress led the club to backtrack and abandon the move.

FUTURE

With Michael's possible departure in 2026, Tetê's name could soon be back on Flamengo's radar. The number 30 hasn't been getting opportunities under coach Filipe Luís and is one of the main names being discussed when leaving the Mais Querido squad.