Rejected by Flamengo, defender seeks new opportunities for his career

34-year-old defender Pablo is in a delicate situation at Flamengo. Since the beginning of 2025, he has been training separately from the main squad , after coach Filipe Luís announced that he would not be counting on him for the season. The defender trains at CT Ninho do Urubu, at alternate times, and has not played an official match since the opening games of the Campeonato Carioca.

With a contract valid until December 2025, Pablo was released to look for a new club, but decided to fulfill his contract. The way the release was handled, however, sparked internal discussions and could result in legal action by the player, according to sources close to the athlete.

ISOLATED TRAINING ROUTINE

Since January, Pablo has been following a physical and technical training schedule under the supervision of the medical department and the performance committee. He uses the facilities at Ninho do Urubu, including the gym and auxiliary fields , but without interacting with the main squad.

On social media, the defender has been sharing snapshots of his daily routine, highlighting his resilience and professionalism. Even while on leave, he avoids making public statements about the situation, emphasizing his desire to continue working until the end of his contract.

EXPERTS EVALUATE

The handling of the case has drawn attention from sports law experts. Although the dismissal does not, in itself, constitute a breach of contract, lawyers point out that the player could claim indirect termination if there were evidence of moral harassment or lack of adequate working conditions.

However, as the club keeps its payments up to date and offers training facilities, Flamengo is likely to be legally protected. Similar cases, such as that of former midfielder Zé Roberto at Grêmio, have already been dismissed by courts. The club, for its part, is monitoring the situation but does not rule out a legal outcome at the end of the contract if an amicable termination agreement is not reached.

Racing (ARG) is facing a moment of apprehension before the decisive duel against Flamengo in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores. On Monday night (6), the Argentine team drew 0-0 with Independiente Rivadavia, but the result was overshadowed by injuries to two important players.

In the 18th minute of the second half, striker Elías Torres , who had been used as an attacking option on the bench, twisted his knee and had to leave the field. Shortly after, starting defender Franco Pardo fell on his own and was carried off on a stretcher , crying, which increased the concern of the Argentine club's medical department.

DATES SET

The Libertadores semifinals will be played on the last two Wednesdays of October. The first match takes place on the 22nd at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium, with a full house expected—over 60,000 people.

The return leg will be at El Cilindro Stadium in Avellaneda, home of Racing Club , where the teams will determine who advances to the grand final of the continental competition. It's worth noting that the Argentine team had the better campaign, so they will decide the match at home.

FLAMENGO FOCUSED ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Before facing Racing , Mengão turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. On October 15th, the team faces Botafogo at 7:30 pm at Nilton Santos Stadium in the 28th round of the competition. The match is seen as crucial to maintaining momentum and confidence heading into the continental final.

Young striker Wallace Yan, 20, will be officially warned by Flamengo's board after being sent off in the match against Bahia , held last Sunday (5). The player received two yellow cards in a period of just ten minutes , in a move considered immature and avoidable by the coaching staff.

According to information released by journalist Venê Casagrande, the club decided not to remove the player from the main squad, but to impose an internal punishment of an educational nature . The measure aims to educate the player about the responsibility of acting with emotional balance in decisive matches.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COACH

The club's board intends to handle the case as part of the striker's professional development process. Coach Filipe Luís and members of the coaching staff will participate in discussions with the player, reinforcing the importance of discipline and posture on the field.

" Filipe Luís will speak with him, as will club officials. The goal is to make him understand the magnitude of the mistake and its consequences," Venê said. The expulsion came at an important time for Wallace Yan, who was trying to regain his place in the first team.

WALLACE YAN CONTINUES WITH THE GROUP

With the suspension confirmed, Wallace Yan will continue training normally with the group, but under the supervision of the coaching staff. To become a regular player again, the Flamengo forward will need to demonstrate commitment and maturity on and off the field.