Soccer

SAMPAOLI 'IGNORS' MATHEUZINHO, AND VARELA SHOULD BE THE HOLDER AGAINST GRÊMIO

Wesley is suspended and will not face Grêmio

14 Ago 2023 | 16:32 |

Flamengo is about to face an extremely important clash against Grêmio, within the framework of the Copa do Brasil. After winning a 2-0 victory over Renato Gaúcho's team in an away game, Rubro-Negro will face the challenge with some important absences, including the young Wesley, who will be suspended for the match.

Despite appearing in just four games under the Argentine coach's leadership, Varela is the substitute defender who has accumulated the most time on the pitch, ready to take over. The winger will be involved in his fifth game since the arrival of the coach, and it will be his third time in the starting line-up.

The coach has the option of selecting Matheuzinho, who has recently recovered from an injury, however, the player still had no chance to act under the command of Jorge Sampaoli. Since his last match on March 13, when he suffered a fracture in the tibia of his left leg, the athlete was only included in the list again in early August, during the first leg of the round of 16 of the Libertadores.

Another option for Sampaoli for Flamengo x Grêmio would be to return to the three-defender scheme. However, the coach would have to opt for the entry of Pablo or Rodrigo Caio among the starters, since David Luiz is still recovering from a muscle problem.

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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.

SAMPAOLI 'IGNORS' MATHEUZINHO, AND VARELA SHOULD BE THE HOLDER AGAINST GRÊMIO