Soccer

No talking! Pedro's return to the list had no conversation with Filipe Luís

The coach and striker have not had any conversations after the recent episodes; and the decision about his presence in the game is based on recent training performance.

The coaching staff noticed an improvement in the number 9's performance and stats, which is why Pedro was included in the Flamengo game. Photo: Gilvan de Souza/CRF

20 Jul 2025 | 10:58 |

Striker Pedro has been recalled to Flamengo's squad and will be available today against Fluminense at Maracanã. The process was the same as when he was even dropped from the bench two games ago. There was no specific discussion with Filipe Luís about the matter. The coach and striker haven't had any conversations since the recent incidents.

REASON FOR PEDRO'S RETURN TO RELATED PARTIES

The decision to include him in the game was based on his recent training performance. The coaching staff noted improvements in the number 9's performance and performance . From the perspective of those working at the club, Pedro returned to his best performance throughout the week, justifying his return after missing the matches against São Paulo and Santos.

Pedro returns in a game in which Flamengo will be without Bruno Henrique, who is suspended. Young Wallace Yan could be a new addition. The team failed to score against Santos, despite dominating most of the match. In other words, they experienced a fluctuation in their effectiveness up front, losing the game and the lead in the Brasileirão.

OBSERVATION TIME

Pedro admits he began training poorly after messages about him were sent to columnist Mauro Cezar Pereira by a member of the football department. In the conversation, the club admitted it would sell the striker for €15 million.

Filipe and Pedro had a conversation about this, in which the coach said he'd like to have the number 9 this season and that he'd be important to the team. However, Pedro's response, in practice, was precisely a week of training that Filipe described as "bordering on ridiculous." And so he removed the player from the squad.

Pedro's return comes after a week-long trial period. On Monday, he spoke with his teammates, released a public statement on the matter, and resumed his regular attendance at activities.

Flamengo then treated his performance as satisfactory—despite the public backlash and criticism of how Filipe Luís handled the matter at the press conference after the victory over São Paulo. Pedro felt disrespected. Filipe, in turn, grew tired of the player's behavior and brought the matter to the public.

The coach even said he didn't need to receive a good morning or a hug from the player. But he was willing to rekindle their relationship. If Pedro didn't want to, he could just run for Flamengo . At least that second part seems to be happening.

Last minute

Soccer

Exclusive: Flamengo agrees to renew contract with medalist until 2027

The player managed to increase his production this season and gained the trust of Filipe Luís and the coaching staff to stay for another two years.

Varela establishes himself at right-back for Flamengo, seizing the opportunity to renew his contract - photo: reproduction

11 Ago 2025 | 12:16 |

Wesley's departure paved the way for Guillermo Varela to take over as Flamengo's starting right-back. Despite Emerson Royal's arrival, the new signing is still struggling to adapt and find his rhythm, giving the Uruguayan a chance to establish himself in the position.

Starting in the Copa do Brasil match against Atlético-MG, the full-back performed consistently both defensively and offensively , despite the team's penalty shootout. He didn't play in the previous match against Ceará in the Campeonato Brasileiro , giving way to Royal, who isn't yet fully fit. While the newly signed player seeks to establish himself, the veteran remains in the running for a starting spot.

CONTRACT RENEWAL

Besides competing on the field, Varela is also experiencing a significant moment off it. The full-back's contract with the club runs until the end of 2025 and, starting mid-next year , could sign a pre-contract with another team. However, his desire is to remain at Mengão.

Negotiations for the renewal began in March and have always been positive. According to information gathered by Gazeta do Urubu , the final details of the new contract have already been finalized. The official announcement is expected in the coming days, after adjustments to the player's requested amount.

VERSATILITY PLEASE THE COMMISSION

Throughout the season, Varela stood out for his versatility. Besides performing well at right back, he also played on the left when coach Filipe Luís needed to cover for absences . At specific moments, he even played as a defensive midfielder, a position for which he also received praise. This versatility was one of the factors that influenced the board to move forward with the renewal.

No talking! Pedro's return to the list had no conversation with Filipe Luís