![](/storage/media-items/image/2024/09/martial-manchester-united_20240905075646.jpg)
"I had the opportunity to talk to him and I showed him that this is what football is: ups and downs", said the Mais Querido idol
|
The Gabigol may not be good since 2023, but he has the strong support of Zico. The greatest idol in Flamengo's history trusts in the recovery of the current number 10 and even gave advice, when they met in January, to help him get out of the bad moment, in Pedro's reserve.
" I had the opportunity to talk to him and I showed him that this is what football is about: ups and downs. At the moment when you are down, you have to be better prepared than the one who is playing, so that, when you have the chance, you can show that you can be the owner of the position", he told the newspaper O Dia.
The bad phase began with physical problems in 2023, but Gabigol also lost space with Tite, who opted for Pedro, who doesn't give his teammate any space by scoring many goals. Having a deep knowledge of what Flamengo is, Zico sees the number 10 as capable of turning the game around and defended him.
"From what I saw, he is training well, in good physical and technical condition and is waiting for an opportunity. Gabigol made history at Flamengo, regardless of what he does from now on. He has always understood what it means to wear the team's shirt and has shown himself to be a great professional. Of course, as a young man, sometimes there is something that he likes more and such, but I see a moment of preference for a tactical scheme from the coach", he assessed.
The red-black idol also minimized the weight of the number 10 shirt of the Flamengo on Gabigol's drop in performance, who took on the number in 2023: "I don't think so (weighed the number 10 shirt). In fact, today's shirts are much lighter (laughs)."
Ahead phase and questions about performance, negotiations for renewal have been dragging on since last year. With a contract until the end of the year, Gabigol has not yet reached an agreement with the board and has seen conversations suspended in recent months. But if it depends on Zico, the striker will remain for many years. "Whether he will stay or not, there are people prepared to know that. On my team, I would always like to have him", he warned.
The club has a big difference in work
|
The Sinergia Rubro-Negra Group (SRN), made up of influential partners from Flamengo, held a meeting last Saturday (7), at the club's headquarters, located in Gávea. The main objective of the meeting was to promote fraternization among the participants, but, inevitably, club politics ended up dominating the discussions throughout the event.
The main topic that emerged during the meeting was the support of the SRN to Rodrigo Dunshee's candidacy for president of Flamengo. Dunshee, who currently holds the position of general and legal vice-president of the club, is a prominent figure in the red-black political scene. The group, made up of members who share an aligned vision regarding the club's management, sees in Dunshee a name prepared to take over Flamengo's leadership, especially considering the upcoming electoral cycle.
During the event, members of the SRN highlighted Dunshee's role in the current administration, remembering that he was a fundamental player in several legal achievements of the Flamengo in recent years. The group believes that his experience and proximity to the club's internal processes make him the ideal candidate to succeed current president Rodolfo Landim, whose tenure ends at the end of his term.
Although the initial objective of the meeting was a celebration between the partners, it was inevitable that the conversations turned to Flamengo's political future. The club's presidential elections are approaching, and political groups are already beginning to articulate support and strategies. The SRN, being a strong group within the red-black political structure, has stood out for its organization and capacity to mobilize members.
Those present discussed, among other topics, the possible implications of a possible Dunshee's candidacy. His name has been circulating among members for some time, but now, with the explicit support of the SRN, his candidacy is gaining strength. The members highlighted that Dunshee is a name of continuity, someone who is already part of the current management and deeply knows the challenges and needs of the club. This, in the group's view, represents a positive point, as Dunshee could continue the projects started under the Landim administration.
The club has been in a race against time
|
Flamengo continues to debate whether to look for a replacement for Pedro, a striker who is recovering from an injury. The decision is complex, involving several variables ranging from the financial cost to the availability of players on the market. One of the main points under discussion is the high cost of a possible replacement. The club is aware that signing a center forward may require a significant investment, something that needs to be carefully evaluated within the team's current budget.
In addition, Flamengofaces the challenge of downtime of players available on the market. Many of the center forwards who are free for transfer come from long periods without playing, with recent injuries or prolonged absence from the field. This situation represents a risk, as the integration of a player who is not in the rhythm of the game may take longer and be less effective initially.
The club is also considering the limited number of viable options on the market. The scarcity of attackers who meet the criteria required by Flamengo – both in terms of quality and physical readiness – is a factor that further complicates the search for a suitable replacement.
In this scenario, the management of Flamengo assesses whether signing a new player is the best solution or whether there are viable alternatives to deal with Pedro's absence, such as adjusting the tactical formation or promoting youth players. The final decision is still being studied, and the club needs to carefully consider all aspects before making a decision.
Shirt 14 is being monitored by the Medical Department
|
Flamengo continues to wait for the return of Arrascaeta, who has been sidelined since August 18th, when he suffered an injury to his left thigh. The number 14 is being monitored by the club's Medical Department and his return to the field is still uncertain for the decisive clash against Bahia, valid for the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. The game will take place on September 12th, at 9:45 pm, at Maracanã.
Arrascaeta has not yet started the transition phase to the field, remaining under the care of Flamengo's medical department. With less than a week to go until the match, the club is racing against time to count on the return of the Uruguayan star. According to journalist Venê Casagrande, the player is in the final stage of recovery and there is an expectation that he will begin the physical transition next Monday (09).
IMPACT OF INJURIES IN THE SECOND HALF
An undisputed starter at Flamengo and frequently called up for the Uruguayan national team, Arrascaeta has faced physical problems throughout the seasons, especially in the second half, when the calendar becomes more intense. Since 2019, the midfielder has suffered 70% of his injuries after June, totaling 20 absences for Flamengo, 14 of them from that period.
In the first match of the quarter-finals against Bahia, Flamengo won 1-0 away from home, with a goal from Bruno Henrique. With this result, Rubro-Negro can even draw at Maracanã to guarantee their place in the tournament's semifinals. The team hopes to count on Arrascaeta, but is also preparing alternatives to make up for his possible absence.
Flamengo still has some doubts for the clash, but the likely lineup has names like: Rossi, Wesley (Varela), Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas, Pulgar (Léo Ortiz), Allan, Gerson, Luiz Araújo, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol (Arrascaeta).
SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER