TITE STILL SEES THE NEED FOR REINFORCEMENTS AT FLAMENGO: ''NOT JUST ZAGUEIROS''

The FIFA World Cup break brought a rare benefit to Flamengo's squad: free time to train and refine details on and off the field. Emerson Royal emphasized that the break was crucial for physical recovery and also for adjusting the team's tactical and mental aspects. The right-back emphasized that, after an intense marathon of matches, the squad was able to breathe and focus on areas that needed attention.

" This week was very important. The routine was tough, with back-to-back matches. It was good for us to take a breather and work on mistakes made during the competitions. Now it's time to come back strong to maintain our lead ," Royal said in an interview with Flamengo TV.

100% PHYSICAL CONDITION

Emerson Royal is expected to start against Juventude due to Varela's injury. The defender explained that he now feels fully recovered from the ankle injury he suffered in the first leg against Internacional in the Copa Libertadores.

He sat out one match, was benched twice, and came on in the final minutes against Grêmio. However, the athlete admitted that he wasn't yet in optimal condition during that period.

" I was on the bench, but I wasn't 100% ready to play. It was tough, the pain was intense and quite uncomfortable. But now I'm fine and ready. If Filipe needs me, I'll be able to play a great game ," the full-back added.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

With 47 points, Flamengo is in sole possession of the Brazilian Championship lead. The advantage over Cruzeiro, in second place, is three points. Filipe Luís's team faces Juventude, which occupies 18th place , this Sunday (14), at 4 pm, at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium.

Right-back Wesley ended his career at Flamengo after 136 appearances, four goals, and six assists, leaving the club with "a full heart." In an interview with GOAT, the player spoke about the mix of happiness and sadness upon accepting the transfer to Roma , fulfilling his dream of playing in Europe.

" I said I wouldn't be sad. But that day, it felt like I was saying goodbye, and part of me was. A horrible feeling, of sadness. I called my wife... ", the athlete revealed.

The player acknowledged that his departure was also due to a turbulent time at Flamengo , but highlighted that the experience at Gávea was essential for his growth as an athlete and as a person .

TRANSFER TO ROME

Roma invested €25 million (R$161.4 million at the time) plus €5 million (R$32.2 million) in targets to secure Wesley. Despite having played in only two matches for the Italian club so far, the full-back has already demonstrated his attacking ability, scoring a goal while playing in defense.

AND FLAMENGO?

Flamengo returned to training last Friday afternoon (5), at Ninho do Urubu, after receiving four days off, and began preparing for the rest of the season. Rubro-Negro returns to the field on September 14 to face Juventude , at 4 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.

After focusing on Arrascaeta, Flamengo now turns its attention to goalkeeper Agustín Rossi. A regular starter, Rossi has the coach's full confidence and represents a key player in the Rubro-Negro's sporting project . According to reports, the board is seeking to extend his contract to ensure stability in the position.

Meanwhile, the club is also monitoring the market. A new goalkeeper is being sought to eventually replace Matheus Cunha , who is not in the plans and has already agreed a pre-contract with Cruzeiro for next season.

ROSSI WANTS TO STAY

During a press conference last month, the number 1 preferred to be cautious when commenting on the topic. "These are things that are being discussed, but nothing is resolved yet. Obviously, on a personal level, I'm very happy at Flamengo, very content. I hope to stay here for many years, but these are things that will evolve," said the Argentine.

SPONSORSHIP AND FINANCE

Negotiations with Adidas and Betano aren't limited to marketing: they directly impact Flamengo's ability to maintain competitive salaries and retain talent . Financial and sporting alignment is considered vital for the club to continue competing for titles and maintaining its strength in Brazilian football.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

Flamengo continues its preparation for the rest of the season. After the break for the FIFA Date, the technical committee led by Filipe Luís works behind the scenes aiming at the match against Juventude , next Sunday (14), at 4 pm, at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, for the Brazilian Championship.