Soccer

Tite, from Flamengo, admits adjustment to aerial ball

Coach says he does not escape responsibility for mistakes made by the team in high plays

29 Ago 2024 | 10:42 |

At the press conference after the 1-0 victory over Bahia last Wednesday (28) for the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo's coach, Tite, admitted a change in posture in the defensive aerial ball on the part of his team. The red and black team had been one of the teams that conceded the most goals from high plays in the area and criticism from the fans and the media was growing more and more.

“Yes, we observed and there were adjustments , Yes. No one hides behind responsibility, the team was excellent in terms of dead balls and aerial balls. Yes, there was an adjustment”, admitted the coach after being asked. Flamengo won 78% of high-flying duels in their own area, according to statistics aggregator SofaScore.

Next, Tite was asked whether Flamengo's defensive posture against Bahia was seeking to resist, in the context of a knockout match. The coach did not agree that the red-and-black entered the field with the sole purpose of defending himself because, according to the coach, this would bring the team closer to defeat.

“If you want to defend yourself, you are closer of losing. Our proposal is to play in the same way, with three pressures wherever the ball is. Otherwise you will lose. I'm not going to make the team cower. It can be (defensive) in a game circumstance. In the second half we were better, we got possession, we managed to score more, we were at the mercy of the second goal. The team that needs the score needs to open up and give it space”, he concluded.

The technical committee is now preparing its team for the game in a place where it has experienced a lot of joy. Flamengo visits Corinthians this Sunday (1 ) at 4:00 pm, at Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo. It will be the first time that the 63-year-old gaucho leads a team in Itaquera as a visitor. Tite was Timão's coach on three occasions, in 2004/05, from 2010 to 2013 and from 2015 to 2016, and is considered one of the greatest in the club's history, having been champion of the Libertadores, World Cup and two-time Brazilian champion with the Parque team. Saint George.

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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.

Tite, from Flamengo, admits adjustment to aerial ball