TITE REPORTS THAT HE WILL HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF FLAMENGO TO DEFINE PRIORITIES IN THE SEQUENCE OF GAMES IN APRIL

The presence of Bruno Henrique could be the key for Flamengo to overcome difficulties in the final stretch of the 2024 season. The team, under the command of coach Tite, remains active in all competitions, but lost Pedro, the team's top scorer. Brazil in the year, which shook confidence in the offensive sector. Gabigol and Carlinhos, immediate replacements for the center forward position, have not yet demonstrated the necessary security to maintain the goalscoring pace that the team needs.

Bruno Henrique, who has shone brightly in other moments for Flamengo, especially in the 2019 campaign under the command of Jorge Jesus, could be the solution to the problems in attack. He was tested by Tite as a center forward in some matches, but ended up losing space in the starting lineup. However, his versatility opens up an important possibility of resuming his role as number 9, something that Flamengo director Bruno Spindel recently highlighted at a press conference. Spindel mentioned that Bruno Henrique is a viable option for the position, expanding the possibilities for tactical adjustments in the team.

CAN THE KING OF AMERICA SAVE FLAMENGO?

< Bruno Henrique's performance as a center forward proved to be relevant in crucial moments, such as in the recent 1-0 victory against Bahia, in the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil. The player, known for his decision-making ability in classics, scored the winning goal with a header, showing that, even out of his original position, he can still be decisive for the team. This result gives Flamengo an important advantage in the return match, which will take place on September 12th.

Bruno Henrique's story on Flamengoalready has remarkable passages, the most brilliant being in 2019, when under the command of Jorge Jesus, he experienced his peak with the red-black shirt. At that time, although he officially played as a left winger, his role on the field was much more dynamic. With Gabigol occupying a more advanced position in the attack, Bruno's movement was essential to create scoring opportunities. Gabigol dropped back to help with creation, often collaborating with Everton Ribeiro on the right, while Bruno Henrique took advantage of the spaces in the area to finish the plays.

According to Ge, O Flamengo faces an important dilemma with the absence of Pedro, sidelined by a serious injury to his left knee. The center forward, a fundamental piece in the tactical scheme of the team and the Brazilian team, will be left out for an indefinite period of time, which has brought up an internal discussion at the club: whether or not to seek an immediate replacement for the number 9? Several factors complicate this decision, such as the high cost of possible signings, the time needed to adapt a new athlete and the scarcity of quality options available on the market.

Pedro's injury doesn't just affect the Flamengoin the short term, but it could have a significant impact on the competitions in which the club is involved: Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Brasileiro and Libertadores. Pedro had been one of the team's top scorers and protagonists, playing a crucial role in finishing offensive plays. His absence leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill with the players currently available in the squad. Thus, the red and black board is forced to consider whether to invest in a new center forward or trust in a homemade solution.

A SOLUTION IN SIGHT OF FLAMENGO

The club has carried out surveys and seen indications for the signing of players who are "free" on the market and without a contract. The decision to hire a new center forward is not simple, and some points make this process difficult. First, the high cost involved. The transfer window is closed to international signings, and the players available on the national market are either under contract with other teams, which makes the operation more expensive, or do not have the technical level that Flamengo demands.

In addition Furthermore, free athletes on the market generally come from a long period of inactivity, either due to previous injuries or because they have not been linked to a club for months. This lack of rhythm in the game is a real concern for the technical committee and the board, as the Flamengo needs a player who can enter the field and perform immediately, without go through a long period of adaptation or physical recovery. In Pedro's case, the injury occurred at a crucial moment of the season, and the club needs quick responses, especially in short-range competitions like the Copa do Brasil.

The Flamengo prepared to face Palmeiras on Sunday (11), at Maracanã. Before entering the field, Rubro-Negro lost a position in the Brasileirão table, to Fortaleza. The northeastern team did its homework and beat Criciúma this Saturday (10), 1-0.

Under the command of Argentine coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, Fortaleza had a saving goal from Moisés in the second minute of the second half. Therefore, the Fortaleza team defeated Criciúma at Arena Castelão, in a game that opened the 22nd round of the Brasileirão.

Fortaleza now has eight rounds of unbeaten record in the Brasileirão, with seven wins and one draw. In this way, the Ceará team reached 42 points, surpassing Flamengo's 40, which fell from second to third place in the competition. Botafogo leads with 43.

1st Botafogo (43 points / 21 games); 2nd Fortaleza (42 points / 21 games); 3rd Flamengo (40 points / 20 games); 4th Palmeiras (37 points / 21 games)

Even though they lost second place to Fortaleza, Flamengo has the chance to regain the position. That's because Rubro-Negro faces Palmeiras at 4pm (Brasília time) this Sunday (11). In other words, if they win, Mais Querido reaches 43 points and surpasses the 42 of the northeastern team.