Cruzeiro coach praises Flamengo's cast in 2025 "well prepared ..."

Flamengo faces Juventude this Sunday (14), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship . The leader of the competition arrives in Caxias do Sul to maintain the top of the table, while the rival from Rio Grande do Sul tries to add points to leave the relegation zone.

Juventude 's idol and technical reference, 44-year-old midfielder Nenê, made a point of highlighting the challenge of facing the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved ). For him, the match demands maximum attention from the entire Alviverde squad.

" It's one of the toughest games we've had this year. Motivation increases, focus increases. We have to be focused the whole time. This is a game decided by the details. If we slip up against high-quality players, they can decide the outcome at any moment," the athlete stated.

28-YEAR TABOO

In the first round, the Red-Blacks thrashed their opponents 6-0, their biggest victory in the match . Even so, there's a taboo to be broken: Mengão hasn't won at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium since 1997. For Nenê, overcoming the Rio attack requires a well-executed tactical plan, with low and compact lines.

" Tactically, we need to be perfect. Stay close together, as a block . And when we have the ball, show our personality, press hard, and keep the ball away from our goal to try to score," he added.

LEADERSHIP OF THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Flamengo has 47 points and leads the Brasileirão, three ahead of second-place Cruzeiro. A victory in Caxias do Sul will ensure they maintain their lead in the standings and keep their goal of winning the national title alive.

Flamengo's Deliberative Council will hold a hybrid meeting in Gávea next Wednesday (17) to discuss the progress of the project for its own stadium . The meeting, which begins at 6:30 pm, will allow both in-person and virtual participation, and should update council members on the technical studies on the Gasômetro site and the new agreement signed with Rio City Hall.

President Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, will present detailed information on the land feasibility study, which is considered essential for determining the project's next steps. Additionally, council members will be able to learn more about the terms of the agreement signed with the City Hall and ask questions directly to the board.

MEETING WITH THE MAYOR

In August, Bap met with Mayor Eduardo Paes to discuss the stadium. At the time, the land tenure agreement for the Gasômetro stadium was signed, ensuring that the Mais Querido club will remain committed to making construction possible . The agreement also extended important deadlines for the project's completion, giving the board more breathing room to make necessary adjustments.

BAP POINTS OUT OBSTACLES

The postponement was confirmed by Bap himself in an interview with the club's official channel. According to him, the requirements contained in the City Hall's public notice made it difficult to accelerate the schedule. Despite the obstacles, the director reinforced that the stadium dream remains firm and financially sustainable for Flamengo.

" There were a series of conditions imposed in the tender for the project to move forward . When evaluating these preconditions, we realized that these steps would not be simple, quick, or easy to fulfill. Therefore, it would not be feasible to open this stadium in 2029," stated the Flamengo president.

The Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) announced this Tuesday (9) the dates and times of the first 11 rounds of the Women's Volleyball Super League . With this, Flamengo already knows its first opponents in the new season of the competition.

The red-and-black team's debut will be on October 20th, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), against Paulistano/Barueri, at the Tijuca Tennis Club Gymnasium, in Rio de Janeiro. In the second match, Flamengo faces Dentil Praia Clube, on the 31st of the same month, at Maracanãzinho.

COMPLETE TABLE

20/10 – 6:30 pm: Sesc Flamengo x Paulistano/Barueri – Tijuca Tennis Club (SporTV)

09/12 – 9:00 pm: Fluminense x Sesc Flamengo – Hebraica Gymnasium (SporTV)

31/10 – 9:00 p.m.: Sesc Flamengo x Dentil/Praia Clube – Maracanãzinho (SporTV)

06/11 – 6:30 pm: Tijuca Tennis Club x Sesc Flamengo – Tijuca Tennis Club (SporTV)

14/11 – 6:30 pm: Sesc Flamengo x Brasília Volleyball – Tijuca Tennis Club (VBTV)

11/18 – 9:30 pm: Sancor Maringá Volleyball x Sesc Flamengo – Chico Neto Municipal Gymnasium (SporTV)

24/11 – 9:00 pm: Osasco Saint Christopher Health x Sesc Flamengo – José Liberati Gymnasium (SporTV)

28/11 – 9:00 p.m.: Sesc Flamengo x Gerdau Minas – Maracanãzinho (SporTV)

05/12 – 9:00 pm: Sesi Volleyball Bauru x Sesc Flamengo – Arena Paulo Skaf (SporTV)

12/12 – 9:00 pm: Sesc Flamengo x Renasce Sorocaba – Tijuca Tennis Club (SporTV)

12/19 – 6:30 pm: Mackenzie x Sesc Flamengo – Mackenzie Sports Club Gymnasium (VBTV)

STRENGTHENED CAST

Flamengo remains focused on preparing for the season. Bernardinho's team has already confirmed the signings of Tainara, Simone Lee, Masa Kiryu, Giovana, and Vivian . The club also attempted to sign opposite Rosamaria, a standout player for the Brazilian national team, but failed to secure a deal.