Training defines Flamengo's starting lineup to face LDU in the Libertadores

Eliminated from the Copa do Brasil last Wednesday (6), after losing on penalties to Atlético-MG in Belo Horizonte, Flamengo was once again the target of criticism. Among them, that of former coach Joel Santana, who questioned Filipe Luís's decisions in command of the team.

Joel Santana on Flamengo's Filipe Luís: "Football is a serious thing, it's not a joke"

"Football is a serious matter, it's not a joke. Flamengo played around in the first game at Maracanã . They gave the guys hope, and look what happened. Atlético isn't stupid," said Joel in a video posted on YouTube this Friday (8). The former manager also demanded more attention from the red-black coach:

"I don't know what's going through Flamengo 's coach's head. Competition is competition, and it's a résumé. It doesn't work in the Libertadores and the Brasileirão; we'll see what happens . The fans are already irritated by the fluctuations and changes being made. Pay attention: I worked at Flamengo four or five times, and it wasn't for nothing. Football doesn't tolerate insults," he concluded.

CONTEXT OF ELIMINATION

Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 in Belo Horizonte, but lost on penalties and fell in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil . Some of the criticism from the fans focused on Filipe Luís' lack of tactical variations.

NEXT APPOINTMENT

The red-black team returns to the field this Saturday (9), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Mirassol at Maracanã , for the 19th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be broadcast exclusively by Premiere (pay-per-view) for all of Brazil.

A recent idol and protagonist of historic moments, Gabigol said goodbye to Flamengo at the end of 2024. Rodolfo Landim's management chose not to renew the former number 99's contract , a decision that the former president himself explained in an interview with Penido's Podcast.

Landim on Gabigol's renewal at Flamengo: "It didn't make sense to sign a contract for another five years"

"Do you think Flamengo could have kept Gabigol? Man, that's a tough question for someone who had the power to do it. Gabigol is an idol to me and to all Flamengo fans . He will remain in the history books. What he did for Flamengo will be remembered forever," Landim stated, before adding:

"The results we had in 2023 and 2024 didn't make sense to sign a contract for another five years, which was the length he wanted. A lower amount would be fine, but it was a lot of money. He's still a young and valuable player, but the club needs to manage its finances responsibly. We need to consider the total cost, not just the salary, and ensure the decision is sustainable for Flamengo," he concluded.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FLAMENGO AND GABIGOL

Gabigol arrived at Flamengo in January 2019, on loan from Inter Milan (ITA), and had a memorable year: he scored the goals in the Libertadores Cup title and was a key player in the club's seventh Brazilian championship . In 2020, the club acquired his rights outright for R$79 million.

In six seasons wearing the Sacred Mantle, the striker played 306 games, scored 161 goals , gave 43 assists and won: two Libertadores, two Brasileiros, two Copa do Brasil, two Supercopas do Brasil, one Recopa Sudamericana and four Cariocas.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

While Gabigol begins his career at Cruzeiro, Flamengo turns its attention to the Brasileirão . This Saturday (9), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), the team faces Mirassol at Maracanã, in the 19th round. Mengão aims for victory to remain at the top of the competition.

Flamengo is already thinking about the future and intends to extend goalkeeper Agustín Rossi's contract next year. Although his current contract runs until 2027, the board wants to move negotiations forward to ensure the Argentine stays for even longer .

At 29, Rossi has been in great form since becoming a starter. Confident, decisive, and consistent, he has earned the trust of the fans and the coaching staff , becoming a key player in the red-and-black system. This information comes from the 'GE' portal.

VISA PROTECTION MEASURE

The board's early move aims to avoid inquiries from other clubs and ensure stability in defense. Furthermore, the contract increase is seen as recognition of the goalkeeper's performance since his arrival in Rio de Janeiro.

With Rossi protecting the goal, Flamengo is banking on continuity to maintain its competitiveness and security in the position for the coming years. Despite the desire for renewal, Mengão is also aiming to sign a new goalkeeper , as Matheus Cunha, the club's current backup goalkeeper, has already signed a pre-contract with Cruzeiro.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO RETURN TO THE FIELD?

The next match will be this Saturday (9), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), against Mirassol, at Maracanã, for the 19th round of the Brasileirão. Filipe Luís's team leads the competition with 37 points in 17 games - 11 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses - the same score as the runner-up Cruzeiro, who have one more game. On Sunday (10), Raposa faces Santos. The match will be broadcast exclusively on Premiere, a pay-per-view service available with an annual or monthly subscription.