WILL YOU BE AWAY? FLUMINENSE STAR FEELS KNEE PAIN AND IS IN DOUBT ABOUT FACING FLAMENGO

Flamengo is taking significant steps to complete the construction of its own stadium. The club's director of external relations, Cacau Cotta, recently met with federal deputy Pedro Paulo to discuss and try to speed up the behind-the-scenes procedures of this important project.

In a crucial phase of the negotiations, the club's board of directors Flamengo has been seeking political support to overcome bureaucratic challenges and advance in planning the new stadium. The meeting with deputy Pedro Paulo reflects the club's strategy of engaging influential figures in the political scene to ensure that the project moves quickly through government corridors.

The construction of its own stadium has been an old dream of the red and black fans and the club's management, which currently plays its games mainly at Maracanã, a historic stadium, but which does not belong to Flamengo. Having your own home represents not only autonomy and identity for the club, but also the possibility of increasing its revenue, without the need to share profits with the Maracanã administration.

Details about the exact location of the club new stadium are still in the definition phase, but several areas in Rio de Janeiro have been considered. Choosing the land is one of the most complex stages of the process, involving analyzes of technical feasibility, accessibility, environmental impact and, of course, the support of the local community.

Last Saturday, Flamengo confirmed an injury to the back of the left thigh of the starting defender and coach Tite's trust, Léo Pereira. Practically untouchable, the defender is out of action, and Léo Ortiz and David Luiz are competing for the open spot.

After practically a week of training, due to the temporary stoppage of the Brazilian Championship, Tite is having time to focus on preparing for the team, which is looking to resume its good form after a period of criticism, and returns to the field in a game worth classification.

In this scenario, with the confirmed absence of Léo Pereira, Tite has two options to compose the red and black defense: Léo Ortiz and David Luiz. The two fight for the title in the third phase match of the Copa do Brasil.

It is worth noting that in the game against Bolívar, which marked Léo Pereira's injury, the one chosen by Tite to go to the field was the experienced David Luiz. On that occasion, David entered the field at 37 in the first half.

In the case of Léo Ortiz, the defender played only four games for Flamengo in 2024, two for the Libertadores (Palestino and Bolívar) and two for the Championship Brazilian (Bragantino and Corinthians). If the number 3 is chosen, the Red Bull Bragantino defense pairing will be renewed, with Fabrício Bruno.

Still in relation to the next match, against Amazonas, despite not being able to count on Léo Pereira, Tite will have the return of another fundamental player to the squad: Pulgar. The midfielder was also an absolute starter with the coach before suffering a sprain in his left ankle, in the game against Botafogo, in the Brasileirão. Back, Erick reinforces the red and black squad in search of classification.

Already thinking about Amazonas, it's worth remembering that Flamengo is the visitor in the decisive game. In the first match, played at Maracanã, Rubro-Negro had a night to forget, with a terrible collective performance, where practically only young Lorran was a positive highlight.

Despite the regrettable performance, Flamengo managed to emerge victorious and triumphed by the minimum score of 1-0. The match in question was even marked by an increase in protests against Tite and the squad, with Maracanã taken over by boos.

Now, rediscovering the path to victory and trying To return to their good form, Flamengo will go to the Arena da Amazônia to face Amazonas, in the return game of the Copa do Brasil. The match will be played on Wednesday (22), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time).

Flamengo's defense is one of the best in Brazil in terms of numbers, but, in April, it had a drop in performance compared to the start of the season. Rubro-Negro continues to concede few goals, it's true, but the number has increased significantly this month. Tite and company had more games with the goal leaked than cleared.

It's an unusual situation for those who have followed Flamengo since the beginning of the season. Defensive solidity is one of Tite's hallmarks, but, amid the marathon of games this month, the system has shown itself to be a little more fragile. Trivela explains what changed during this period.

First of all, it is necessary to take into account that the technical level of Flamengo's opponents has increased significantly this month. If in February and March, months in which they went without conceding a single goal, Rubro-Negro only competed against Carioca, April reserved debuts in the Libertadores and Brasileirão. Even though the State has its regional classics, the nuances are completely different.

In the Libertadores, for example, Flamengo faced altitude twice and lost both times, this factor needs to be considered. In other games, like against São Paulo, for example, Rubro-Negro could have ended without conceding goals.