Soccer

Varela is at the peak of his career and jokes about it in the National Team: "I've become Gerson..."

Uruguayan right-back talks about new role with Filipe Luís, says he is motivated and recognizes the importance of playing for the club in other roles

Flamengo's full-back continues to be on the rise of Mais Querido and confides about his joke with Gerson in the Uruguayan National Team (Photo/Flamengo)
Flamengo's full-back continues to be on the rise of Mais Querido and confides about his joke with Gerson in the Uruguayan National Team (Photo/Flamengo)

05 Jun 2025 | 12:25 |

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Flamengo is going through a phase of adjustments and homegrown solutions amidst the marathon of games and important absences. Among the alternatives found by Filipe Luís during the FIFA Date, one has been gaining strength in a curious way: right-back Guillermo Varela, who has started to play as a defensive midfielder in some game situations.




Varela on his current situation at Flamengo: "I'm confident and I'm physically well"




The experience, although still in its early stages, has already generated good internal impressions and has the confidence of the player himself. In an interview with ge, Varela confirmed that the idea came from a conversation with Filipe Luís . There were four matches in the sector, something that today serves as a reference in the attempt to readapt.

A VALUE AND ADAPTATION

According to him, the adaptation is not easy, but the support of the coaching staff and the support of his teammates have been fundamental: "To play in that position again, you have to at least train, because it's not overnight and you're going to play well. But Filipe Luís gives me confidence, and so do my teammates. I'm confident and I'm physically well. So it helps the process," explained the number 2.

VARELA BOOSTS MORALE AT FLAMENGO

Despite still being a full-back by origin, the Uruguayan has already dealt with comparisons and jokes. Jokes aside, the nickname "Joker" has even reached the Uruguayan national team. "They're making fun of me at the national team too. They say I've become like Gerson," he said, laughing. The change in role comes at a time of confidence for the player, who is enjoying a good run at the club.

In 2024, he has already played 22 games, scored one goal and had three assists. His performance has also attracted attention off the pitch, especially in the boardroom. With a contract until the end of 2025, Varela is in talks to extend his contract. The negotiation is seen positively by both parties, and the full-back does not hide his excitement.


Soccer

It's out! Check out Flamengo's lineup to face Internacional in the Copa Libertadores.

With an advantage built at Maracanã and a good run of form in the Brasileirão, Mais Querido seeks to confirm its qualification for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores against Colorado

Flamengo's confirmed lineup to face Internacional at Beira-Rio in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores - photo: reproduction
Flamengo's confirmed lineup to face Internacional at Beira-Rio in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 20:25 |

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This Wednesday (20), Flamengo is ready to face Internacional again, now for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, at the Beira-Rio Stadium. After winning the first leg 1-0, at the Maracanã, and beating the opponent again last Sunday (17), 3-1, for the Brazilian Championship, the Mais Querido arrives packed and with morale for the decisive confrontation.


The Rio de Janeiro team, currently the sole leader of the Brasileirão, is targeting the continental tournament in search of a place in the quarterfinals. With the advantage of a draw, the goal is to continue its quest for a fourth Libertadores title. In the group stage, the club finished second in Group C, totaling 11 points, the same as leaders LDU, with four wins, two draws, and only one loss.


FLAMENGO DEFINED


With Erick Pulgar out injured, the coach is counting on Arrascaeta , Bruno Henrique, and midfield reinforcements to maintain the team's consistency against Internacional. The red-and-black lineup has already been confirmed for the match at Beira-Rio. The coach will field the following formation: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique.

URUGUAYAN ARBITRATION


Experienced in decisive CONMEBOL matches, Esteban Ostojich will be the referee for the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 clash. CONMEBOL has appointed Uruguayan Esteban Ostojich as the referee for the match. With a history of decisive matches in the continental competition, the referee once again takes charge of a game of great importance.

RETROSPECT BETWEEN THE TEAMS

Flamengo has the advantage in overall head-to-head record and remains undefeated against Colorado in Copa Libertadores matches. With their recent Brasileirão triumph, Flamengo has now leveled the playing field and now has 40 wins to Internacional's 39, with 34 draws in 113 meetings. In the Copa Libertadores, there are five clashes: two group stage matches in 1993, two quarterfinals in 2019, and one in the round of 16 in 2025.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player gives up on being Santos coach

Former Mengão coach presented demands considered unfeasible by the Santos board, including major reinforcements, and the club is now turning its attention

Santos withdraws from signing Jorge Sampaoli after impasse over reinforcement demands and financial constraints; club eyes Juan Pablo Vojvoda - photo: reproduction
Santos withdraws from signing Jorge Sampaoli after impasse over reinforcement demands and financial constraints; club eyes Juan Pablo Vojvoda - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 20:00 |

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Santos has decided to end negotiations to hire Jorge Sampaoli as its new coach . Despite being the favorite to replace Cléber Xavier, who was fired after the 6-0 thrashing by Vasco, Santos failed to meet the Argentine's demands.


The main obstacle was the list of reinforcements requested by the coach, which even included a starter from Sevilla, Spain. The board argued that current financial conditions would not allow for such a large investment , making the deal unfeasible.


SAMPAOLI'S DEMANDS


In addition to seeking high-profile signings, Sampaoli reportedly also requested the release of youngsters Robinho Jr. and Gabriel Bontempo, recently integrated into the squad and well-regarded by fans. The coach's stance widened the gap between his ideas and the board's planning.

Negotiations made progress on salary points and even on the appointment of reinforcements , but no consensus was reached. The Argentine coach, who had a turbulent time with the Mais Querido in 2023, ended up being discarded by the Santos leadership.


SAMPAOLI HAD A PASSAGE AT FLAMENGO

While in charge of Flamengo in 2023, Sampaoli finished runner-up in the Copa do Brasil, but suffered significant burnout after an early elimination from the Copa Libertadores against Paraguayan club Olimpia. Recent history also weighed on internal assessments.



Soccer

Live: watch the game between Flamengo and Internacional for the Libertadores at Beira-Rio

After winning the first leg at Maracanã, Mais Querido will play for a draw against Colorado to confirm their qualification for the Copa Libertadores.

Flamengo faces Internacional at Beira-Rio in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16 with Mengão in the lead - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Internacional at Beira-Rio in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16 with Mengão in the lead - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 19:30 |

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Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium, in Porto Alegre. The duel is valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. In the first leg, played at Maracanã, Rubro-Negro won 1-0 with a goal from Bruno Henrique and now only needs a draw to advance to the quarterfinals.


Fans will be able to watch the decisive match between Internacional and Flamengo live on broadcast, cable, and streaming TV. The game will be covered on three platforms. Rede Globo will broadcast the match on broadcast TV and Globoplay. ESPN subscribers will be able to watch on cable. Disney+ will also broadcast the match via exclusive streaming service.


LIVE FLAMENGO X INTERNACIONAL


PROBABLE LINEUPS


Coach Roger Machado should keep his base in Colorado, while Filipe Luís has Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique in the starting lineup. Internacional should go to the field with: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Tabata, Alan Patrick and Wesley; Ricardo Mathias.

Flamengo 's likely lineup should have changes in midfield: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique.



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