VICE-PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL MARCOS BRAZ CRITICIZES ARBITRATION AGAINST ATLÉTICO-GO

Peñarol is preparing intensively for the decisive clash against Flamengo in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores. The Uruguayan club faces Miramar Misiones this Saturday (07), at the Centenário Stadium, in the 10th round of the Uruguayan Championship. The game will be a crucial opportunity for the team to adjust its rhythm and align its strategies before facing the Brazilian Rubro-Negro next Thursday (19), at Maracanã.

Peñarol coach, Alfredo Arias , confirmed that the team will enter the field with maximum strength against Miramar Misiones. The decision to select the main players reflects the importance of the duel for the team, which is preparing for the high-level international clash against Flamengo. Peñarol does not want to leave any room for mistakes, making the most of each match before the Libertadores semi-final.

The match against Miramar Misiones is an essential step for Peñarol. With the Uruguayan internal competition already quite fierce, the team needs to guarantee good results to remain competitive in the Uruguayan Championship. However, the match also serves as a final test for the players and the coaching staff to adjust their physical and tactical form before the big challenge against Flamengo.

The clash against Flamengo is eagerly awaited. Rubro-Negro, current champion of the Libertadores, is a strong opponent, and Peñarol will have to be in top form to face them. The Uruguayan team needs to be prepared in both tactical and physical terms to face one of the strongest clubs in the South American competition.

With the final stretch of the 2024 season approaching, Flamengo faces an important challenge after the injury to Pedro, who suffered a ruptured ligament in his left knee. The club's vice-president of football, Marcos Braz, stated in an interview with "Fla TV" that he will discuss with coach Tite and his committee the possibility of seeking a new reinforcement to make up for the striker's absence.

The Flamengo see you next time Tuesday (stipulated deadline) to regularize any player who may play for the team this season. However, the options available are limited, as only athletes without a contract can be signed outside the transfer window. Braz highlighted the difficulties in finding suitable names on the market.

"The window is practically over, and the restrictions are enormous in making a signing at this time. After the window closes, it is only possible to sign players who were already without a contract before closing. This greatly reduces the options", explained the manager.

Despite speculation about possible hiring, Marcos Braz highlighted that The red and black squad already has alternatives for the position. Flamengo has, in addition to Gabigol, who must take responsibility in the attack, other players who can perform the role, such as Carlinhos and Bruno Henrique, who can also be improvised as a center forward.

"We have three players who can play in this position. Gabigol has always solved our problems, we have Carlinhos and Bruno Henrique, who can play the role of 9. We will analyze calmly until Tuesday and decide what is best for Flamengo", concluded Braz.

On Thursday afternoon (5), Flamengo officially presented left-back Alex Sandro, at Ninho do Urubu. The signing of the experienced player aims to strengthen the red and black squad after the injury to Matías Viña, which will leave the team missing for a long period. In addition to Alex Sandro, Flamengo brought in other important reinforcements in this transfer window, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Gonzalo Plata and Michael, with the aim of maintaining a competitive level in all competitions.

FLAMENGO WILL NOT PRIORITIZE COMPETITIONS, SAYS SPINDEL

During the press conference that followed Alex Sandro's presentation, Bruno Spindel, Flamengo's executive director of football, spoke about the club's stance in relation to the tight calendar and the competitions remaining in the season. When asked whether Flamengo would prioritize any specific tournament, Spindel was emphatic in stating that the team will not make distinctions between competitions.

“Flamengo does not prioritize competitions. The serious injuries to Viña and Cebolinha alerted us to the stress that the calendar is imposing on our athletes. Our goal is to win all the tournaments we are playing in, and that means fighting for each title, whether in the Brazilian Championship, the Copa do Brasil or the Libertadores”, declared Spindel.

The director also highlighted the impact that the calendar and call-ups for the Copa América had on the physical wear and tear on the squad. According to Spindel, Flamengo had between five and six players called up, which required greater squad rotation and caused an accumulation of games for some athletes.

"People forget that during the Copa América, many of our players were with their teams. This increases the wear and tear on those who remain and also harms the squad's planning. In addition to the replacements we have already made, we brought in new athletes, such as Alex Sandro, to ensure that Flamengo remains competitive on all fronts", he explained. .

Spindel mentioned that the recent signings aim to expand the options from coach Tite, allowing greater flexibility in the lineup and team rotation. "Our focus is to give Tite alternatives during the games, with a squad strong enough to compete in all competitions. We brought four reinforcements, and we believe that they will help us maintain the high level on the field", said the director.

The decision not to prioritize competitions, according to Spindel, is part of the club's institutional policy. “Flamengo’s premise is to compete on all fronts. The coach always puts the best team available on the field, taking into account the wear and tear of the players. The squad's commitment is total, even when functions on the field need to be adjusted due to the demands of the calendar,” he concluded.