BOTAFOGO ZAGUEIRO REVEALS THAT HE ALMOST SIGNED WITH FLAMENGO IN 2019: "IT WAS A CLOSE WAY"

This Sunday (14), Flamengo beat Juventude 2-0 , at Alfredo Jaconi, with goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal. After the match, coach Filipe Luís highlighted the performance of the right-back and stated that the Rubro-Negro's style of play resembles that of the Brazilian National Team under the command of Carlo Ancelotti.

Filipe Luís on his playing style enhancing Emerson Royal's potential in the national team: "The way Flamengo plays today is practically identical"

For the coach, this similarity could help Royal return to the squad: "I spoke with Emerson, and the way Flamengo plays today is practically identical to how the Brazilian national team played against Chile. This will greatly enhance his characteristics, boost his confidence, and put him back on the national team's radar ," explained Filipe.

FIFA DATE PAUSE HELPED IN EVOLUTION

During the period without games, Royal added more training minutes and absorbed tactical concepts developed by the coaching staff . The full-back was rewarded by scoring the goal that ended Flamengo's nearly 28-year winless streak against Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium.

DISPUTE ON THE RIGHT-BACK OF THE NATIONAL TEAM

Today, Royal competes with Wesley (Roma), Vanderson (Monaco) and Vitinho (Botafogo), as well as names like Yan Couto (Borussia Dortmund) and Dodô (Fiorentina) . None of them, however, have a guaranteed place in the 2026 World Cup. Currently, Royal is the active right-back with the most appearances for the Brazilian National Team (10), a factor that could weigh in his favor.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT CHALLENGE

The defender should continue as a starter next Thursday (18), when Flamengo faces Estudiantes-ARG, at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The stadium will be packed to push the players in search of a great result before the return leg in Argentina.

Next Wednesday (17), Flamengo's deliberative council will have a decisive meeting . The meeting will feature the presentation of an economic feasibility study on the construction of the club's new stadium , planned for the port area of Rio de Janeiro. The survey was commissioned by Bap's administration and prepared by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV).

In addition to the report, the board members will also discuss topics such as the organization's revenue generation capacity , financing costs, and potential strategic partnerships. The agenda also includes the possibility of seeking naming rights for the future arena.

WHERE WILL THE NEW STADIUM BE?

Flamengo 's stadium will be built in the Gasômetro district of São Cristóvão, covering an area of 86,000 square meters . The expected capacity is 77,923, close to that of Maracanã, which currently holds just over 78,000 fans.

WHAT WILL THE PROJECT COST?

During Rodolfo Landim's administration, the initial estimate for the stadium's construction was R$1.9 billion. However, after the first data from the new study, Bap has already announced that the estimate is much higher . The project could cost as much as R$3 billion.

AND MEANWHILE, THE TEAM CONTINUES ON THE FIELD

While the project advances behind the scenes, Flamengo continues to play its games at Maracanã. However, this Sunday (14), the team plays outside of Rio: it faces Juventude , at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul, for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão.

After Flamengo's victory over Juventude, coach Filipe Luís stated that Saúl is experiencing "perhaps the best moment of his career." However, the Spanish midfielder was frank in disagreeing with the coach's assessment and took the opportunity to reflect on his experience in Brazil.

Saúl responds to Filipe Luís about his time at Flamengo being the best moment of his career: "I don't think so"

"I don't think so (about being at the best moment of my career). I've had some really good moments, but today I feel really good mentally . I'm lucky to have my family with me on this adventure, even though I know it's not easy for them. I train, play, and enjoy what I do, but for those who follow us, it's more complicated," the midfielder began.

"I'm very proud of my family; it allows me to enjoy the present. I've had some great times, and I know the best is yet to come . I'm playing well now, but the bad times will come too, and I'll know how to handle them," Saúl said at a press conference.

WHAT DID FILIPE LUÍS SAY?

The Spaniard had an intense few days. On Saturday (13), his son, Marco Ñíguez Salamanca, was born, and on Sunday (14), Saúl traveled to Caxias do Sul to play against Juventude. Despite the atypical preparation, the midfielder was decisive and provided the assist for Arrascaeta to open the scoring in the red-black victory.

" We're seeing the best Saúl. Perhaps the best Saúl of his career . This is a credit to him and also to the club, which believed in and managed to unlock this player's potential. Everyone knows the career he built, especially at Atlético de Madrid," said Filipe Luís.

WILL SAÚL HAVE TIME TO ENJOY HIS SON?

Flamengo returned to Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (14), around 10:30 pm (Brasília time). However, the rest time will be short: on Thursday (18), the team faces Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã , for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.