Zico regrets never having played in a stadium in Ceará: "a lot of passion from the fans"

After a string of disappointing results, including a 1-0 loss to Atlético-MG and a draw against Ceará , Flamengo is experiencing a slowdown this season. Despite boasting a roster full of renowned athletes, the team's collective performance has been criticized , particularly for its lack of consistency.

Former player and current commentator Paulo Nunes was blunt in his analysis of the team's current form. According to him, the problem goes beyond results and involves the team's performance on the field. "If you look at Flamengo's squad, player by player, it's a team that can compete with any other in Brazil ," he said.

" And when the starting lineup comes in, the potential is even greater. But the performance is below par. It's not just about winning, but about playing better. I was shocked by Flamengo 's bench against Atlético-MG. There's talent, there are alternatives, but something is missing on the field," said Paulo Nunes.

QUALIFIED CAST DOES NOT REFLECT ON THE FIELD

Despite the big names at the coach's disposal, the team's performance hasn't reflected the club's investment. Flamengo is still searching for a more convincing style of play, especially in front of a demanding fan base , which expects more than just close results or lackluster performances.

Paulo Nunes reinforced this view, emphasizing that the team has the capacity to play more engaging football. " I'm a results-oriented team, always have been. But Flamengo has the ability to play better football. They already demonstrated that before the World Cup. Fans go to Maracanã expecting to see that level again."

DIFFICULTIES IN THE MIDFIELD EXPLAIN OSCILLATIONS

In recent games, the team has shown signs of tactical imbalance and difficulty creating attacking plays. The lack of creative output, coupled with difficulties controlling the midfield , has limited the team's performance in decisive matches.

Former Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim expressed concern about the future of the club's stadium construction project. In an interview with Penido's Podcast on "Super Rádio Tupi," the former executive stated that the change in Flamengo's leadership in 2025 significantly slowed progress on planning for the new arena, planned for the Gasômetro site in downtown Rio de Janeiro.

According to Landim, this issue was decisive in his decision to support Rodrigo Dunshee in the last internal elections . However, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, won the election and took over as club president. For the former president, the current board shows no concrete interest in advancing the stadium project.

FORMER PRESIDENT CITES LACK OF COMMITMENT

During his participation in the podcast, Landim was categorical in pointing out the lack of commitment of the current administration: "I knew that this (stadium) would not happen, it was one of the main reasons why my personal choice of candidate was different. Absolutely certain (that the stadium would not happen with Bap). (Board) has no (interest in the stadium) . He (Bap) will say no, they will create all kinds of excuses to prove otherwise," he declared.

The former president also believes the project has only been kept afloat so far thanks to Mayor Eduardo Paes's patience. The Gasômetro land was expropriated with the intention of becoming Flamengo 's future stadium. However, Landim warns that the city's support may have its limits.

THERE IS A RISK OF LAND LOSS

Also in the interview, Landim explained that if the current board doesn't move forward with the project, the city government could back down. " It's killing the stadium project. If it doesn't move forward , the mayor won't get the law approved and will have to negotiate with Caixa Econômica Federal to raise the money and return the land to Caixa Econômica Federal. There's a huge risk, not a small one. The only reason it hasn't happened is because the mayor is patient. All it takes is for the mayor to say, 'I'm tired,'" he warned.

Flamengo has turned its attention to a new target in the European market. After noticing the difficulties in negotiating with Lucas Beltrán, currently at Fiorentina, Flamengo officials began inquiries about Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi . The change in direction in negotiations was revealed by Italian journalist Pietro Lazzerini.

According to the investigation, despite being the only club to express concrete interest in Beltrán, the Argentine player prefers to remain in European football. Fiorentina, for its part, has not received any other offers , limiting his exit options. Even so, the player's lack of reciprocity towards the Rio de Janeiro club has led Mengão to consider other options to strengthen its attack.

CARIOCA CLUB MONITORS MEHDI TAREMI

The new name under consideration is Mehdi Taremi , a 33-year-old Iranian player who forms an attacking partnership with Lautaro Martínez at Inter. Despite his Champions League runner-up status, the striker's season has not been particularly impressive. Over the 2024/25 season, he appeared in 52 matches and scored just eight goals and 11 assists.

He has contributed 19 goals, including some for the Iranian national team during World Cup qualifying. For Inter Milan, Taremi scored once in the Champions League, once in Serie A, and once in the Supercoppa. Despite his underperforming performance, his name appeals to the Inter Milan board due to his international experience.

FLAMENGO HAS NOT YET MADE A FORMAL PROPOSAL

So far, there's no official confirmation of an offer from Flamengo . However, the interest is real and growing as time passes without progress with Beltrán. The board's plan is to accelerate negotiations during the transfer window , especially with the final stretch of the 2025 competitions approaching.