The exit from the Copa Libertadores hit Flamengo hard. The Rio de Janeiro giants were hoping to win the league title at home as the grand final will be played at the Maracana, which will not happen again after Olimpia’s knockout round setback.
Arturo Vidal and another groundbreaking move for Jorge Sampaoli, former Emelec coach: in the Chilean team, it was up to me; I risked my career for him
This event, along with some other bad results and the fights between former fitness trainer Pablo Fernández and Pedro Guilherme and between Gerson Santos and Guillermo Varela, have created a tense atmosphere within the Rubronegro team.
Sampaoli regrets Flamengo’s physical aggression towards striker Pedro: What happened hurt me a lot.
Active opposition has already seen President Rodolfo Landim pressured into Jorge Sampaoli’s resignation three times a year: after Bragantino’s defeat, after the former fitness coach’s attack, and when she was eliminated by Olimpia. In all cases, the club boss supported the Argentine.
An important meeting between Flamengo board and Jorge Sampaoli on the attack on Pedro Guilherme
However, the football criticism continues. The squad couldn’t find the right idea, and the fact that they drew at home with alternative sides Sao Paulo and Internacional de Porto Alegre raised alarm again.
The main parties for Sampaoli
In mid-September, Mengao will play Sao Paulo in the Brazil Cup final, which is practically the only goal the Cariocas have left. And the mission is only one: to win the two-time championship, whatever it may be.
A source inside the club (the same who said in early February that Vitor Pereira would not win the La Liga championship in April if he were sacked) has told AS Sampaoli he could stop being Flamengo’s technical director in September.
Despite the fact that the President backed the Argentines on Monday, the game they are playing this Saturday against Botafogo on Nilton Santos’ artificial turf could be crucial because, in the event of defeat, “Fogao” would gain an 18-point advantage via Fla at the helm of the Brasileirao 2023. This would put new pressure on Landim to sack Sampaoli and use the FIFA date to find a coach.
If Sabio de Casilda stays unharmed this Saturday, his continuity in the final against Sao Paulo will be at stake. The only thing they ask of him is the title, which would be the first of a bad season and, moreover, would be the only way to keep his job. “Sampa” will play a lot in a month. (D)
