Flamengo is one of the biggest clubs on the continent. For this, perhaps, seeing him in crisis as reigning champion of the Copa Libertadores attracts attention. Everything was embellished this Sunday by spicy saves against the players, who welcomed the Argentine coach George Sampaoliwhich he promised “results” in his first press conference at the head of the team.
The team from Rio de Janeiro failed in the FIFA Club World Cup, in which they did not reach a desired final against Real Madrid after falling to Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia in the semifinals. Then she lost the South American Cup Winners’ Cup final to Ecuador’s Independiente Del Valle, bit the dust against Palmeiras in the Brazilian Super Cup and fell to the carioca league, in the definition of which she was beaten 4-1 by her eternal rival Fluminense.
To top it off, the Libertadores title defense began with a loss to Aucas of Ecuador.
In this difficult context in which the Argentine takes on, the team has been the most targeted. This Sunday, Gabriel Barbosa -popularly known as Gabigol- was the most exposed and appeared in a parade with the nickname of “Gabigordo”, to which they added that they have “little football” and a lot of “girl”. Gerson and David Luiz, other seasoned players on the team, have also been named.
Sampaoli’s promise
The Argentine coach landed this Sunday in Rio de Janeiro and promised to put a work plan is underway that will “certainly bear fruit” for the powerful Brazilian team.
“I am happy for the opportunity and I hope I can meet all expectations”said the Casilda coach, in statements to the official ‘Fla’ channels, with whom he signed a contract until December 31, 2024.
Sampaoli, who was sacked by Sevilla last month after failing to move the Spanish side from the relegation zone to the Second Division, said the first thing he will do is “diagnose” AND “look how i am” the players of the carioca box.
“And then we will propose a job that will surely give results”He added.
The former Argentina and Chile coach confessed he was “very excited” to start this new stage and said he knew it “very good accountability” which entails being in charge of Flamengo, which is the most popular team in Brazil and the most powerful in South America.
“I hope all goes well”he expressed.
Sampaoli, who previously coached Santos and Atlético Mineiro in Brazil, will replace the Portuguese Victor Pereiraabruptly fired after losing up to four titles in the past three months. This Sunday he will be present at his new team’s match against Coritiba, for the Brasileirao date 1.
Argentine protagonists
There was a night of Argentinian goals at the start of the Brasileirao on Saturday. German dog he collaborated in the victory against América Mineiro (0-3) in a fluminense who becomes leader, while Jonathan Calleri scored, but did not prevent the defeat of St. PaulAND Jose Lopez gave the victory to palmeiras.
‘Verdao’ kicked off their title defense with a painful 2-1 home draw against modest Cuiabá, in a game in which promising youngster Endrick scored the first goal of this year’s Brazilian championship.
However, it was José López who saved the champion’s furniture with his goal midway through the second half.
Better sensations have been left by Fluminense in excellent form after winning the Carioca Championship against the almighty Flamengo, who has just hired the Argentinean Jorge Sampaoli to get the team out of the spiral of bad results.
The team led by Fernando Diniz, the fashionable coach in Brazil, overcame América Mineiro at home and even allowed themselves the luxury of missing a penalty against Cano’s boot, who would redeem himself a few minutes later.
The Argentine striker started the regularity tournament which ended in 2022, scoring goals, which then led him to be the top scorer in the competition (26).
This year he seems to want to repeat himself with the hope of finally being called up with his team.
Marcelo didn’t even travel with the squad to rest him for Tuesday’s Copa Libertadores match against Bolivian side The Strongest.
Calleri was less fortunate than the rest of his scoring compatriots.
The striker equalized Tiquinho Soares’ first goal for Botafogo, who earned their first three points in the 88th minute thanks to Eduardo, at the Nilton Santos stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
For their part, Red Bull Bragantino came from behind against Bahía to beat the City Group side 2-1, returning to the first division, while last year’s Libertadores finalists Athletico Paranaense beat Goiás ( 2-0) in a trivial duel on the side of both teams.
Vitor Roque, the young Paranaense striker who piqued Barcelona’s interest, came off the bench in the final stretch of the second half and came up empty.
Fortaleza and Internacional have not gone from 1-1 in another of this Saturday’s games.
This first day is completed on Sunday with three matches: Flamengo-Coritiba, Corinthians-Cruzeiro and Gremio-Santos.
Source: Clarin
Jason Root is the go-to source for sports coverage at News Rebeat. With a passion for athletics and an in-depth knowledge of the latest sports trends, Jason provides comprehensive and engaging analysis of the world of sports.