Leonardo Jardim uses the FIFA international break to prepare Flamengo for a decisive stretch and recover key players.
The FIFA international break has turned into a crucial working period for coach Leonardo Jardim and his coaching staff at Flamengo. With a schedule packed with major matches right upon their return, including the Copa Libertadores semifinal against Estudiantes, the period has become essential for player recovery and exploring new tactical alternatives. The immediate priority is the physical condition of key players.
Mission: Recovering key players from the medical department
Flamengo‘s medical department has been one of the primary focuses during the FIFA international break. Left-back Ayrton Lucas, who suffered a right thigh injury, and forward Gonzalo Plata, also dealing with pain in the same area, are the most urgent concerns. The absence of Ayrton Lucas, an undisputed starter in 12 consecutive matches, is worrisome, especially with Alex Sandro returning from injury.
Meanwhile, Plata had his call-up to the Ecuador national team canceled, which gives him more time for treatment at the club. Defensive midfielder Evertton Araújo, dealing with a more serious injury, is only expected to return in November.
Challenge: Managing the return of international call-ups
Another point of attention for Jardim is the players called up by their national teams. Pedro and Samuel Lino (Brazil), Arrascaeta and Varela (Uruguay), and Anthony Valencia (Ecuador) will miss important club training sessions.
The Brazilian duo, in particular, will face a travel marathon, with matches on September 25 and 29, and October 3, just five days before the clash against Santos. The coach will need to manage the physical fatigue of these athletes and integrate them quickly.
Strategy: Rest, observation, and a training match
While the internationals are away, Jardim plans to use the FIFA international break to give well-deserved rest to regular starters like Rossi, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, and Jorginho. Simultaneously, the coach will have the opportunity to closely observe players with fewer minutes on the pitch, such as Vitão, De La Cruz, Saúl, Luiz Araújo, and Joaquín Freitas. Young academy talents will also get space in the activities.
To enhance the squad evaluation, the club is considering holding a training match during this period.
Flamengo reaches the FIFA international break in a positive momentum, leading the Brazilian Serie A and boasting a seven-game unbeaten streak. The coaching staff aims to capitalize on this moment to expand tactical options and strengthen the group for the decisive phase of the season.
Flamengo’s upcoming fixtures
Competitions will resume for Flamengo on October 8 against Santos at Vila Belmiro. Three days later, the derby against Fluminense is scheduled for the Maracanã. Afterward, the Rubro-Negro prepares for the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal against Estudiantes on October 15 in Argentina. The return leg is scheduled for October 22 at the Maracanã. Between these fixtures, Flamengo will also face Bahia away from home.
Coach Jardim acknowledges the strength of Estudiantes, an opponent they already faced in the group stage:
Estudiantes is a team we have already faced; we know their worth. They are a team that has shown this year, and in recent editions of the Libertadores, their energy and player quality. […] All opponents are strong. We have to prepare in the best possible way, always respecting everyone and trying to impose our ideas.
Equipe M360
