Flamengo official urges caution regarding new signings and recalls criticism faced by Pulgar upon his arrival
The Flamengo football department, represented by executive José Boto, has asked fans and the press for patience regarding newcomers Joaquín Freitas and Anthony Valencia.
In an interview held this Friday (04) at the Ninho do Urubu training center, Boto used the career path of midfielder Erick Pulgar as an example of how players can overcome initial skepticism to become essential pieces in the red-and-black squad.
Pulgar’s success story as a lesson
José Boto recalled the period when Erick Pulgar arrived at the club, mentioning that the Chilean player was a target of criticism and was labeled a “flop” by segments of the media and some fans.
Currently, Pulgar is one of the pillars under head coach Leonardo Jardim and has had his contract extended until December 2029, highlighting a complete turnaround in his performance and standing at Flamengo.
The executive emphasized the importance of focusing on player development rather than sticking to initial analyses that may be premature:
Pulgar, who is now a player everyone praises—and rightly so—arrived labeled as a ‘flop,’ as you call it. Many of you wrote that he was a ‘flop.’ So, close your ears to those analyses and keep your eyes on these players who are now very important, but who also arrived with labels of being ‘flops.’
Preparation for the adaptation of Valencia and Freitas
Boto‘s statement aims to shield Anthony Valencia and Joaquín Freitas from excessive pressure early in their tenures at the club. The expectation is that these young athletes will have the necessary time to adapt to Brazilian football.
Aligning with the board’s sentiment, goalkeeper Rossi also spoke about Joaquín Freitas‘s transition. The goalkeeper highlighted the importance of welcoming and supporting the young player, who arrived from Argentine football.
The most important thing for him right now is for us to help him adapt. Argentine football is not the same as Brazilian football. Brazilian football is a step above, and we have to try to help him until he adjusts. He comes here to help, even though he is very young. But the only thing I can ask for is patience with him, because it is difficult to leave home at such a young age and join a club the size of Flamengo.
Rossi‘s statement reinforces the idea that the integration of young athletes into a club of Flamengo‘s magnitude requires a collective effort. The club hopes to replicate the success achieved with Erick Pulgar, transforming initial skepticism into high-level performance.
