Flamengo director expresses concern over absences of Pedro and Samuel Lino for Brazil national team.
The call-up of Pedro and Samuel Lino for the Brazil national team, which will play international friendlies, has drawn reactions from Flamengo. The club’s football director, José Boto, commented on the situation, highlighting the positive aspect for the athletes but also the difficulties the club will face with their absences. The duo will be out for a few weeks, a period that coincides with crucial stages of competitions.
Concern over absences
The pair of Flamengo players, Pedro and Samuel Lino, have been called up to represent the Brazil national team in three friendlies to be held on different continents. Coach Carlo Ancelotti‘s decision, while representing recognition for the athletes, brings a burden to the Rio de Janeiro club. José Boto, Flamengo‘s football director, emphasized the bittersweet feeling.
Boto stated:
“It is with great happiness that we always receive the call-ups of our players. It’s good for them. For Flamengo, it’s not always that good; they are exhausting trips, but we also think about our players’ happiness, and it was very good for them.”
Praise for Samuel Lino
When asked about Samuel Lino‘s current form, Boto did not hold back on praise. The director considers the forward’s call-up fair and highlights his individual qualities that set him apart on the national stage.
The executive stated:
“I think it’s more than fair. I don’t really see football in terms of who is the best player. He is a player who is truly in fantastic form, a player who has different qualities from other players. A player with power, dribbling ability, speed, and great tactical awareness. And that makes him, at times, a somewhat different player, among the best in Brazilian football.”
Friendly schedule and impact on the Brazilian Serie A
The Brazil national team will face Australia in two friendlies on September 25 and 29, before taking on India on October 3. Although Flamengo has no scheduled games during this FIFA International window period, the players’ return may coincide with the final stretch of the Brazilian Serie A.
The Rubro-Negro resumes its participation in the competition on October 8, against Santos. It is expected that other players from the Flamengo squad will also be called up by their respective national teams, such as Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and possibly Italy and Argentina.
Analysis of the situation
The departure of important players during decisive moments of the season is a point of concern. The absence of Pedro and Samuel Lino could impact Flamengo‘s performance during a crucial period, which includes the final stages of the Brazilian Serie A and, potentially, knockout rounds of continental competitions.
The need to balance releasing players for their national teams with the clubs’ objectives is a constant challenge in modern football. Flamengo, with its squad full of stars, frequently finds itself in this delicate situation.
Flamengo is preparing to face Independiente del Valle (ECU) this Thursday (10), in Quito, Ecuador, in a match valid for the continental competition’s group stage. The game will kick off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time).
By Equipe M360
