Leonardo Jardim, Flamengo’s head coach, clarified his involvement in the signings of new players Joaquín Freitas and Anthony Valencia, highlighting the club’s search for specific profiles to strengthen the squad.
In a press conference held after Flamengo’s 2-0 victory over Mirassol in the Brazilian Serie A, head coach Leonardo Jardim provided details about the arrival process of new signings Joaquín Freitas and Anthony Valencia. The coach’s statement aimed to clarify his participation in assembling the squad, emphasizing the search for specific characteristics to meet the team’s needs.
Flamengo’s coach revealed that his involvement was limited to defining the ideal player profiles for positions of need, without directly naming specific players. This strategic approach aims to ensure that signings align with the team’s playing philosophy and tactical demands, while the club’s board handles the financial and contractual aspects.
The Coach’s Role in New Signings
Leonardo Jardim explained that the pursuit of Valencia and Freitas filled strategic gaps in the squad, especially in attacking positions and on the right flank, areas previously occupied by Wallace Yan and Plata.
Both Valencia and Freitas came to fill the positions of Wallace Yan and Plata. My involvement in both signings was based on the player profiles. These were positions we needed, both up front and on the right flank.
The coach reiterated that while he defines the desired characteristics, decisions regarding player values and age are the club’s responsibility.
Then, decisions on whether a player is young or 30, whether they cost 50 million or 5 million, the club is responsible for that area and has people in charge. From my perspective, I gained two young players who will certainly help us in the medium and long term.
Freitas and Valencia: Young Prospects for Flamengo
New signings Joaquín Freitas and Anthony Valencia were officially introduced at the Maracanã before kickoff against Mirassol, making their first contact with the fans. Valencia, a forward, was acquired for 5 million euros (approximately R$30 million), while Freitas, also a forward, cost 7 million euros (around R$42 million) for 80% of his economic rights.
The coach expressed optimism about the players’ potential.
I believe these players will get into the team this year and will have a brighter future because they will grow.
Tactical Analysis and Plata’s Return
During the press conference, Jardim also commented on the early substitutions of Pulgar and Evertton Araújo during the match. The departure of both holding midfielders impacted the playing style, making the team more technical but with less pressing ability.
We lost the two players who are the team’s primary holding midfielders. When we lose a holding midfielder, we end up pressing less. At that moment, with a 2-0 lead, I thought Arrascaeta could help with his technical quality. Perhaps we became more technical, but we also gave up more space. With Paquetá and Jorginho, we were more technical, with better refinement, but with less impact.
The return of Plata, who had been sidelined, was celebrated by the coach as an important additional solution for the squad.
And (Flamengo) gained a player it had lost, which was Plata, and he will be another solution. For the upcoming matches, having options is always important. He is already adapted and knows what the club expects.
Individual Highlight: Carrascal’s Performance
Carrascal’s performance also received praise from Leonardo Jardim. The coach highlighted the player’s versatility and ball control.
Carrascal is a player with different characteristics from the others. He is a player I really like because he has good ball control, good pressing ability, and can accelerate play through the middle or out wide.
The coach stressed the importance of Carrascal’s commitment both defensively and offensively.
I’ve already told him: if he performs well, he will always be close to starting, but he has to do what the team needs, both defensively and offensively. That is my message to all players. He is believing. He is a player who can play all three attacking positions, as an attacking midfielder or on the wings. He prefers to play a bit more on the left wing, but it has been on the right wing that he has managed to translate that into goals and assists. I am satisfied with him.
Leonardo Jardim’s explanations about the signings and tactical analyses reinforce the coaching staff’s strategic vision for Flamengo. With the arrival of young prospects like Freitas and Valencia, and the return of key players, the club aims to consolidate a robust and versatile squad for the challenges of the Brazilian Serie A and other competitions.
The coach’s transparent management and the valorization of individual performance, such as Carrascal’s, are key elements for the near future of the red-and-black team, which remains focused on its seasonal objectives.
M360 Team
