Head coach Leonardo Jardim took collective responsibility for Flamengo’s recent mistakes and confirmed goalkeeper Agustín Rossi will remain the starter after the derby victory.
The mood behind the scenes at Flamengo took on a new tone following the 1-0 victory over Fluminense at the Maracanã. In a press conference, head coach Leonardo Jardim made a point of shielding goalkeeper Agustín Rossi from recent fan criticism.
The Portuguese manager openly addressed the controversial play during the 2-2 draw against Santos at Vila Belmiro. On that occasion, a failed attempt to play out from the back led to the sending-off of defensive midfielder Jorginho and a penalty for the opposition.
For the Rubro-Negro manager, attributing the mistake exclusively to the No. 1 is a misjudgment. Jardim revealed he gathered the squad to discuss the team’s tactical positioning and demand greater width in the defensive line.
Collective responsibility and backing for the No. 1
A detailed analysis of the play was presented to the players before the Rio derby. According to the coach, the lack of passing options forced a short ball inside the penalty area, exposing the defensive system to opposition pressure.
During the press conference, the manager reinforced that this moment requires unity and ruled out any individual punishment. He highlighted that he instructed the players to seek wider positioning when building from the back in the future.
“People want to find someone to blame. Was it Rossi? Jorginho? The full-backs? No, it was a collective effort. That is what I told him. We have to provide width. I cannot, in all honesty, put this mistake on an individual.”
Staying in goal and focusing on the Libertadores
Despite Rossi‘s shaky form, the coaching staff ruled out promoting backup goalkeeper Andrew to the starting lineup. Jardim cited the ups and downs of midfielder Carrascal, who scored the winning goal in the Fla-Flu derby, as an example of perseverance within the squad.
The CBF leadership even released the VAR audio upholding referee Anderson Daronco‘s decision in the play at Vila Belmiro, a call officially contested by the Rio club. The Argentine goalkeeper has a contract with the team through the end of 2027.
Leader of the Brazilian Serie A ahead of Palmeiras, Flamengo now shifts its focus to the continental tournament. The next challenge will be against Estudiantes in Argentina for the first leg of the semifinals.
For this crucial clash in La Plata, the team will be without the suspended Jorginho. However, the internal atmosphere remains bolstered by the public backing given to the squad and the maintenance of the tactical framework.
