C.R. Flamengo 2014: Rumo ao Bi [R]

Unfortunately, I expected this deep down inside. Fla in the Libertadores has been disastrous.

 

I'll do a write up here in a few on why Fla was eliminated. I just have to cool off and collect my thoughts. I have four points to touch on.

 

In no particular order:

1) Jayme - He basically coached these games if they were the Carioca. The team had the same problems in every single game and no adjustments were made. I know his options at certain positions were limited by a variety of reasons, but that doesn't explain some of the questionable decisions he made. He also waited way too long in most of our games to make a substitution. It was almost as if he had no feel for the flow of the game.

2) Volantes - Except for Caceres for two games, this position was a constant problem in all of the games. Amaral couldn't repeat his form from the end of the year. I honestly don't know what happened to him. He advanced forward way too often and took long distance shots that were way off target. I guess his goal in the CdB finals gave him that confidence. On defense, he provided no protection for the CBs. I knew we were in trouble with Muralha from the start. He makes too many careless passes in our own half (which wastes possession) and hardly makes an effort to win a ball. The midfield was dominated by the opposing team in every single game.

3) Injuries - We got bit by the injury bug at the worst possible time. Not many teams can lose 5 starters and expect good performances. Fla still had the manpower to advance IMO, but it was a lot more difficult and the margin for error was slim.

4) Diretoria - Everyone knows I'm a big fan of their work, but no one is perfect. Ticket prices are too high and we desperately needed a Plan B for Elias. They knew Luiz Antonio was going to the courts so we wouldn't have depth at that position. They knew Muralha was an unproven commodity that couldn't crack Portuguesa's lineup last year and couldn't be relied on in a competition of this magnitude. They needed to make a move before the window closed and they failed. Ok, Elias was too pricey, but you need other option other than a last minute run at Canteros. The planning was poor IMO. Overall, their administration has been good and is night and day compared to Patty's, but they failed on this one.

Obviously, there are other factors, but these were the main ones.

 

O custo da eliminação do #Flamengo na Libertadores: mínimo de R$ 10 milhões e projeção de cortes http://t.co/Qsiax72Fxe

— ESPN Brasil (@ESPNBrasil) April 10, 2014

 

If Jayme continues to stumble, I hope Chapa Azul steps up to the plate and makes a quick decision. There's only one coach that I see available that I would like to have and he would cost money -- Tite. With a signing or two, I think Tite can mold this team into a competitor. Unfortunately, I don't see any promising coaches that are available that can also handle the pressure of a big club like Flamengo or Corinthians.

Our team for the Brasileiro looks as follows, considering Cadu leaves and frees up some salary room:

GK: Felipe, Paulo Victor, Cesar
RB: Leo Moura, Leo, Digao
LB: Andre Santos, Joao Paulo
CB: Wallace, Samir, Chicao, Erazo, Welinton
DM: Caceres, Luiz Antonio, Marcio Araujo, Amaral, Muralha, Recife (send back down or loan)
AM: Elano, Mugni, Mattheus, Rodolfo
W: Gabriel, Paulinho, Everton, Negueba
ST: Hernane, Alecsandro, Nixon​

Overall, a solid team on PAPER. I hope we sign a few "apostas" from the Estaduais, particularly at DM, LB and a winger. As far as investing real money, it really depends on scheme. Elano can't be relied on and Mugni needs to be slowly worked in, so I would still try to puruse a #10 as my first priority. Caceres and Luiz Antonio are average to above average players at their positions. I'm not a fan of Marcio Araujo, but he's an experienced backup. I'm not sure what to expect from Amaral. If we can get a decent name for relatively cheap at #1 DM, I'd do it.

If we go with a three man midfield (DM and two CMs with 0 CAM), Elano is basically ruled out. He doesn't have the work rate to play in a setup like that and we'd basically have to get an 'Elias' replacement.

To sum it up, my wish list:
- Tite
- #10 or 'Elias' replacement, depending on primary scheme
- 'Apostas' at #1 DM, LB and winger
- Loan some of the younger players (Mattheus, Rodolfo, Digao, Recife, Igor Satori, etc.)

 

I'll pass on Mancini. Not a fan and he's failed at every big club he has managed.

 

Flamengo fecha novo patrocínio e passa a ter camisa mais valiosa do Brasil:
http://t.co/IxNhf8T13X http://t.co/vjONhgjY6R

Finally, some good news...

 

Not sure how you can really celebrate a title after two 1-1 draws.

 

Carlos Eduardo falta premiação do título do Flamengo: 'Não fui. Iriam me perturbar' - http://t.co/k2Abs6dLQH

 

@ge_fla: Flamengo encaminha contratação de 'novo Dedé' para reforçar a zaga http://t.co/OCYtlYCypj

 

Dado como certo no Grêmio, centroavante Arthur acerta com o Flamengo. pic.twitter.com/7Vdhaw3W3D

— ⚽ (@DoentesPFutebol) April 17, 2014

Fla already working the apostas. We need a DM and LB still, and maybe we will have some money to spend on a #10.

 

Flamengo vai reduzir elenco para contratar reforços

https://br.esporteinterativo.yahoo....-reduzir-elenco-contratar-162134716--sow.html

I would consider selling Hernane. I wonder how much teams are offering for Negueba.