Flamengo is already thinking about the Brazilian debut
Current champions, the red-blacks face São Paulo, Sunday, at Maracanã
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Prioritizing the Libertadores or playing both the international competition and the Brazilian Championship at full strength is a major dilemma for all teams still vying for both trophies. Flamengo, the current national champion, is no different. The same applies to their Sunday opponent, São Paulo, in the 2010 Brasileirão opener.
Both teams advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa Santander Libertadores and face each other at the Maracanã looking to get off to a flying start in the Brazilian Championship. It's unclear whether they'll field the starting lineup, a mixed lineup, or the reserves.
"Initially, the idea is to use all the players. We have a great game against São Paulo. We're going in as the current Brazilian champions, but we'll wait until Friday when the group reappears to be in a better position," said coach Rogério Lourenço.
The Flamengo manager intends to evaluate each player's condition before deciding who to field for the match. While the starting lineup remains uncertain, the coach is certain of one thing: Flamengo will fight for victory.
"I'll talk to the committee and the medical department to assess everyone's condition. We've come off two very physically and emotionally taxing games, but fans can rest assured that Flamengo will be well represented in this debut. Our group is strong, and we have the squad to compete in both competitions," he added.
In its history of meetings with São Paulo, Flamengo has 110 matches, with 34 wins, 32 draws, and 42 losses. Recently, the red-and-black team played two memorable matches for its fans at the Maracanã against Tricolor Paulista. In the 2007 Brasileirão opening match, they won 1-0, and in last year's sixth-title campaign, they beat their rival 2-1.
Both teams advanced to the quarterfinals of the Copa Santander Libertadores and face each other at the Maracanã looking to get off to a flying start in the Brazilian Championship. It's unclear whether they'll field the starting lineup, a mixed lineup, or the reserves.
"Initially, the idea is to use all the players. We have a great game against São Paulo. We're going in as the current Brazilian champions, but we'll wait until Friday when the group reappears to be in a better position," said coach Rogério Lourenço.
The Flamengo manager intends to evaluate each player's condition before deciding who to field for the match. While the starting lineup remains uncertain, the coach is certain of one thing: Flamengo will fight for victory.
"I'll talk to the committee and the medical department to assess everyone's condition. We've come off two very physically and emotionally taxing games, but fans can rest assured that Flamengo will be well represented in this debut. Our group is strong, and we have the squad to compete in both competitions," he added.
In its history of meetings with São Paulo, Flamengo has 110 matches, with 34 wins, 32 draws, and 42 losses. Recently, the red-and-black team played two memorable matches for its fans at the Maracanã against Tricolor Paulista. In the 2007 Brasileirão opening match, they won 1-0, and in last year's sixth-title campaign, they beat their rival 2-1.