For Sunday’s match, PC Gusmão could hand debuts to four of his new signings which include former Vasco star Felipe, Zé Roberto and Benfica striker Éder Luís.
Flamengo meanwhile have growing concerns. Despite occupying seventh position in the Brasileirão, the Rubro-Negro find themselves in a run poor of form with just two wins from their last five games. Supporters have been begun to question inexperienced coach Rogério Lourenço, who faces the unenviable task of rebuilding the team which won the last season’s championship.
A defeat in the clássico would put Rogério Lourenço’s position under further scrutiny but the Mengão coach has been quick to highlight the club’s difficulties-
“Flamengo is going through a period of difficulty,” he affirmed to globoesporte.com.
“Everybody knows of the turbulence that we’ve been through. It is not easy for the supporters to lose three ídolos, no matter what the reason. Bruno, Adriano, Vágner Love will always be ídolos. Flamengo is being rebuilt and the players who are here to their best and honour the shirt of the club. “After eleven rounds we are seventh, and joint with fifth place. It is a time to give credit and confidence.”
For Sunday’s match, PC Gusmão could hand debuts to four of his new signings which include former Vasco star Felipe, Zé Roberto and Benfica striker Éder Luís.Flamengo meanwhile have growing concerns. Despite occupying seventh position in the Bra