Author: Soorya G
Flamengo striker Pedro will not be available for the team’s Copa Libertadores match against Olimpia-PAR on Thursday due to a suspension imposed by the club’s board. This decision is a consequence of Pedro’s absence from training on Monday, claiming facial pain and discomfort, and his refusal to warm up during the match against Atlético Mineiro last Saturday. After the game, Pedro got into an argument with the club’s fitness coach, Pablo Fernández.
The dressing room brawl between Pedro and Pablo Fernandez took place after Flamengo’s 2-1 win over América Mineiro. Fernandez was annoyed that Pedro had stopped warming up during the match. A verbal argument in the dressing room ended with the coach assaulting the striker, who filed a complaint with the police.
Experts in Brazil, as well as criticizing Fernandez for his inexcusable behavior, also saw the incident as a symbol of Jorge Sampaoli’s lack of control over his own locker room. Former players, such as Kleber Gladiador, defended the Argentine coach’s dismissal, saying that he had achieved almost nothing in Brazil and should be held responsible for the turmoil the club finds itself in.
The news of Pedro’s suspension, anticipated by journalist Venê Casagrande and confirmed by Itatiaia, sheds light on the internal issues facing Flamengo. After missing Monday’s training session, Pedro returned to training on Tuesday. However, the argument with the fitness coach led Pedro to file a police report in Belo Horizonte. As a result, Pablo Fernández was promptly sacked from the club and is no longer part of Jorge Sampaoli’s coaching staff.