Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In the midst of a recent change in Flamengo’s coaching staff, Mário Jorge led the team’s last training session before the match against Bahia this Saturday at the iconic Maracanã stadium, in the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. After Jorge Sampaoli’s resignation last Thursday, Mario Jorge took over coaching responsibilities on an interim basis, completing the preparation for the next match.
During Friday morning’s training session at the Ninho do Urubu, the interim coach organized an 11 v 11 training match. Impressively, Mário Jorge indicated his intention to stick with the same line-up that secured a 1-1 draw with São Paulo in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil final. The incredible change to the starting line-up will be Everton Ribeiro coming on in place of Arrascaeta.
Although initially scheduled to play, Arrascaeta felt discomfort in his thigh during training and will be sidelined while he concentrates on completing his recovery. The decision to speed up his return for the decisive Copa do Brasil match led to the final stages of treatment, involving muscle strengthening, before his expected return to the team against Corinthians. In addition, Varela remains out of action as he continues his transition back into the team after recovering from a right knee injury.
The first training session without Sampaoli was described as having a “very light” atmosphere by the observers at the Ninho do Urubu. The players were seen smiling during training, suggesting a sense of relief after the recent change of coach. In a curious gesture on social media, Varela even liked Flamengo’s official post confirming Sampaoli’s departure.