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Brazil’s giant Flamengo are the favourites to win Copa Libertadores

ByAmanda Paula|
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 14: Bruno Henrique (R) and De Arrascaeta of Flamengo celebrate a scored goal during a match between Flamengo and Goias as part of Brasileirao Series A 2019 at Maracana Stadium on July 14, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 14: Bruno Henrique (R) and De Arrascaeta of Flamengo celebrate a scored goal during a match between Flamengo and Goias as part of Brasileirao Series A 2019 at Maracana Stadium on July 14, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

You may or may not have heard of Flamengo, but here is a rundown on their chances in the Copa Libertadores…

Who is Flamengo? You might be asking this to me. Firstly, let me answer your question relating that Flamengo has the biggest fan base in Brazil. As stated by São Paulo’s biggest newspaper Folha de SP, the mengão (team’s nickname) has more than 18% of supporters in the country. Followed by Corinthians with 14%.

The club born in Rio de Janeiro has been described for supporters as the biggest in the country. They recently signed the left-back Filipe Luis from Atletico de Madrid, and the right-back Rafinha, former Bayern Munchen player. Plus, the Portuguese Jorge Jesus, former Benfica, and Sporting have coached them since last June.

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With all the pressure on their shoulders. I’ve taken three reasons to why they are the favourites to win the Libertadores.

Jorge Jesus and his philosophy

Jorge Jesus is very popular in Portugal. He began a coaching career in 1990, however, he became famous after arriving at Benfica in 2009 and winning ten trophies (a club record for a single manager) as well as reaching two UEFA Europa League finals with them.

His arrived at Rio shocked the Portuguese media, who frequently asked him why he had decided to join Brazil, instead of continuing the adventure in Europe. His game consists to attack and never gave up of the ball. In Brazil, the coaches are used to set two defensive midfielders to balance the attack and at the same time to solve their defensive problems. And, Jesus came to contrast this view showing that football could be beautiful to watch and also to winning.

The quality of the squad

As I said before, Flamengo recently signed Filipe Luís and Rafinha. But, Pablo Marí, a former Man City football was announced as their new defender. Before it, the club was known as one of the best squads in the entire continent with the Uruguay international Giorgian De Arrascaeta, an Olympic gold medal winner Gabriel Barbosa, a former Juventus and Atletico Madrid player Diego Ribas, and also a former Valencia keeper Diego Alves. Although, they boosted their squad adding important figures to beat Boca Juniors, River Plate, and any opponent.

To do so, they will have to confirm its quality on the pitch. Nevertheless, it’s not impossible to believe that it’d happen by the way.

Who do you think will win the Copa Libertadores?

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