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Titular pela segunda vez na ausência de Léo Pereira, Fabrício Brunofalou com a imprensa após a vitória do Flamengo sobre o Volta Redonda, por 3 a 1, no Raulino de Oliveira, pelo Carioca. Com a defesa sendo vazada mais uma vez, o atleta saiu em defesa do técnico Vítor Pereira, que foi vaiado no intervalo, quando o time perdia por 1 a 0.

– Acho que a gente tem a consciência do primeiro tempo que fizemos. Entendemos o torcedor, está no direito dele de vaiar. Estamos trabalhando arduamente, confiança plena no Vitor. Estamos tentando implementar o que ele acredita. Dedicamos a vitória a ele, é um cara trabalhador – afirmou Fabrício Bruno.

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Com a liderança da Taça Guanabara mas sem um futebol convincente, o Flamengo retornou ao Rio de Janeiro imediatamente após a partida desta quarta. No sábado, o time de Vítor Pereira volta a atuar no Raulino de Oliveira, pelo Estadual, contra o Resende. No domingo, embarca para Quito, onde enfrenta o Independiente Del Valle, na terça, pela partida de ida da Recopa Sul-Americana.

Confira outras respostas do zagueiro Fabrício Bruno, do Flamengo:

Escalação de Vidal no lugar de Everton Ribeiro

“Não fomos pegos de surpresa, já tínhamos trabalhado e ele já tinha falado. Queria parabenizar a atitude do Everton, entendeu o processo, entrou e mudou o jogo, falei com ele no vestiário. Ele é merecedor de tudo que aconteceu hoje mesmo, muito profissional.”

Sequência de jogos com decisão da Recopa e clássicos

“Jogar no Flamengo é isso, está sempre brigando por títulos. A gente tem consciência do que precisamos melhorar, sabe que tem um jogo difícil sábado, depois temos Recopa e clássicos. A gente sabe o que tem que fazer, temos que corrigir os pequenos detalhes para sair vencedor. Flamengo joga sempre para ganhar.”

Sequência como titular ao lado de David Luiz

“O David (Luiz) é um ídolo, sempre deixei isso claro. Gosto de agradecer a oportunidade de vestir a camisa do Flamengo e estar jogando ao lado dele. Venho trabalhando diariamente, quem me conhece sabe e quanto à oportunidade, eu gosto de aproveitar. Sou uma pessoa simples, tenho meu jeito de jogar, infelizmente não vou agradar a todos, mas isso faz parte. Sinto que estou agradando ao Vitor Pereira e à diretoria do Flamengo, isso é o mais importante.”

The highest-paid coach in world football is already under pressure after a disappointing start to the 2025-26 campaign

When Clement Lenglet came to face the press after Atletico Madrid had been cruelly knocked out of last season's Champions League on penalties by city rivals Real, the Frenchman admitted that the team-mates he'd just left behind in the dressing room at the Metropolitanto were still in a "state of shock".

However, despite the agonising nature of the last-16 elimination, Lenglet was defiant. Atleti had been the better side, winning 1-0 on the night to force a shootout that had effectively been decided by the ludicrous 'double-touch' rule that has since been changed, and he was quick to point out that Diego Simeone's side still had a Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona to look forward to.

"We produced a massive performance from start to finish," the Frenchman told . "I think we deserved [to win] as a team, a club, for the fans and their support, which helped us a lot. But we will handle the blow to our morale in the days ahead. We have a lot of work left to do, we have important things to play for; the season doesn't end today."

In a way, though, it did. Atletico never really recovered from their desperately unfortunate Champions League elimination. And they still haven't, in fact.

Indeed, a club that once again spent big in the summer transfer window has made another slow start to their La Liga season, meaning questions are already being asked as to whether Atletico are really getting their money’s worth out of an expensively assembled squad and the world’s highest-paid coach…

• AFP
  

  Club built in the coach's image

  Atletico's decision to give Diego Simeone a history-making contract extension in November 2023 felt entirely logical at the time. The Argentine was – and still is – an icon at the Metropolitano, having lifted eight trophies with a club that was in total disarray when he took over in 2011.

  Atleti winning the Spanish title in 2013-14 – while at the same time reaching the final of the Champions League – ranks as one of the great coaching achievements of the modern era, given the quality of the opposition. Since then, Simeone has only become even more synonymous with Atletico, so much so, in fact, that it's hard to think of another side that so perfectly personifies its coach.

  At their very best, the Rojiblancos are utterly relentless, never giving anything less than 100 percent in their aggressive pursuit of success. As Antoine Griezmann said recently, it's not easy to play for Atletico because Simeone demands as much effort, pride and passion from his players as he does from himself. 

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  Alvarez's arrival

  It was clear even at the time of the renewal, though, that Atletico had to spend even more money on the squad than they had on re-signing Simeone. The team was ageing and lacking a cutting edge. So, an initial €75 million (£65m/$87.5m) of the €188m (£163m/$220m) spent during the summer of 2024 went towards convincing Manchester City to part company with Argentine attacker Julian Alvarez.

  It was a deal that raised eyebrows all across Europe, but the World Cup winner has proven excellent value for money, scoring 30 goals in 58 appearances in all competitions. The problem for Simeone, though, is that the arrival of Alvarez hasn't solved all of Atleti's problems. 

  Spain international Robin Le Normand has been a good addition to the defence, Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth has played the role of super-sub well, while Conor Gallagher's versatility has come in useful on several occasions. Last season, though, Atletico turned out to be less than the sum of their parts.

• AFP
  

  'We are close'

  Things looked to have clicked midway through the season when they embarked upon a club-record, 14-game winning streak that saw them overhaul Barcelona at the top of the Liga standings. However, Atleti's form nosedived during the second half of the season and what little hope they had left of winning the title effectively ended on the night of March 16, when they blew a 2-0 lead at home to leaders Barca by conceding four times in the final 18 minutes of play.

  When they lost at home again to the Catalans in the Copa del Rey on April 2, the Rojiblancos had nothing left to play for during the final six weeks of the season. The hope was that Atleti might restore some pride at the Club World Cup, but they were, as Simeone said, "doomed" to an embarrassing group-stage exit after being routed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their tournament-opener. Even then, though, he was looking on the bright side, arguing that Atleti's elimination had merely helped to illustrate the squad's shortcomings.

  "We’re not in the same league as PSG and Botafogo," he claimed, rather bizarrely bringing the Brazilians into the argument, "but we got the same number of points as the Libertadores and Champions League winners and we're out.

  "That's the beautiful thing about football: it tells you that we’re close, but we’re always just a little bit short. We are calm, though, because we are more than clear about what needs to be improved and this helps us to do so."

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  'Needs to take another step'

  Consequently, despite the desperately disappointing nature of the trophy-less 2024-25 campaign, Atletico were more than willing to back Simeone again during this summer's transfer window.

  There may not have been a statement signing made to match that of Alvarez, but the Rojiblancos have still forked out another €190m (£165m/$220m) on new players, including Alex Baena, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, David Hancko and Giacomo Raspadori – meaning Simeone was in a very positive mindset ahead of Atleti's season opener at Espanyol on Sunday.

  "I'm very happy," he told reporters last week. "I'm happy where I am. I still have the energy that the position I occupy requires. I know the consequences, good, regular, and bad, of where I am.

  "The team has evolved enormously, and the team needs to evolve accordingly. In recent years, the team has grown more than the club; then, the club matched the team; then, the club grew more, but the team didn't. So, now, the team needs to take another step to match the club's current position."

  Sunday, though, felt like a very significant step backwards.

Pep Guardiola has revealed that Rico Lewis has already told him he will stay at Manchester City, despite strong interest from Nottingham Forest. Nuno Espirito Santo's side are reportedly ready to double the 20-year-old’s wages in a bid to lure him away, but the Citizens remain determined to keep hold of one of their most exciting academy products.

Forest ready to double Lewis' wagesGuardiola says Lewis told him he will stayCity determined to keep versatile academy graduateFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Guardiola has suggested that Lewis has informed him directly of his intention to stay at City, but he admitted that things can change quickly in football. The defender has grown in importance since breaking through and remains highly valued at the Etihad amid interest from Forest.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

When asked about Lewis' future, Guardiola told reporters: "I think he’s going to stay, I think. He told me that. But, I said, maybe tomorrow, after tomorrow, it’ll change.

“The case from Phil [Foden], or from Rico, or from Nico O’Reilly, I have a special sympathy because they were 16 or 17 years old when [they] arrived here [in the first-team] and started to win Premier Leagues.

"And his [Lewis’] role, when he plays his role, Rico is an extraordinary player. The only problem I have is he’s so small. If he was taller, I would say, 'Oh, what a player'. It’s that. Today, today, I think he’s going to stay, but I don’t know what’s going to happen."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lewis has been linked with a move away from City throughout the summer transfer window. Nottingham Forest are pushing hard to sign him and are prepared to offer him double his current wages in to lure him away. City, meanwhile, continue to insist they want to keep the versatile academy graduate in their squad.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LEWIS?

The Cityzens are expected to resist Forest’s advances, though a significant offer could still test their resolve as they have shown a willingness to cash in on their academy products in the past. Guardiola will hope Lewis continues his development within the squad, providing depth and flexibility. As the transfer window progresses, the young defender’s situation will be one to watch closely.

Lalas says league has evolved, pushed back against the notion that continuing a career in MLS represents a bailout

• Lalas says stigma of Americans in MLS has diminished
• Says players now return for competitive salaries
• MLS functioning as both a buying and selling league

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  Addressing the perception of American players returning to Major League Soccer, former MLS star Alex Lalas noted the financial evolution of the league, and says the appeal is now competitive salaries more than just a soft career landing spot.

  The Colorado Rapids signed Paxten Aaronson away from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. Paxten Aaronson – brother of Leeds United midfielder Brenden –  was one of the finalists for the Eredivisie's Young Player of the Year award after recording an eight-goal, four-assist season while on loan with Utretch.

  “We could talk for hours about what the perception is and what the reality is when it comes to Major League Soccer,” Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. “The stigma of players coming back – in this case, someone like Paxten Aaronson, who's kind of going into the prime of his career – the stigma has become less and less.

  "I'm not saying it's, it's gone away by any stretch of the imagination. I'm sure there's plenty of people out there that immediately will see a player in a different light.

  Lalas said that different career paths work for different players, pushing back against the notion that continuing a career in MLS represents a bailout.

  “My point about that is you are letting your insecurity relative to Major League Soccer infect your brain and color everything that happens,” Lalas added. “There's no one way to go about it… it's a back and forth without the tail between the legs, or at least not being as prominent. It has been in the past and money actually associated and big money… That market opening up, that's a good thing.

  “It's a good thing for Major League Soccer because that's ultimately what you want. You want to be a buying and selling market, whether that is international talent, or whether that is American talent that looks back or for the first time looks to MLS as a as a vital thing.”

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• WHAT LALAS SAID

  Lalas also addressed LA Galaxy's approach to the Leagues Cup, given their struggles during the regular MLS season. He pointed out that reaching the top three positions in the tournament would secure qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

  “LA Galaxy sitting in last place having a horrible MLS season, but they find themselves with this kind of redeemable moment in in League's Cup," he said. "And keep in mind that the top three teams, regardless if it's MLS or League MX, qualify for CONCACAF Champions League Champions Cup, right?

  “But obviously Orlando, Inter Miami and Seattle are upper-echelon types of teams as opposed to in this moment, the LA Galaxy. And they have put all of their eggs into this Leagues Cup basket, as well they should."

  He expressed support for Galaxy's decision to prioritize tournament success given their position in the MLS standings.

  “Remember years ago when DC United, I think it was, was having a horrible MLS season and they just lit it up," he said. "And sometimes you can redeem your season by having these moments that, then in this case, the carrot is you qualify. And I guarantee you that the LA Galaxy is going to look very, very different come next year. Players in, players out, players that are hurt coming back."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The five-time MLS Cup champions have fallen from their perennial contender status this season and currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with 16 points from 26 games.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Returning American players will continue testing the league's evolving reputation. Several USMNT players currently in Europe face crucial career decisions in upcoming transfer windows.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o clássico entre Flamengo e Vasco, no Maracanã, torcedores entraram em conflito e brigaram nos corredores e na rampa de acesso ao Setor Oeste do estádio. A confusão durou cerca de 15 minutos e a Polícia Militar teve que intervir com spray de pimenta e bombas de efeito moral. Veja imagens acima!

Vale destacar que o Setor Oeste do Maracanã, em clássicos, comporta torcedores dos dois clubes. A confusão aconteceu quando vascaínos e rubro-negros se encontraram nas rampas de acesso.

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Scott McTominay could not hide his admiration for Kevin De Bruyne after Napoli’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo, where both midfielders found the back of the net. The former Manchester United star hailed the Belgian as a 'great guy' and even admitted he is the one seeking advice, despite being last season's Serie A MVP. De Bruyne marked his league debut with a trademark free-kick goal.

McTominay and De Bruyne both scored in Sassuolo victoryNapoli midfield partnership already showing early promiseScot hoping to learn from BelgianFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli secured a commanding 2-0 victory away at Sassuolo on the opening weekend of the new Serie A season. McTominay opened the scoring with a towering header before De Bruyne sealed the win with a sublime free-kick, and the Scot claimed that he needs 'advice' from the Belgian.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MCTOMINAY SAID

Speaking to , McTominay said: "The message for the pre-season was we need to take off where we finished last season. It was important to win against a difficult team, which was not so easy, but are hungry this year and humble in the work as well. [De Bruyne] doesn't need any advice; I need advice from him!

"What a player and what a guy as well. We are happy to have him and bring all his qualities. He’s ready to go; he just came in, and it’s like he’s been here for five years. He’s such a great guy. We are all together, the team spirit is the most important thing, and remain humble."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

McTominay was the heartbeat of Napoli’s midfield last season, driving them to another Serie A title. Now, with De Bruyne arriving, the Partenopei boast one of Europe’s most powerful midfield pairings.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

Napoli continue to focus on their Serie A title defence, with De Bruyne expected to play a pivotal role in adapting his game to Italian football. McTominay will continue to be a leader in midfield while also learning from the Belgian maestro. Their next test comes against Cagliari on Saturday, August 30.

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A procura da CBF por um novo técnico para o comando da Seleção Brasileira após a saída de Tite parece estar perto do fim. De acordo com o presidente da entidade, Ednaldo Rodrigues, o nome do novo profissional favorito é mesmo o de Carlo Ancelotti, hoje no Real Madrid.

Em entrevista à “Reuters”, Ednaldo afirmou que o italiano de 63 anos é a escolha mais óbvia e que os jogadores também desejam trabalhar com o técnico merengue.

+ Veja a tabela e os jogos da Champions League

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-Ancelotti é unanimemente respeitado entre os jogadores. Não apenas Ronaldo Fenômeno ou Vinicius Junior, mas todos que jogaram sob o seu comando. Eu o admiro muito pela honestidade na forma como trabalha e pela constância do seu trabalho. Não precisa de apresentações. É mesmo um treinador top, que tem várias conquistas e esperamos que possa ter ainda mais – disse o presidente da CBF.

+ Confira as movimentações do mercado da bola no Vaivém do L!

O dirigente disse também que a “pressão” por Ancelotti não é só dos jogadores, mas também dos torcedores brasileiros. Atualmente, o treinador tem contrato em vigor com o Real Madrid, e o vínculo é válido até junho de 2024.

-Ancelotti não é apenas o favorito dos jogadores, mas também dos torcedores. Em todos os lugares que vou no Brasil, em todos os estádios, ele é o primeiro nome que os torcedores me perguntam. Eles falam dele de forma muito carinhosa, em reconhecimento a um trabalho exemplar que tem feito em sua carreira. Vamos ter fé em Deus, esperar o momento oportuno e vamos ver se conseguimos na busca do novo técnico da Seleção Brasileira – afirmou Ednaldo.

+Derrota do Brasil para Marrocos rende memes até com Ancelotti

No último sábado, ainda sem um treinador definido para o próximo ciclo, o Brasil perdeu para o Marrocos por 2 a 1 em amistoso internacional. A Seleção Brasileira foi comandada interinamente por Ramon Menezes. Agora, Ednaldo Rodrigues tem viagem marcada para a Europa com a missão de acertar com um novo técnico.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has made it clear that his team are not reliant on Lamine Yamal as he delivered a warning for after the transfer window.

• Flick denies Barca depend on Yamal
• German manager wants to kill team's ego
• La Liga champions drew with Rayo

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barca surrendered a 1-0 lead to draw with Vallecano in their third La Liga match, with Yamal once again proving key by earning and then converting a penalty to give them the lead in the first half. Yamal has two goals and two assists from his first three La Liga appearances this season, but Flick dismissed the notion that they are overly reliant on the 18-year-old sensation.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barca now have seven points from three matches, which keeps them fourth in the table heading into the international break, with Real Madrid enjoying three successive wins to take them up to first place. With the transfer window ending on Monday and the players heading for international duty, Flick has demanded the squad return as a cohesive unit to bounce back from a slip-up that left the German coach disappointed.

• WHAT FLICK SAID

  Flick said about the dependency on Yamal: "No, he's a key player, just like any other. After the break, we'll have worked harder and we'll do better."

  He added about the team's performance: "Today we have to talk about the team, not the players. The most important thing for me is that when the transfer window closes, everyone is 100 percent committed. It's important not to have egos; that kills the chances of success."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCA?

  Barca will face Valencia in their next La Liga game on September 14, and the good news for the fans is that the club has been permitted to use the Camp Nou for this fixture.

England and Crystal Palace have been handed a hammer blow after midfielder Adam Wharton was forced off due to an injury against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Wharton subbed off against Villa after getting injuredBig blow to Tuchel's plans for EnglandUnclear when midfielder will regain fitnessFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

England head coach Tuchel has been handed a huge blow ahead of the upcoming international break as Wharton was forced off the pitch in the 54th minute of Palace's Premier League clash with Villa on Sunday. The midfielder required medical attention as he clutched his groin and was visibly in pain, limping off the pitch. Jefferson Lerma replaced him as Palace cruised to a sensational 3-0 win at Villa Park.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wharton struggled with injury issues for a considerable portion of the 2024-25 season, making just 20 league appearances. He regained momentum towards the end of last season, starting in Palace's historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City. His emergence as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe prompted Tuchel to name him in England's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, where the Three Lions will face Andorra and Serbia. Now, Wharton's absence will be a real headache for the former Chelsea and PSG boss, who has only Elliot Anderson, Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice as players who can operate in the middle of the park. Jude Bellingham is recovering from the shoulder surgery he received in July and has been ruled out until November.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wharton has earned a solitary cap for England at senior level, making his debut in June 2024 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was named in the 26-man squad for last summer's European Championship but did not play a single minute.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

As things stand, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is the candidate most likely to be roped in as Wharton's replacement. Jones has earned six caps for England thus far. Kobbie Mainoo, who is pushing for a move away from Manchester United, could also be on Tuchel's radar.

Christopher Nkunku has officially joined AC Milan from Chelsea for a permanent fee of €42 million (£36.2m/$49m). The French forward has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2030. This deal comes after a challenging and injury-ridden stint in West London, where Nkunku struggled to establish himself as a regular under Enzo Maresca.

Nkunku jumps ship from Chelsea to MilanSerie A giants paid €42m for the forwardMilan debut could come after the international breakFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After making a high-profile £52m ($70m) move from RB Leipzig in 2023, the 25-year-old faced a series of setbacks, including a serious knee injury in pre-season, which restricted him to just 11 Premier League appearances in his first season. Despite being fit again, Nkunku struggled to earn a regular spot in the starting XI, with many of his appearances coming in cup competitions. The writing was on the wall when he was excluded from the squad for the opening two games of this season, signalling that he was no longer in the manager's plans.

AdvertisementGOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The sale of Nkunku also clears up space for Chelsea to pursue more transfer targets, including the potential signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United. Reports have surfaced that Chelsea are closing in on a £40m ($54m) deal for the Argentine forward.

DID YOU KNOW?

During his time at Chelsea, Nkunku made 62 appearances, registering 18 goals and 5 assists across all competitions. Last season, he played in 43 matches, scoring 14 goals, and was involved in six games during the club’s Club World Cup campaign.

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Getty Images/CalciomercatoWHAT NEXT FOR NKUNKU?

Milan’s first win of the new Serie A campaign came this past Friday against Lecce, and Nkunku could make his debut for the Italian giants after the international break. They are scheduled to host Bologna on September 14, and it’s expected that Nkunku will be integrated into the squad for that fixture.