Sports
Leonardo Jardim Under Fire After Flamengo Libertadores Exit
A penalty shootout loss to Estudiantes exposes tactical flaws and a lack of attacking depth.
Flamengo's elimination by Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores has laid bare structural flaws under Leonardo Jardim. According to analyst Bernardo Ramos, the manager cannot continue after questionable tactical choices and another penalty shootout defeat.
It is the end of the line for Leonardo Jardim at Flamengo. Their Copa Libertadores exit at the hands of Estudiantes creates an unsustainable situation for the manager at the helm of the Rubro-Negro, following two legs of far-below-expected performances against a technically inferior opponent.
In the video above, Bernardo Ramos breaks down the Carioca club's defeat at the Maracanã, the coaching staff's decisions, and the performance of key players during the decisive penalty shootout.
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Attacking Struggles and Numerical Advantage
The context of the second leg made the result even more severe for the Rio-based side. Estudiantes played with ten men from the 5th minute of the first half following Baltazar Rodríguez's red card. Despite holding a man advantage in front of more than 70,000 fans at the Maracanã, Flamengo were reduced to floating crosses into the box, managing just three shots on target over more than 180 combined minutes across both legs. In the first leg in La Plata, facing a backup defense fielded by Cacique Medina, Flamengo failed to register a single shot on goal against goalkeeper Muslera.
Questionable Choices and Missed Penalties
For Bernardo Ramos, tactical and lineup decisions weigh heavily against keeping Leonardo Jardim in charge. The manager moved Carrascal out of his natural role to accommodate Paquetá, a high-profile signing costing over 42 million euros. Furthermore, Varela, a standout in the previous continental final against Palmeiras, remained on the bench behind Emerson Royal, while Pedro delivered an ineffective display and Arrascaeta was only brought on in the second half.
The team's execution in the penalty shootout also drew sharp criticism. Muslera saved attempts from Jorginho, Paquetá—criticized for an overconfident stutter-step run-up—and Bruno Henrique. Ramos highlights that Flamengo have now missed eight penalties across two recent five-kick shootouts, including the FIFA Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain and the Campeonato Carioca. The manager's post-match admission that the squad does not practice penalties has only heightened the scrutiny on the coaching staff.
Mounting Pressure in the Campeonato Brasileiro
Following their elimination against Vitória in the Copa do Brasil and this latest Libertadores defeat, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro has become an absolute requirement for the squad. The continental exit also paves the way for Palmeiras to chase a fourth title and match Flamengo's historic tally in South America's premier tournament. Given the team's inconsistent form and recurring tactical missteps, Bernardo Ramos believes the board must urgently reassess the direction of the football department.
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