Interview Session at George Helal Training Ground Brings Together José Boto, Léo Ortiz, Saúl and Freitas

Flamengo held an interview session at Ninho de Urubu on Thursday (October 1st). Football director José Boto opened proceedings, addressing journalists on matters surrounding Brazil's recent betting regulations and their potential impact on the club's football planning.

Boto explained that Rubro-Negro is working through multiple scenarios and reassured that player and staff salaries remain secure.

"Even in the worst-case scenario—because we do plan for worst-case scenarios—salaries for athletes and staff will never be at risk, neither this year nor in 2027. That money is sacred, and Flamengo will honour every contract we have with our players."

Following training, Léo Ortiz, Saúl and Freitas addressed the press. Discussion centred on Arrascaeta's absence, the upcoming international break and preparation for the critical run-in ahead.

Gilvan de Souza / CRF

Ortiz spoke to Arrascaeta's significance within the squad and the group's resilience in his absence:

"We're deeply saddened by the moment he was experiencing and his importance to the group, both on and off the pitch. Off the pitch he'll continue helping us through his leadership in training."

The centre-back also highlighted the value of fixture-free time for physical recovery and tactical development:

"This period gives us a chance to clear our heads amid all the decisive matches we've had and will face soon. It's important to breathe and allow those who've been playing heavily to recover physically."

Gilvan de Souza / CRF

Freitas, who arrived this season, also reflected on his integration process. The forward emphasised the importance of the international break for settling in and fine-tuning technical elements:

"These international break days are crucial for me to settle into the group, continue understanding the ideas and finish adjusting concepts I hadn't picked up previously, given we were playing in succession."

Freitas looked ahead to the Estudiantes clash, stressing the need for sustained concentration:

"It's a very difficult match. We need to be switched on throughout."

Saúl, meanwhile, reflected on specific conditioning work during pre-season in Portugal and rebuilding confidence through training. The number 8 also acknowledged the squad's quality:

"It's been a complicated year for me following surgery—I took a long time returning to play without pain. I did specific training in Portugal's pre-season and improved mentally as training progressed. There's also the fact that the squad is so strong it's difficult to break in. Everyone wants to play, but we know what matters is Flamengo."

Gilvan de Souza / CRF