Botafogo boss's message before Flamengo clash in the Brasileirão | OneFootball

Flamengo and Botafogo head into the derby after defeats in the Brasileirão

Botafogo, Flamengo’s next opponent in the Brasileirão, lost 3-2 to Athletico-PR this Monday (24). In a press conference, interim coach Rodrigo Bellão was asked about the planning for the derby against Fla and explained the team’s strategy.

— It may seem like a long time, but I only have three training sessions with all the players. That would be Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for Sunday’s match. It looks like I have all those days, but I don’t. But that already helps me create situations. I was the coach in the game against Mirassol, and it was very different — he said, before concluding:

— It was a game in which we managed to balance the team defensively. Today (Monday), we created chances, had possession, and took 33 shots. I want the team to produce offensively the way it did today, but to be more effective. And we need to balance the team defensively. That will be important to get more wins in the league — the coach concluded.

Why does Botafogo have an interim coach?

Botafogo are going through a difficult spell in the 2026 season. With just one win in their last five matches, in addition to being eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana, the General Severiano club decided to dismiss Portuguese coach Franclim Carvalho.

As a result, Rodrigo Bellão, coach of the under-20 team, has temporarily taken charge of the senior squad. Meanwhile, Botafogo’s board remains in the market looking for a new manager for the rest of the season.

What is Flamengo and Botafogo’s situation in the Brasileirão?

Flamengo currently sit in second place in the Brasileirão with 45 points. After a 2-1 loss to Cruzeiro last Saturday (22), the Rubro-Negro saw Palmeiras open up a six-point lead at the top of the table.

On the other hand, Botafogo are in 11th place in the Brasileirão standings with 30 points. In 23 matches played, Flamengo’s rival have eight wins, six draws, and nine defeats.

What are the details of the Flamengo vs Botafogo match?

The Rio derby between Flamengo and Botafogo takes place this Sunday (30), in the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match kicks off at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla brings all the details of Flamengo’s 2026 season. So stay tuned to the website, social media, and YouTube. In addition, Globo (free-to-air), GE TV (YouTube), and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the match against Botafogo.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.