Carioca title eases mood as Flamengo turn the page under Leonardo Jardim | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim’s Flamengo reign began with the Carioca title after only five days in the job, easing tensions after Filipe Luís’s turbulent exit. According to Globo.com, the priority is to steady the mood and move on.

Players have felt the impact of Filipe’s dismissal, accepted their share of blame for the dip, and want unity to turn the page.

Jardim has had little time to impose ideas, so the next weeks are crucial. With games every three days, he plans to keep the squad together to learn the group and set strategy.

The transition will be gradual, with the win over Fluminense a first glimpse. Against Cruzeiro on Wednesday, a side he knows well, more of Jardim’s identity could emerge.

On the touchline he was notably active, instructing throughout, especially Carrascal and Arrascaeta. At full-time he spoke with Danilo, then Rossi, and sent a written message to Pulgar via Jorginho.

He demanded greater compactness, encouraged attacks, and showed frustration when moves broke down. Flamengo were organised at the back, the night’s main brief, but lacked attacking threat.

During the shootout he stood between president Bap and director José Boto. In the stands, fans hailed Filipe Luís, a giant flag flew beside one of Zico, and chants followed an angry farewell days earlier.

Flamengo returned on Monday morning to prepare for Cruzeiro. There is no time to celebrate and training windows will now shrink. The Carioca crown is their first of 2026 after defeats in the Supercopa and Recopa.

Source: Globo.com