Cusco assistant Jonathan Bottinelli, brother of Darío, recalls Fla-Flu before Flamengo opener | OneFootball

Flamengo’s Libertadores opener against Cusco brings a familiar surname, with assistant Jonathan Bottinelli, brother of former player Darío, on the Peruvian staff. According to Globo.com, the 41-year-old recent arrival said they are excited to face the Libertadores champions and hope to be up to the task.

Jonathan joined in the FIFA window after Miguel Rondinelli left for Melgar, arriving alongside Alejandro Orfila. A former centre-back who retired in 2022, he featured for San Lorenzo, River Plate and Sampdoria.

Darío retired in 2020 and represented Flamengo from 2011 to 2012, making 86 appearances with eight goals and six assists. He played alongside Ronaldinho and Thiago Neves and won the 2011 Campeonato Carioca. Jonathan recalls his brother was happy at the club, and that a derby with Fluminense stands out.

In 2011 at Nilton Santos, Rafael Sobis headed Fluminense in front early in the second half. Seeking a reaction, Vanderlei Luxemburgo sent on Bottinelli, Negueba and Jael. At 23 minutes, Junior César’s cross led to Negueba shooting across goal, with Thiago Neves diverting in the equaliser.

Manuel Lanzini restored Flu’s lead, then Bottinelli levelled from a 41st-minute free-kick that hit the bar and Diego Cavalieri before crossing the line. Three minutes later he struck from distance for 3-2. Signed in late 2010 for 1.7 million dollars at Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s request, he struggled for a starting place under him and Joel Santana, declined a proposed swap with Cruzeiro for Victorino early in 2012, was not renewed that December, and joined Coritiba in 2013.

Source: Globo.com