Flamengo set briefing with Joaquín Freitas, Léo Ortiz and Saúl | OneFootball

Red-and-black trio speaks to the press during the FIFA international break

Flamengo announced a press conference with three first-team players after training this Thursday (01). Forward Joaquín Freitas, center-back Léo Ortiz, and midfielder Saúl will answer reporters’ questions. The press conference takes place during the FIFA international break, which pauses the Brazilian football calendar until October 6.

Coluna do Fla will cover the press conference live

In short, Coluna do Fla will be at the press conference with reporter Rock Hudson and will also broadcast it live on its YouTube channel. This way, fans will be able to follow all the answers from the red-and-black trio in real time.

It is worth noting that the choice of interviewees brings together very different profiles. Freitas has just arrived at the club, while Léo Ortiz has a starting role in defense. Saúl, meanwhile, is trying to win back space in Leonardo Jardim’s midfield.

Joaquín Freitas speaks again one month after his unveiling

A 19-year-old Argentine, Joaquín Freitas joined Flamengo at the start of September from River Plate (ARG). According to Coluna do Fla, the club paid 7 million euros for 80% of the forward’s economic rights. Finally, the player signed a contract until 2031 and wears the No. 30 shirt.

At his official presentation on September 4, Freitas described himself as an intense player. He then made his debut in the 1-0 win over Remo in Belém in the 26th round of the Brasileirão. Since his arrival, the coaching staff has treated the Argentine as an immediate option to back up Pedro in attack.

Léo Ortiz has regained his starting spot in central defense

Léo Ortiz suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh on May 30 against Coritiba. As a result, the center-back missed the squad’s mid-season training period. Even so, he followed an intense recovery routine and established himself once again among the starters.

In recent weeks, the defender has also drawn attention off the pitch. After the 1-1 draw with Independiente del Valle on September 17, he strongly criticized the Maracanã pitch. The result, however, secured Flamengo a place in the Libertadores semifinal.

During the FIFA international break, the coaching staff planned a longer rest period for Ortiz. Rossi, Léo Pereira, and Jorginho received the same treatment, as all four had been accumulating consecutive starts.

Saúl looks for more minutes under Leonardo Jardim

Saúl returned to the starting lineup in the 2-1 win over Red Bull Bragantino on September 20. On that occasion, the Spaniard ended a drought of about four months without starting a match. After the game, he opened up about the lack of opportunities in the squad.

In 2026, the No. 8 has made 13 appearances, only 3 as a starter. Even so, he preferred to stay at the club after a loan offer from América (MEX). The former Atlético de Madrid (ESP) player is under contract with Flamengo until December 2028.

What is Flamengo’s next game?

Flamengo return to action on Thursday (08) at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) against Santos at Vila Belmiro. The match is valid for the 29th round of the Brasileirão. Before the break, Rubro-Negro led the competition with 60 points, three ahead of Palmeiras.

Next, the team hosts Fluminense on Sunday (11) at 5:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã. After that, they face Estudiantes (ARG) in the Libertadores semifinal. The first leg takes place on October 15 in La Plata, while the second leg is scheduled for October 22 at the Maracanã. The full schedule details are available in Flamengo’s complete calendar.

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