Leonardo Jardim justifies Flamengo switch after reversing Brazil vow | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim has justified his decision to take charge of Flamengo after previously pledging not to coach another Brazilian club, speaking after the Libertadores last-16 first leg against Cruzeiro. According to Coluna Do Fla, the Portuguese coach set out why his stance changed.

The tie opened with a 1-1 draw on Wednesday 12.

Jardim said he had expected to remain longer in Brazil, but events changed course. He added that his preference was to work in the Middle East, yet conflict in the region curtailed opportunities, and when Flamengo called he felt it was impossible to refuse.

He said he had apologised for previously expressing a view about not returning to Brazilian football. Beyond that, he insisted he was comfortable with what had happened, noting that many present knew the details even if they preferred to look away.

The coach led Cruzeiro from February to December 2025, overseeing 55 matches and a third-place finish in the Brasileiro. On leaving Belo Horizonte he cited fatigue in the role and personal needs, and publicly vowed not to take another job in Brazil. His agreement to manage Flamengo in March 2026 sparked a backlash.

During the game at Mineirão, Cruzeiro supporters insulted him during the minute of silence before kick-off, while fake banknotes bearing his face and the slogans “100 vergonha” and “100 caráter”, plus protest banners, were spread around the stands. The second leg is at the Maracanã on Wednesday 19 at 21:30 Brasília time, and with the first match level, any draw in Rio would take the tie to penalties.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”