Série B chief hints Flamengo don't want rivals in Brasileirão top flight | OneFootball

Edgard Montemor, a Novorizontino executive, gave an interview and mentioned Flamengo

Flamengo is on everyone’s lips, even among teams from other divisions. After Novorizontino’s draw with São Bernardo in Serie B of the Brasileirão, Edgard Montemor, the football executive of the team from Novo Horizonte-SP, mentioned the Rubro-Negro while suggesting that Mengão would not be happy with the team possibly earning promotion.

— What do we start thinking? That Grêmio Novorizontino has a small fanbase, that the city is small, that it’s far to travel? “Man, but if Novorizontino is in Serie A, how are Flamengo and Corinthians going to get there?” That’s not our problem —, Edgard began.

— I didn’t come here just to vent. I came to point out something I consider important and to show the press, the coach, the coaching staff, and the players that we agree with them. We would very much like the championship to be decided on the pitch — he concluded.

WHY THE OUTRAGE?

The complaint came after an alleged uncalled penalty on Novorizontino’s Robson in the match of the 30th round of Serie B of the Brasileirão. As a result, the team was held to a 0-0 draw at home and missed a great chance to move into the top two of Serie B.

Currently, Novorizontino sits in fourth place in Serie B with 51 points, three behind leaders Vila Nova. It is worth noting that in 2026, the top two teams are promoted to the first division. In addition, the teams finishing from third to sixth will play a knockout round, with the two winners also moving up to the first division.

IS NOVO HORIZONTE FAR AWAY?

To face Novorizontino in 2027, if the team goes up, Flamengo will have to deal with logistics similar to what happens with Mirassol. That way, for both places, teams land at São José do Rio Preto airport and then continue by road, by bus. However, Novo Horizonte is farther away.From São José do Rio Preto to Mirassol, it is only 15 kilometers. From the city with the airport to Novo Horizonte, meanwhile, it is 90 km. Therefore, in Brazilian football, with such a tight schedule, a possible promotion for Novorizontino promises to be a challenge for all teams.

AUTHOR’S OPINION

— With all due respect to the Novorizontino executive, bringing up Flamengo like that out of nowhere is unbelievable. But at the same time, it shows just how massive Flamengo is. I wouldn’t like to see a team without a fanbase in Serie A; football needs full stadiums and heavyweight shirts — opined Pedro Paulo Catonho, journalist for Coluna do Fla.

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