“Take out Flamengo and Palmeiras, I’m calmer”: Vitória boss | OneFootball

Jair Ventura joked about Flamengo and Palmeiras’ superiority in the Brasileirão

Vitória got off to a good start in the Brasileirão after the World Cup break. Last Thursday (16), the Salvador side beat Vasco 1-0 at Barradão. Famous for his ‘energetic’ style, coach Jair Ventura was asked whether he is calmer after the rest during the World Cup and the positive result upon returning to the league. However, the manager mentioned Mengão in his response.

“If you take out Flamengo, Palmeiras, and that group in the middle, then yes (I’d be calm). But with those guys, no. There’s no way to stay calm. There isn’t,” said Jair Ventura, laughing, at a press conference held at Barradão Stadium in Salvador, Bahia.

Jair Ventura, in fact, almost left Vitória during the World Cup. The coach was approached by Vasco, but chose to remain in Salvador. The team’s strong season led him to continue with the current project at the red-and-black club from Bahia.

In the Copa do Brasil, Jair made history by knocking Flamengo out in the knockout stage. In the Brasileirão, the team sits in 11th place, a campaign above local fans’ expectations. In addition, Vitória are the current Copa do Nordeste champions and runners-up in the Baiano.

WHY THE CONCERN ABOUT FLAMENGO AND PALMEIRAS?

Flamengo and Palmeiras have dominated Brazilian football in recent years. In 2025, in fact, the Rubro-Negro won both the Libertadores and the Brasileirão, with the São Paulo side finishing as runners-up in both. This year, the two clubs remain at the top of the competitions.

In the Brasileirão, Palmeiras are in first place with 41 points. Flamengo are in second with 34. It is worth noting, however, that Rubro-Negro have a game in hand. Mengão will try to cut the gap this Wednesday (22).

WHEN IS FLAMENGO’S NEXT MATCH?

At Arena Condá, Flamengo face Chapecoense at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) in the 19th round of the Brasileirão. If Mengão are on the pitch, then Coluna do Fla provides full coverage, live from Chapecó. Reporter Léo José is already in Santa Catarina to follow the match.

It is also worth mentioning that Palmeiras play this Wednesday (22) as well, before Mengão. Abel Ferreira’s team visit Coritiba at Couto Pereira Stadium in Curitiba. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time). Here at Coluna do Fla, you can follow everything.

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