Jardim likens Pedro to United legend, sees Ancelotti ‘error’

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Coluna do Fla

·21 de mayo de 2026

Jardim likens Pedro to United legend, sees Ancelotti ‘error’

Pedro was left out of Brazil’s 26-man squad

Pedro scored the goal that gave Flamengo the win this Wednesday (20), against Estudiantes (ARG), in the fifth round of the Libertadores. In a press conference, Leonardo Jardim was asked about the No. 9’s omission from the World Cup squad and lamented the striker’s absence.

— Pedro is a special player, and I don’t think there is any player in Brazil with his characteristics and his technical repertoire. Of course there are players faster than him, players stronger than him -, he said, before concluding:

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— But in terms of technical repertoire, no. I had a player, Berbatov (former Manchester United-ENG), who was very similar to the quality Pedro has. That’s why it’s a shame not to see him in this Brazil call-up -, Jardim concluded.

How was Pedro’s goal against Estudiantes?

Flamengo did not have an easy time against Estudiantes, since the Argentinians were wasting a lot of time. So, Pedro stepped up to solve the problem. In the 18th minute, Muslera made a mistake, and the No. 9 took advantage to score from a tight angle with his left foot.

What did Pedro say about not being called up for the World Cup?

Pedro also opened up about being left off Carlo Ancelotti’s squad list. After this Wednesday’s match (20), the No. 9 admitted that he missed out on the World Cup because of the recurring injuries he suffered in 2025.

In my life, I try to look at the bright side. Of course I was hopeful, but those who were called up deserved it too and were also part of the whole cycle. Unfortunately, I had an injury when I was about to be called up, and that also made it harder for me to make the national team, but that’s part of it. I’m maintaining my good form, thank God. Now I just want to wish luck to everyone who is going, and I’ll be cheering as just another Brazilian. I thank God for already being part of this cycle. I also believe in God’s will, that it is good, perfect, and pleasing, without a doubt. It only didn’t happen because God did not allow it, but I’ll be cheering, I’ll be one more Brazilian, and without a doubt I’ll work to come back in the next call-up and be with the national team,” Pedro said.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With Pedro available, Flamengo now turns its focus back to the Brasileirão. This Saturday (23), Leonardo Jardim’s team will face Palmeiras at 9 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, in the 17th round of the league.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Flamengo and Palmeiras through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, SporTV (subscription channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the Brasileirão match.

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