Boss of Brasileirão side feels pressure and vents: “We’re not Flamengo” | OneFootball

Mirassol manager Rafael Guanaes has been receiving criticism

A surprise in Brazilian football last year, Mirassol has had a turbulent start to 2026. Third from bottom in the Brazilian Championship, the team drew away to Bragantino on Wednesday (22) in the Copa do Brasil. The yellow team’s coach, Rafael Guanaes, spoke out about the criticism he has received and mentioned Flamengo.

— That’s what Mirassol’s 2026 season is like, the challenges keep getting bigger with every stage we manage to get through, within the identity we need to establish for 2026. We are always looking for new ways to stay competitive. The team ended up being very pragmatic, but it did what was necessary to take home a good result. It was a cup match, a game for us to finish off at home —, Guanaes said.

— Two results in which we picked up points. We had been playing well without getting any. That’s what we are looking for. That’s why I congratulate the squad. I’m happy to be able to count on more than just 11 players. I’m not too worried about the consequences, because there are a lot of games and very tough opponents. We are Mirassol, we are not Flamengo or Palmeiras. We will go through a lot of ups and downs during the season —, the Mirassol coach added.

WHAT CHANGED AT MIRASSOL?

In 2025, Mirassol only played in the Campeonato Paulista and the Brazilian Championship. After the strong performance last season, the team is now also playing in the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil. With a thin squad, the team has not been able to repeat its good performances and has suffered in the results.

HAVE FLAMENGO AND MIRASSOL ALREADY PLAYED EACH OTHER IN 2026?

Flamengo and Mirassol were supposed to face each other at the end of February in the Brazilian Championship. However, the match had to be postponed because of Mengão’s participation in the Recopa. There is still no new date for the clash. The second-round meeting, meanwhile, will be in August.

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