Lorran on ‘wonderkid pressure’, Arrascaeta cover after Italy return | OneFootball

Back at Flamengo, Lorran looks to convince Leonardo Jardim during training camp in Portugal and faces the challenge of proving his worth in the senior squad

Attacking midfielder Lorran is with Flamengo’s squad in Portugal, fully focused on the mid-season training period. After completing a loan spell at Pisa in Italy, the player is working to convince the coaching staff and secure a place in the main group. In response to reporter Simon Lédo from Coluna do Fla, the player addressed the weight of being considered one of the club’s biggest gems produced in recent years.

When asked about the burden of carrying the expectations of being a major Rubro-Negro prospect and how that affects his performances, the player showed maturity. Daily work paves the way to success, the attacking midfielder stressed.

“I just keep working for these things to happen. It was by showing my football that this came about, and that’s it: just keep working and let things happen,” he said.

Asked about the difficulty of dealing with pressure, Lorran said he was calm and revealed that he is already used to it. “Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine… I’m already used to it,” the player said.

COULD LORRAN BE THE ‘IN-HOUSE SIGNING’ FLAMENGO IS LOOKING FOR IN THE ATTACKING MIDFIELD ROLE?

In an exchange with Rock Hudson, also from Coluna do Fla, the discussion turned to the player’s tactical ability, such as skill, close control, the ability to solve situations, and vision. So, given a complicated transfer market, the analysis raised the possibility of Lorran filling the role as Arrascaeta’s backup.

About the chance of being the in-house reinforcement needed in this transfer window, Lorran reaffirmed his constant focus. The player said that, if needed, he will be ready to play and will contribute in the best way possible: “Like I’ve always said, I’m working for that. If I’m needed, I’m here, always focused,” he said.

HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE AT PISA AND WHAT IS THE CURRENT MOMENT LIKE?

Lorran’s return to the pitch for Flamengo showed immediate results. This Wednesday (08), during a friendly against Lausanne Sport (SUI) at Estádio Algarve, the youngster got on the scoresheet.

After a goalless first half, Flamengo opened the scoring just six minutes into the second half. Wallace Yan found Lorran with a precise pass, and the number 99, who had replaced Luiz Araújo, finished past goalkeeper Castella.

In response about his current moment and his spell in Italy, where he played ten matches, Lorran described the experience as a learning period. Asked about future plans, the player pointed out that there have not yet been any definitive talks: “Not yet. Right now I’m at Flamengo, and my mind is on Flamengo. Let things happen,” he said.

Under contract until 2029, the player is still age-eligible to play for the under-20 side. It is worth remembering that, in 2025, Lorran took advantage of absences in the squad to earn minutes under Filipe Luís before moving to Italian football.

WHAT IS THE COACHING STAFF’S VIEW ON THE YOUNG PLAYERS?

The final decision on Lorran’s future rests with coach Leonardo Jardim. The manager is using the period in Portugal to closely observe the players.

“Lorran and all the other players, like Rayan and the under-20s, have to show themselves. It’s not Jardim who is going to take a gamble; the players at Flamengo have to prove they are good enough to earn a place in the squad, to show the coach, but also the club and the fans, that they are capable of doing better than others,” Jardim said during a press conference in Portugal.

“We opened up this space, that’s why we brought them here, and we’re going to put them into the games. In the world of football and top-level competition, we can have affection for young players, but what we expect is competence on the pitch so they can fit into the clubs’ plans,” the coach concluded.

Jardim stressed that the responsibility for earning a place falls entirely on the players, who need to show they are good enough to join the senior squad. In this way, Flamengo’s board remains focused on evaluating whether the youngsters will be used in the first team or whether they will seek new loans to gain experience.

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