Flamengo players cite fitness for upturn after switch from Filipe Luís to Jardim | OneFootball

Flamengo have steadied after an uneven start to 2026, and remain unbeaten since Leonardo Jardim took charge. According to Globo.com, players credit improved conditioning for the upturn, a weakness previously flagged by Filipe Luís.

They say the team had been trending upwards and expected to hit this level. Remo posed problems, but sustained focus delivered a wide-margin, important win.

Luiz Araújo accepts the start fell short of expectations, but feels the group is now better prepared physically and mentally. With more minutes, he believes performances will rise and that Flamengo can be strong contenders for trophies.

The club had targeted improvement by late March or early April as rest and training time increased. After a shortened pre-season and a gruelling year of more than 70 games, players feel they are nearing the level expected. They also point to Jardim’s influence alongside natural growth, reflected in a run of wins without conceding.

Flamengo return to training on Friday morning, then travel on Saturday to São Paulo. They face Corinthians on Sunday in the eighth round of the Brasileirão. The FIFA window should offer extra time to work, which, in Royal’s view, will help embed Jardim’s ideas.

Source: Globo.com