Leonardo Jardim makes final call on Pedro's Flamengo situation | OneFootball

Pedro scored one of Flamengo’s goals this Thursday (16)

If anyone still had doubts that Pedro is an undisputed starter for Flamengo, Leonardo Jardim “settled it” this Thursday (16). After Mengão’s 4-1 win over Independiente Medellín (COL) in the second round of the Libertadores, the Portuguese coach stated that the number 9 is the team’s striker.

— Pedro is the striker for this team, I’ve already stressed that a few times. But of course there are some matches in which I intend to use strikers with different characteristics. I knew that today this team would be a bit more aggressive, more focused on duels, and Bruno is a striker who does well with movement and counter-movement -, he said, before concluding:

— Pedro is a player who holds the ball up more. We saw that when the game slowed down, with the opponent having less ability to physically trouble us, Pedro became more involved. It’s also important at times to find the right combinations between players -, Jardim concluded.

How did Pedro perform in Flamengo vs. Independiente Medellín?

Pedro started Thursday’s match (16) on the bench and was brought on by Leonardo Jardim in the 32nd minute of the second half. Then, in the 51st minute, the number 9 received a pass from Luiz Araújo and, with a toe poke, scored Flamengo’s fourth goal against Independiente Medellín.

What are Pedro’s numbers for Flamengo in 2026?

In addition, Pedro further cemented himself as Flamengo’s top scorer in the 2026 season. So far, the number 9 has played 21 matches, scored 12 goals, and provided three assists. The striker is therefore continuing to regain his place under Leonardo Jardim.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With Pedro available, Flamengo return to the pitch this Sunday (19) to face Bahia. The match will take place at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, in the 12th round of the Brasileirão.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Flamengo and Bahia through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, 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.