Leonardo Jardim on how Jorge Jesus and Gabigol drew him to Flamengo | OneFootball

Flamengo announced Leonardo Jardim’s arrival in early March to take over as head coach

Leonardo Jardim has been in charge of Flamengo for just over a month. However, the Portuguese coach told Flamengo TV that he had contact with Mengão long before putting on the Sacred Jersey. That is because Jorge Jesus and Gabigol introduced the coach to the world of Fla.

— I’ve known Flamengo for many years already. There was a period when I followed Flamengo very closely because Jesus was here, and he was a friend of mine. He got me to watch that first Libertadores final (2019). It was very difficult, and I stayed up to follow it and send a congratulatory message,” said the coach, who added:

— Then, even more so over this last year, because I was working here in Brazil and experienced a little of what Flamengo’s greatness is, not only in Rio but throughout Brazil. And I had Gabriel on my team, and many times we would go play in Fortaleza, in the Northeast, and Flamengo fans would be there just to support one player,” he highlighted.

When did Leonardo Jardim arrive at Flamengo?

After Filipe Luís was dismissed, the Rubro-Negro announced the Portuguese coach on March 5. Therefore, his debut for the Most Beloved came in the Carioca Championship final won against Fluminense.

When did Leonardo Jardim work with Gabigol?

Gabriel Barbosa left Flamengo at the end of 2024. Cruzeiro then signed the Rubro-Negro idol, who was unable to secure a starting spot in the team coached by the Portuguese manager. Despite a good Brasileirão campaign, the duo did not win any trophies in 2025.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

With Leonardo Jardim on the touchline, Flamengo has a derby this Sunday (12). The match kicks off at 6:00 PM (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, in the 11th round of the Brasileirão. The opposing team has home-field advantage.

As is tradition, Coluna do Fla will bring all the details of the match between Flamengo and Fluminense through YouTube, the website, and social media. The broadcast, however, is exclusive to Premiere (pay-per-view).

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