Flamengo sack Runco after De La Cruz controversy

In partnership with

Coluna do Fla

·23 de julho de 2025

Flamengo sack Runco after De La Cruz controversy

José Luiz Runco was hired by Luiz Eduardo Baptista in January 2025

Flamengo had another busy day this Tuesday (22). This is because José Luiz Runco, the club's general medical director, criticized the physical condition of Nicolás De La Cruz and the player's hiring by Rodolfo Landim's management. After negative repercussions among players and fans, the red-black board decided to dismiss the professional this Wednesday (23).

Runco's comments about De La Cruz's situation did not 'sit well' behind the scenes at Flamengo. Players, members of the technical staff, and directors expressed dissatisfaction with the exposure made by the professional. Thus, the red-black board understood that dismissal would be ideal at the moment. The information was provided by journalist Bruno Castanha and confirmed by the Coluna do Fla report.

Vídeos OneFootball

WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY BETWEEN RUNCO AND DE LA CRUZ?

General medical director of Flamengo, José Luiz Runco criticized the physical condition of the Uruguayan midfielder. According to information from 'GE', the professional sent a message in a Whatsapp group, formed by members of Fla's politics, criticizing the hiring of Nicolás De La Cruz. It is worth noting that, in December 2023, the Most Beloved spent a little over R$ 100 million on the player.

Dear João. Good afternoon. I will try to explain De La Cruz's situation. Player bought in another management, without the slightest condition, as he has a chronic and irreparable injury in the right knee, and also an injury in the left knee. As we are bipeds, we have difficulties with balance and muscle balance if any limb is already affected. We are trying to do everything possible for him to participate, but it is very complicated. And, regarding the sale, only if there is a club interested for another reason and not to play competitive football. Sincerely,“ said Runco.

WHEN DID RUNCO JOIN FLAMENGO?

José Luiz Runco was one of the first professionals hired by Bap's management at Flamengo. The professional even had a previous stint at Mengão in his career, between 1981 and 2015. Now, however, the doctor leaves the red-black position in a more 'controversial' manner.

IS DE LA CRUZ OUT OF THE FLAMENGO VS BRAGANTINO GAME?

Meanwhile, De La Cruz remains out of Flamengo's games. For the match against Red Bull Bragantino, this Wednesday (23), coach Filipe Luís did not include the midfielder. It is important to note that last Sunday (20), the Uruguayan also did not play in the 1-0 victory over Fluminense. Thus, the player continues with physical reconditioning work and hopes to be available for the next commitments.

WHEN DOES FLAMENGO PLAY?

Flamengo faces Bragantino at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) this Wednesday (23), for the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship. Thus, the match, which takes place at the Cicero de Souza Marques Stadium, will be covered by Coluna do Fla, through the website and social media. However, Globo (open channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the match.

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