Flamengo's Libertadores opponents lose manager days before opener | OneFootball

Melgar (PER) agreed to pay the release clause to take Miguel Rondelli from Cusco (PER)

Flamengo will make their 2026 Libertadores debut in Group A against Cusco (PER), a team currently without a coach. That is because manager Miguel Rondelli decided to leave the team that plays at an altitude of 3,000 meters to accept the offer to take charge of Melgar (PER).

Rondelli had a contract with Cusco until 2028, but Melgar paid the release clause to secure the Argentine coach. He is considered one of those responsible for the team’s qualification for this year’s Libertadores group stage.

Does the change worry Cusco?

The team that plays high in the mountains faces Flamengo on April 8. Therefore, the Peruvian board is racing against time to replace the manager. The Argentine, however, is focused on the Clausura Tournament with his new club.

It is worth noting that Cusco are newcomers to the Libertadores. That is because the club used to be Real Garcilaso, which had already reached the quarterfinals of the continental tournament. However, in 2019, the directors chose to change the name to honor the city.

And who is Flamengo’s coach?

While their opponent looks for another manager, Flamengo continue with Leonardo Jardim. That is because the Portuguese coach has only been in charge for five matches. Thus, the teams will play in the Peruvian altitude on April 8, starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time).

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