One of the targets most criticized by Flamengo fans in the 3-0 defeat to Athletico Paranaense, in a game valid for the 23rd round of the Brasileirão, was defender David Luiz. Improvised by Jorge Sampaoli as a midfielder, a role the player played at Chelsea in 2012, the defender was unable to perform his game well, whether distributing passes or protecting Mengo’s defense system.
In addition to being a little lost on the field, a move further corroborated the negative image of David Luiz on the field: a disconcerting hat placed by Vitor Bueno on top of the former Brazilian team defender, still in the first team, and which of course generated many tweets and comments this Thursday.
Another character much criticized by Flamengo fans was coach Jorge Sampaoli, who was without left-back Ayrton Lucas due to suspension, and had to change the team’s tactical scheme, improvising other players, such as Thiago Maia, who played in the role.
Too cold out there? #BrasileiraoNoSportv #Athletico #Flamengo #Sampaoli pic.twitter.com/w5krNQO6Um
— sportv (@sportv) September 14, 2023
There’s no reason why DAvid Luiz was lost and that would be a function of the steering wheel that Jenio placed there on the left side… sampaoli, stupid!
— Leo (@Leo_Diniz) September 14, 2023
There’s no reason why DAvid Luiz was lost and that would be a function of the steering wheel that Jenio placed there on the left side… sampaoli, stupid!
— Leo (@Leo_Diniz) September 14, 2023
Flamengo fans are divided between criticism and support for David Luiz
Amid several comments condemning the defender’s below-average performance, some fans believed that David Luiz’s poor performance against Athletico Paranaense was the fact that the player was out of his original position.
Conceited by his ability to pass well, and to see the game, David Luiz, in his best phase in Europe, came to play as the first midfield man at Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea, and then Rafa Benítez, in a spell that culminated in the Blues’ Champions League title in the 2011/2012 season.
However, the player was visibly not comfortable enough to perform his role in this Wednesday’s game, which was observed by some fans, who came to the athlete’s defense.
That’s it, this Pardal always wants to invent and yesterday was the culmination with the selection of David Luiz as a midfielder. He was supposed to get fired in the locker room.
— Márcio Lima (@marciolimasb) September 14, 2023
The same @DavidLuiz_4 q together with Fabrício. It was fundamental in the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil in 22, the guys played like shit. Because TWO TECHNICIANS SON OF WHORES . CHOSEN BY THE CURSED @marcosbrazrio It does not have a defined system. https://t.co/Cs8sTbkgum
– Flamengo. (@AlanFar64161075) September 14, 2023
David Luiz leaving Flamengo?
This Thursday, another episode involving David Luiz took social media by storm this Thursday. The player made an enigmatic post on his social networks, which led to the interpretation that the athlete would be saying goodbye to the club later this year.
Shortly after the post, Flamengo fans posted several messages about the publication. The defender was a fundamental piece for Dorival Júnior’s team in the campaigns that culminated in the Copa do Brasil titles, and also the Libertadores.
After the turbulent departure of Dorival da Gávea, a flood of problems descended on Rubro-Negro, which has affected the team on and off the field, which could lead to the departure of players if the team fails in the search for Brazilian Cup title.
If David Luiz is leaving, he will be happy wherever he goes
A giant football guy who I had the pleasure of seeing in Fla, but he was no longer performing unfortunately
But it was very important in Renato’s team and Dorival’s team, but everything has a beginning, middle and end
— Rhuanᶜʳᶠ (@rhuaan17) September 14, 2023
When do the Copa do Brasil finals take place?
Flamengo’s journey towards winning another Copa do Brasil begins this Sunday (17). Sampaoli’s men will face São Paulo in the big decision, and the first game takes place at Maracanã Stadium, at 4pm (Brasília time).
The return is scheduled for a week later, on September 24th, also on Sunday, at 4pm (Brasília time), but at the Morumbi Stadium.
