Flamengo and the Copa do Brasil: Tite's Bold Choices

Flamengo Prepares for Copa do Brasil Semifinals

On Thursday (12), Flamengo enters the pitch for the decisive match against Bahia in the Copa do Brasil semifinals at the Maracanã. Having secured a vital goal advantage from the first leg at Arena Fonte Nova, Flamengo aims to solidify their place in the next round.

Key Player Absences and Strategic Adjustments

This match marks a significant moment as Flamengo will compete without their star player, Pedro, who is sidelined due to a serious knee injury sustained during training with the Brazilian National Team.

• Tite's Tactical Choices
• Bruno Henrique to Lead as Center Forward
• Gabigol's Surprising Bench Placement

Tite has seemingly settled on a new formation, as noted by journalist Paulo Vinícius Coelho (PVC). Gabigol, surprisingly, finds himself sidelined, with Tite opting for Bruno Henrique to fulfill the center forward role instead.

The Rationale Behind Tite's Decisions

PVC elaborated on Tite's reasoning during a program on UOL Sports, stating:
“Bruno Henrique is chosen because of his size and aerial strength. Tite prefers a player who can dominate in the air, and unfortunately, Gabigol does not fit this style in the current setup.”

Despite having the talent, Gabigol may not showcase the necessary skill set for a traditional center forward role in Tite's formation. The coach's preferred strategy appears to favor a forward who can serve as a focal point in a 4-2-3-1 setup.

Projected Lineup for Flamengo Against Bahia

The likely lineup highlights Tite's strategic focus. Expected starters include:
- Varela
- Fabrício Bruno
- Léo Pereira
- Ayrton Lucas
- Léo Ortiz
- Allan
- Gerson
- De Arrascaeta
- Luiz Araújo
- Bruno Henrique

This formation signals Tite's commitment to securing this crucial victory against a complete Bahia squad, emphasizing both tactical prowess and strategic depth.