Jorge Jesus gives blessing for Flamengo players to attend Carnival | OneFootball

With two trophies already under their belt in 2020, it would be hard to argue that Flamengo’s players haven’t earned the right to celebrate.

Having beaten Athletico-PR in the Supercopa do Brasil last Sunday, the Rubro-Negro added the Taça Guanabara to their trophy cabinet on Saturday.

Despite going behind to Boavista in the fifth minute, Flamengo recovered with efforts from Diego on the stroke of half time and Gabriel Barbosa in the 81st to win the final 2-1.

And manager Jorge Jesus felt it was only fitting to allow the players to let their hair down on Sunday.

“We are going to take time off and are free for Carnival or to be able to rest, whoever wants to,” Gazeta Esportiva quoted the Flamengo boss as saying after the decider.

The 65-year-old Portugal native added that he was hoping for good news on the injury front ahead of Wednesday’s Recopa Sudamericana second leg against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle.

Winger Jorge Henrique was ruled out of the Taça Guanabara, and Jesus revealed that he is also sweating on the fitness of others.

“We had to change more than usual against Boavista,” Jesus admitted.

“Players who had physical problems, like [Giorgian De] Arrascaeta, Rafinha and Bruno Henrique, we don’t know if they will be recoverable.

“I have some doubts, maybe Rafinha will have a better chance. I’m used to doctors doing miracles.”

The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, which leaves Flamengo in a strong position ahead of Wednesday’s encounter at the Maracanã