Flamengo Installs Leonardo Jardim as Head Coach Ahead of Carioca Final

Overview

• Jardim signed through December 2027 and vowed to keep the team’s DNA while gradually adding his ideas.
• His registration was cleared in the CBF BID, making him eligible to debut Sunday against Fluminense in a one‑match final at the Maracanã.
• President Luiz Eduardo Baptista said the change was based on data and concern that success this year was at risk, defending the late‑night timing of the dismissal.
• Football director José Boto said he diagnosed problems and proposed the solution adopted by the president; his future is uncertain after a meeting ended without a decision, and the club has discussed Edu Gaspar and Fábio Luciano as options.
• Jardim called past comments about only coaching Cruzeiro in Brazil naive, signaled belief in striker Pedro without guarantees, and noted the short domestic exception window for signings runs until March 27.