In a recent interview, "our" Jorge Jesus said Flamengo would fight for the top 5 places in the Premier League.
For many it's no more than his usual bravado, but the Brazilian sports site Yahoo Esportes went to test the theory…in Football Manager
To make this possible, the editor was used to replace Aston Villa with Flamengo, using a database updated for this summer window.
Transfers
Before the start of the competition, Mengão would only sign midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Leeds and Argentine centre back Juan Forlín, who was without a club.
In the winter window, they would strengthen the attack with Steve Mounié, Shane Long and Ollie Watkins.
Among the departures, the loan of Diego (ex-Porto) to Everton stands out, among many loans of youngsters.
Premier League
A season well short of what Jesus predicted. Eleventh place, with 49 points and only 14 wins in 38 games. A long way from the European places they wanted.
Despedimento
Yes, Jorge Jesus wouldn't even make it to the end of the first half of the season! Far from the objectives set, the Portuguese coach was sacked on 8 December, after 3 games in a row without a win.
Final tally: 7 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats, with the team 8th in the table.
He would be replaced by Sam Allardyce, who couldn't do any better than the Portuguese coach, finishing with 8 wins, 2 draws and 11 defeats!
The poor results led to the sacking of Big Sam, em finais de Abril.
Cesare Prandelli was chosen for the final game of the season, and finished with a win.
Against the English giants
Against the Big Six : Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, they only picked up 5 points out of 36, from a home win against Tottenham and two draws against Arsenal and Man Utd, also at home.
Against Everton, the team Jorge Jesus said was within Flamengo's reach, the simulation settled nothing.
One win each, 2-1. However, the Toffees would finish 7th, right behind the big six.
Cups
Poor showings again.
In the League cup, they were surprised in the third round by Championship side Middlesbrough, while in the FA Cup, it was Arsenal who ended the rubro-negros, dreams, in the last 16
Desempenho individual
With no standout performer, it was our old friend Gabriel Barbosa (ex-Benfica) who finished as the team's top scorer, with 11 goals. The top assist provider was one of the signings, Kalvin Phillips, with seven, ahead of Willian Arão with 5.
