In a 2019 interview, “our” Jorge Jesus claimed that Flamengo would fight for the top five in the Premier League.
For many it was just another Jesus one-liner. But Brazil’s Yahoo Esportes decided to put it to the test… in Football Manager.
Using the editor, it swapped Aston Villa for Flamengo, in a database updated with that summer’s transfers.
Transfers
Before the season, Mengão signed only midfielder Kalvin Phillips, from Leeds, and Argentine center back Juan Forlín, who was a free agent.
In January it strengthened the attack with Steve Mounié, Shane Long and Ollie Watkins. Among the departures, Diego (ex-FC Porto) was loaned to Everton, along with several youngsters.
The Premier League
A season far below what Jesus promised: 11th place, 49 points and only 14 wins in 38 games. European places were nowhere in sight.
Jesus sacked
And yes, Jorge Jesus did not even make it to the halfway point. Far from his targets, he was sacked on December 8, after three straight games without a win. He left with 7 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats, with the team in 8th.
In came Sam Allardyce, who did no better: 8 wins, 2 draws and 11 defeats. He too was sacked, at the end of April.
Cesare Prandelli took charge of the last game of the season, and won.
Against the giants
Against the “Big Six” (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham), Flamengo took only 5 points from a possible 36: a home win over Tottenham and two draws, also at home, with Arsenal and Manchester United.
Against Everton, the team Jesus said Flamengo could match, the simulation did not settle it: one win each, both 2-1. But the Toffees finished 7th, right behind the big six.
The cups
More disappointment. In the League Cup, Flamengo were stunned in the third round by Championship side Middlesbrough. In the FA Cup, Arsenal ended the dream in the last 16.
Individual highlights
No great performances. The top scorer was our old friend Gabriel Barbosa (ex-Benfica), with 11 goals. The top provider was a new signing, Kalvin Phillips, with 7, ahead of Willian Arão, with 5.
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Fonte: Yahoo Esportes
