The Globe
Fla removes Obina and tries to suspend the effect to have Souza
Defenders are out of Joel's plans and the club is turning to former junior players.
Márcio Tavares
Desperation is knocking at Gávea's door. After the 2-0 loss to Atlético-PR the day before yesterday, Flamengo's board and coach Joel Santana announced a series of measures yesterday afternoon to try to improve the team's position, which currently sits in 19th place in the Brazilian league, in the relegation zone. One decision was to remove Obina, who weighs 92 kilos and has a very high body fat percentage for an athlete: 16%. Obina, who is 1,83m tall, would ideally weigh 86 kilos.
However, by removing Obina, Joel is left with practically only two forwards, Leonardo and Maxi, for tomorrow's match against Náutico, as Paulo Sérgio received his third yellow card. The solution was to resort to legal action: Vice-Legal Counsel Michel Assef Filho filed a request yesterday with the Superior Court of Sports Justice to suspend Souza's five-game suspension by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD).
If the request is accepted, the striker, who surprised the coaching staff last Saturday by claiming to have a muscle injury, missing the trip to Santos (he was supposed to be Obina's backup), will be included in the squad. Obina was surprised by the absence, although he knew the risks he was running. Playing him under these conditions was a mistake, in Joel's opinion:
"The measure is to protect him. I think playing him out of shape and overweight exposed him, but I took it that way. He was cleared by the physical trainers and physiologists. If I come in and take Obina off, what will they say?"
Another decision divided the players: the group, which has been traveling and training in succession, already gathered last night for tomorrow's match and must remain confined in Teresópolis from Monday until Thursday's Fla-Flu match.
"I'd rather stay home," said Renato Augusto. "I've traveled a lot, I'm living in hell, and I want peace."
Fábio Luciano isn't bothered by the crisis. The defender trained well and debuts tomorrow. He'll be joined by Rodrigo Arroz and former junior players like Marlon and Rômulo. While Thiago and Moisés were already out of Joel's plans, Irineu and Ronaldo Angelim were added to the list the day before yesterday because they disappointed the coach at a crucial moment.
At halftime, Joel announced he would take Irineu off, but Angelim beat him to it, telling him he should come off because he was feeling pain in his leg. A shoving match ensued between the two players, which only ended with Roger's energetic and irritated intervention, like, "Are you scared to play? Come on, damn it..."
And with Paulinho's departure to Israel, made official yesterday, the "pão de queijo" republic is being dissolved once and for all. Jaílton and Léo Medeiros will also no longer be used, and only Luizinho has been given a new lease on life.
Renato Mauricio Prado
And Flamengo, huh? I barely noticed the latest embarrassment, but flicking between the Botafogo game (which I primarily watched) and the red-and-black one, I gave up completely when I saw Léo Lima on the field! He's the face of Flamengo these days. Distracted, lazy, useless...
What's happening in Gávea? Not even those who know how to play soccer can. Renato Augusto seems to have forgotten how to play soccer during the U-20 World Cup. Leonardo Moura hasn't played a decent game in months! And even goalkeeper Bruno seems out of shape—he missed both goals. What a disaster!
Joel Santana really isn't having any luck. Reasco's broken leg and Túlio's kick to Leandro's face only worsen the situation for his upcoming trial at the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) for ordering Flamengo players to "beat him up" if Santos "played it funny."
Sports Journal
Joel Santana decides to remove Obina from the starting lineup
Fla concentrated in Teresópolis for an indefinite period
Joel will have a lot of work to do to solve Flamengo's problems
Coach Joel Santana decided to take drastic action at Flamengo. With the Red-Black team in the relegation zone, sitting 19th and second-to-last in the Brazilian league, Natalino decided to sack none other than Obina. A fan favorite, the player hasn't been able to return to his former form since suffering a left knee injury that sidelined him for five months.
The coach explained that he couldn't have taken off the Black Angel before because he couldn't justify it to the fans, but now, with the support of the medical department, Joel made the decision to rest the striker in the next matches.
"If I arrive at Flamengo and take Obina off right away, what explanation would I give you and the fans? The coaches have concluded that he's not in the best condition to perform at his best. So we decided it's best to rest him," Joel said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
He then explained that the departure won't be permanent, as he wants to gradually ease him back into action. "He needs to be brought back onto the field gradually to regain his form," he added.
Another decision made by the club's board is to isolate the group of players in Teresópolis, hoping to get back to winning ways. Joel Santana will try to improve the team's tactics, and to do so, he'll seek the calm of Granja Comary.
"We're going to speed up the concentration process to improve the team's tactical side. Furthermore, it will be good for the group to be more united. We can't wait until September or October to take action," he concluded.
The first victim of the red-black failure
Managers and coach remove striker Obina, who, according to them, is very overweight
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Obina was in Gávea to do physical exercises. He should return to the team in ten days.
Stunned by their dismal campaign in this Brazilian Championship, languishing in second-to-last place, Flamengo's board, along with the coaching staff, are beginning to identify the problems hampering the team in the national competition. The first loss to the squad will be striker Obina, who, visibly overweight, will miss games to regain fitness as quickly as possible. "Obina is an extremely important player for Flamengo, but he's not at his ideal weight, and we decided to take this action to protect him. When he returns to his ideal shape, he'll regain his usual place on the team," explained vice president of football Kleber Leite. The decision to let the striker train to recover was made after coach Joel Santana noted in these two games under his command that the player's performance hasn't been up to expectations. Even so, the coach expects a triumphant return from the goalscorer.
"I trust him so much that I'm going to let him train with the group. He's a player I know very well, from when I was his coach at Vitória, and for whom I have great affection. I spoke with him about the decision we made and gave him my full support. We can't let Obina's entire history at Flamengo go down the drain. This will happen quickly; he'll be back in ten days at most," the coach stated.
Since returning to the field after a five-month layoff due to a torn ligament in his left knee, Obina has played in five games, starting four. He scored just one goal, against América-RN in Juiz de Fora. The striker is relaxed and hopes to soon lose his rotund figure and wear the red-and-black jersey again.
"The board and Joel spoke with me to explain the situation. I want to recover and get back to playing at the same level I was when I got injured," said the hopeful striker.
Rubro-Negro directors appeal to fans
Flamengo is experiencing a major crisis in the Brazilian Championship, and to overcome it, the board believes in the strength of the great red-and-black nation, which has a reputation for becoming the 12th man. The Gávea club has 12 points from 14 games, but has only played three matches in Rio de Janeiro this competition. Kleber Leite, vice president of football, said he counts on the support of the fans to pull the team out of the relegation zone.
"The situation is difficult, and it's natural that Flamengo fans are angry, but at the same time, I'd like to remind you: in 2005, the situation was much more complicated, and we only turned things around thanks to the support of our great fans. I'm asking Flamengo fans for their full support and for them to not let us down," the director implored, taking the opportunity to ask for Flamengo's presence in the next match, against Náutico.
Supporter Renato Augusto said that it was always in difficult times that Flamengo fans made the difference.
"Our advantage in this run of home games is our fans. Today we depend on them more than ever. I think fans have every right to protest, but those who go to Maracanã have to support us. If they want to protest at the end of the match, that's fine; it's their right. What matters is that they support us for the full 90 minutes," said the player, recalling the Campeonato Carioca final and the decisive match against Defensor of Uruguay in the Copa Libertadores.
Renato Augusto: 'We are in hell'
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Renato Augusto (R) runs alongside Leonardo Moura at Gávea. He says the team is in hell, but wants to return to heaven soon.
After two losses to Santos and Atlético-PR, some Flamengo players have been criticized for their sharp drop in performance in recent months. One of them is midfielder Renato Augusto, who, since returning from the U-20 World Cup, has been unable to replicate the strong performances he showed when he was promoted to the professional ranks, even in the Campeonato Carioca. The player, however, tried to defend himself.
"I think I'm fine. I see the press criticizing me, but I don't agree. At a time like this, the responsibility weighs on some players more than others. But that's how Flamengo is, heaven or hell. Right now, we're in hell, but we'll work to get back to heaven," Renato Augusto said.
Another hot topic yesterday at Gávea was the midfielder's possible departure to Palermo in Italy. Renato denied the negotiation: "For now, I don't know anything. My agent (Carlos Leite) and the board haven't told me anything about any proposal. I really like Flamengo and I don't intend to leave," the midfielder reiterated.
Businessman Gilmar Rinaldi is reportedly leading the negotiations. However, he denied that Palermo was interested in the red-and-black prospect.
"Renato would be a very high cost for Palermo's board. Therefore, I guarantee he won't go there," the businessman declared.
Goalkeeper Released - Goalkeeper Getúlio Vargas, who had been loaned to Fortaleza for the Série B competition, was released from the club yesterday after being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia. The player's future remains uncertain.
Paulinho goes to Israel
Midfielder Paulinho is no longer a Flamengo player. Considered the new symbol of Flamengo during the end of last year's Brazilian Championship, when the club finished 11th, and in this year's Carioca Championship, the player accepted an offer from Maccabi Haifa and will play the next season of the Israeli Football Championship for the club. In the deal, Flamengo received US$150 (approximately R$290), as it held a small percentage of the player's transfer rights.
Paulinho was not having a good time with the red-black team and had been out of the starting lineup since the time of coach Ney Franco, who was responsible for signing the player and was the athlete's biggest admirer.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, confirmed the player's departure. He burst onto the national scene during Ipatinga's victorious Copa do Brasil campaign and arrived at Flamengo with the promise of solving the club's problems in the sector. However, the player's time at the club was marked by some acts of indiscipline, such as arriving late and missing training sessions. Not to mention the mysterious trip the player took to Minas Gerais shortly after arriving at the club, where he remained unheard of for days.
"Paulinho has been released and will no longer play for Flamengo. Our club was entitled to a small percentage of the player's rights, and we received a fee to release him," said Kleber Leite.
Gymnastics: Stuttgart World Cup team announced
Brothers Diego and Daniele Hypólito will seek new medals at the Stuttgart World Championships and qualification for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
The artistic gymnastics team carried out the final evaluation yesterday to define the team that will participate in the pre-Olympic World Championships in Stuttgart in September.
The gymnasts, who depart on Monday, will finish their preparations for the World Championships in Europe, competing in friendlies. For gymnast Victor Rosa, the news came at just the right time, as he turns 21 on Saturday.
"I just have to celebrate, passing my birthday knowing that I've been called up for the World Championships is so good. I'm very grateful to God and the medical team that is taking care of me," said the gymnast who can't wait to land in Rio de Janeiro to receive the tribute from Flamengo on Saturday at 15 pm in the Maracanã's Grandstand.
"I'm going through a beautiful phase in my life. I'm recovering well, I'll be honored by Flamengo and I've even been called up for the World Cup. I just have to celebrate and train to represent Brazil well and try to win a gold medal."
In the men's category, the team will be Mosiah Rodrigues, Diego Hypólito, Danilo Nogueira, Victor Rosa, Luiz Augusto dos Anjos, Caio Costa and Artur Zanetti.
Dudu is the red-black race in futsal
A standout in the Carioca, the talented winger will lead Flamengo in the state championship.
Bianca Reis
A symbol of the red-black race, winger Dudu is ready to shine in the State Futsal Championship
Flamengo will be one of the attractions at the State Futsal Championship, which will see its format and number of clubs determined today. The Federation's arbitration board is meeting, and the schedule is expected to be released next week. Meanwhile, Flamengo is training hard.
One of the standouts of the Carioca, winger Dudu remains with Flamengo and believes the team has a good chance of competing for the title. The first goal is to reach the semifinals, as they did in the first half of the year, when they eliminated rival Vasco in the quarterfinals.
Hope\ "With the reinforcements, Flamengo has become a more competitive team. I think we can do better than in the first half of the year. The team is strong and well-coordinated. If I had to single out one player, it would be goalkeeper Breno, who is going through a great phase. Without a doubt, he's one of the best in Rio at his position," said winger Dudu.\
Coach Cid Escalarte has been prioritizing his physical fitness since June, all to maintain the same level of performance and face the favorites Petrópolis, Vasco/USS, Teresópolis, Cabo Frio, and Macaé.
"This State Championship will be stronger than the Carioca. Petrópolis will be in, and Vasco will be joining with this new partnership with Vassouras. I don't know Vasco, but it's always going to be a tough match due to the rivalry with Flamengo," commented Dudu.
In addition to the Carioca youth academy, the Rubro-Negro brought in key players like Gabriel, Sixel, Raphael, and Élcio. Fans hope this team will replicate the 98 Metropolitan Championship. Coincidentally, the manager was Cid Escalarte. The standout performers were center Andrei, currently at Ulbra, along with goalkeeper Mario, winger Fábio Palmer, and defender Leco.
Work\ Coach Cid Escalarte knows that physical fitness is crucial. "We'll be facing teams like Macaé, Vasco, Teresópolis, and Cabo Frio, who train in two shifts. And that always makes a difference. That's why I need to have a group with a wide range of options, allowing for rotation of players."\
Fred hopes to face powerful opponents in the State Basketball Championship
Eduardo Vieira
After assembling a strong team, Flamengo is eagerly awaiting its final challenge. Point guard Fred, a fan favorite, isn't looking for an easy ride in the team's third Men's State Basketball Championship, starting in September.
"Without a doubt, having a strong Championship would help us get into the swing of things and promote the sport. Nobody likes an easy game. I know Vasco and Fluminense can build teams. There are many quality players on the market, like Léo, Gema, Guto, Jorginho, Espiga, and Ricardinho. We could form at least two competitive teams."
The new Flamengo has invested in youth and rising talents like point guard Hélio and forward Duda Machado, as well as Cuban forward/center Ariel and center Alírio. A longtime favorite of the red-and-black nation, Fred knows the pressure will be high. After all, a commitment to winning is part of Flamengo's game.
"What the fans can expect is a young team eager to make a name for themselves in the basketball world. These are young players, looking for a place, but who will leave the team with increased physical strength and endurance. The idea is to compete for titles. Despite the young average age, all the players have experience in Brazilian basketball," said Fred.
Technical strategist Paulo Chupeto's tactical scheme will depend on the opponent. With plenty of quality options, he'll be able to work with variations to lead Flamengo to the coveted Nacional title. And who knows, maybe even a final at the Arena Multiuso or Maracanãzinho.
"It's still too early to think about that. But it would be a very interesting thing. I was at the Arena as a fan during the Pan American Games. And, without a doubt, it's a first-world experience. The desire to play there is huge, especially with the support of the fans," commented Fred.
A movement among Rio players is already beginning to emerge, with a highlight on winger Léo, who had brilliant spells at Flamengo and Botafogo.
"In 2005, Rio de Janeiro had famous players from outside Rio. But Flamengo put together a truly Carioca team and won the title. I think history could repeat itself. I have offers from several clubs, but it would be great to stay in Rio de Janeiro," said Léo, who has been keeping fit playing soccer on the courts at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and the Veterans Association court in Praça da Bandeira.
O Dia
Joel says: "Something needs to be done soon"
Flamengo coach says fans need to always support
Rio - It's time for change. This was the tone of coach Joel Santana's speech shortly after Flamengo landed at Galeão Airport this Thursday following the 2-0 loss to Atlético Paranaense at Arena da Baixada. Only the coach spoke to reporters, while the players left the venue in silence and with their heads down.
"We're going to Gávea to resolve some pending issues, and something will have to be done. First, I have to explain everything to the players. We already had a meeting early this morning, and this afternoon we'll have another with the group in Gávea, and we'll see what happens from now on," Joel noted.
From now on, the commander will appeal to the red-black fans to become the team's 12th player in this Brazilian Championship.
"My concern today is the fans' support. We need the fans to be on our side. Flamengo fans are intelligent and will definitely support us in the games at Maracanã," he concluded.
Paulinho leaves Flamengo and goes to Israeli football
Rio - This Thursday, Flamengo announced the departure of defensive midfielder Paulinho to Israeli football. The Gávea club received US$150 (approximately R$290) in the deal, and Paulinho will play for Maccabi Haifa.
In 52 appearances for Flamengo, Paulinho failed to score. With little playing time recently, he's no longer a fan favorite.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo wants the team focused on recovery. Obina out.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's dismal campaign in the Brazilian Championship and its uncomfortable second-to-last position in the standings have definitely set off alarm bells for Flamengo. With just two wins in 14 matches, the Rubro-negro da Gávea has only twelve points with five matches remaining in the first half of the season. This Thursday, after yet another loss in the competition, against Atlético-PR on Wednesday, the club's board decided to take a tougher approach and established a permanent training camp while the team remains in the relegation zone. The only exception will be next Sunday, Father's Day, as the team plays against Náutico at Maracanã on Saturday.
Furthermore, Flamengo's board decided to keep striker Obina out of the team's upcoming matches. The player, who recently returned from injury, is overweight and will need to work on his physical condition, as he is six kilos over his ideal weight.
For the match against Náutico, a six-point clash as their opponent is also fighting to avoid relegation, the players' training camp was moved up from Friday to Thursday night. One of the reasons circulating behind the scenes at Gávea is the management's dissatisfaction with some players who were allegedly overdoing it on a Rio night.
The big news for this Saturday's match could be the debut of defender Fábio Luciano, who participated in a training session held this Thursday afternoon for players who didn't play for Paraná and some of the youth players. In addition to the former Corinthians defender, Joel Santana praised the performance of two young Flamengo prospects, defender Thiago Salles and midfielder Rômulo, and named them both in the squad for the match.
Paulinho on his way out - Midfielder Paulinho has agreed to a transfer to Maccabi Haifa in Israel. Vice President of Football Kléber Leite confirmed the deal, which will see Flamengo receive US$150 (approximately R$290).
Renato Augusto interests Palermo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Former goalkeeper and now businessman Gilmar Rinaldi was sent by Palermo, a club in the Italian first division, to negotiate the signing of striker Renato Augusto. Palermo could offer around 15 million euros (approximately R$39 million), but Flamengo would like to receive double that to release the player. Rinaldi has already spoken with Carlos Leite, the striker's agent, and has learned that an immediate transfer is complicated because the player does not have a European passport and the market value is too high for his lack of experience, but Gilmar remains optimistic about closing the deal.
Souza to be tried again - Striker Souza is set to be tried again by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for his expulsion in the match against Grêmio. Last Monday, Souza was suspended for five matches, but prosecutor Luis Felipe Carrapatoso filed an appeal against the First Disciplinary Committee's punishment, seeking an increase. Carrapatoso noted that Souza is a repeat offender, having already been sent off in the match against Figueirense in this year's Brazilian Championship.
Joel Santana is already showing signs of wear and tear at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The arrival of the Flamengo delegation in Rio de Janeiro, following a 2-0 loss to Atlético-PR in Curitiba, clearly demonstrated coach Joel Santana's weariness with the team's situation, which is in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship with only 12 points. Although the Flamengo fans didn't show up at the airport this time to heckle the squad, the Flamengo manager expressed great concern that he hadn't yet been able to diagnose the causes of the failure. "We need more of everything. More work, more commitment, more conversation. We have to make a decision, because we haven't made any progress since I arrived. We haven't been able to improve. That's why I'm going to talk a lot with this group, because my concern right now is counting on the fans' support, since we have games in Rio de Janeiro. Everything that needs to be done will be done," Joel promises.
Making a comparison with his work in 2005, when he took over Flamengo with nine rounds remaining in the Brasileirão and saved the team from relegation, the coach revealed that he considers the task now more complicated, as the start has not been victorious.
"What's the desperation? With just 20 games left, are we going to despair now? Of course not. Let's face the situation head-on and try to resolve it. In 2005, there were nine games left, and now there are more than 20. But I'm more worried now, as I'm debuting with two losses. Before, my debut had a draw and a win," recalled Joel Santana.
The coach asked for the support of Flamengo fans. He believes the string of home matches in the Brazilian Championship will be crucial to keeping the Red-Blacks out of last place. Of the team's next seven Brasileirão matches, six will be at the Maracanã, against Náutico, Fluminense, Juventude, Goiás, Botafogo, and Sport, in that order, plus a match against Palmeiras in São Paulo.
"These games will be crucial for Flamengo, as we'll face strong opponents. But most of them are at our home ground, and we have to make the most of our home advantage. We'll only be able to leave the bottom of the table with a positive run of results," the manager concluded.
For the next match, against Náutico on Saturday, Joel is expected to make changes to the team. Defender Fábio Luciano may make his debut, and Cristian is expected to return. The midfielder did not face Atlético-PR due to an agreement between the two boards, as he was loaned to the Rio de Janeiro club by Furacão.
Striker Paulo Sérgio will be out, having received his third yellow card and will be suspended. Souza, suspended by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), will also be out. The team will likely be determined during Friday's tactical training session, which will precede the training camp.
PeléNet
Flamengo focuses on escaping relegation and ousts Obina
Guilherme Toscano\ In Rio de Janeiro\
In a meeting that lasted about 45 minutes on Thursday afternoon, in Gávea, coach Joel Santana and the club's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, defined the drastic measures to be taken to take the team out of the second-to-last position in the Brazilian Championship and out of the relegation zone.
According to the manager, starting tonight, the group will be in training camp until they are no longer at risk—they will only have a day off this Sunday. Furthermore, striker Obina, who is about six kilos overweight, has been removed from the starting lineup until he regains his best physical condition—the player gained weight during the more than four months out rehabilitating from left knee surgery.
"We're in a permanent training camp until we get out of this mess. The team is going to be in a marathon, even at home. So, we have to focus on the physical aspect. Training starts today [Thursday] and will end the exact moment Flamengo gets out of this mess," announced Kleber Leite.
Until next Saturday's match against Náutico at Maracanã, the red-and-black squad will be based in a hotel in Rio de Janeiro. However, starting next week, the group will head to Teresópolis to train at Granja Comary, the Brazilian national team's training center.
"We can go to Teresópolis to use the CBF fields and stay in a hotel, because the training camp is occupied by an under-17 team and then by the women's team. But we will use the field. I will have confirmation of this tomorrow [Friday]. This will give us enough rest," said Kleber.
Finally, the director joined the chorus led by coach Joel Santana and asked for massive support from the red-black fans, as seven of Flamengo's next eight games will be at Maracanã.
"I wanted to make an appeal to the fans. It's natural for Flamengo fans to be angry. But in 2005, the comeback was only possible because of the unconditional support of the masses. And in this Brazilian Championship, of the 14 games we played, we only played three at home. This was detrimental to Flamengo. But now it's time to put an end to it and take steps to get out of this situation," concluded the director.
Fla tries to regain good record at Maracanã to breathe
Vinicius Souto and Guilherme Toscano\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Unlike what happened in 2006, in this year's Brazilian Championship, Flamengo has performed poorly at Maracanã. Therefore, the red-and-blacks are trying to regain their good record at the stadium, where they play again next Saturday against Náutico - their direct rival in the relegation battle - to breathe new life into the competition.
In fact, a positive result in Flamengo's "re-debut" at Maracanã - which was closed for almost two months due to the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro - is also important for the team to get off to a good start in the series of matches it will play at the stadium.
Of the team's next 23 games, 17 will be at Maracanã, seven of which will be in the next eight rounds. If Flamengo does its homework, it should achieve the string of positive results needed to climb out of second-to-last place and the relegation zone.
"We've barely played at home this year. And last year, winning here was a hallmark of ours. We have to start doing that again. We're going to have a lot of home games now, and we need to win them all," commented midfielder Renato Augusto.
But to do its homework, Flamengo will have to significantly improve its performance at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. This year, the team hasn't won a single match valid for the competition at the stadium - losing one, to Palmeiras, and drawing two, against Botafogo and Inter, indicating a 22% success rate.
In 2006, the team won 57% of the points played at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. In 22 games, they won 11, drew five, and lost six.
One of Flamengo's strengths at Maracanã was the strong fan turnout, which began to show up in droves, especially after winning the Copa do Brasil. Therefore, Renato Augusto joined the chorus led by coach Joel Santana and also asked for the support of the red-and-blacks at the stadium.
"The secret to getting out of this situation is the fans. All the good moments were with them. Now is the time for them to support us. If we're going to curse, only after the game, if the result isn't good," said the player.
For Joel, Flamengo's current drama is more worrying than the one in 2005.
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
In 14 matches played in this Brazilian Championship, Flamengo has only earned 12 points and only two wins. Thus, the team with the fewest wins in this Série A is in second-to-last place. Therefore, for coach Joel Santana, the red-and-blacks' current situation is more worrying than in 2005, when the team dramatically saved itself from relegation.
Joel Santana has more games to play in 2007, but he has already lost the first two
"The situation is the same as two years ago. But now it makes me more worried, because in 2005 I started with a draw and a win in the first two games, and now I've started with two defeats," said Joel Santana when the red-black delegation arrived, early in the afternoon this Thursday, after the defeat to Atlético-PR, in Curitiba, last Wednesday.
The coach's statement is noteworthy because, in 2005, he took over the team in third-to-last place, with just nine rounds remaining in the Brazilian Championship. But, with an unlikely surge, the team won six games, drew three, and saved itself from relegation in the penultimate round.
Joel has now taken over Flamengo, which is second-to-last, but with 26 rounds remaining. However, in the team's first two games under his command, the team suffered two defeats, conceded five goals, and scored none—losing 3-0 to Santos and 2-0 to Atlético-PR.
"So far nothing has happened. We haven't taken a step forward since we arrived," lamented Joel, who once again promised drastic action to get Flamengo out of this situation - such action could be announced after training on Thursday afternoon, in Gávea.
"With that, we have to make some strong decisions. Something will have to be done. Everything is possible to get Flamengo out of this situation. But we won't go into details. We're not here to point fingers. First, we have to talk to the group," said the coach.
Despite finding Flamengo's current situation more worrying than in 2005, Joel Santana preaches calm and optimism. The coach also once again asked for the fans' support at this time, noting that it was crucial in saving the team from relegation two years ago.
"There's no reason to despair. There are 24 games left. We need to keep our heads on straight. We have to resolve our internal issues, count on the fans' support, and face the situation. Two years ago, the fans supported us, trusted us, and we got out. Now, we'll leave too, I have no doubt. It's just a matter of time," concluded Joel Santana.
BalloonSport
Flamengo Juniors return to play in Malaysia
Adílio's team faces Arsenal in the second round of the international tournament
After drawing with Milan, Flamengo's boys take on Arsenal
Flamengo takes the field this Friday at 9:40 a.m. (Brasília time) to face Arsenal of England in the second round of Group A of the Malaysia International Tournament. In the first match, against Milan, the Rio de Janeiro club drew 1-1.
The team needs a win to keep its hopes of winning the competition. Coach Adílio is expected to field the following lineup: Marcelo Valverde, Davidson, Anderson, Wellinton, and Leonardo; Diego Moura, Vinícius Colombiano, Erick Flores, and Wander; and Kayke and Carlinhos.
In addition to Milan and Arsenal, Flamengo will also face Ajax. Flamengo is the only Brazilian club participating in the competition. The English side will be without Abu Ogogo, who was sent off in the team's tournament debut. Steve Bould's Gunners are expected to field the following lineup: Szczesny, Cruise, Rodgers, Nordtveit, and Steer; Randall, Dunne, Gibbs, and Barazite; Simpson and Fonte.
Juniors will be used by Joel
Thiago Salles and Rômulo are named by the coach for the game against Náutico
Marcio Iannacca
Coach Joel Santana decided to include defender Thiago Salles and midfielder Rômulo in the Brazilian Championship match against Náutico at Maracanã. Both players were recently brought up at the club, and the coach spoke with them for about ten minutes after Thursday's training session at Gávea.
Thiago Salles played alongside Fábio Luciano in the training session held at the club's headquarters. The manager is expected to field both players in the match against Timbu. The defender was one of Flamengo's standout players in winning the Rio de Janeiro Junior Championship this year. Rômulo, for his part, has already had opportunities with the senior team. "I spoke with both of them to find out how they would handle this whole situation. I wanted to know how long they had been at Flamengo. One has been here for five years, and the other for seven. They know Flamengo very well," said the coach, who praised Thiago Salles.
"He's a youth player and a champion. He's played about 140 games for Flamengo's youth academy. The club has a tradition of developing good players, and I'm not the one who won't believe that. I want to gradually develop these players," he says.
Board announces permanent concentration
Kléber Leite says the group will only stop going to the hotel when Fla leaves the risk zone
Marcio Iannacca
Kléber Leite wants to see the red-black team fully focused
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, revealed this Thursday that the club's players will undergo a permanent training regime. According to the Flamengo executive, the measure will be in place as long as the team remains in the relegation zone.
"We will have a constant process of concentration. At a time like this, sacrifice is necessary. We have a significant number of games, and we need to take care of our physical condition," says the club's director.
The board took the measure because some players were overreacting during Rio's nightlife. To avoid further problems, the club decided to concentrate the group's activities in the coming weeks. The squad's only day off will be Sunday, Father's Day. The players will only be released because the team will play on Saturday.
Fla can train at Granja Comary
The red-black board expects to conclude training at the Brazilian national team training center on Friday.
Marcio Iannacca
In 2005, Joel Santana worked with the Flamengo team at Granja Comary and did very well.
Flamengo's board is negotiating with the CBF to train at Granja Comary in the coming days. The club plans to travel to Teresópolis to prepare for matches against Fluminense at Maracanã and Palmeiras at Palestra Itália. Coach Joel Santana approved the decision taken by the football department.
"The players will be released on Sunday for Father's Day, and on Monday the group will return for a training session outside Rio. We are awaiting confirmation on the possibility of using Granja Comary," says the coach.
In 2005, Joel Santana worked with the Flamengo squad at the CBF training center. The move paid off, and Flamengo began its push to escape the relegation zone. On that occasion, the team won six games and drew three.
Paulinho is traded to Maccabi Haifa
Steering wheel is released by the board and is no longer part of coach Joel Santana's plans
Marcio Iannacca
Paulinho leaves Flamengo after playing more than 50 games
Midfielder Paulinho was released by Flamengo and agreed to a transfer to Maccabi Haifa in Israel. Flamengo received US$150 (approximately R$290) in the deal. The club's official offer arrived in Gávea this Thursday.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed the negotiations and the departure of the defensive midfielder, who was once a favorite among Flamengo fans. The athlete played 52 games and scored no goals.
"Paulinho has been released and will no longer play for Flamengo. The club had a percentage and received a certain amount to release him," the director said.
Obina is preserved by Joel Santana
Striker is removed from the red-black team to improve his physical condition
Marcio Iannacca
To regain his fitness, Obina is away from the Mengão team
Striker Obina was rested by Flamengo's board and coaching staff. The Black Angel was sidelined for ten days to improve his fitness, sprinting, and finishing. He will miss the team's upcoming Brazilian Championship matches.
Obina returned to the field last month after recovering from left knee surgery. According to coach Joel Santana, the measure was taken to protect the red-and-black striker.
"I've known Obina since his time at Vitória, and it was the best decision we could have made. He'll continue training with the group to improve his physical condition," said the red-and-black coach, who gave the press conference alongside vice president of football Kléber Leite.
Obina appears calm with the decision and approves the measure.
"The board spoke to me and explained the situation. I want to get back to playing at the level I was at before the injury. I hope to return soon and start scoring goals again," he says.
Board of Directors has a 45-minute chat with Joel
Coach reports all the problems detected in the first games under his command
Marcio Iannacca
Joel Santana tries to improve Flamengo's performance in the Brasileirão
Coach Joel Santana had a 45-minute conversation with vice president of football Kléber Leite. The coach revealed to the director the problems detected in the two matches Flamengo played under his command.
After chatting with the manager, Joel went to the field, without putting on his usual training uniform. He stayed on the Gávea pitch for just over five minutes and then returned to the medical department to speak with supervisor Isaías Tinoco. Ten minutes later, the coach was back on the sidelines.
Joel joined Kléber Leite to watch the reserves' training session. All eyes were on defender Fábio Luciano, who is expected to make his debut in Saturday's match against Náutico at the Maracanã stadium.
Getúlio: 'I leave with my head held high'
Goalkeeper leaves Fortaleza due to relationship problems with the club's president
Luana Trindade
Getúlio (left), Diego's reserve, was loaned to Fortaleza, but returns to the Rubro-Negro team\ Even after being released from Fortaleza on the eve of the match against Remo, goalkeeper Getúlio Vargas is calm.\
"I was focused, and suddenly Fernando (Tricolor's football director) came in and said the president didn't want me on the team anymore. But that was okay. I was really worn out. So, I leave with my head held high, because I wasn't let go for technical reasons, but rather for relationship issues."
Considered the new darling and idol of the Ceará team, Getúlio earned two nicknames from the fans: "Magic Hands" and "Paredão." The goalkeeper saved the team in many matches, even after defeats and a tenth-place finish in the Série B standings.
Problems between the goalkeeper and the president
But not everything was rosy for the 24-year-old goalkeeper. After his friend Thiago, a Flamengo defender also on loan to Fortaleza, was released, disagreements began between the goalkeeper and president Marcello Desidério.
"Ever since I took Thiago's side, since there was no apparent reason for his dismissal, the president started to get on my case. He said I was worrying about a lot of things and that I was very stressed, since I had a slight tachycardia after a workout. The relationship ended up becoming unsustainable."
The return home
Getúlio is happy about his return to Rio de Janeiro, which will happen later this week, once his contract with Fortaleza is terminated. He already has offers from two teams in the Brasileirão Série A and Flamengo itself.
Throw
Board puts Fla in concentration regime
The red-and-black team will travel to Teresópolis next week. The goal is to get the team in sync.
Rafael Ximenes
Flamengo's poor run resulted in a busy afternoon at Gávea. After yet another defeat, the Flamengo board decided to implement a training camp starting this Thursday, with no end date.
"We're going to speed up the concentration process to improve the team's tactical approach. Furthermore, it will be good for the group to become more united. We can't wait until September or October to take action," said coach Joel Santana.
The red-and-black squad is expected to travel to Teresópolis next Monday. The team will train at Granja Comary, but will be staying at a hotel in the city, as the U-17 team is at the CBF training center.
Obina will be out to get back into shape
Striker expected to return only in the match against Palmeiras
Rafael Ximenes and Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo striker Obina is out of this Saturday's match against Náutico. The Flamengo player is out of shape and will spend about ten days undergoing specific training with the club's fitness coaches.
The Bahia native is expected to return next week for the match against Palmeiras. Before that, Obina will also miss Flamengo's derby against Fluminense next Thursday.
"He's not at his ideal weight. His physical condition isn't yet good. Obina will be back in a week, ten days," said Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
Obina was out for about five months after surgery on his left knee, injured during the Campeonato Carioca. He returned a few weeks ago, but hasn't yet played as well as he did before the injury. The striker is visibly overweight.
Obina's absence will pose a major headache for coach Joel Santana. He already has Souza, who is suspended, out. With the loss of his two main strikers, the coach may field young Paulo Sérgio alongside Leonardo or the Argentine Maxi.
Coach Joel Santana thought Obina's departure was better for the player himself.
"I know Obina very well and was his coach at Vitória. He's an idol, and we can't throw everything he's done away with. We can't expect him to solve our problems. I've already spoken to him," said the coach, who made the decision together with physiologists and physical trainers.
Rinaldi denies selling Renato Augusto to Palermo
Businessman approached the agent of the 19-year-old Flamengo player
Renato Augusto will not swap Fla for Palermo (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
Fred Gomes
Considered as what would be the new Kaká for Palermo, the red-and-black Renato Augusto has had his name linked to a possible interest from the Sicilian club, according to the Italian website "Tgcom.it". Gilmar Rinaldi, a businessman who has enough prestige within Palermo to recommend signing players to the Italian club, confirmed the inquiry, but added that the deal is unfeasible.
"I did some research this week, consulting Carlos Leite, Renato Augusto's agent. He's a high cost to Palermo, and I can guarantee the deal won't progress and the transfer won't happen," he told LANCENET!.
When asked if he could transfer the 19-year-old player to Italy, he would not turn him into a villain, Rinaldi made a point of clarifying that he was not responsible for the sales of Reinaldo and Adriano, carried out in 2001, when, at the time, the youngsters were considered great promises for the red-blacks.
"I didn't sell Adriano and Reinaldo. Whenever you want to understand this story, talk to me, because I don't want to be a villain. I always wanted to help Flamengo, making them money. The only player I sold was Mozart, who was traded for $4,5 million (approximately R$8,6 million)," he explained.
Gilmar Rinaldi explained that the person responsible for the sale of Reinaldo and Adriano was Luiz Vianna, agent of Edmundo Santos Silva - president of Flamengo at the time.
It is worth noting that Gilmar Rinaldi was an idol playing for Rubro-Negro, where he played between 1991 and 1994, winning the fifth Brazilian championship, in addition to the 1991 Carioca Championship.
Joel and Kléber call on fans to fill the Maraca
Coach and director expect the team's reaction in Rio de Janeiro
Rafael Ximenes
Coach Joel Santana and vice president of football Kléber Leite have the recipe for lifting Flamengo out of the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship, where the team has been since June: fan support at Maracanã matches. Of the next eight games, seven will be at the World's Biggest Stadium.
"The situation is difficult, but we have a good team, and with the support of the fans, we'll get through this. In 2005, we had the support of the fans, and we succeeded. We only played three times at home, and the fans' anger is normal, but I reiterate that support and patience are essential," said Kléber Leite.
"The fans' support is crucial, and I'm sure we'll get through this as quickly as possible. We have to change everything so we can be at peace when we get there in October," said Joel Santana.
Check out the red-black sequence in the Brasileirão:
11/08 Flamengo vs. Nautico - Maracanã\ 16/08 Fluminense vs. Flamengo - Maracanã\ 19/08 Palmeiras vs. Flamengo - Parque Antarctica\ 23/08 Flamengo vs. Juventude - Maracanã\ 26/08 Flamengo vs. Goiás - Maracanã\ 29/08 Botafogo vs. Flamengo - Maracanã\ 01/09 Flamengo vs. Sport - Maracanã\ 05/09 Flamengo vs. Figueirense - Maracanã\