O GLOBO The pleasure of being ahead again\ Vasco da Gama fan offers his recovery as an example for Fla's journeyPedro Motta Gueiros Against Flamengo, Geovani, a two-time state champion with Vasco, scored a memorable goal by chipping the ball over Argentine Fillol. Because of the rivalry, he had only set foot in Gávea once. Yesterday, upon visiting the club again, he realized that times have changed, that opponents don't have to be enemies, and that the red-and-black transformation is progressing hand in hand with coach Caio Júnior. Recovering from an illness that affected his mobility, the former star asked for help with a project, but it was Júnior who ended up offering the greatest encouragement. His pleasure in walking again, albeit slowly, is the same feeling the red-and-blacks must feel when they find themselves leading the Brazilian Championship after their painful exit from the Libertadores. I told Caio that he can use my example with the players. At Flamengo, no one can complain about problems. Being here, in the situation they're in, is a privilege. The serenity and boldness of someone already a leader at Gávea. The main star of the Olympic team, which featured Bebeto and Romário, and won silver in 1988, Geovani left success and resentment behind. Between glory and pain, he maintains the sparkle in his eyes and enthusiasm that is also evident in the routine of the red-and-black team. Despite the empty stands at yesterday's training session, the team has a reunion scheduled with the crowds on Saturday against São Paulo at Maracanã. "It could be the definitive return of that crowd, because the game deserves it. The opponent is very strong, and we'll really need the encouragement," said Caio. With four wins in five, the coach has the credibility to ask for help. From the first meeting with the players, amid the funereal atmosphere of the loss to América of Mexico, Caio used calm and firmness to quickly get the team back on its feet. "He's humble, willing to listen. He doesn't curse or yell, and he knows how to talk to the players," said Marcinho. With 15 goals this year and five in the Brazilian Championship, the midfielder is the competition's top scorer. On the other side of the field, goalkeeper Bruno sees the change: "Caio isn't afraid to play forward. His boldness goes beyond his modern glasses." Caio impressed vice-manager Kleber Leite with his sensitivity and seriousness, as well as his use of technology with the players. Besides 13 points out of a possible 15, his greatest achievement was his credibility. "When I arrived, I told the players I would earn their respect in a month or two," said the coach. Before that, he was already a leader at Gávea. Under his command, players who weren't being used, like Jônatas, gained ground. Those who left, like Kleberson, have received opportunities and encouragement. Since day one, Caio has been fighting discouragement: "For me, it was also difficult to arrive like that, but I don't like negative things; I'm very positive. The joy in embracing Geovani shows that." Despite the losses, the former star and Flamengo are already moving forward again with firmness and pride.

THE DAY 'New' shirts circulate online Rio - After signing the largest contract (approximately R$170 million over five and a half years) in Latin America between a soccer club and a sports equipment supplier, Olympikus, Flamengo and its fans are eagerly awaiting the new jerseys that will be worn by the club's athletes. A batch of five models has begun circulating online on the social networking site Orkut. The new models, including the number 1 and number 2 uniforms, and possible training and training jerseys, feature the acronym OLK on the right chest, replacing the current three question marks, and are already being shared by users in communities. When announcing the termination of the contract with Nike and the agreement with Olympikus, the club announced that it would wear the uniform with the three question marks to give the new supplier time (approximately 60 days) to organize the jerseys to arrive in stores. Could the company have already reached an agreement on the new uniform for the red-and-black team in less than two weeks?

Geovani, ex-Vasco, visits Fla \ \ Rio - With the red-and-blacks in good form, even Vasco fans are turning to Flamengo. Yesterday afternoon, former Vasco player Geovani, who enjoyed great success with the club and the Brazilian national team in the 80s and 90s, was in Gávea. The former player accompanied Turkish businessman Hakan Kolturk, who is negotiating friendlies with Flamengo for his Espírito Santo team, Fundão Comercial. Geovani, who is recovering from a leg problem caused by a rare disease that affects motor coordination, called polyneuropathy, hopes to help uncover talent from his home state. "The last great player from my hometown was Sávio, who grew up in Flamengo's youth academy. I hope my time here brings another promising player from Espírito Santo to Gávea," said the former Vasco player, whose last visit to the Flamengo stronghold was in 1989, when he was still playing. Afterward, Geovani will also consult with Vasco, Botafogo, and Fluminense about possible friendlies. The former Vasco player assured that he has many friends in Gávea and was warmly welcomed. "I know Isaías Tinoco (supervisor) and Kléber Leite (vice president of football). I have a good relationship with them," said Geovani, who earned special attention from coach Caio Júnior. "We were rivals on the field. I faced him several times. As a player, he was a dangerous striker. I hope Caio does a good job at Flamengo. He deserves it, since he belongs to this new and promising generation of coaches," he said.

Diego Tardelli is acquitted by the STJD \ Rio - Flamengo striker Diego Tardelli was acquitted by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for his expulsion in the 1-0 victory over Fluminense, on June XNUMXst. The red-black number 11 gave a 'peck' to the tricolor Maurício and ended up being sent off the field. This Monday, the player was spared, by majority vote, a suspension of up to 540 days by responding to article 253 of the CBJD and can return to defend the red-black team for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo's provisional uniform is sold for R$500 on the internet Rio - For R$500, the red-black fan can purchase the current shirt worn by the leader of the Brasileirão. That's the price a user on the Mercado Livre auction site is asking for the uniform with three question marks in place of the sports equipment supplier's logo, printed on the right side of the chest. A more 'funny' fan even asked if, because of the price, the shirt was embroidered with white gold threads with diamond details. The piece, size G, has the number 28 on the back, with the name of defender Rodrigo Arroz. Marcinho will leave the artillery to Souza Rio - The striker prefers to be a waiter. Despite being in the best phase of his career and leading the Brazilian league's scoring charts with five goals, Marcinho stated yesterday that he has no intention of finishing the championship ahead of those who score goals. The player stated that he prefers to leave the top scorer to his friend Souza. “He is the one who deserves to be the top scorer. Souza was hired to score goals and that is his role, as a center forward. If I can serve and make him a top scorer, there’s no problem,” revealed the ‘waiter’ Marcinho. The striker stated that he has never led the scoring charts in any championship, but attributes his good form to his family, and especially to his parents, to whom he dedicated the goals against Figueirense, celebrating by kissing the tattoo with the names of Seu Valdecir and Dona Célia on his right arm. “If I got to where I am today it is thanks to the education that both of them gave me. They are always attentive to my career and I will always seek strength in their love to overcome any obstacle and be determined against any opponent,” said the player. In addition to his parents, another inspiration for the striker is his passion for country music. Born in Irapuã, in the interior of São Paulo, Marcinho enjoys the music of the duo Marcelo de Lima and Camargo. This second one is the brother of another famous duo, Zezé di Camargo and Luciano. “I’ve been listening to their music at full volume since I played for Atlético-MG and Cruzeiro. I love country music and even pagode, but the inspiration comes from this duo,” revealed Flamengo and Brasileirão’s top scorer. Caio Júnior: 'We are favorites for the title' Caio Júnior says he doesn't want euphoria from the players, but he assumes favoritism and calls on fans to fill Maraca Rodrigo Lima \ Rio - The atmosphere at Flamengo couldn't be better. The leadership of the Brazilian Championship and even Marcinho's scoring record in the competition practically overshadowed all the disappointment of being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by América from Mexico. So much so that coach Caio Júnior and the players once again stated that they will fulfill their promise to the fans, who are demanding another Brazilian title. “We are favorites to win the title, really. Of course, the competition is still in its early stages, but our good performance in these first games gives us the credentials to fight for the sixth title,” said the coach. The good phase even helped the coach to call on the fans to help the team. “It’s time for the ‘nation’ to fill Maracanã again. We are doing our part, which is what she is demanding. This game against São Paulo is a key match, as we will be playing one of the teams that will compete for the national title. Therefore, it will be a decision”, highlighted Caio. Despite being happy about being in the lead, Caio Júnior tries not to let the players get carried away. Yesterday, before training, the coach had a 30-minute conversation with the squad to emphasize that nothing is won. Without 'pot' The commander's prestige before the group is perhaps even greater than that of Joel Santana. If the former coach had his favorites in the squad, Caio Júnior prefers to give everyone a chance, another one of his brand, in addition to imposing an attacking football. “I believe I already have the respect of the players. But the cast is aware that they have to show their worth. Whoever comes in can block whoever is left out,” said the coach, implying that he liked Maxi’s performance against Figueirense. The coach even remembered striker Éder, who renewed his contract for three months at the coach's request. “He deserved another chance, as he wasn’t used previously,” said Caio Júnior, who will also have Renato Augusto and Cristian available, already cleared by doctors. Caio Jr: 'Whoever starts the Brazilian Championship in front always has a better chance' Rio - After this afternoon's physical training session in Gávea, coach Caio Júnior praised the work of the players and the entire red-black coaching staff. For the coach, Flamengo's position in the table is a source of pride. “The players and the coaching staff are responsible for the great start to the Brazilian Championship. We are proud of our position in the table. Even with the good start, I feel that the athletes are approaching the competition with a lot of responsibility. The group knows that it is essential to maintain regularity,” he comments. Caio Júnior recalled the importance of starting a competition like the Brazilian Championship at the front. “Whoever starts the Brazilian Championship ahead always has a better chance. But it is not impossible to reverse. Flamengo itself last year is proof of this,” he recalls. The coach set short-term goals for this Brazilian Championship to keep the players motivated. “I always work with short goals. It's the best way. It keeps players focused on the moment,” he explains. GAZETA ESPORTIVA Tardelli is acquitted of expulsion in Fla-Flu Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Striker Diego Tardelli, who was expelled in the Fla-Flu in which his team emerged victorious, for the Brazilian Championship, was acquitted this Monday in a trial held at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), where he could be punished with a suspension of up to 540 days. \ Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, stated that the trial was fair, unlike Tardelli's expulsion in the Rio derby. 'The result was great, it was what I expected. That incident wasn't even worth a red card,' he told the website Justicadesportiva. Tardelli was charged under article 253 (Committing physical aggression against the referee or his assistants, or against any other participant in the sporting event) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD) and could face a suspension of 120 to 540 days.Caio Jr. talks about a 'six-point' game against São Paulo\ Gazeta Press\ Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Leader of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo returned this Monday, with an eye on the duel against the current two-time champion of the competition. On Saturday, Rubro-Negro faces São Paulo in the sixth round, in a match considered decisive by the coach of the Rio de Janeiro team, Caio Júnior. \ ”It’s a six-point game, like it was against Internacional. Inter, despite not being well placed in the table, is a title contender. And São Paulo will always be a title contender, and they have practically the same team as last year,” commented the coach of the Gávea team. In addition to the clash with São Paulo, Caio Júnior is also aware of the marathon of games that the team will have ahead in July. "There will be almost ten games in a period of one month. It will be a very tough period, with little training and a lot of recovery,” he concluded. Flamengo's fitness coach admits: he doesn't know if he will accompany Joel to Africa\ Gazeta Press \ Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's fitness coach, Ronaldo Torres, was moved by the appeal made by the club's players for him to remain at Gávea. The professional committed to working with the South African national team, where he would resume his partnership with coach Joel Santana. \ “I’m flattered (by the appeal), but there’s a moral issue, as I’ve always worked with Joel. It's not even the financial side. I've been working with Joel for 11 years and honesty has to be eternal,” commented Ronaldo, in an interview with Rádio Brasil. “But I haven’t signed anything yet, we’ll see what happens,” he added. Ronaldo Torres confirmed that he will only ask to work in South Africa when the national team is playing a friendly match or competition. For the rest of the year, the coach would remain at Flamengo. While he has yet to decide his future with South Africa, which should happen by the end of this month, Ronaldo Torres is full of praise for Flamengo's current coach, Caio Júnior, with whom he has been working for a month. “We adapt to each coach’s style. Caio is a coach who deserves all the best, as he is not only a good professional, but an excellent person. I have no doubt that he will be very successful at Flamengo,” Ronaldo bets. Fla wants to use Maraca to beat São Paulo\ Gazeta Press \ Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In last year's Brazilian Championship, Flamengo left the relegation zone to finish the competition in third place. And the Rubro-negro's greatest ally on that occasion was Maracanã, where the team won practically all of its games in the second half. \ In 2008, after five rounds, the Rio de Janeiro team leads the Brazilian Championship with 13 points, and has been taking advantage of the same strategy. So far, Flamengo has won all four matches played at Maracanã - against Santos, Internacional, Fluminense and Figueirense. Against the latter, the team put in one of their best performances of the season and won 5-0. On Saturday, Flamengo will once again have the opportunity to make the most of the Maracanã factor. But the team will face São Paulo, who are on a roll after also winning in the last round, when they beat Atlético-MG 5-1. For this game, coach Caio Júnior will have the week off to decide whether to keep the team that beat Figueirense, or whether to make some changes. Midfielder Cristian and midfielder Renato Augusto, who are recovering from injuries, should be available to the red-black coach for the match against the São Paulo team. But despite the promising start in the Brazilian Championship, the talk at Flamengo is to keep their feet on the ground - even to avoid future unpleasant surprises like the one that occurred in the Copa Libertadores, when the team was eliminated in a situation where everyone already considered the Rubro-Negro as having qualified for the quarter-finals. “The team is playing intelligently and, as a result, is creating many goal chances and winning games. When we can't match them in technique, we surpass ourselves in race. But we will continue with humility, since we are not even close to winning anything in this Brasileirão”, said Souza, who has already scored three goals in the Brasileirão, two less than top scorer Marcinho. PELÉNET: Due to Flamengo's good form, Bruno asks for a group without vanity.From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de JaneiroTo remain among the top teams in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo, in addition to the consistency requested by coach Caio Júnior, also needs unity. According to goalkeeper Bruno, one of the team's standouts, the players can't think individually. Goalkeeper Bruno calls for a united Flamengo without vanity to continue their good run in the Brazilian Championship. "Everything needs to happen naturally. There can't be any kind of vanity. If that happens, our performance will suffer. With everyone's help and commitment, there's no way Flamengo will decline in performance," he emphasized. In the first five rounds, Flamengo, which leads the competition, won four matches (Santos, Internacional, Fluminense, and Figueirense) and drew only one (Grêmio). Midfielder Marcinho, with five goals, is the competition's top scorer. Leaving the Brazilian Championship aside for a moment, Bruno announced that he will no longer discuss the alleged assault on Carlos Eduardo, a Fluminense fan, last Saturday at a diner in Barra da Tijuca, in the city's West Zone. The Flamengo goalkeeper said the case is being handled by his lawyers. Carlos Eduardo, a business administration student, went to the 16th Police Station in Barra da Tijuca, and the case was registered as a bodily injury. He said Bruno assaulted him outside the diner, along with friends and security guards. Caio Júnior continues to ask Flamengo for regularity in the Brazilian ChampionshipFrom UOL Esporte\ In Rio de JaneiroWith 13 points, ahead of Cruzeiro on goal difference (9 to 8), Flamengo leads the Brazilian Championship. Coach Caio Júnior, unsurprisingly, highlighted the Rubro-Negro's strong start. However, he once again emphasized the importance of consistency. Supporter Marcinho is one of Flamengo's standout players in this Brazilian Championship. "Whoever starts the competition well has a good chance of fighting for the title. But that's not an absolute certainty. Consistency is essential," he warned. Until the end of June, when they face São Paulo, Ipatinga, and Sporting, Flamengo will only play on weekends. However, starting in July, games will also take place midweek. "There will be three more matches on Saturdays or Sundays only. After that, this will end. Next week we will conduct physical exams on the players, as we need to continue fighting for the top spots," he concluded. In the first five rounds of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo won four matches (Santos, Internacional, Fluminense and Figueirense) and drew only one (Grêmio). Midfielder Marcinho, with five goals, is the top scorer in the competition. Diego Tardelli is acquitted Flamengo will be able to count on its striker in the sixth round of the Brasileirão. RODRIGO MENDES AND TAYNÁ JORDÃO Diego Tardelli, who was sent off in the victorious Fla-Flu match in the Brasileirão Série A, has reason to celebrate. The striker, who could have been sidelined for up to 540 days after being accused of assault, was acquitted by a majority vote by the First Disciplinary Committee of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). It's worth noting that the athlete served his automatic suspension in the match against Figueirense, in the fifth round of the competition, last Saturday. Click here to access the STJD's trial schedule. Flamengo's lawyer, Dr. Michel Assef Filho, stated that the trial was fair and that Diego Tardelli's sending off in the Fla-Flu match was unfair. "The result was great, it was what I expected. That incident didn't even warrant a red card," he told the website Justicadesportiva. In the 23rd minute of the second half of the match at Maracanã Stadium on June 1st, the player was sent off with a straight red card for kicking an opponent's ankle while play was stopped. Diego Tardelli was charged under Article 253 (Physical assault against the referee or his assistants, or against any other participant in the sporting event) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD) and could face a suspension of 120 to 540 days. The red-and-black team is having a strong campaign in the Brasileirão, currently in first place with 13 points. Second place is Cruzeiro with the same number of points. Ronaldo Torres could split his time between Flamengo and South AfricaFrom UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\ \ The departure of fitness coach Ronaldo Torres from Flamengo is still uncertain. The professional, who was invited by his friend Joel Santana to work with the South African national team, is considering the possibility of combining the roles. "That would be perfect. I don't want to leave Flamengo, but for moral reasons, I owe it to Joel. We've worked together for eleven years. Honesty must be eternal. It's not even about the financial side. That's why it would be great if I worked for the national team and came back here," he said. "But we'll see what happens. It will depend on them there. I don't know if they'll accept this split. But everything is still up in the air. I haven't signed a contract," he added in an interview with Rádio Brasil. Upon learning of Ronaldo's possible departure, the Flamengo players appealed for him to stay. The coach admitted he was deeply moved by the outpouring of affection. "I'm flattered by it. I really enjoy working here and all the players. I have a great relationship with them. I was touched," he concluded. \ GLOBOESPORTE Caio Júnior enjoys the feeling of being a leader. The coach praises the red-black squad and says that the starters know they can't get complacent. Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro Caio Júnior sets short-term goals to motivate Flamengo players in the Brasileirão. With his calm, soft-spoken demeanor, coach Caio Júnior shows he's earning the trust of Flamengo's players, who considered their previous manager, Joel Santana, like a father figure. The coach said this Monday at Gávea that he's very happy with his lead in the Brazilian Championship. He stated that he will face the ongoing challenge of motivating the players in this long competition. "I'm earning the players' respect with my way of working. I feel responsible for this good moment, and together with the group, we're proud. The feeling of being a leader is great, but we know the championship is quite long. We need to work with short-term objectives. We set a goal for these first eight games and we performed well, which keeps the players focused," he stated. Caio Júnior emphasized the quality of Flamengo's squad. For him, with the good options he has on the bench, the starters know they can't afford to make mistakes if they want to stay in the starting eleven. "Maxi showed his worth, Kleberson did well, Obina always comes on well... Éder also stood out. As soon as I arrived at the club, he had one week left on his contract, and I asked for a renewal. I wasn't wrong, but he plays in a position where there are a lot of people. Anyone who's playing knows they can lose their place momentarily," he says. Diego Tardelli is acquitted and can face São Paulo next Saturday. The Flamengo striker was sent off in the Fla-Flu match after kicking midfielder Maurício when the ball was dead. GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo striker Diego Tardelli was acquitted by a majority vote this Monday at the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) and is free to face São Paulo this Saturday at Maracanã. The player was sent off in the last Fla-Fluminense match for kicking midfielder Maurício (watch the video below) and was at risk of being sidelined for up to 11 days. He already served his automatic suspension for the match against Figueirense and is free to play. This information comes from the website "Justicadesportiva." Tardelli had been included in Article 540 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD) - committing physical assault. He was defended by the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho. Top scorer Marcinho says he's in the best phase of his career. The midfielder recalls his arrival at the club at the beginning of the season, when he wasn't one of the most talked-about signings. Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro \ Top scorer in the Brazilian Championship with five goals, Marcinho already has 15 this year and leads the scoring charts for Flamengo. This impressive performance fills the number 22 with pride. He believes he's enjoying the best moment of his career. Despite his strong goal average, he prefers to leave the scoring responsibility to center forward Souza. "I'm going through the best phase of my career," he said. "Today (Monday) I woke up as the championship's top scorer and certain that I helped Flamengo achieve a significant victory. The Brazilian Championship is long, and the more goals I score, the better for the team, but I'll leave the scoring responsibility to Souza, who's the center forward," he stated. Marcinho recalled his arrival at Flamengo at the beginning of the year, when he wasn't one of the most highly-touted signings. He said he earned everyone's trust and isn't considering giving other players in his position a chance. "Given the quality of the players who were here when I arrived, I knew I would have to work hard to be a starter." Everything happened thanks to the confidence they instilled in me. Now, I have the freedom to go out and score goals," he says. The midfielder commented on his early career in Minas Gerais, when he played for Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG. He says that now, more mature, he is better prepared to face the challenges. "When I started at Cruzeiro, I had a huge burden on me to be Alex's replacement. I'm more mature, I've played abroad and learned to take advantage of opportunities, which I didn't do before. Today I have more maturity and experience," he says. On Sportv's Tá na Área program, the midfielder called on Flamengo fans to pack Maracanã and expressed confidence in the Brazilian title (see the video above). "We know the difficulties of the championship, but I think we have the group to achieve it (the title). We just need to keep up the same work." Caio Júnior: "This game could be the fans' definitive return to Maracanã" Excited about the lead and aware of the importance of the match against São Paulo, the coach asks for massive support from the fans on Saturday. Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro Caio Júnior says the team will need the fans' support to beat São Paulo on Saturday. The expectation of a large crowd for the match against São Paulo next Saturday at Maracanã is already starting to get the red-and-blacks' minds going. Aware of the importance of the match against the São Paulo team, considered one of Flamengo's rivals for the Brazilian title in Gávea, coach Caio Júnior hopes to count on the massive support of the fans at the stadium to help the team truly gain momentum in the competition. "It's a six-point game, just like it was against Internacional. São Paulo will always be a title contender. They played a great game against Atlético-MG; I've already looked at the numbers. We'll need a lot of support from the fans to get the win, just like what happened in the Flamengo vs. Fluminense match, when we secured the victory at the end with the fans' support. The victories are bringing people back to the stadium again. This game could be the definitive return of the fans to Maracanã, especially because the game deserves it," he states. Caio Júnior commented on the team's attacking prowess, which became more apparent after his arrival as manager. "The fans demand that the team play offensively. On Saturday, we were winning 4-0, and I added an extra striker and we scored the fifth goal. Even with an attacking team, the important thing is that the team doesn't lose its organization," he said. The coach should have all players ready for this match. Diego Tardelli, who was at risk of suspension, was acquitted and is cleared to play. Renato Augusto and Cristian, who missed the match against Figueirense due to medical issues, are expected to train normally this Tuesday and be available to the coach. Toró, who was substituted last Saturday due to pain in his right thigh, is also not a concern. Flamengo's Bruno: 'All goalkeepers do what Tiago did' Flamengo's goalkeeper shows irritation when commenting on the altercation he got into with a Fluminense fan after Saturday's game Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro Like most people, Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno didn't quite understand referee Wilson Souza de Mendonça's decision when he called a foul on Vasco goalkeeper Tiago during the throw-in in the match against Cruzeiro on Sunday (watch the video below). The Flamengo number 1 recalls that all goalkeepers use the trick of palming the ball away and then holding it to gain more time. "All goalkeepers do what Tiago did. I don't know who's right; the referee interpreted the play this way and called the foul," he says. On Monday, Bruno showed great irritation when commenting on accusations from a Fluminense fan, who said he was assaulted by the player in a diner on Saturday, after Flamengo's 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense. The player had already stated on Sunday that he didn't fight with the Tricolor. "That matter is over; it's in my lawyer's hands." Nothing happened, I was taken by surprise by this news. I don't want to talk about it anymore - says LANCE Diego Tardelli is acquitted by the STJD Striker will be able to face São Paulo this Saturday at Maracanã\ Diego Tardelli was judged for the expulsion against Fluminense LANCEPRESS! Diego Tardelli was acquitted this Monday by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) by a 3-1 vote. The forward was tried under Article 253 (assault) for kicking Fluminense's Maurício in the derby match won by the Red-Blacks 1-0. Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, claimed that Diego Tardelli did not physically assault Maurício. The court accepted the defense, and only one rapporteur did not acquit him, suspending the player for one match. However, the majority opted for acquittal, and the forward is free to face São Paulo this Saturday at Maracanã. Had he been punished, Diego Tardelli could have received a suspension of 120 to 540 days. Marcinho is doubly happy. The player celebrates being the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship and being able to help Flamengo. LANCEPRESS!Being the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship (5 goals) and for Flamengo in 2008 (with 15) is not enough to keep Marcinho off the ground. The player maintains his humble speech and highlights that he is experiencing a moment of double happiness. - I am really happy. Not only for the artillery, but also for having helped to achieve such an impressive victory. But the team still has a lot to improve. The championship is long – he said, adding that he leaves the task of being the top scorer to Souza, according to him a natural scorer, and that his concern is only to play well and help the team. Marcinho spoke a little about his time at the Minas Gerais clubs and said that he has never experienced such a good moment since becoming a professional. According to him, the great performance he has been achieving has to do with maturity: – At Atlético-MG, I emerged very young. At Cruzeiro, everyone expected me to be the star, Alex's replacement (now at Fenerbahçe). I had opportunities, but I didn't know how to take advantage of them. Here I got it. I am more mature and experienced. It's the best phase of my career. The player also spoke about the fact that he is performing well as a supporter and as a striker. – I've been having the freedom to get into attack and also to go get the ball. I'm combining business with pleasure – concluded Marcinho. See Marcinho's numbers in the Brazilian Championship Flamengo player is the competition's top scorer and has already provided two assists LANCEPRESS! Until the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship, Marcinho has been the standout player for leader Flamengo. The player is the competition's top scorer with five goals and has provided the most assists for the team: two. LANCENET! in partnership with Footstats, we carried out a survey of Marcinho's participation in these first five rounds of the Brazilian Championship. See below some numbers of the Flamengo player: Games: 5\ Goals: 5\ Assists: 2\ Shots: 11 (8 accurate)\ Dribbles: 6\ Fouls committed: 10\ Fouls received: 10\ Tackles: 11 (10 accurate)\ Offsides: 3\ Ball losses: 27\ Ball possession: 5'46" \ Game against Santos gave Fla confidence For Caio Jr., debut in the Brazilian made the team forget Libertadores LANCEPRESS! First place in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo did not excite its fans at the start of the competition. The reason was the dismal elimination from the Libertadores against América of Mexico in the round of 16. For Caio Júnior, the team's turning point ended up being the debut against Santos, at the Maracanã without an audience. With the 3-1 victory, Rubro-Negro gained encouragement and confidence for the Brazilian Championship. After five rounds, they lead with 13 points alongside Cruzeiro. - I see that this game was very important. He lifted the weight of elimination from the Libertadores and began a new phase. It was decisive. It brought back confidence - he said. Caio Júnior recalled that he arrived at Gávea with the expectation of winning the Libertadores and had to deal with a complicated situation with the elimination. But the coach no longer wants to think about the complicated past. - I don't like negative things. What had to happen happened. It was also a very difficult situation for me. Something completely different happened than what I expected would catch the group. But we managed to recover our self-esteem. It's a page that was turned a long time ago. That's why we're doing well in the Brazilian Championship - analyzed Caio Júnior. Caio Júnior praises those who weren't playing Coach likes the performance of Maxi, Obina, Kleberson and Éder LANCEPRESS! Flamengo's great performance in the 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense left coach Caio Júnior doubly satisfied. In addition to the victory, the good performance on Saturday by players who had not been playing filled the red-black commander with hope. He thinks the competition for a place on the team will be intense. – Maxi showed his worth, Kleberson did very well and Obina once again came on well and participated in a goal. Anyone who is careless may lose space momentarily. More people may show up. There's Éder, who also came in well. I see I was not wrong in asking for its renewal. He plays in a position where there are a lot of people, but he showed quality – he warned. Marcinho agrees with the coach. Even though he is Flamengo's top scorer this season with 15 goals, the player doesn't believe his place is guaranteed. For him, the competition within the red-black squad keeps the players on their toes. - The group that Flamengo has doesn't give you peace of mind to settle down - said Marcinho. \ São Paulo tries to break the record at Maracanã Tricolor did not beat Fla at the stadium in the Brasileirão by points LANCEPRESS! \ São Paulo has never beaten Flamengo at Maracanã - the venue for next Saturday's game - after the Brazilian Championship began to be played on a points-based basis in 2003. In total there were three games, two draws and one victory for the Rio team. In 2004, Rubro-negro played their game against the São Paulo team at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium, in Volta Redonda, and won 1-0. São Paulo's only victory over Flamengo in the state of Rio de Janeiro took place in 2005 with a 6-1 thrashing, on Ilha do Governador. In the last clash between the two last year, the Rio de Janeiro team beat Tricolor 1-0, at Maracanã. The Rubro-negro's goal was scored by midfielder Íbson. Flamengo remains grounded regarding the title. Players say the title is possible, but ask for concentration to keep the team at the top.LANCEPRESS! With the strong start to the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo fans are already eyeing a sixth title by the end of the year. But the players and coach are urging calm and remembering that they still have a long way to go. For Bruno, the team is on the right track. The goalkeeper explained what the team must do to stay at the top of the table. "We have to maintain consistency. Let it happen naturally. We can't be conceited, otherwise performance will decline. The players must take responsibility on the field, avoid losing focus, and maintain the same drive we've had at the start of the championship," said Bruno. Marcinho praised the Flamengo squad and believes the team must maintain its 100% home record and try to earn points away from home. "We have the group to be champions. Experienced players who have already won the title. We have to stay in first place, improve every day, and earn points away from home," said Marcinho. Caio Júnior, however, doesn't want to think about the end of the championship just yet. For the coach, the team has to take it game by game before focusing on the title: "We have to work with clear objectives. We can't focus on the final round now. We've drawn up a plan for the first eight games. The momentum will make the finale a good one."