THE GLOBE
'It was all wrong'
President admits guilt, but calls Flamengo's leadership to discuss
Photo caption: CAIO JÚNIOR talks to his 11 starters for the game against Santos, before training yesterday morning, in Gávea: an attempt to instill confidence in the Fla squad
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
The search for the causes of Flamengo's disastrous elimination from the Copa Libertadores has yielded a wide range of diagnoses. Yesterday, club president Márcio Braga offered his own. He said he observed a "cumulation of errors" in the entire strategy for the match against América at the Maracanã. Márcio acknowledged that, as president, he bears responsibility for the situation. But he stated that he intends to summon vice president of football, Kleber Leite; manager Isaías Tinoco; and executive director Eduardo Manhães to reflect on the defeat.
Taking on his share of responsibility, Márcio Braga stated that he saw several mistakes in a chain in the preparation for the game.
"When a problem of this magnitude occurs, it's not just one person who creates it. It's a series of mistakes. And, ultimately, the president is to blame. I saw a series of things, a series of errors, and I didn't correct them," the president said. "It was all negligent, nothing intentional. But the fact is that a highly unfavorable situation was created for Flamengo in that game. Everything was wrong, and the president, in the end, has to take responsibility. But we have to learn from the mistake and not repeat it. So, I'm going to call Kleber, Isaías, and Manhães to reflect together on what happened."
Márcio arrived from São Paulo hours before the game against América and was unaware of the size of the party planned for Joel Santana before the game.
- But, if I had known beforehand, I would have authorized it - warned Márcio.
Recovering your mood is Caio's priority
The manager, however, gave an idea of the impact of the result.
"The elimination was a disaster. We lost our last income of the year. Now, the Brazilian Championship is coming up, and ticket sales, in general, don't solve the problem. To balance the books, Flamengo will have to sell players to meet a budget that expects to raise R$100 million," said Márcio, adding that negotiations with TV, Petrobras, and the sports equipment supplier will not be affected.
Yesterday, coach Caio Júnior began assembling the team that will debut against Santos tomorrow in the Brazilian Championship. The new coach could have been concerned with imposing his own brand, making changes, or causing a shock. But he understood that a sound mind is the best path to recovery. With more than 48 hours' notice, he announced that the same 11 players who started the game against América will start against Santos. With Fábio Luciano still ruled out, Leonardo is retained in defense and Cristian is on the bench. With this decision, Caio Júnior didn't assign blame for the failure and attempted to inject confidence into the team.
"Those who started last game will be starters. A loss won't be enough to keep them out. It's important for this team to have confidence. And, starting this game, the players will be selected based on merit," said Caio.
Yesterday, he preferred a conversation with the starting eleven to a physically demanding training session. Caio explained that the string of crucial matches and travel, in addition to the mental strain, was still a burden. After the meeting, the starting eleven played footvolley.
"The key is to recover physically and mentally. Sometimes, a good chat is better than training. I've been talking a lot with the players, and this will be a constant here. In the meeting, I reviewed the game, listened to their opinions, and let them discuss individual issues, including their preferred positioning on the field," said Caio, who later met with the club's psychologist, Paulo Ribeiro.
To avoid any friction, Caio said he was responsible for releasing goalkeeper Bruno, who didn't attend training last Thursday. The coach, who will be tried on Tuesday at the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), said he didn't mean to offend the referee of the Goiás-Corinthians match in the Copa do Brasil.
"If necessary, I'll go to court. If I did anything, it was anger over the 4-0 defeat," he explained, before speaking with legal director Michel Assef Filho.
After training, vice president of football Kleber Leite called each player on the squad. He prohibited any discussion of the Libertadores. According to him, the club paid 60% of March's salaries. April's salaries, by agreement, are due only on the 25th.
The club asked the Rio de Janeiro State Judiciary to ensure that no spectators are allowed into Maracanã tomorrow, which would result in punishment for Flamengo, who will play behind closed doors to comply with the STJD's sentence. A list of all professionals and the eight directors allowed in was sent to the Rio de Janeiro Federation. Flamengo will also employ 25 security guards to assist with control and has requested police support.
After another failure, the change
Mariana Brochado wants to change coaches
Photo caption: MARIANA BROCHADO starts the 400m freestyle race: swimmer did not meet the standard for Beijing
Unlike last year's Maria Lenk Trophy, when she burst into tears after unexpectedly losing her spot in the Pan American Games, Rio de Janeiro native Mariana Brochado didn't cry in public this time. But she also didn't hide her depression. Yesterday, in the B final of the 400m freestyle at the Maria Lenk Trophy in Barra da Tijuca, she finished third in 4:29, more than 33 seconds above the Olympic standard for the event (15:4), and saw her dream of competing in the Beijing Olympics crumble once and for all.
The dismal result should prompt change. After a lifetime of coaching at Flamengo, and seven years with coach Marco Lamah, she's considering a change.
"I'm disappointed. Next week, I want to sit down with Patrícia Amorim (Vice President of Olympic Sports) and Marco to talk. Some things need to be reconsidered. I need to know if I've reached my limit or if it's a technical issue," explains the 23-year-old swimmer, who wouldn't want to leave Flamengo. "Staying at the club is my first option. But I've been with Marco for a long time. He ends up getting complacent. I need new motivation."
FLA BASKETBALL
A warning sign for Flamengo basketball. Coach Paulo Chupeta doesn't want his team, currently leading the qualifying round of the National Men's Championship, to fall into the same trap that led to the club's elimination from the Copa Libertadores. Today, at 11 a.m., in Gávea, Flamengo hosts Cetaf/Garoto/UVV (ES) in the playoffs. Tomorrow, at noon, the teams face off again, in Gávea.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Fla will repeat the lineup from the tragic night
Coach Caio Júnior will repeat the team from last Wednesday, when they were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, in the opening game of the Brazilian Championship, against Santos, at Marcanã, without an audience.
Caio, calm, doesn't want to make any sudden changes to the team. According to the coach, the team needs morale.
"Things are slowly moving forward. Now, it's a different championship. It's a long competition. My job, right now, is to give confidence to the players who will take the field. A defeat isn't going to change what I've been doing. But from now on, the players will be the ones who choose their lineups," the coach declared.
Fla will enter the field with: Bruno; Leo Moura, Leonardo, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Kléberson, Ibson and Toró; Marcinho and Souza.
Kleber: 'The one speaking is Babão'
Nina Lima/JS Archive - 8/5/08
Kleber is hurt by Montenegro
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, decided to respond to the provocations from Botafogo directors Carlos Augusto Montenegro and Vasco director Eurico Miranda. After Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores to América de México, both directors mocked and laughed at their rival's misfortune. Montenegro declared that he opened a bottle of wine and reveled in the opponent's defeat and tears. Eurico, meanwhile, ironically stated that he would sign "Mansões," a reference to striker Cabañas, the match's top scorer.
Kleber Leite, despite appearing very calm, spoke out against the directors of rival clubs.
"Montenegro likes to ejaculate with other people's penises. Everyone does it the way God allows. Here, we do it with our own. Everyone is born for something. Regarding Eurico, the one who talks here at Flamengo is the Babão (wardrobe attendant). He says what he wants, hears what he doesn't want," he stated.
The manager's irritation was greatest with Botafogo fans. Kleber Leite tried to make it clear that Flamengo hadn't humiliated them in the Carioca final.
"I want to say that we didn't humiliate Botafogo. Botafogo humiliated themselves in that charade they staged and will be remembered for the rest of their lives as whiners. When the Campeonato Carioca ended, I emphasized the great work Botafogo does not only on the field but also off it, as a club, with Bebeto and even Montenegro. Cuca is also a spectacular professional," he said.
Regarding the potential financial problems the club could face with elimination from the Libertadores, Kleber also responded: "They only talk about Flamengo. There's a club in Rio that hasn't paid the salary for a year and no one talks about it. Flamengo owes part of the bonuses and March's salary is already 60% paid. The rest will be paid on Monday."
Flamengo does not sign an agreement with TV Globo
Flamengo, São Paulo, and Corinthians are united in trying to negotiate a higher TV subscription fee with TV Globo. Last Wednesday, the 13-man club signed a new agreement with the broadcaster for broadcasts valid for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 three-year periods, paying R$220 million for each season. However, of the three clubs, only Corinthians attended the meeting, but like the other two, they signed nothing.
Because they understand that they are the three biggest clubs in the country and that they represent a large part of the audience, representatives of the three clubs met last week at Morumbi and decided not to sign the agreement and now, they want to negotiate the values separately with the broadcaster.
"The three have been in an understanding for some time to negotiate other values. São Paulo and Flamengo have broken with the Club of 13. We didn't even participate in the presidential elections and Corinthians is joining us. We are the biggest clubs in Brazil and we want to negotiate separately," said Flamengo president Márcio Braga.
Márcio Braga, however, guarantees that the clubs are not considering breaking up.
Globo is our partner, but if we don't reach an agreement, we will look for another way," he said.
Leonardo guarantees: he plays well, yes
Nina Lima/JS Archive - 8/5/08
Leonardo agrees that he is not performing well, but guarantees: criticisms are exaggerated
With coach Caio Júnior's decision to keep the same team that was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores for the match against Santos, defender Leonardo will get a new opportunity. The player, who was voted one of the worst players on the pitch in the loss to América and has been heavily criticized since arriving at Gávea, acknowledges that he's been playing below his potential, but considers the criticism exaggerated.
Leonardo intends to use his experience to get through this difficult time and hopes that his true football will shine through in the match against Santos.
"I tried to do my best in this match. Unfortunately, I couldn't. I didn't perform as well as I expected and as well as I can, but since I've been here, I haven't performed as badly as some people are saying. I'm self-critical and I know I can improve, without a doubt. I hope that in this match against Santos I start to perform as well as I can," he said.
Despite Leonardo's words, the Libertadores elimination still stings the players' conscience. According to the defender, Caio Júnior has been crucial during this time, as he has been trying to be there for the players and focus the team's attention solely on the Brasileirão.
"He's giving us confidence, which is important right now. Football is dynamic, of course we're pissed off about this result. But time won't go back. We have to think about the Brazilian championship," he said.
Looking for a new team
Caio Júnior maintains the lineup that caused embarrassment on Wednesday, but warns: changes are coming
Bernardo Peirão
Jair Motta/JS
Caio will give the shameful team another opportunity, but he is looking for a new team.
Time doesn't stand still. Cazuza's famous quote perfectly reflects Flamengo's current situation. The Libertadores is over, and as painful as it may be, there's no point in looking back. The Brazilian Championship is just around the corner, and the team must prepare to fight for the title, or at least return to the Libertadores—the bare minimum the fans demand. To that end, coach Caio Júnior has been given carte blanche to make whatever changes he wishes. And he's looking for the best lineup to do well in the competition.
The fact is that new faces and a new system should gradually emerge at Flamengo. For tomorrow's game against Santos at Maracanã, however, the coach decided to stick with the same lineup that embarrassed him on Wednesday, including Léo Moura, who was doubtful but is expected to play. According to the coach, the decision was made as a way to give confidence to the 11 players who took the field for this match.
"The team that started the game is the one that will play. It's important to give them confidence. It's not because of a loss that I'm going to completely change what was happening," said the coach, who then emphasized that this measure was taken only for this first game: "From now on, the player will be the one who chooses the lineup, based on an analysis that I will carry out game by game," he explained.
Caio Júnior, however, has already begun implementing his training methods. Yesterday, the starters had a chat with the coach. Afterward, they only played footvolley, as, according to Caio, they are physically exhausted. The reserves, meanwhile, did a demanding workout of finishing and physical work. Only Renato Augusto skipped training and ran around the field.
This match against Santos may be the only one in which the coach will manage Flamengo, as he will be tried next Tuesday by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) and could be suspended for up to 150 days. He was indicted for invading the pitch during the Copa do Brasil match between Goiás and Corinthians.
"It's not part of my conduct, it happened at that moment. I'm sure I'll be acquitted," he said.
Kleber guarantees resources until December
Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores to América de México will bring more than just sporting disappointment. It will also be felt economically. With numerous signings and significant investments made to compete in South America's biggest competition, the board of directors wasn't counting on an early elimination. As a result, they will lose out on approximately R$6 million if they were to win, and their well-known financial problems could resurface.
The biggest problems could arise because the club no longer has anywhere to draw money, having prepaid many TV sponsorship installments and will not receive any for a considerable period of time. Furthermore, with the elimination, ticket sales are expected to decrease significantly, at least for now.
Despite all this, Vice President of Football, Kleber Leite, guarantees that there is a financial engineering plan in place.
"The financial aspect can be managed. The Libertadores is a marvel only for the champion who goes to Japan. There is already a plan in place for the Brazilian Championship," said the director, who even so, did not rule out changes to the squad: "Only Íbson and Rodrigo have contracts ending now. But we have time to hold on to them. Everything will depend on Caio's assessment," he said.
Mengão begins the journey
Flamengo hosts Cetaf in the opening round of the quarterfinal playoffs of the National Basketball Championship
Nina Lima/JS
Unity will be the strong point of Flamengo players to beat Cetaf in the quarter-finals
The quarterfinals (best of five) of the 19th National Men's Basketball Championship begin today with Flamengo/Petrobras (RJ) vs. Cetaf/Garoto/UVV (ES) in Rio de Janeiro at 11 a.m. at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium in Gávea. Flamengo begins its journey toward winning an unprecedented title. Their goal has been heightened after losing the South American League title to Regatas of Argentina.
Flamengo finished the first phase in first place with 41 points in 22 games (19 wins and three losses). The Rubro-Negro had the best attack, averaging 92.4 points, and the second-best defense, averaging 73.9 points per game. Cetaf finished in eighth place with 31 points in 22 games (nine wins and 13 losses).
Comparison\ The Espírito Santo team had the eighth-best attack and the tenth-best defense, averaging 77.0 and 79.7 points per game, respectively. Flamengo won both first-round matches: 98 to 62 (Rio de Janeiro) and 80 to 78 (Vila Velha).\
But Cuban Amile, a Flamengo standout, asks for respect for Cetaf: "Despite the excellent campaign, Flamengo cannot be considered favorites because the playoffs are a new competition and all teams start from scratch. We need to enter with confidence and play with determination for the full 40 minutes to give our opponent no chance. We have to take advantage of home advantage and the support of the fans. The goal is to be champion," said Cuban winger Amiel, of Flamengo.
For Cetaf, winger Jefferson Sobral is betting on a surprise: "We have a very difficult task ahead of us, but our team has grown a lot in the final stretch of the first phase and that gives us more confidence. We lost to Flamengo by just two points at home and today we're playing even better. We have to defend with a lot of pressure to take advantage of the red-and-black team's fatigue."
And also Ulbra/Rio Claro (SP) x Joinville (SC), in Rio Claro (18pm). The first round ends tomorrow with two more games: Minas (MG) x Saldanha da Gama (ES), in Belo Horizonte (11am); and Universo (DF) x UTC/Uberlândia (MG), in Brasília (11:30am).
Flamengo: Marcelinho, Amiel, Helio, Alírio and Coloneze\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
Cetaf: Hubner, Felipinho, João Gabriel, Jefferson Sobral and Manuil\ Coach: Luís Felipe\
Location: Gávea
Iata Anderson
Libertadores Cup\ Flamengo's elimination from the Libertadores Cup leads us to reflect. Losing to América-MEX at the Maracanã, with 50 fans and a two-goal lead, is inconceivable. It would have been enough if everyone had been responsible professionals, even the so-called amateur managers, and postponed the perfectly justified celebrations for winning the second championship over Botafogo until after this match. But the advantage was unfettered, the crowd was left to campaign, and there was exaggeration. Winning in Mexico was harder, and the team organized itself and thrashed América, playing like the state champion Flamengo. Let this serve as a lesson once again. The game is played on the field; there is no other way.\
THE DAY
'Psychologist', Caio Júnior wants to recover players
Rio - Flamengo's new coach, Caio Júnior, said that his main role after the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores will be to remotivate the red-black group.
According to him, there will be psychological work aimed at the players' recovery, since everyone is exhausted and time is short until the next match.
"Winning the Libertadores was a dream, a dream that's over for now, but one we can have again with a good run in the Brazilian Championship. Heaven and hell are very close in football. Neither euphoria nor despair. Now it's time to think about Santos," said the coach.
To reverse the situation, Flamengo's new manager is asking for the fans' support, as "the moment is more psychological than technical. I really enjoy working on this aspect. Some players are more down, others less. Those who are less down have to pull up those who are more down," he concluded.
Joel burned his tongue
Rio - Before the embarrassment, the irony. While returning from Mexico, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 4, when Flamengo defeated América 2-3, Joel Santana criticized some opposing players. The former coach had to swallow the jokes and the embarrassment in the 0-XNUMX defeat.
When referring to defender Sebá, who previously played for Corinthians, Joel said, "How can a defender with a square ass play football? He must have a very good agent," Joel Santana mocked.
And the former Flamengo coach, who left the club to manage the South African national team, didn't stop there. "Villa can't hold his own on the field anymore. He's too old," he stated. Despite the coach's irony, Ronaldo Angelim remained serious. The defender revealed that it was difficult to mark Paraguayan Cabañas, who protected the ball very well and was dangerous.
Speaking of the hero of the qualifying rounds, a curious video of Cabañas was circulating online yesterday. In it, the striker was caught by cameras from a Mexican television station in unusual situations during a play. First, the player attempts to kiss a teammate. Then, he appears to be touched in the private parts by another player.
Party canceled
After the humiliation against América of Mexico, the rally to win the state title against Botafogo, which was scheduled for today, was canceled.
Caio Júnior certain of acquittal
Rio - Caio Júnior had even forgotten that he will be tried by the STJD on Tuesday, for having been sent off in the game between his former club, Goiás, and Corinthians, on April 30, when the São Paulo team eliminated the Goiás team from the Copa do Brasil with a 4-0 victory. Reported for moral offenses to the referee and invasion of the referee's premises, he could receive a minimum 150-day suspension.
"I had even forgotten. That's not my style. Anything I said was out of anger over the defeat, not the referee," explained the now Flamengo coach.
Caio made himself available to Flamengo's legal department to participate in the trial and is confident of an acquittal. "I'm certain I won't be suspended," he stated. If Caio is suspended, assistant coach Júlio César Camargo will lead the team from the sidelines.
Toró and Bruno under threat of long suspension
Rio - On Wednesday, the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court will hear the appeal filed by Jônatas, Toró, and Bruno. The latter two face a two-month suspension for the Brazilian Championship. The charges relate to the match against Botafogo in the Taça Rio semifinal.
In the first trial, Toró and Jônatas were suspended for one game, and Bruno was acquitted, but prosecutors requested a retrial, finding he lacked plausible explanations. Jônatas will be tried for complaining about refereeing decisions and for committing a violent play by attempting to headbutt Jorge Henrique. Bruno attempted to punch Botafogo defender André Luís, and Toró for headbutting goalkeeper Castillo.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo reiterates its desire to have Ronaldo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - On the field, Flamengo is trying to forget the disappointment of its elimination from the Libertadores with its Brazilian Championship debut this Sunday at 18:10 pm against Santos. Off the field, president Márcio Braga confirmed that the controversy surrounding striker Ronaldo last week hasn't dampened the club's interest in signing the Phenomenon. The president reiterated what his vice president, Kléber Leite, had already said. Braga also once again made the Rio de Janeiro club's facilities available for the striker to recover from a serious knee injury suffered last year. Ronaldo's federation rights are tied to Milan until mid-year, but he has already made it clear that he wants to play for Flamengo once he recovers, as he is a fan of the club.
While dreaming of Ronaldo, Flamengo's board is struggling to retain its key players until the end of the year. Goalkeeper Bruno and full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan have been the subject of speculation about possible interest from European clubs in signing them for next season.
'Money, get back' - The early elimination from the Copa Libertadores is likely to bring even more problems to the club's already strained coffers. Flamengo expected to earn more than R$7 million from television broadcasts, prize money, static advertising, and ticket sales if it reached the final.
To try to overcome this unexpected financial impact, the club's executives hope to secure a better contract for the supply of sports equipment. Nike has already submitted a renewal proposal, but other companies like Olympikus are also in the running to outfit the red-and-blacks.
Meanwhile, Kléber Leite expressed irritation this Friday when asked about a possible salary delay at Gávea. "The salary here is fully resolved. I know clubs that are facing much worse problems than Flamengo. And they don't have to go far; they can stay right here in Rio de Janeiro," the director stated, confirming that the club owes some bonuses to the squad.
Players guarantee support for Caio Júnior's debut\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo will make its debut in this year's Brazilian Championship against Santos at the Maracanã, but with empty stands. The unusual situation is a reflection of a penalty the club received in 2007, which mandated closed doors for the club's first match of this year's edition, this Sunday at 18:10 p.m.\ While he won't be able to hear the chants, whether of protest or support, coming from the stands, rookie coach Caio Júnior is already hearing words of encouragement from within the Flamengo squad itself. Defender Fábio Luciano, captain during the Joel Santana era, has kind words for the coach.\
"We're very happy with Caio Júnior's appointment. He's a very competent coach. He came to help us, and he already came here thinking big, talking about titles," said the Flamengo defender.
Caio Júnior's debut coincides with the first round of the Brazilian Championship, a competition that Flamengo has not won since 1992. After the unexpected elimination in the Libertadores, the red-black squad knows that the pressure will be greater for the team to end the drought in the National.
"It will be a tough championship, but we will fight for the title. We will show that we are a fighting team, with a chance of winning," emphasized Fábio Luciano, who, like midfielder Marcinho, also places the team among the contenders for the title.
"With this group that Flamengo has, we always have to dream of victories and titles," said the player, who is participating in a recreational training session in Gávea this Saturday morning and then heads to the training camp with the rest of the squad at a hotel in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro.
Against Santos, Caio keeps the 'tragedy' team\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After watching Flamengo's tragic elimination from the Copa Libertadores round of 3 from the radio booth, coach Caio Júnior is preparing for his official debut in charge of the Rio de Janeiro team this Sunday against Santos. Despite the team's 0-XNUMX loss to América-MEX, the coach decided to repeat the lineup used by his predecessor, Joel Santana. This Friday morning, Caio swapped the training session for a physical activity and a lot of conversation with the squad. "We came to the conclusion that the physical and psychological aspects were very important. Sometimes, it's much more important than more intense training. And the team that started last game is the one that will play this game," he said. "It's not because of one misfortune that we're going to change everything. But from now on, the players are the ones who choose the lineup."
Caio Júnior's only doubt concerns right-back Leonardo Moura, who is recovering from a problem he suffered in the last game. Defender Fábio Luciano, still injured, remains out, and Leonardo gets another chance. If Moura recovers, Flamengo will field the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Leonardo, and Juan; Cristian, Kleberson, Toró, and Ibson; Marcinho and Souza.
The manager, however, will not have fans in attendance for his first game as manager of the Red-Black team. This is because Flamengo will face Santos at the Maracanã stadium behind closed doors – a punishment stemming from last year's Brazilian Championship.
"Playing behind closed doors makes it feel like you're in training. It'll be strange. I'd like to debut with the fans in attendance. When I think of Flamengo, I immediately think of the fans, Zico, and Maracanã," the coach emphasized, also referencing the greatest idol in the history of the Rio de Janeiro club.
PELENET
Caio Júnior will repeat the team that made the "disgrace" against Santos
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Caio Júnior has already begun preparing Flamengo for their Brazilian Championship debut against Santos on Sunday at Maracanã. And the team is unlikely to undergo any changes, at least for now. During Friday morning's training session, the new manager called a group of his starting players for a chat.
And the team was exactly the same as the one that was defeated 3-0 by América-MEX on Wednesday, and ended up being eliminated in the round of XNUMX of the Copa Libertadores, starring in one of the biggest embarrassments in the history of Rubro-Negro.
Those invited to the chat were: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Leonardo, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan, Jaílton, Toró, Kleberson and Ibson; Marcinho and Souza.
"This team that started last game is the one that will play this game. I won't change because of a loss. But from now on, I will. Then, it's up to the players to choose," said the coach.
Defender Fábio Luciano, with a right thigh injury, remains out of action and undergoing treatment in the club's medical department. He is expected to return to the field next week.
Defender Leonardo hopes to turn things around at Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Defender Leonardo was singled out as one of the villains in Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores after a 3-0 loss to América-MEX on Wednesday at the Maracanã. He replaced captain Fábio Luciano, who was ruled out due to a persistent right thigh problem.
Thus, despite so much criticism, Leonardo will remain in the starting lineup for the match against Santos on Sunday at Maracanã, in the opening round of the Brazilian Championship. And the player is focused solely on turning things around and proving his worth.
"It's a new game, a new competition. I hope to do well and earn my place within the club. I haven't had a good performance yet, and I know I can do much better," the defender said.
With Wednesday's unexpected defeat, the atmosphere in Gávea is extremely tense. However, Leonardo believes this isn't the time for that. What remains is for everyone to join forces so they can bounce back.
"There's no point in remembering what happened anymore. It was horrible. But we have to be together and help each other so we can do well in the Brazilian Championship. It's our chance to give the fans a response," he said.
Kleber Leite: "Salaries are reasonably balanced"
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores, rumors surfaced within the club that two months' wages were unpaid, as were some bonuses promised by the board. However, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, refuted the information and explained the real situation. The arguments, however, were not very convincing.
"There's nothing like that. Everything has already been sorted out. Everything is reasonably settled. There are some bonuses and salary payments missing, but that's already being resolved. We should resolve it next week," he said.
Kleber also took the opportunity to shift the focus away from Gávea and attack some rivals. However, he preferred not to name names.
"The problem is that there's a lot of fuss here about everything. I know clubs that are going through serious problems and owe more than a year's worth of salaries. And you don't have to look very far. There are some right here in Rio," the director said.
And if Flamengo's financial situation is already not the healthiest, it's likely to get a little worse with the early exit from the Libertadores, last Wednesday.
"We really can't win this award anymore. But who can guarantee that we would be champions? What hurts is being eliminated the way we did. Not because of the money," the vice president of football emphasized.
The red-and-black team's farewell to the continental competition was traumatic. After winning 4-2 away from home, the team was defeated 3-0 by América-MEX at the Maracanã, losing the chance to advance to the quarterfinals.
GLOBOESPORTE
Fla debuts against the mysterious Santos and tries to overcome trauma
The game will be Caio Júnior's debut; at Peixe, Leão may enter with a mixed team
Fred Huber and Adilson Barros From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Caio Júnior doesn't know what to expect from the team assembled by coach Emerson Leã. This Sunday, at 18:10 p.m., at the Maracanã, Flamengo and Santos begin their long quest for the Brazilian Championship title. The two teams, which were expected to face each other in the quarterfinals of the Libertadores, are experiencing contrasting moods after the Rubro-Negro's elimination. Now, the Rio de Janeiro team turns its full attention to the national championship, while Santos is expected to prioritize the continent's most important competition and rest some starters.
The match marks the debut of coach Caio Júnior, who took over from Joel Santana as Flamengo's coach. Santos' challenge is to focus on the match and not worry about the grueling trip to Mexico, where they face América, Flamengo's tormentor.
Order at Fla is to forget the recent trauma
Bruno is Flamengo's bet as a security guard between the posts against the São Paulo team.
At Flamengo, the order is to forget the embarrassment of the elimination against América-MEX and turn their attention fully to the Brazilian Championship. Hardened by the poor start to 2007 after the round of XNUMX elimination from the Libertadores (as well as this year), Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, decreed the burial of the "elimination" issue at Gávea.
"The past is the past, it's gone, let's look forward now. The Brazilian Championship opener is very close, we can't carry the burden of this game. The Libertadores issue is completely buried at Flamengo. We've set a goal: to finish first in the Brazilian Championship," he states.
The match against Peixe is not only Flamengo's debut in the championship, but also coach Caio Júnior's debut in charge of the team. He thought he was taking over a top club, but woke up to a whirlwind of mistrust in his management. Having barely had much time to coach the team, only to support the players, he will field the same team that lost 3-0 to América-MEX. Fábio Luciano, with a right thigh strain, remains out. Leo Moura, who was doubtful, should have no problem starting. The coach is concerned about Santos, a question mark for everyone.
"I watched Santos' Libertadores game, and they'll have a grueling trip to Mexico. I don't know which team they'll face or how they'll approach this Brazilian Championship debut. It will also be terrible not having the fans behind us; they always push us. But we have to look on the bright side; we can focus solely on the opponent. Things will slowly get better; we can't lament any longer. We have to remember that the team was the Carioca champion; we need confidence," he says.
With an eye on the Libertadores, Peixe could play with a mixed team
Goalkeeper Fábio Costa is one of the starters expected to take the field against Flamengo
Coach Emerson Leão has yet to decide whether to rest players for the match against Flamengo. Having qualified for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores, the black-and-white team travels to Mexico this Monday, where they will face América-MEX.
Therefore, the coach may field a mixed lineup in the first round of the Brasileirão. Midfielder Molina, who has been complaining of muscle pain, is one of those who could miss the match at Maracanã. As a result, Tabata is expected to take his place.
Midfielder Marcinho Guerreiro says he would rather not play against Fla to focus on the game against América.
"Personally, I think the Libertadores should be prioritized. I'd like to be spared. But I'm not the one to decide," says the midfielder.
Peixe only arrives in Rio on Saturday, around 11:30 a.m. The team played last Thursday in Colombia, where they beat Cúcuta-COL, 2-0. The return to Brazil
Coach says Bruno's absence from Thursday's training session was his responsibility
Caio Júnior says the goalkeeper felt the elimination more than his teammates and was excused from Thursday's activity
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Absent from training on Thursday, Bruno was the last to leave the field this Friday
Goalkeeper Bruno's absence went almost unnoticed at Flamengo's squad's return on Thursday, one day after the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday. Since the starting players only did some weight room work, they didn't take to the field. Besides Bruno, Gavilán and Maxi weren't at the club, but they did participate in an afternoon workout to compensate. Bruno's absence, however, wasn't justified by the club, as most people hadn't heard from him.
This Friday, coach Caio Júnior took responsibility for Bruno's absence, who, according to his assessment, felt the elimination more than other players.
"The two players who didn't show up this morning (Gavilán and Maxi) trained in the afternoon, and we didn't think Bruno needed to be there; he was really upset about the elimination. He was released; it's my responsibility," he assures.
This Friday morning, Bruno showed up at the club and trained normally. He was the last to leave the field.
Kléber Leite mocks the celebration of rivals Botafogo and Vasco
Flamengo director says that Montenegro, Botafogo director, only makes ironies after other teams' victories
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Cabañas (right) ended up becoming the favorite weapon for provocations against Fla
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, vehemently responded this Friday to provocations made by Botafogo directors Carlos Augusto Montenegro and Vasco's Eurico Miranda. The club said that, after Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores, he opened a bottle of wine and laughed at Flamengo's crying. The Flamengo president stated that he will try to hire "Mansões" (Cabañas, actually), Flamengo's tormentor. The Flamengo director used an impolite expression to say that rivals are provoking based on other teams' achievements, not their own merits, and then added:
"Everyone does what God allows. Here, we do what we do; everyone is born for something. Regarding Eurico, the one who speaks here at Flamengo is the Babão (wardrobe attendant). He says what he wants, and hears what he doesn't want," he says.
Kléber Leite made it clear that Flamengo didn't humiliate Botafogo after the Campeonato Carioca final. But he noted that their rival will always be remembered for the collective crying jag following the Taça Guanabara final.
"I want to say that we didn't humiliate Botafogo; Botafogo humiliated themselves in that charade they staged, and they'll be remembered for the rest of their lives as whiners. When the Campeonato Carioca ended, I emphasized the great work Botafogo does not only on the field but also off it, with Bebeto and even Montenegro. Cuca is also a spectacular professional," he says.
Criticized, Leonardo vents and says he did his best
Defender came on in place of captain Fábio Luciano against América-MEX, a match that, according to him, will remain as a stain on the club's history.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
If defender Leonardo's mission to replace captain Fábio Luciano would be difficult enough normally, what can we say after the 3-0 loss to América-MEX and elimination from the Copa Libertadores? Many blamed the player for the tragedy, but he doesn't want to shoulder the responsibility for the failure. Leonardo vented that the criticism leveled at him is harsh, but acknowledged that he still owes Flamengo.
"In the locker room, I was hoping to get in, but things on the field didn't go as planned. I hope to do better than I've done so far at Flamengo. I wasn't all I could be, but I wasn't what everyone's saying either. I know Fábio Luciano is missed; he's our captain, the team is used to him, and he's been spot-on defensively since he arrived. I tried my best, but it wasn't enough. There's always pressure at Flamengo, especially after a relegation. I'm self-critical, and I know I can improve," he says.
Leonardo is aware that the red-and-blacks won't forget this traumatic elimination anytime soon, but he urges everyone at the club to focus their attention on the Brazilian Championship, which begins this Sunday against Santos. Leonardo is confirmed among the starters, once again replacing Fábio Luciano, who has a right thigh strain.
"The game will be remembered in history, but we can't go back and regret it. We're pissed off, we had a great chance of making it to the quarterfinals, but life has to go on. Football is dynamic, I wish we could go back, but we can't. Now it's time to lift our spirits, because we have the Brazilian Championship ahead of us, and we'll aim high; that's our goal. Confidence is very important, because what happened is so fresh. The coach talked to us, gave us morale, and hopefully we can perform well again," he says.
Bruno, Toró and Jônatas will have their appeals judged this Wednesday at the TJD
The goalkeeper and midfielder risk being out of the Brasileirão for two months.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM in Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo is at risk of being left without its number 1 in the Brazilian Championship
The Rio de Janeiro Sports Court of Justice (TJD) has scheduled the appeal hearing for Flamengo players Jônatas, Toró, and Bruno for next Wednesday. The latter two face being sidelined for two months in the Brazilian Championship. The charges against the Flamengo players relate to matches against Botafogo in the Rio Cup semifinal. In the first trial, Toró and Jônatas were suspended for one game, and Bruno was acquitted. This information comes from the website "Justiça Desportiva."
Dr. André Valentin, prosecutor for the TJD/RJ, explained why he appealed the decisions.
"The prosecutor's office was not satisfied with the decision and found it disrespectful that the players appeared in court but did not explain what happened. Only Obina did this (he was acquitted)," he states.
Jônatas will be tried under Article 251—complaining, through gestures or words, against refereeing decisions or disrespecting the referee and his assistants—and Article 253—committing a violent play—for attempting to headbutt Botafogo striker Jorge Henrique. The first article could result in a suspension of one to three matches, and the second, up to 60 days.
Bruno was included under Article 253 (violent play) for attempting to punch Botafogo defender André Luis. The penalty could be up to 60 days. Midfielder Toró was also charged under Article 253 for headbutting goalkeeper Castillo. The penalty could range from a 120- to 540-day suspension.
Expectations now are for the top of the table
Avoiding relegation is a thing of the past. Flamengo enters as one of the favorites.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Unknown at Fla: how will the team react to the arrival of Caio Júnior to replace Joel Santana?
In recent history, Flamengo fans have grown accustomed to entering the Brazilian Championship knowing that the end of the year would be agonizing as they battled relegation. Until August 2007, the same path was repeated. But the surge that took the team to third place reversed the red-and-black trend. In 2008, the team's status as a mere supporting player disappeared. The board invested heavily to assemble a costly and efficient squad, which was proven by the Campeonato Carioca title.
We must wait, however, to see how the squad will react to the traumatic elimination in the Copa Libertadores, with the 3-0 defeat to América of Mexico at Maracanã, and the replacement of "daddy" Joel Santana, who will manage the South African national team, by "uncle" Caio Júnior.
The core team that carried the team up the table in the last Brasileirão has been retained. Of Joel Santana's starting lineup, only Kleberson and Marcinho weren't at Flamengo last year. Other key reinforcements, such as Jônatas and Diego Tardelli, have yet to find a place in the first team.
Risk of losing incumbents to the foreign market
There is, indeed, the possibility that European pressure will reach Gávea in July. But, aside from Ibson, all the others have contracts with high release clauses. Regarding the number 7, his departure is virtually irreversible. He belongs to Porto, and to sign him, Flamengo would need to shell out around R$10 million. This is unlikely for a club that, despite its investments, still has persistent salary delays as one of its weak points. Bruno and Renato Augusto are the other players who will certainly receive foreign offers.
To confirm its title favorite status, the Rubro-Negro team needs to learn how to play away from the Maracanã. In the last Brazilian Championship, the team won only three times away from home—excluding the Rio derbies.
Curiosities:
Biggest win: 8 x 0 Fortaleza (1981)
Biggest defeat: 0 x 6 Botafogo (1972)
Customers: Náutico (11 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses) and Vitória (15 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses)
Executioners: Figueirense (3 wins, 3 draws and 6 losses) and Inter (11 wins, 12 draws and 17 losses)
'I'm sure I won't be suspended,' says coach Caio Júnior
The coach was taken by surprise by the news, but guarantees that he did not offend referee Leandro Pedro Vuadem when he was in charge of Goiás.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Caio Júnior is at risk of being suspended and not being able to lead the team from the bench
The possibility of Flamengo coach Caio Júnior's suspension caught not only Flamengo's legal department by surprise, but also the coach himself. He couldn't remember the red-and-black red card in Goiás' 4-0 loss to Corinthians. The Flamengo manager is confident he won't be suspended, as he believes he didn't offend the referee.
"I'd even forgotten. It was in the game against Corinthians. If I have to go to court, I'll tell the truth. If I used any unusual expression or word, it wasn't to insult the referee; it was out of anger because of the 4-0 score. I'm sure I won't be suspended because I didn't do anything," he says.
Caio Júnior's trial will be next Tuesday. If convicted, he could face a minimum 150-day suspension. He was sent off for invading the pitch and insulting referee Leandro Pedro Vuadem in the Copa do Brasil round of XNUMX match against Corinthians.
The coach was charged under articles 187 II (morally offending – referee or assistant referee in office) and 274 (trespassing on a referee's premises). According to the Sports Justice Department, the penalties for these articles are suspensions of 30 to 180 days and 120 to 720 days, respectively.
Michel Assef Filho, Fla's lawyer, will defend Caio Júnior.
Kléber Leite says the cast's salary is 'reasonably balanced'
60% of March's salary has been paid; some bonuses are still pending.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, stated this Friday that 60% of the players' March salaries have been paid, and that everything will likely be up to date by Monday. After training led by coach Caio Júnior, the director went to the field and spoke with some players separately. He was bothered by the journalists' insistence on discussing the club's finances.
"60% of the March salary is paid, and the rest will probably be paid by Monday. I know of clubs that are going through serious difficulties, worse than Flamengo, but this is paradise. Some have owed part of their salary for over a year, but never mind, there's no need to travel far, just stay here in Rio de Janeiro. Here, everything is reasonably settled, only some bonuses are delayed," he says.
Marcelinho asks Fla to be careful in the playoffs against Vila Velha
Ranked in first place, the red-black team faces the Espírito Santo team this Saturday morning in Gávea
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Marcelinho is the top scorer in the men's national team with 24,4 points per game
Flamengo, the current runner-up in the South American League and Rio de Janeiro champion, takes the court this Saturday morning at 11 a.m. (Brasília time) at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium (Gávea) to face Vila Velha (ES) in the first match of the best-of-five series of the quarterfinals of the men's National Championship. Marcelinho Machado, Flamengo's captain and the competition's top scorer with 463 points (an average of 24,4 points per game), maintains his respect for the Espírito Santo team and expects a game of strong defense and plenty of physical contact. In two games in the qualifying stage, the Rio de Janeiro team has won two.
"Vila Velha is a physically strong team, which defends well and plays at speed. We're coming off a very demanding run of games and travel, but we're ready to fight for a spot in the semifinals. We have a decisive series against the team from Espírito Santo, which has achieved important victories and deservedly reached the playoffs. Everything we did in the qualifying phase was crucial to maintain our home-court advantage, but any inattention, any mistake, could be fatal. Now everything starts from scratch, and each match has to be treated like a final. We have two home games, and it's crucial to win and confirm this advantage," reveals the winger.
Flamengo and Vila Velha will face off again this Sunday morning, also starting at 11 am (Brasília time), in the second game of the series, in Gávea.
Rio Claro x Joinville
Another quarterfinal series of the National Championship begins this Saturday. Rio Claro, fourth in the first round, hosts Joinville, which finished fifth. The team from the interior of São Paulo will have home-court advantage in the series and the support of its fans as they face the Santa Catarina team, which boasts the championship's leading rebounder. Center Shilton averages 10,7 rebounds per game.
"Theoretically, ours will be the most evenly matched of the quarterfinals, with a good chance of reaching a fifth game. In such a tight contest, what can make the difference is no longer technical skill, but rather the team's will and determination. Whoever plays with more grit and concentration will come out on top," says the pivot.
The other duels in the playoffs will be played between Minas (2nd) and Vitória (7th), and Brasília (3rd) and Uberlândia (6th).
THROW
Flamengo will have a week of many trials
Caio Júnior, Bruno, Jônatas and Toró are at risk of suspension
LANCEPRESS! Next Tuesday, Flamengo's new coach, Caio Júnior, will be tried at the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). Charged under articles 187 (offenses to the referee) and 274 (invasion of the field), the coach could face a suspension of up to 720 days.
In addition to Caio Júnior's case, the lawyer will face another trial on Wednesday, when the TJD Plenary will retry Bruno, Jônatas, and Toró, who were sent off in the classic against Botafogo in the Rio Cup. The case will return to the Court due to an appeal by prosecutor Paulo Valentim, who disagreed with the lower court ruling.
"I've already gathered the report and details of the case against Caio Júnior. There, the referee mentions insults directed at him, but everything Caio said was due to frustration over the negative result. He himself is confident of his acquittal, as he confirmed he didn't invade the field," the lawyer said.
As for the three players' trial, Michel Asseff guarantees that there shouldn't be any problems:
"I'm confident, even if it's a new trial. I'll act in the same line of defense."
Flamengo had problems on and off the field
Tragic elimination from the Libertadores exposed mistakes made by the Rubro-Negro team
Joel Santana is honored alongside President Márcio Braga
LANCEPRESS!
Fábio Luciano's leadership was felt on the field on Wednesday, and Flamengo fans still don't understand why Leonardo started the match against América-MEX. According to the Flamengo coaching staff, the Flamengo captain suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh and was unfit to play. However, the day before the Libertadores match, the defender participated in the training session at Gávea, appearing pain-free.
Yesterday, Fábio Luciano revealed he'd been feeling pain in the area since the match against Botafogo. The information was confirmed by doctor José Luiz Runco. However, on the day of the Copa Libertadores match, the team's other doctor, Marcelo Soares, revealed that the squad had no problems taking the field. The divergence of opinions revealed a crisis within the club's medical department.
Another detail that mitigates the fans' anger is Leonardo's quality. The defender has never been fully approved by the fans. This is because, when he has played, Flamengo has only left the field undefeated once – in a 2-0 victory over Cabofriense in the State Championship. Adding the goals from Wednesday's defeat, in five starts, the team has conceded nine goals.
America was forgotten by Flamengo
After their victory over América in the first leg, Flamengo's players only remembered the return match against the Mexicans on the eve of the match. The potential slight in the second leg served as a lesson for the players. América, in turn, went to Rio de Janeiro without considering the red-and-blacks' excesses and ended up being rewarded with qualification.
"I don't believe Flamengo lost because of the hype, as they said. Our team had a brilliant day. We proved our quality and came out with the qualification," said Sanchez.
The executioner of Wednesday's match, with two goals, striker Cabañas classified his performance as one of the best of his career.
"It was a wonderful match for América. It wasn't the best game of my life, but I performed well and I'm happy," concluded the América striker.
Farewell party diverts focus from departure
For many, the ceremony honoring coach Joel Santana before Wednesday's match had no influence on the score. However, after winning the Rio title over Botafogo on Sunday, all anyone could talk about until the ball rolled at the Maracanã was the party that would be held on the pitch moments before the match against the Mexicans.
A line of players formed to welcome the coach onto the field. He received a plaque from the club's board and a jersey signed by the entire squad.
Coach Joel Santana tried hard to calm the players' spirits. In his pre-game talk with the team, he reminded them that nothing was decided. As he walked down the players' corridor, Joel offered words of encouragement to each of them. But it was in vain. The party was already underway, and it ended in a way no one expected.
Didn't play with the result
The victory over América (MEX) in Mexico City gave the team a large advantage in the return leg. With the possibility of losing by up to two goals, Flamengo could control the match, as it was the Mexicans who needed to turn the score around.
However, inspired by Joel's farewell party and the packed crowd at Maracanã, Flamengo's team went all out against América. This was even more evident in the Mexican team's second goal. Esqueda went alone in the red-and-black defense, which was fully advanced.
Even with a 2-0 deficit at halftime, Flamengo would have qualified. Even so, Joel Santana sent the team into attacking action, taking off midfielder Kleberson and bringing on striker Diego Tardelli. Flamengo not only failed to score, but also conceded a third and was eliminated.
Defender Rodrigo closest to São Paulo
Player can be registered for the Libertadores as early as the quarter-finals\ -\
Defender Rodrigo remains in São Paulo's plans, and this time, the Morumbi club has a better chance of registering him for the Copa Libertadores knockout stage. LANCE! has learned that the player's agent, Giuseppe Dioguardi, met with Kléber Leite, Flamengo's vice president of football, in Gávea on Friday afternoon to try to secure the player's release.
Dynamo (UCR) loaned Rodrigo to Flamengo until June 30th. However, the player will not continue with the Rio de Janeiro club. He has outstanding image rights and has not played since February due to a fracture in his right arm.
São Paulo's strategy is for the Ukrainian club to extend the loan to Flamengo until December and for the Rio de Janeiro rival to transfer it until the end of the season to reinforce Sampa's defense.
– If São Paulo meets what Fla is asking, may God take him – said Kléber Leite in Gávea.
Only this way will it be possible to register Rodrigo for the Libertadores by next Monday night. If he terminates his contract with Flamengo and Dynamo loans him directly to Tricolor, it will be considered an international transfer, which is currently prohibited. The transfer window will only be open between August 3rd and 31st.
– There is a great connection between the player and São Paulo – confirmed last Friday the tricolor's football director, João Paulo de Jesus Lopes.
The board is racing against time. They know they need to finalize the details by Monday, the registration deadline for the quarterfinals. Rodrigo hasn't played an official match since February, when he fractured his right arm. Even if he's signed and registered, it's unlikely he'll be selected by Muricy, who fears fielding out-of-form players in decisive matches.
Trio wants to receive more for television quotas
Flamengo, Corinthians and São Paulo have not yet signed an agreement
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo, Corinthians, and São Paulo are seeking to negotiate higher broadcast quotas for their Brazilian Championship matches with the broadcaster that purchased the rights. Clube dos 13, the entity that brings together the country's top clubs, has negotiated the transfer of the rights for R$220 million annually.\
"We want a portion of the compensation to be shared among everyone, of course! But those with more exposure should receive more. It's fair. More exposure equals more appreciation," said Corinthians' vice president of marketing, Luiz Paulo Rosenberg, authorized to negotiate on behalf of the three clubs.
According to LANCE!'s investigation, however, the Club of 13 believes that the attitude of the "rebel" clubs is nothing more than bravado, as all clubs are hostages to television quotas, and believes that the signing of the agreement by these three clubs will happen by the end of this month.
Arlindo Cruz denies pagode in the concentration
Composer says he had a brief meeting with the players on Wednesday
LANCEPRESS!\ Considered one of the key players in Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores, singer and composer Arlindo Cruz guarantees that he had no influence whatsoever on the result of the match against América of Mexico and that he quickly went to the hotel where Flamengo was staying to congratulate the players on their state title.\
"I only spent two minutes with the players. There was no fuss. I delivered a positive message and thanked them for the title they won against Botafogo. I told them the show must go on," said Arlindo, alluding to one of his most famous compositions.
Arlindo Cruz made it clear that there would be no pagode sessions at the training camp. After all, the club was about to play another decisive match.
"I wouldn't have done the pagode even if I wanted to. Especially since they were focused on a very important game. It was a very quick meeting," he assured.
The singer was only at the hotel because he participated in a round table at the invitation of TV Fla.