The Globe
The fans' euphoria brings joy to Flamengo in Serra
The club opens the gates of Granja Comary and the presence of red-and-blacks in the training against Nicaragua encourages the players.
OBINA TAKES the fans wild during Flamengo's training match against the Nicaraguan national team, at Granja Comary: a 5-0 victory for Flamengo
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
TERESÓPOLIS. Yesterday, the start of Flamengo's 2008 season definitely took on the feel of 2007. Honeymooning with its fans since the Brazilian Championship, the club broke through the traditional barriers of Granja Comary and opened the gates of the Brazilian national team's training center. Around 300 Flamengo fans watched the Rio de Janeiro team score 5-0 in a training match against the Nicaraguan national team. Afterwards, even under a downpour, they began a joyful rush for autographs, photos, and affectionate gestures from the players.
"My Christmas and New Year's Eve were wonderful. But I missed the fans. It was a gift," said coach Joel Santana.
"We were alone here at Granja. It was good to see the fans," Souza added.
Joel wants Flamengo to be in tune like an orchestra
Joel maintained the 2007 lineup, with Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Souza. It wasn't a concert by a well-tuned orchestra, but Joel praised the chemistry:
- The team was elegant. Being elegant means not forcing yourself, having rhythm. As if you were playing a violin.
The harassment during a simple training session was strange for the Nicaraguans. The country, ranked 161st in the FIFA rankings, is transitioning from amateurism to professionalism. Many players work. Clubs pay them, on average, US$300 per month. To develop, they turned to Tigres, a Nicaraguan-owned club in Rio's Second Division. Their goal is to debut in the qualifiers against the Netherlands Antilles.
"The country has never scored more than one point in a qualifying tournament. Getting past the Antilles would be a step forward. Then comes Haiti. Moving on would be historic," says coach Maurício Cruz.
On the field, Juan, Souza, and Toró stood out. The left-back initiated the play for the first goal, scored by Toró. Renato Augusto then extended the lead. Juan, with a shot from outside the box, beat goalkeeper Espinoza, who, at 24 and certain that he won't be able to make a living from soccer in Nicaragua, is completing a university degree in business administration. In the second half, with the reserves already on the field, midfielder Kléberson scored two more goals for Flamengo.
- The opponent was weak, but our tactics were good - said Joel.
The fans were also pleased, but the gift won't be repeated on Sunday. With Teresópolis more crowded, the match against Huracán of Uruguay could attract more fans than the Granja stadium can accommodate. The gates won't be opened.
Kleber acts to smooth things over
Before the training match against Nicaragua, a meeting between the players, coaching staff, and vice-president of football Kleber Leite smoothed over the differences. Leite explained to Renato Augusto, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the sale of part of his economic rights, that he had helped Flamengo sign Kléberson with full rights, bring in Rodrigo, and renew the contract with goalkeeper Bruno.
The sale of Renato Augusto's 32% stake also prevented the loss of striker Souza. The club had 25% of the rights to a contract with a $4 million release clause. It purchased an additional 35%, increasing the clause to $8 million.
Furthermore, Kleber urged the cast to be careful with interviews and addressed Souza, who had criticized Diego Tardelli the day before. Yesterday, Leonardo Moura called Tardelli and said he would be welcomed.
FLAMENGO AT HOME
After having obtained two victories away from home, against Univates/Bira (RS) and Joinville/Univille/Dânica, Flamengo, current three-time state champion, plays today, at 20 pm, its first home game in the National Men's Basketball Championship, in Gávea. It faces Cetaf/Garoto/UVV (ES). Still today, three more games will take place: Iguaçu (RJ) x Saldanha da Gama (ES), also in Gávea (17:45 pm); UTC/Uberlândia (MG) x Univates/Bira (RS), in Uberlândia (19:30 pm); Pitágoras/Minas (MG) x Joinville/Univille/Dânica (SC), in Belo Horizonte (20 pm).
Sports Journal
Worth seeing again
Joel starts the season with the team that finished the Brazilian Championship and beat Nicaragua: 5-0
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Wallace Teixeira
Full-back Juan prepares to score Flamengo's first goal in the rout of Nicaragua
If the 300-5 thrashing of the Nicaraguan national team yesterday didn't quite impress the nearly 0 fans who attended Granja Coimary, it at least gave a good indication that 2008 could be a successful season for Flamengo. Coach Joel Santana tested the starting lineup—the same team that finished last year's Brazilian Championship—and then gave the reserves a chance.
With goals from Toró, Renato Augusto and Juan in the first half, and Kleberson twice in the second, the group showed a natural lack of rhythm, but according to the coach, the first step has already been taken.
"I really liked what I saw. Initially, the team will be the same as the one that started the training match. Although the opponent was technically weak, they played two lines of four players, which made things very difficult for us, but the team played smoothly, as if they were playing a violin," praised Joel.
One of the standout starters, alongside left-back Juan, midfielder Toró knows that once the new signings are in shape, he'll have a hard time keeping his place among the starting lineup. Even so, he preferred to avoid controversy and made a point of praising the duo of Joel Santana and Ronaldo Torres.
"I really believe in Joel, whatever changes he makes, I will follow. I owe a lot to him and to Ronaldo Torres, who is a very high-quality professional, who got me into perfect shape and became a friend," the supporter confessed.
Obina gets hurt
The sad note of the day was the injury to striker Obina's right foot, who left the field complaining of a lot of pain:
"It hurts. I hope it doesn't get in the way of my start in the championship," said the fans' favorite, who lamented the timing of the injury coming just as Souza lobbied for him to be his partner in attack.
Flamengo played with: Bruno (Diego), Léo Moura (Luizinho), Fábio Luciano (Rodrigo Arroz), Ronaldo Angelim (Rodrigo) and Juan (Egidio); Jaílton (Gavilán), Cristian (Jônatas), Ibson (Kleberson) and Toró (Marcinho); Renato Augusto (Éder) and Souza (Obina, later Léo Medeiros).
Five goals don't surprise Paulo Sérgio
A standout performer in Wednesday's historic 11-1 rout of Ypiranga-AP in the São Paulo Junior Cup, striker Paulo Sérgio, who scored five goals in the match, had already experienced the sensation of finding the back of the net so many times in a single match. As a youth player, he scored six in a 7-2 victory, but he doesn't remember the opponent.
He's now just two goals behind Grêmio's Rafael Martins, who has seven. Having been substituted, he missed out on the opportunity to become the competition's top scorer.
"I'm not upset about leaving. I understand Rogério's (the team's coach) decision, as he had the flu and the result was already guaranteed," explained the striker, who supported Souza in the discussion with Diego Tardelli:
"Diego can't come here thinking he's already a starter, but I prefer not to get involved in that situation."
Souza agrees to share a room with Tardelli
The unease created by striker Souza's statements, which criticized Diego Tardelli's potential signing, still affects the São Paulo player. According to him, this disagreement negatively influenced his decision to join Flamengo. Even so, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of wearing the red-and-black jersey.
"I didn't expect Souza to say this, especially because I admire his football. He has the same characteristics as Aloísio, with whom I played at São Paulo. Of course, this made it difficult for me to go to Flamengo, but I believe I'll have an answer by Saturday. There's still a chance I'll go there," said Diego Tardelli in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
He even gathered information about the club from right-back Léo Moura, with whom he played at São Paulo, and from captain Fábio Luciano.
A day after the exchange of barbs, Souza seemed calmer. He was quite direct in stating that he wouldn't oppose Tardelli's hiring. He even joked about vice president of football Kleber Leite saying the two would share a room during training camp.
"That's over, I was stressed yesterday, but now everything is fine. I wouldn't have a problem being in the same room as him (Diego Tardelli). Now I want to dedicate myself and turn my attention to my debut in the Carioca," explained the striker.
With this fire apparently under control, the path for Diego Tardelli to wear the Flamengo shirt in the near future is still open.
Nicaragua learns the ABCs of soccer
Goalkeeper Beny Espinoza is one of Nicaragua's few standouts
The resounding 5-0 scoreline perfectly reflects the difference in quality between Brazilian and Nicaraguan football. While here, the sport is considered a national passion, it's a completely different story there. In the small Central American country, football isn't yet fully professional, and the average salary for players on the top teams hovers around R$450.
Since baseball is the main local sport, young athletes have to fight even with their own families to be able to play football.
"My dad tried to convince me to play baseball, because he's played it and everyone there does. But that sport isn't my strong point. I know I won't have a future in soccer, but I'm studying business administration at university," explained goalkeeper Deni Espinoza, just 24 years old and who plays for Real Estelí.
The national team's coach, Maurício Cruz, explained that the trip to the "country of football" will serve as preparation for Nicaragua to compete in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, as the country faces the Netherlands Antilles on the 6th in the first phase of the competition.
"We're going to compete in the qualifiers, and the most the country has ever achieved is one point. If we can beat the Netherlands Antilles, it will be historic. We dream of playing in a World Cup, but we know it's just a dream. If we reach the final stage of the qualifiers, it will be magnificent," said the coach.
"Our biggest goal on this trip to Brazil is to change the mindset of our players. We are in a transition period in Nicaragua between amateur and professional football," Cruz added.
The Nicaraguan national team is training at the training center of Tigres do Brasil, a team from the Rio de Janeiro Second Division, in Xerém, and recently lost 9-0 to Friburguense.
Léo Moura: 'Diego Tardelli would be welcomed with open arms at Fla'
In the training match against the Nicaraguan national team, held at Granja Comary, Flamengo started with the same lineup that ended in 2007, without the reinforcements they had signed. Right-back Leonardo Moura, who only played in the first half of the training session, commented on the red-and-black group's performance.
"The participation was good, but of course there's a lot missing. The team played well with the ball," said Léo Moura in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
Regarding the exchange of barbs between Souza and Diego Tardelli, the player downplayed the incident and said that the São Paulo striker would be very welcome.
"Tardelli really wants to come. It was a misunderstanding, and I've already called him. We played together at São Paulo. I told him he can come with peace of mind, that he'll be welcomed with open arms by everyone here at Flamengo," the full-back revealed.
Rubro-Negro won the training match 5-0, with goals from Toró, Renato Augusto and Juan.
John:
After the training match against the Nicaraguan national team and Flamengo's 5-0 victory, Juan, who had a great performance, scoring a goal and playing a key role in allowing Renato Augusto to score, commented on the match and his performance.
"I really enjoyed the match; it was productive and the team played very well. I'm in good physical shape and managed to run a lot," the player said in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
Coach Joel Santana maintained the lineup from the last training sessions and the same base of the team that competed in the Brazilian Championship.
“Flamengo’s board managed to maintain the base and that’s very good for us,” Juan added.
O Dia
Léo Moura tries to put out the fire between Souza and Tardelli
Rio - Flamengo right-back Leonardo Moura took to the field this Thursday to calm tensions between forwards Souza and Diego Tardelli, who are engaged in a heated argument in the press. A friend of both, Moura told Rádio Tupi that he called the São Paulo player to convince him that it's still worth wearing the Flamengo jersey.
Striker Souza responded to Tardelli's statement that it would be a dream to play alongside Ronaldo at Gávea and even named Obina as his favorite teammate in Flamengo's attack. Tardelli responded by saying it would be strange if he said he dreamed of playing alongside Souza.
Leonardo Moura declared this Thursday that Diego Tardelli still wants to play for Flamengo and classified the episode as a "misunderstanding".
"I played with Tardelli at São Paulo, he really wants to play here, and I told him he could come, the atmosphere is good, and there was just a misunderstanding. They're both good people, but that happens," the full-back said in an interview with "Rádio Tupi."
Souza assured that he's not bothered by the fact that Flamengo is still looking for a striker. "The only one with a guaranteed spot is Ronaldo. Tardelli doesn't even know if he'll get on the field. Maybe he'll just sit back and watch from the bench," he added.
Besides criticizing Tardelli, Souza took the opportunity to choose his favorite among Maxi, Éder, Renato Augusto, Paulo Sérgio, and Obina: "I would be very happy if Obina played with me. It would definitely work out. We played together a few times in the last State Championship and always scored goals."
Obina, in turn, returned his teammate's praise. "Souza is fantastic, and I'm very happy. We're friends, and of course we can play together," he said.
Flamengo wins training match against Nicaragua 5-0
Rio - Supported by around 400 fans, Flamengo won 5-0 in the training match against the Nicaraguan National Team, on Thursday afternoon, at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis.
The red-and-black fans celebrated the nearly 50 minutes the starting lineup was on the field. Coach Joel Santana once again used the same lineup from the last training session: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Souza.
Renato Augusto, Toró, and Juan scored the Flamengo's goals in the first half. In the second half, coach Joel Santana made several changes to the team, and Flamengo scored two more goals, with midfielder Kléberson scoring.
Juan was a standout supporter. "I'm in good physical shape, I'm trying to support, and I'll try to help Flamengo win titles this year. The board has maintained the core of the team, and we're already a step ahead," said the full-back in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Flamengo returns to the field next Sunday (January 13th) for another training match, this time against Huracán Buceo, from Uruguay. The game will not be open to the public.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo thrashes Nicaragua in training match\ Gazeta Press\
Teresópolis (RJ) - The opponent was weak, but the training match held this Thursday afternoon, the first of the year, at Granja Comary, served to get the Flamengo players moving after several days of focusing on physical training.\ Under the watchful eyes of around 400 local fans, Joel Santana's team thrashed the Nicaraguan national team 5-0. In the first half of the activity, with the 2007 base team on the field, the score was 3-0, with goals from Toró, Íbson and Juan, the latter being the best on the field.\
In the second half, Joel fielded the team with the reinforcements who had recently arrived at Gávea. The reserves won 2-0, with five-time champion Kléberson scoring both goals.
Flamengo's first-half lineup consisted of Bruno, Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Souza. In the second half, Diego, Luizinho, Rodrigo Arroz, Rodrigo, and Egídio played; Gavilán, Jônatas, Kléberson, and Marcinho; and Éder and Obina.
Next Sunday, Fla faces Huracán Buceo, from Uruguay, in its second pre-season training match in Teresópolis.
Even with criticism from Souza, Tardelli is still a priority\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The hostility displayed by forwards Souza and Diego Tardelli, who exchanged barbs in the press, was not enough to dissuade Flamengo's board from trying to sign the São Paulo striker. Vice-president of football Kléber Leite assured that the Gávea club remains interested in the center forward. The director said that if Tardelli is hired, he will put him in the same room as Souza so they can talk and resolve the tension that has developed in recent days. Kléber Leite reported that Giuliano Bertolucci – the striker's agent – is in São Paulo trying to secure his release.
More resources – Flamengo's board will seek an agreement to renegotiate its contract with Petrobras, the club's exclusive sponsor, which ended in December of last year. The state-owned company paid R$14 million annually to the Gávea club and intends to increase the amount to R$15,7 million, while Flamengo wants a significant increase, claiming that clubs like Palmeiras and Corinthians have signed contracts for much higher amounts.
Acting president Delair Dumbrosck explained that the club's media exposure last year, with record attendance at its games, is serving as an argument for the red-blacks in the renegotiation with Petrobrás.
PeléNet
Flamengo beats Nicaragua in training match without difficulty
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
With around 300 fans in attendance and without any of their six new signings, Flamengo's starting players had no trouble defeating the Nicaraguan national team 3-0 in the first half of a training match played this Thursday at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, the Flamengo preseason training ground. The goals were scored by Toró, Renato Augusto, and Juan.
As had been shaping up all week, the team that started the activity was unchanged from the one that ended last season. According to coach Joel Santana, it was a matter of "fairness."
The team was formed by: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Toró and Ibson; Renato Augusto and Souza.
"Everyone behaved very well. And I think it was a valid test for the start of the season. This issue of maintaining the base, it's a question of Joel's consistency. And he's shown that a lot," assessed defender and captain Fábio Luciano.
In the second half of the match, the Flamengo manager changed the entire team and was able to observe the new signings. The score, however, was more modest, 2-0, with goals from Kleberson.
As he had done in the training session on Wednesday, Joel selected the reserve team with: Diego; Luzinho, Rodrigo Arroz, Rodrigo and Egídio; Gavilán, Jônatas, Kleberson and Marcinho; Éder and Obina.
Flamengo's next test will be against Huracán, from Uruguay, on Sunday, at 9 am (Brasília time), also at Granja Comary.
Tardelli believes that in the next few days he will know if he will play for Fla
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
There's still no definition regarding the negotiations between Flamengo and São Paulo striker Diego Tardelli. Despite the impasse, the player himself believes a resolution will be reached in the coming days. The Rio de Janeiro club offered Flamengo US$1 million in installments for the player, but the reigning Brazilian champions would like to receive the full amount upfront.
"I believe that everyone will have an answer by Saturday at the latest. There hasn't been any progress and there's still a chance of playing for Flamengo, but we should have a decision soon," the player told Rádio Brasil.
Despite admitting the possibility of transferring to the Gávea club, Tardelli confirmed that the deal "cooled off" after the controversy between him and striker Souza.
"I didn't expect such a statement from Souza, especially because I admire him a lot as a player. He has the same characteristics as Aloísio, who is very successful at São Paulo. But I spoke to Leonardo Moura on the phone and he gave me good references about Flamengo," he concluded, referring to the Rubro-Negro's right-back.
When he learned of Flamengo's interest, Diego Tardelli said it would be a dream to play alongside Ronaldo, another forward the club was trying to sign. Souza interpreted this statement as if Tardelli was already lining up for the Rio de Janeiro club.
Last season's top scorer for Flamengo stated that the São Paulo player would have to "work hard" to earn a spot, since the club already has him and Obina. He also said, ironically, that he didn't remember Tardelli being the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship, which Souza achieved for Goiás in 2006. Diego countered by saying it would be strange if he dreamed of playing alongside Souza.
Fla may receive a response from São Paulo about Tardelli this Friday
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
This Friday could bring news to Flamengo regarding its attempt to sign São Paulo striker Diego Tardelli. According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, talks progressed somewhat this Thursday. However, the director emphasized that the future of the transaction is beyond his control, and all that remains is to await the São Paulo club's decision.
"I had a conversation with Leco (Carlos Augusto de Barros e Silva, São Paulo's vice president of football) today and he was supposed to speak with Juvenal (Juvêncio, São Paulo's president). But he hasn't gotten back to me yet. That's what I'm waiting for. We might have news tomorrow, but it doesn't depend on me. It depends on them," Kleber explained.
Flamengo's official proposal to the São Paulo club was sent on Tuesday. In the document, Flamengo proposes a payment plan of US$1 million (approximately R$2 million). São Paulo's board is still evaluating the matter.
In addition to the financial engineering, Kleber Leite had an "extra" job in this negotiation: to circumvent the exchange of barbs between Tardelli and striker Souza, who has already backed down and opened the doors of Gávea to the São Paulo player.
Joel: "Flamengo played as if they were playing a violin"
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Joel Santana passed Flamengo's first test in 2008. In a calm performance, his players beat Nicaragua 5-0 (3-0 with the starters and 2-0 with the reserves), in a training match held on Thursday afternoon, at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, the site of the red-black pre-season.
"I really liked the tactical aspect. It proved that the players hadn't forgotten all the work they had done last year. That's the advantage of maintaining the same foundation. The team was elegant. In other words, they didn't force their play, as if they were playing a violin," the coach assessed.
Regarding the lineup of the six reinforcements for the reserve team, Joel preferred not to go into details. However, he made it clear that those interested in playing will have to demonstrate competence.
"They are quality players. Rodrigo (defender), Gavilán, Jônatas, Kleberson (defensive midfielders), Marcinnho (midfielder) and Éder (forward), they all have talent. But they have to continue like this and, if I think I should, I will change the team. It depends on them. But they will all have to prove they are capable," he said.
"I already have the team for the game against Boavista (opening of the State Championship, on the 20th, at Maracanã. But I still prefer to wait. Until then there is time and I can decide. Especially because we are still waiting for some things to be resolved", added Joel.
The next red-black "test" will be on Sunday, at 9 am (Brasília time), against Huracán, from Uruguay, also at Granja.
Flamengo will play another training match at Granja
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Flamengo has scheduled another training match. This time, the opponent will be Tupi-MG. The match is scheduled for this Saturday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) on the main field at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, the site of the Flamengo's preseason training camp.
Coach Joel Santana's intention is to use one team in this activity and another, completely modified, in the training match against Huracán, from Uruguay, on Sunday, at 9 am.
Unlike Thursday, when Flamengo thrashed Nicaragua 5-0, the next two friendly matches will be closed to the public. The goal is to avoid a repeat of the massive fan harassment of the players last afternoon.
Joel is considering putting Souza and Obina in Flamengo's attack.
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Souza suggested on Wednesday that coach Joel Santana select Obina as his strike partner in 2008. And the manager, by all accounts, is inclined to accept the "advice." However, he asks for time to further evaluate the matter.
"It depends on a lot of things. But they could even play together, of course. But then we have to see what each game requires. Besides, it will depend a lot on how things develop. But I don't deny that it's a possibility," the coach admitted.
So far, Joel has been keeping the Red-Black squad among the reserves. According to the coach, the base that finished last year is being retained for "a matter of fairness," as they had an excellent run in the Brazilian Championship (third place).
In this way, the team has been formed with: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Toró and Ibson; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Among the starters, Angelim and Jaílton are the most at risk of being benched. The former is competing with Rodrigo, who was signed for a hefty sum. In Jaílton's case, the situation is more complicated, as he has three direct "rivals" who arrive with high morale: Jônatas, Kleberson, and Gavilán.
BalloonSport
Fla schedules another training match
This Saturday afternoon, Rubro-Negro faces Tupi-MG, at Granja Comary
Souza during a training match between Flamengo and Nicaragua, in Teresópolis, this Thursday
Flamengo won't underperform in its Campeonato Carioca debut for lack of testing. The coaching staff has scheduled another preseason training match at Granja Comary.
The opponent will be Tupi-MG, at 16 p.m. on Saturday, in Teresópolis. Unlike the match against Nicaragua—a 5-0 victory—the training center gates will not be open to fans.
On Sunday, Flamengo plays its third training match against Huracán Buceo-URU. The match is scheduled for 9:XNUMX AM.
Fla moves and holds striker Souza
European club would pay the striker's termination fee. But Renato Augusto's money saved the day.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
Club organizes and buys another 35% of striker Souza's rights
Rather than being upset, Renato Augusto should be happy with the division of his economic rights into portions. At least that's the thinking of Flamengo's board.
After all, thanks to the sale of 32% of his rights—not 40% as previously reported—the club managed to substantially increase its equity. The latest acquisition was the purchase of an additional 35% of Souza's economic stake.
The transaction prevented the number 9 from leaving. Until this week, the club held 25% of the striker's economic rights. But with the money raised from Renato Augusto, they were able to increase their stake to 60% and increase the release clause from US$4 million to US$8 million.
There was an offer from a European club for the player and the interested party would only have to pay US$1 million (a quarter of the value of the old fine) to Flamengo to take him.
In addition to Souza, the negotiation that handed over 32% of Renato Augusto to a sports marketing company (20%) and a group of investors (12%) also guaranteed Rubro-Negro the permanence of three more athletes: Bruno (80% of economic rights), Kléberson (100%) and Rodrigo (loan for one year).
Son of Flamengo idol reinforces Cardoso
Charles Guerreiro responds to Junior's request, and Rodrigo Gama is hired for Carioca
Cahê Mota
Star DNA? Rodrigo presents himself at Cardoso Moreira alongside Junior
The 2008 Campeonato Carioca will be a great opportunity for soccer fans to prove whether talent runs in the DNA. A little less than a month after Madureira announced the signing of Thiago Coimbra, Zico's son, it was Cardoso Moreira's turn to sign Rodrigo Gama, son of Junior, another Flamengo idol. The 23-year-old midfielder played in the last Campeonato Mineiro Second Division for Valeriodoce and already dreams of stepping onto the Maracanã pitch.
"I've always played as a defensive midfielder. I've seen tapes and videos of my father, which influence me, but I try to adopt my own style of play. When I came here, I immediately thought of that emotion, of my father seeing me play at Maracanã, just as I saw him," says Rodrigo, who asked his father to return to Flamengo in 1989, wanting to see him play in Brazil's most charming stadium.
Unknown in Rio de Janeiro football, Rodrigo relied on his father's good relationship with former midfielder Charles Guerreiro, Brazilian champion in 92, to get the opportunity to play in the State Championship.
"I saw in the newspaper that Charles (Guerreiro) had come here and contacted my father to see about the possibility. I did a good job in Minas Gerais, the local press gave me credit, and I knew I could continue my career at Cardoso. It wasn't the time to sit around," says the midfielder, who gave up his ordinary life as a young man to achieve his professional goals.
Players receive request from the board
Kléber Leite instructs Flamengo's squad to be careful with interviews
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
No controversy! Souza says Tardelli will be very welcome
In recent days, Flamengo news has taken on a darker tone than usual. All due to controversial statements made by Souza and Renato Augusto. To lighten the mood again, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, gathered the players before the training match against Nicaragua.
The agenda is caution with statements to the press. The board wants to prevent any controversy from disrupting the positive atmosphere among the players. During the chat with the players, Souza was given special time.
Kléber explained to the striker that Diego Tardelli wasn't trying to belittle Flamengo's forwards when he replied that it would be a dream to play alongside Ronaldo. Initially, the message was understood.
"I've said what I had to say, and now let's get to work. If he's hired, Tardelli will be very welcome," says Souza.
Fla has its diamond player
Cristian puts a gemstone in his tooth, but warns: 'Vanity is only off-screen'
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
A sparkle in his smile! Midfielder Cristian returns from vacation with a diamond in his tooth
Cristian's smile is brighter. And it has nothing to do with him remaining in Flamengo's starting lineup. The midfielder took advantage of his vacation to get a small diamond inserted into one of his teeth.
With a renewed contract with the Red-Blacks until 2011, the midfielder enjoys a rare example of empathy with the fans. He arrived in July in a low-key situation, but he made his mark on the field. Off the field, he also attracted attention.
He tattooed the fan motto "I will always love you" on his arm in honor of his wife. He warned that if he scored an important goal, he would throw himself into the Maracanã pit to celebrate with the fans. During his vacation, he received an offer from Lokomotiv Moscow and almost ended up in Russia.
He stayed at Flamengo and saw the competition in midfield increase with the arrivals of Gavilán, Kléberson, and Jônatas. Nothing that discourages or upsets him. At least that's what he assures in an interview with GLOBOESPORTE.COM.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM: Looks like the holidays were a good time to change your look, didn't they? There's something shining in your tooth...\ Cristian: I made a promise to my wife (Camila) after the wonderful end of the year we had in 2007. To get the diamond, I had to drill my tooth. She also did it. It's a charming addition. But you can be sure that 2008 will be even better.\
Is this goatee part of the vows too?\ No (laughs). I'm even going to get rid of it because my daughter (Maria Beatriz) doesn't like it. She finds it a little strange. But as for my appearance, my hair is going to be long. I want to do it in a Afro style. Oh, and my wife is pregnant again. When my next child is born, I'll have to think about another tattoo.\
Vanity aside, the year has started and your spot in the starting lineup hasn't disappeared. But would you accept the bench without a problem? Yes. I can only be vain off the field. Otherwise, it will ruin everything.
But the competition in midfield has increased...\ Yes, and I want to make it clear that Flamengo is the one who benefits from this. There are several Brazilian national team players. Everyone has the potential to be a starter. No one can complain about anything.\
Fábio Luciano approves Tardelli's name
Defender says that if the striker is signed he will be very well received by everyone at the club
Fábio Luciano at Flamengo training
Flamengo captain Fábio Luciano has spoken out about the club's attempt to sign São Paulo striker Diego Tardelli. The defender expressed support for the new signing, despite the heated exchange (both exchanged barbs) he had with center forward Souza earlier this week.
Because of his good relationship with Diego Tardelli, Fábio Luciano was one of the Flamengo players who called the São Paulo striker. The intention is to ensure the confusion doesn't jeopardize Tardelli's potential move to Flamengo.
"That was a misunderstanding. We spoke with Souza. There was this communication problem. If Tardelli arrives, he will be very welcome by all of us," declares Fábio.
The board is even considering the possibility of having Diego Tardelli as Souza's roommate if he's hired. This way, they would have more time to talk and even become friends.
Throw
Fla must shorten preparation at Granja
Instead of Tuesday, the group would return on Sunday
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo is expected to cut short its preseason at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro. Previously scheduled to last until next Tuesday, the delegation is virtually certain to return to Rio de Janeiro this Sunday, after a training match against Huracán of Uruguay, scheduled for 9 a.m.
The decision is in the hands of coach Joel Santana. He will evaluate whether it would be beneficial for Flamengo to stay two more days at Granja. A decision is expected to be announced this Friday afternoon.
In addition to Hurácan, Flamengo will play a training match this Saturday against Tupi, from Juiz de Fora (MG), at 16 pm. Both games will be behind closed doors for fans.
Rubro-Negro has been preparing at Granja Comary since last Friday, the 4th.
Flamengo wins training match by a landslide: 5-0
Without much difficulty, Rubro-Negro defeats the Nicaraguan team
Rodrigo and Obina go up to try the header (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
Flamengo faced the Nicaraguan national team this Thursday in a training match at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, winning 5-0 without much effort. Flamengo played the first half with its starting lineup and the second half with its reserves. This was Joel Santana's team's first test of the season.
In the opening game, Flamengo opened the scoring in the 15th minute with Toró. Two minutes later, Renato Augusto, after a beautiful pass from Souza, extended the Flamengo's lead.
Nicaragua barely threatened, so much so that the Central Americans' first shot on goal didn't come until the 30th minute. Shortly after, in the 36th minute, Juan unleashed a rocket across goal and sealed the first-half result: 3-0.
In the second half, with a completely changed lineup, Flamengo didn't slow down. Kleberson, one of the new signings, was the standout performer in the second half of the training match. He scored both goals that sealed Flamengo's 5-0 victory. First from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, and then with a header in the 41st, following a cross from Egídio on the left.
The training match was attended by around 300 people and Obina was the most celebrated, especially when he touched the ball.
Flamengo played with: Bruno (Diego, half-time), Leonardo Moura (Luizinho, half-time), Fábio Luciano (Rodrigo Arroz, half-time) (Nilton, 30'/2nd half), Ronaldo Angelim (Rodrigo, half-time) (Thiago Sales, 30'/2nd half) and Juan (Egídio, half-time); Jaílton (Gavilán, half-time) (Léo Medeiros, 30'/2nd half), Cristian (Jônatas, half-time), Ibson (Kleberson, half-time) and Toró (Marcinho, half-time); Renato Augusto (Obina, half-time) (Colace, 30'/2nd half) and Souza (Éder, half-time).
Joel praises Flamengo's performance
Coach says team played as if playing violin
Joel Santana's ability to deliver pearls of wisdom truly seems unparalleled. Yesterday, when analyzing the rout of the Nicaraguan national team, the coach praised his players and alluded to the song.
"We played like we were playing the violin. We performed elegantly, with rhythm, without forcing ourselves. This was possible because all the players were well positioned," the manager assessed.
Joel spoke about few players individually. But Jônatas received a high evaluation from the coach, including on the tactical side.
"He's qualified. The only issue is his fitness. Jônatas will be very useful. He started as a second midfielder, but with Gavilán's departure, he moved to first, more or less like he did under my command in 2005," said Joel, emphasizing the importance of having a quality ball delivery system.
To this end, the commander also counts on Kleberson, author of two goals, who also received praise.
"It's like we say in soccer slang: he plays with one beat. Kleberson impresses on the field; he has a lot of quality. And off the field, he has exemplary behavior: even though he's a five-time world champion, he remains humble," said Joel, who avoided predicting the starting lineup that will start the season.
Renato Augusto proves he's in the right frame of mind
Supporter, who was upset with the board, has a good performance
LANCEPRESS!
One of the center of attention this week due to the sale of 20% of his economic rights, midfielder Renato Augusto demonstrated that the situation didn't affect his performance on the field. He performed well in the training match in which Flamengo defeated the Nicaraguan national team 5-0.
Renato Augusto scored the second goal for the red-black team, after a pass from Souza, and, with each passing day, he has been revealing his good chemistry with his attacking partner.
Without the physical problems that hampered him last season, Renato Augusto has everything to be one of Flamengo's main names in 2008. The start of this year has been encouraging for the red-black fans due to Renato Augusto's desire to shine.
Leaving the starting lineup, which only played in the first half, Renato Augusto was one of the most revered by the fans who attended Granja Comary, in Teresópolis
Fábio Luciano defends Tardelli's arrival
Defender says São Paulo's problem with Souza has been resolved
Flamengo captain Fábio Luciano spoke yesterday about the club's attempt to sign São Paulo striker Diego Tardelli. The defender expressed support for the new signing, despite the heated exchange (both exchanged barbs) he had with center forward Souza earlier this week.
Because of his good relationship with Diego Tardelli, Fábio Luciano was one of the people who called the São Paulo striker—along with him, Leonardo Moura, and Rodrigo. The intention is to ensure the dispute doesn't jeopardize Tardelli's potential move to Flamengo.
"That was a misunderstanding. We spoke to Souza and he said it was a miscommunication. That's why there was this miscommunication. If Tardelli arrives, he'll be very welcome by all of us," he declared.
The board is even considering the possibility of having Diego Tardelli as Souza's roommate if he's hired. This way, they would have more time to talk and even become friends.
Souza says he is not isolated in the attack
Rubro-Negro highlights the rise of Flamengo's full-backs
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's protagonist in the controversial argument with São Paulo striker Diego Tardelli, Souza doesn't seem to be too concerned about who his future partner will be. While the board is searching for another strongman for the attack, the Flamengo club is keen to point out that it doesn't feel isolated up front.
"The two full-backs come in a lot, and Renato Augusto is always close to me. We've been playing like this since last year, and I definitely can't complain about being lonely up front," the striker says.
Souza was Flamengo's top scorer last season, having scored six goals in the Brasileirão.