THE GLOBE
Generation of 81 points the way
Zico, Júnior & Co. say which Flamengo coach Caio Júnior will face
Photo caption: COACH CAIO JUNIOR walks alone on the Barra da Tijuca Beach boardwalk one day before the defeat to América
Gian Amato
Caio Júnior was leaving Maracanã toward the stadium parking lot on the night of the historic humiliation against América when he was accosted by a fan. The Flamengo coach hadn't even stepped onto the field yet, but he made his debut in the heat and heard the red-and-black fan speak words that still burn in his ears:
- Did you feel the pressure? This is Flamengo, we have to win everything!
In search of his own style at the beginning of his career, today, against Santos, at Maracanã, at 18:10 pm, the coach debuts behind closed doors and receives tips on how to open the paths of Gávea from those who know the shortcuts best: the victorious generation of 1981, champions of the Libertadores and the World Cup.
Zico highlights the fighting spirit
Zico made that team a legend and made history in football. More than just a physical space with a field, swimming pools, and so on, the former star suggests that Caio Júnior must use his imagination and heart to understand what Gávea is and what Flamengo represents.
"Flamengo is a spirit of tenacity and fighting spirit. You have to have the will to win, always fighting for the top spots and titles. Flamengo has to recognize its strength and give it its all," Zico said by phone from Turkey, where he became an idol while managing Fenerbahce.
Diplomatic Zico avoided commenting on the Libertadores fiasco, but hinted at how Caio Júnior's team should behave.
"Technique isn't enough; you have to combine skill with this spirit. The fans can even accept mistakes, as long as the players give their all on the field," he stated.
Running Flamengo is like holding public office. The coach is, above all, an ombudsman. If the fans get on his case, there's nothing he can do. But to be successful, the greatest pressure must come from the coach's own conscience.
"If the coach knows he's capable, he has to accept it. But before the pressure from outside, in my time, I used to put pressure on myself. Flamengo is a team for the people. And for the people, there's no other option than winning," he said.
Zico didn't learn to be a Flamengo fan alone. Also an idol of Pelé, it was Zizinho who taught Quintino's Galinho the value of every drop of sweat on the red-and-black jersey.
- I learned from Zizinho. Being a Flamengo fan means sweating all the time...
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Júnior agrees with Zico.
"It's the club's tradition. We expect, at the very least, grit and fighting spirit. That's how Flamengo became what it is today," he declared.
Loved by everyone at the club, the former left-back explains what Caio Júnior needs to do to win the sympathy and support of everyone at Gávea:
- Respect all employees, as a normal, educated citizen would. Don't be arrogant. Results are what make a coach's house. The rest is just talk.
Nunes, who scored two goals in the 3-0 World Cup final against Liverpool in Tokyo, Japan, has always had a strong personality. And he expects the same from his new coach.
"Shouting fans is part of the game, but the coach mustn't lose his composure. To wear the jersey, you have to have personality...
In the opinion of youth coach Adílio, who also scored for Liverpool, one or two wins isn't enough. The mantra has to be win, win, win:
- It's pure race, adrenaline all the time. If you win one match, you have to win the next and the next.
With Adílio, Andrade managed the midfield in '81. The understanding has endured to this day, based on frank and direct communication. He hopes the dialogue with Caio will be the same way.
"One thing that can't happen here is radical, because that's never worked. The solution is to listen and play along," said Andrade, Caio's assistant coach.
As the song that became an anthem for Liverpool fans, if he listens to advice, Caio Júnior will never walk alone.
RESTART: Coach praises Rio and regrets not having the fans tonight
Meeting the idol, a dive into the world of Fla
Before today's debut against Santos, Caio hears from those who made history
Photo caption: CAIO JÚNIOR talks to Júnior at Praia da Barra: the coach wants to listen to get to know Flamengo in depth
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Caio Júnior hoped that today's match at 18:10 PM at the Maracanã against Santos would mark his first encounter with Flamengo fans. A penalty imposed by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), which forces the club to play behind closed doors, postponed the match. Even so, he hopes to showcase his work to the Flamengo fans with a victory capable of erasing the trauma of their Libertadores exit. To this end, he's been immersing himself in the world surrounding Gávea.
Getting to know Rio and Flamengo's profile are tasks this Cascavel native has been dedicating himself to. To this end, he's made a point of listening. He talks to players and executives. Outside of Gávea, he doesn't hesitate to listen to those who have made history with the club. One example occurred last Wednesday, before heading to Maracanã to watch the Libertadores match against América.
Also getting closer to the red-black fans
While walking along Barra Beach, Caio ran into Júnior, the man who wore the Flamengo jersey the most times, a former coach and director of the club. Upon seeing him, Caio stopped and sat on a bench to chat and, most importantly, listen. For the coach, Júnior is a symbol of Flamengo and Rio.
"It was an honor to be with Júnior, who made history and knows the club. When I think of Flamengo, I think of Júnior, Zico, and the 1981 team, the greatest I've ever seen," said Caio, who, before becoming a coach, was a commentator, Júnior's current role.
"He's demonstrating humility. Competence has no age. Caio will get it right," said Júnior, before joking. "The man is already familiar with the landscape. There's no mistake."
After saying goodbye, Caio signed fan jerseys. Then, he gave another hint about the recipe he intends to follow.
"You have to respect any fan's position. Even more so Flamengo's, with the power they have. Being close and building relationships is important," said Caio Júnior. "You have to win over the player, who will run for the coach, and the fans."
Averse to gyms, he says he enjoys walking. In Rio, he found the ideal setting.
"Rio is beautiful, it has a good vibe. People have a different way of living, perhaps because of the climate. You see people of all ages exercising," said Caio Júnior, although he knows he inherited a team under intense pressure. "Winning is always important. Even more so at the beginning. At Palmeiras, we started the Brazilian Championship well and felt comfortable even when the team suffered a setback."
Caio Júnior had already anticipated facing a mixed Santos team. After playing in Colombia, the São Paulo team split up. Some players went straight to Mexico, where they face América on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores. Others, with coach Emerson Leão, will come to Rio first.
Caio only regrets not having the fans at Maracanã today:
- Without an audience, you can even hear the commentators. We have to focus solely on the opponent.
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Leonardo, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Ibson, Kleberson and Toro; Marcinho and Souza. Santos: Douglas, Filipi (Dionísio), Domingos, Marcelo and Carlinhos; Adriano, Adoniran, Paulo Henrique and Vitor Junior; Wesley and Lima. Referee: Heber Roberto Lopes (PR-FIFA).
FLA WINS IN BASKETBALL
Flamengo started the National Men's Basketball playoffs with a victory. Yesterday, in Gávea, the red-and-black team defeated Cetaf/Vila Velha, 90-77 (45-42). Point guard Marcelinho Machado led all scorers with 24 points. Today, at noon, in Gávea, the two teams face off again in a best-of-five series. Also today: Pitágoras/Minas vs. Saldanha da Gama; and Universo/Brasília vs. UTC/Uberlândia.
SPORTS JOURNAL
The changes have not yet been felt
After ten months working with coach Joel Santana, Flamengo's players are beginning to experience a new experience. Having been coached by Caio Júnior for just three days, they are having to adapt to the coach's new working methods. Despite this, no one has complained about the changes so far.
For Jaílton, two basic differences are being felt by the players.
"Caio is calmer, more serene. Joel shouted more. In the tactical part too, I believe Caio is more careful," he said. For Souza, however, the real differences will only be felt next week, when the team will have more time to work. "Only next week will we feel that."
Souza will play more inside the area
Considered one of the biggest villains in Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores, Souza has been heavily criticized for his consistent lack of scoring. He's only scored six goals this year, the last one over a month ago, on March 22nd, against Cabofriense in the Taça Rio. Not much for someone wearing Flamengo's number 9 jersey.
Despite finding the criticism unfair, Souza has already decided that he will make decisions to end his goal drought and guaranteed that he will fight for the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship.
According to him, the fans are not seeing his qualities, which are not limited to putting the ball in the net.
"People don't see that I'm playing more wide, I go after the ball, I create space, and I provide assists for goals. But I've already decided that from now on I'll play more inside the box and stay closer to the goal. I'm not a starter because I'm good-looking. I've been playing well."
"I want to fight for the top scorer title in this Brazilian Championship," declared the striker, who was the top scorer in the 2006 Brazilian Championship for Goiás. Souza isn't just looking for the top scorer title, he wants to enter this Brazilian Championship to forget the Libertadores and fight for the national title. Despite currently suffering from criticism and distrust from the fans, he believes Flamengo remains strong, even after Wednesday's tragedy.
"Everyone knows the responsibility of playing for Flamengo is huge. We lost a game that was practically won; we let our guard down. But Flamengo is strong, and we're going after Santos to win this game. We have to win at home and not lose away to fight for the title," he concluded.
Juan assures that he learned the bitter lesson
Flamengo's players haven't yet fully recovered from the shock of losing the Copa Libertadores to América of Mexico. Their faces are still grim and heads bowed at Gávea Stadium. However, according to everyone at the club, the elimination made the players reflect and learn a lesson: from now on, every game should be approached the same way.
For Juan, the biggest lesson Flamengo can learn is not to repeat the preparation they made for that game.
"We've learned that football is not a game to play around with. We're focused on every game, and we're already thinking about Santos," said the left-back, who, within the group, was one of those who felt the elimination the most.
Hot weather before the premiere
Fans heckle Bruno after training, and the goalkeeper becomes angry. Even the press is mistreated.
Bernardo Peirão
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Bruno went to get satisfaction from the fans, who surrounded his car and forced him to speed away.
Rio de Janeiro champions exactly a week ago, Flamengo saw their good form, praise, and jokes turn into a crisis, ending their honeymoon in just three days. Still reeling from their elimination from the Copa Libertadores, the team kicks off today at 18:10 p.m. against Santos at the Maracanã, the competition that has become their lifeline: the Brazilian Championship.
Only by having a good run in the Brasileirão will Flamengo once again turn around the situation with its fans, which is currently less than favorable. Proof of this happened yesterday, after training, when two arguments further worsened the atmosphere at the club.
First, goalkeeper Bruno, after being insulted by some fans, left the field in a rage and, after showering, went to settle things with some of them outside the clubhouse. The altercation also attracted the attention of other players, who rushed to defend the goalkeeper but were stopped by security. After the argument, Bruno quickly drove off, but no one was injured. Then, another altercation between supervisor Isaías Tinoco and a journalist, which was fueled by a member of one of the organized fan groups that was calmly roaming around Gávea, further escalated the situation and turned the match against Santos into a life-or-death match in the competition's opening game.
The fact is that, after last Wednesday's disaster, all the players, who, incidentally, were forbidden from speaking about the matter, came to the same conclusion: winning the Brazilian Championship is Flamengo's only option in 2008. "Enough of having a good campaign, we have to win the title," said Jaílton.
Souza and Juan had the same speech:
"We have no alternative. The team is good, and we know what we need to do to fight for the title," Souza stated. Juan acknowledged that other teams share the same mindset. "Of course, it's not like that; we just say we're going to win and that's it. It's a very difficult championship, but we have to keep that in mind and fight to finish first. If that doesn't work out, we have to at least secure a spot in the Libertadores," he concluded.
Fla with resources until December, guarantees Kleber Leite
Jair Motta/JS
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 wins the first
Rubro-Negro defeats Cetaf 90-77 and opens 1-0 in the best-of-five series. Today there's more
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Winger Marcelinho Machado tries a shot in Fla's victory
Flamengo, the title favorite, opened the National Men's Basketball playoffs yesterday with a 90-77 victory over Cetaf/Vila Velha, playing in front of their home crowd at Gávea. The result put the Rio de Janeiro team ahead in the best-of-five series for the championship quarterfinals.
The second match will be today at noon, also in Gávea. Point guard Hélio and forward Amiel, who were injured, are still doubtful. Fred is still recovering from a right hand injury.
Fernando Mineiro, who had a good performance yesterday, spoke about the importance of winning home games.
"I've been trying to do as much as possible to help the team, and today was great. I'm really happy. Tomorrow (today) we have to keep up the pace, do our homework, and go 16-XNUMX in the series to put the pressure on them," said the winger, who totaled XNUMX points.
Complicated\ The number one seed, the team led by Paulo Chupeta, had difficulty defeating the team from Espírito Santo and only managed to distance themselves on the scoreboard after the break, after winning the first half by 45 to 42.\
In the third half, the red-black team opened up a 14-point lead, making it 27 to 13. Fla was ahead by 22 points, which made the coach rest the starters for today's match.
Highlights\ Point guard Marcelinho Machado led the way with 24 points. He also contributed eight assists and seven rebounds, making him a standout performer for the red-and-black team once again. Center Alírio scored 21 points, while forward Fernando made eight baskets on nine attempts, finishing with 16 points. For Cetaf, Jefferson had 19 points and four steals.\
"We started a little unfocused, thinking the game was going to be easy. And the playoffs aren't like that. We have to play focused from start to finish. After a poor first half, we came back in the second half with a different attitude. We played a stronger defense, managed to get our game right, and the offense improved," commented center Alírio, one of the game's standout performers.
Flamengo (90): Marcelinho (24), Hélio (6), Amiel (10), Coloneze (6) and Alírio (21). Entered: Wagner (3), Fernando Mineiro (16), Maicon (2) and Marcellus (2)\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
Cetaf (77): Filipinho (7), Manuil (14), Sobral (19), Gabriel (5) and Eric (11). Entered: Gustavo (2), Márcio (2), Rodrigo (2), Ederson (13) and Lúcio (2).\ Coach: Luiz Felipe\
Location: Hélio Maurício Gymnasium, in Gávea
Pacifier listed for the Brazilian National Team
The growing evolution of the red-and-black basketball team in recent seasons could yield even greater rewards for coach Paulo Chupeta. The coach is expected to be one of Spaniard Moncho Gonçalves' assistants in charge of the Brazilian Men's National Basketball Team in the upcoming South American Championship.
The president of the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB), Grego, reportedly arrived in Gávea yesterday morning to meet with the coach and discuss the possibility. Flamengo director Arnaldo Szpyro denied any contact with the CBB about the matter.
"This is behind-the-scenes information, right? There's been no contact from the Confederation, and there's nothing official or confirmed," the leader revealed.
Winner\ Chupeta took on a bold project at Flamengo in 2005, when the club began reviving its basketball game. In his first season, he won the Campeonato Carioca over the all-powerful Telemar. A year later, he won the state championship for the second time and reached the quarterfinals of the National Championship.\
In the current season, he was crowned three-time Rio de Janeiro champion and is eyeing the unprecedented Brazilian title.
THE DAY
After the humiliation, Fla wants to turn things around against Santos
The goal is to not make the team an 'indigestible dish'
Janir Junior
Rio - In soccer, his idol is Zico; in life, Jesus. However, more than invoking the 'god' of the red-and-black 'nation' or praying, Caio Júnior, who makes his Flamengo debut today at 18:10 PM against Santos, behind closed doors, will have to begin the journey toward overcoming the humiliation of the 3-0 defeat to América of Mexico, which cost the club elimination from the Copa Libertadores.
At 43, Caio takes on his toughest challenge since he began his coaching career six years ago. A lover of Italian cuisine, the coach must ensure Flamengo doesn't become an indigestible dish.
"The Brazilian Championship is one of the most important in the world. Elimination from the Libertadores is history. And instead of problems, let's think about solutions," he says.
For now, the solutions are still coming from the core team left by Joel Santana. In recent days, Caio Júnior has taken on more than just his work, acting as a psychologist and has spent a lot of time talking with the players.
"The weak use force, the strong use dialogue." This is one of the red-and-black coach's favorite phrases.
For his players, as he puts it, he needs to instill a great spirit of sacrifice; for himself, as a coach, he says it's necessary to be patient, study, and constantly evolve. And evolution is what Flamengo needs most right now.
"It's a long competition, and a win will always be important. Against Santos, even more so, as we need to regain confidence," the coach declared.
Caio Júnior describes himself as a sincere, calm, honest, and hard-working person. And he won't be short of work in Gávea:
"This is a time for work rather than talk. Flamengo has a huge impact. But balance is needed, without depression or euphoria."
Flamengo is coming off a downturn after being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores. Caio Júnior will make his debut under pressure, even without a crowd at the Maracanã. For Flamengo, he'll have to show his football skills the size of the ball he plays in his favorite sport in his spare time, tennis; he'll have to score big.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Caio Júnior remembers that the Brazilian Championship is more difficult than the State Championship\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo concluded its preparations for its Brazilian Championship debut this Saturday with a recreational match, which will take place this Sunday at 18:10 pm (Brasília time) against Santos at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). The coach spoke with the players about the importance of an early victory in the competition, which would, in a way, erase the sadness of their early elimination from the Copa Libertadores, with the shameful 3-0 defeat to América of Mexico. Caio Júnior also noted that the Brasileirão is much more complicated than the Campeonato Carioca, which Flamengo won last weekend.
"The Brazilian Championship doesn't have easy games, and all the matches are decisive, as there is no difference in points between the first and last rounds. Flamengo needs to forget the State Championship and what happened in the Copa Libertadores and make a strong debut in the Brasileirão, as they have the team to be champions," said the coach.
With defender Fábio Luciano still sidelined due to left ankle pain, Caio Júnior kept Leonardo in the starting lineup and will repeat the lineup that suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Mexicans on Wednesday. With this, the coach demonstrates his strategy of enhancing the group that has been heavily criticized in recent days.
Flamengo will play with Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Leonardo, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan, Jaílton, Toró, Kleberson, and Ibson; Marcinho and Souza. After Saturday's training session, the training camp for the match began, which will officially mark Caio Júnior's debut as Flamengo manager.
Souza says he will fight for the Brazilian top scorer position
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After facing criticism for his lack of goals in recent games, striker Souza stated that he will fight for the top scorer position in the Brazilian Championship, aiming to repeat his feat of 2006, when he scored 17 goals for Goiás. "Even without scoring, I've been playing well, and that's important. If it weren't like that, I wouldn't be a starter. I'll start playing more in the box to score goals and fight for the top scorer position in the Brazilian Championship. I was there once with Goiás and I'll do everything I can to do it again this year," stated the red-and-black number nine.
The striker also hopes Flamengo's squad can forget about their Copa Libertadores elimination and focus their full strength on the Brasileirão. "We know our team is good, that it has the potential to have a good campaign and fight for the title," Souza said.
PELENET
Goalkeeper Bruno argues with a fan during Flamengo training session
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Goalkeeper Bruno emerged as one of the villains in Flamengo's elimination from the Libertadores
Flamengo's Copa Libertadores elimination against América-MEX on Wednesday is still being felt in Gávea. This Saturday morning, as Flamengo wrapped up training ahead of their opening match in the Brazilian Championship against Santos, goalkeeper Bruno got into a heated argument with a fan watching the activity.
The young man, who was with a group of friends, made a joke to Bruno, who was finishing his training session with the other goalkeepers. The player didn't appreciate the comment and responded.
Club security acted promptly and removed the fans from the field. Bruno, looking quite irritated, left the field and quickly went to the locker room with a sour expression.
Despite this, he is a certain presence in the match between the Gávea team and Peixe, this Sunday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã, for the debut of both in the national competition.
In Caio Júnior's debut, the discouraged Fla receives the unfocused Santos
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo and Santos are showing different goals in this Sunday's match at 18:10 p.m. at the Maracanã, their debut in the Brazilian Championship. While Flamengo is trying to heal the bitter wound of their elimination from the Copa Libertadores da América, Santos is focusing on the same competition.
In addition to this distinction of interests, the match will also feature two special attractions. One is the fact that the game will be played behind closed doors due to a beer can and a fireworks display thrown by a Flamengo fan in the last edition of the tournament. The other is Caio Júnior's debut as Flamengo manager.
The coach is aware that he's taking over the team in the middle of a "crossfire." Without yet time to get to know the group, he'll repeat the formation Joel Santana used in the team's fateful 3-0 loss to América-MEX on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores.
Without defender Fábio Luciano, who is recovering from pain in his right thigh, Caio Júnior revealed what the red-black team's stance should be in the weekend's match.
"We have to forget about the elimination in the Libertadores and focus on the Brazilian Championship, which is a long contest in which the group can make the difference in the end. I know the loss to América was painful, but I'll work on the players' mentality," he assured.
Focused on the Libertadores quarterfinals, which begins on Thursday against América-MEX, coach Emerson Leão decided to divide the Santos squad into two groups.
The main players remained abroad, where they had faced Colombia's Cúcuta midweek. Midfielder Molina, who had been complaining of muscle pain, is out. This leaves Tabata with the spot.
Therefore, for the commitment at Maracanã, Leão will give a new opportunity to athletes who until now have not fallen into the coach's good graces, among them Renatinho, Vítor Júnior and Carlinhos.
Caio Júnior envisions Flamengo's victory to ease the crisis
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo begins its long run in the Brazilian Championship this Sunday, facing Santos at 18:10 PM at the Maracanã Stadium. Upon entering the field, the Red-Black team will attempt to ease the crisis that began after being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by América-MEX. This is the mindset of coach Caio Júnior.
"Winning is always important, especially in a competition like the Brazilian Championship, where there are no easy games and the teams are at the same level. That's why it's important to accumulate points in the first rounds," said the coach, who demonstrated his awareness of Sunday's opponent.
"I watched Thursday's game (against Cúcuta in the Copa Libertadores) and Santos worried me. They played a good game and deserved to win," he added.
Both teams, which boast large fan bases, will not be able to count on any potential support from the stands. This is because the match will be played behind closed doors. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, expressed concern about the situation.
"There won't be any big screens outside the stadium. In fact, I'm taking this opportunity to appeal to Suderj to collaborate, because if anything goes wrong, Flamengo will be the one to foot the bill," he said.
Souza forgets about his fast and says he will fight for the Brazilian top scorer spot
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
It's been a long stretch without a goal. Since March 22, when Flamengo beat Cabofriense 2-0 in the State Championship, striker Souza hasn't celebrated football's most important moment with the Flamengo fans.
Despite not scoring in ten matches, Souza appeared extremely calm when discussing this difficult time he's going through. The player found a way to explain his current situation.
"Just pay attention. I've been leaving the area a lot, and that's not my main characteristic. I'm opening up more space for those coming from behind, but that will change. I'll start to avoid leaving the area more," he said.
Fully confident in his abilities, the striker guaranteed that he will not only turn things around but also go in search of the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship, a competition that begins for Flamengo on Sunday against Santos, at Maracanã, behind closed doors.
"My goal is always to be the top scorer and I'm going to go after that," said the player, who was the top scorer in the 2006 competition, when he played for Goiás.
GLOBOESPORTE
Souza guarantees that the goal drought will end and promises to fight for the top scorer position.
The red-black striker says that the defects appear when the team loses, but remains calm
From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo striker Souza hasn't scored in ten games. His last goal came in the State Championship victory over Cabofriense on March 22. Despite the drought, the player seemed calm when discussing his current form.
"For those who see what's happening, they'll notice that I've been leaving the box a lot to make room for players coming from behind. But that's about to change. When the team wins, everything is beautiful and no one notices anything. When we lose, our flaws come to light. I've been playing well; it's no wonder I'm still a starter. It's not because I'm good-looking. I'll start to avoid leaving the box more," says the striker.
Souza is confident that the goals will return soon and goes further.
- I'll fight to be the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship. That's always my goal.
81 World Champions Send Advice to Caio Júnior
Zico reminds fans that they demand maximum effort for good results.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Caio Júnior debuts as Flamengo coach this Sunday, against Santos
Coach Caio Júnior begins his career at Flamengo this Sunday against Santos in the opening round of the Brazilian Championship. His journey begins at a tense time for the club, following the traumatic elimination from the Copa Libertadores against América of Mexico. To navigate this difficult time, the coach received advice from players who formed the team that won the club its greatest title: the 1981 Interclub World Cup. Zico, Júnior, Nunes, Adílio, and Andrade gave interviews to the newspaper "O Globo" and shared their experiences of playing for the team with the largest fan base in the country.
The greatest idol in the club's history and current coach of Fenerbahçe (Türkiye), Zico warns that the red-and-black fans demand total effort for positive results.
"Flamengo is a spirit of tenacity and fighting spirit. You have to have the will to win, always fighting for the top spots and titles. Flamengo fans have to recognize their worth and give their all," he says.
Júnior agrees with Galinho and emphasizes that the fans expect "at the very least, grit and fighting spirit." He advises Caio Júnior to be humble.
- Respect all employees, as a normal, educated citizen would. Don't be arrogant. Results are what make a coach's house. The rest is just talk.
Assistant coach to Fla's new coach and former coach of the team, Andrade states that the person in charge of the position must be a person of dialogue.
- One thing that can't be done here is radical, because that's never worked. The way forward is to know how to listen and play along.
Nunes emphasizes that Flamengo's coach needs to have personality and calmness.
"Shouting fans is part of the game. The coach is the one who can't lose his composure. To wear the jersey, you have to have personality...
Coach of the youth team, Adílio states that the pressure for results at the club is constant.
- It's pure breed, adrenaline all the time. If you win one game, you have to win the next and the next.
Bruno gets angry with a fan during training
The red-and-black goalkeeper responds to criticism this Saturday morning and leaves the field with a sullen face.
From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro
A disagreement between goalkeeper Bruno and a fan marred Flamengo's training session this Saturday in Gávea. At the end of the morning session, the young man said something that upset the number 1. Bruno wasn't happy with what he heard and retorted to the fan, who was watching the session with a group of friends.
Club security quickly removed the young men from the field. The Flamengo goalkeeper left the field and went to the locker room with a grim expression.
Fla beats Vila Velha in the knockout stage
In the opening of the National playoffs, the red-black team opens up an advantage in a match played in Rio, in a clash valid for the quarter-finals
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo took the lead in the quarterfinals of the National Men's Basketball Championship. In the first knockout match of the competition, the red-and-black team defeated Vila Velha 90-77 at the Gávea gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro this Saturday morning. Flamengo's leading scorer was Marcelinho, with 24 points. The Espírito Santo team's leading scorer was Jefferson Sobral, with 19 points. The match was evenly matched until halftime, when the Rio de Janeiro team held a three-point lead. However, Flamengo managed to open up a 17-point lead by the end of the third quarter and then managed to hold on to its advantage.
"We started a little unfocused, thinking the game would be easy. And playoffs aren't like that. We have to play focused from start to finish. After a poor first half, we came back in the second half with a different attitude. We played stronger defense, managed to get our game right, and the offense improved. For the next game, it's crucial to have a strong game and play with the same commitment to make it 21-15," says Flamengo center Alírio, who recorded a double-double with XNUMX points, XNUMX rebounds, a block, and an assist.
With the victory, the Rio de Janeiro club leads the series by one. The two teams face off again this Sunday, also in Gávea (12 p.m. Brasília time). SporTV will broadcast the match live.
"We managed to play a balanced game in the first half because we didn't rush into Flamengo's game. In the third quarter, they set a faster pace and disrupted our team. They led by 25 points, but in the end, we reduced it to 13. For this Sunday's game, we have every chance of winning and tying the series. To do that, we need to be balanced and focused throughout the entire forty minutes," says forward Jefferson Sobral, who scored 19 points, two rebounds, and four rebounds for the Espírito Santo team.
THROW
Caio Júnior inherits Joel Santana's habits
Coach will field the same team as his predecessor and will also use a clipboard
Caio Júnior did not adopt radical changes (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
Rodrigo Benchimol RIO DE JANEIRO
The first thing Caio Júnior did in yesterday's training session was to name the 11 players who will face Santos this Sunday at Maracanã. The coach will repeat the lineup that was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by América-MEX. But that's not the only legacy left by Joel Santana. The new Flamengo coach is also working on the drawing board.
In it, it was possible to see that the plan for the Brazilian Championship debut is practically identical to Joel's. Regarding the clipboard, he took it in good humor:
"I have mine too. The one at training is actually just the little field. Mine's stored inside. I hope it brings me luck here too," said the coach.
Concerned about the players' mental health after their tragic elimination from the Copa Libertadores, the coach spared the starting players from the tactical training he had planned. They only did a recreational session (footvolley) that served to loosen the mood.
"The best thing would be to recover physically and mentally. Sometimes a good chat is better than any training session," Caio said.
During the meeting, he discussed what he saw in the match against América-MEX, spoke with each player, and sought to understand where each one feels best on the field. In the afternoon, he also met with psychologist Paulo Ribeiro. All to gain as much information as possible about a team that needs to regain its self-confidence.
"There's no point in complaining. We have a champion team (Carioca). We need peace of mind and confidence," said Caio.
With Fábio Luciano ruled out, defender Leonardo will once again be his replacement. Despite a muscle problem in his right thigh, Leonardo Moura will also play.
"This team I spoke to is going to the game. It's not because of a loss that I'm going to change everything. I'll make my observations about this team and then it's up to each team to choose their own," he explained.
Souza guarantees that the goal drought will end\ Without scoring for more than a month, the red-black striker shows confidence and says he will fight for the top scorer\
Souza hasn't scored a goal in over a month
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo striker Souza hasn't scored in ten games. His last goal came in the team's State Championship victory over Cabofriense on March 22. In other words, the striker hasn't scored in over a month. Despite the drought, the player seemed calm when discussing this current phase.\
"For those who see what's happening, they'll notice that I've been leaving the box a lot to make room for those coming from behind. But that's about to change. When the team wins, everything is beautiful and no one notices anything. When we lose, our flaws come to light. I've been playing well; it's no wonder I'm still a starter. It's not because I'm good-looking. I'll start to avoid leaving the box more," the player stated.
Even without scoring goals, Souza is confident that this goal drought will soon end. Furthermore, he makes a bold projection.
"I'll fight to be the top scorer. That's always my goal," the player concluded.
Fla and Santos debut in empty Maracanã
Rubro-Negro welcomes Peixe's reserves in the opening round of the Brazilian Championship
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo and Santos' opening match in the Brasileirão, Sunday at 18:10 p.m. (Brasília time), at the Maracanã, had everything to be a preview of the Libertadores quarterfinals. But, catastrophically, the Rio de Janeiro team was eliminated from the competition and now focuses its forces on the national championship.\
Because of this, Flamengo will have its full strength on the field and, for the first time in its history, will be grateful that its fans will not be able to attend the stadium. Fanatics are still angry with the team and cannot attend to protest due to the serious incidents that occurred in the match between Flamengo and Grêmio at Maracanã on October 21st.
After Joel Santana's sad farewell last Wednesday, Flamengo will provide the debut for coach Caio Júnior. To avoid changing Joel's previous performance significantly, the new manager maintained the same lineup that started the Copa Libertadores match against América de México.
Rubro-Negro will once again be without defender and captain Fábio Luciano, who is recovering from a muscle problem in his right thigh. Left-back Juan, who was sent off in the Libertadores on Wednesday, is confirmed in the squad.
Coach Caio Júnior tried to work on the players' emotional side so that everyone has the Brazilian Championship as their main objective, as it is the only competition that Rubro-Negro will compete in until the end of the season.
At Vila Belmiro, coach Emerson Leão will not lead any pre-match training sessions, as the team is fully focused on the Libertadores. Therefore, a reserve team will be fielded.
The coach traveled with part of the squad to Rio de Janeiro, while the starters traveled from Bogotá (COL) directly to Mexico City (MEX), where they will face América on Thursday.
The players not registered for the continental tournament will join the squad that traveled to Rio, and many are expected to be used. A certain absence is striker Renatinho, who is locked in a legal battle with the club.
This is a great opportunity for players who have not been used much during the season to show the coach that they are capable of being part of the squad for the rest of the Brasileirão.
Victory over Santos is a priority for Fla
Caio Júnior wants three points to dispel the crisis at Gávea
Rodrigo Benchimol RIO DE JANEIRO
The order at Gávea is to approach the Brazilian Championship with the utmost seriousness. Therefore, Caio Júnior wants to start scoring against Santos to solve two problems: alleviate the red-and-black crisis and get a head start in the competition.
The coach places Flamengo, which will only be training for Saturday's game, among the strongest teams. But he named Internacional and Cruzeiro as favorites for the title. However, his focus is on Santos, whose Libertadores victory was closely watched and who will play with a reserve team.
"I watched Thursday's game, and Santos worries me. They played well and deserved the win," Caio said, speaking about the Brazilian Championship.
"Winning is always important. There are always some easy games in the State Championship, but in the Brazilian Championship, there are no easy games, and all the teams are at the same level. That's why it's important to score in the first rounds," said the coach, who sees no problem in playing behind closed doors.
In fact, the vice president of football, Kléber Leite, asked for attention regarding this issue.
"There won't be a big screen outside the Maracanã stadium, or anything like that. In fact, we're here to appeal to Suderj for its cooperation, because if anything goes wrong, Flamengo will be the one to foot the bill," Kléber said.
Flamengo will have a week of trials
Lawyers will have a busy week. Caio Júnior, Jônatas, Toró, and Bruno were indicted.
LANCEPRESS!\ Next Tuesday, Flamengo's new coach, Caio Júnior, will be tried at the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). Indicted 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 be acting in the same line of defense," he said.