The Globe
The fantastic world of Jônatas
Shy or playful, the midfielder was an enigma that Flamengo had to decipher
JÔNATAS WORKS on his physique during the team's preseason at Granja Comary
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
For a long time, Flamengo struggled to decipher Jônatas' personality. Shy, quiet, and suspicious, he's sometimes seen laughing, leading jokes, and even rebellious. Accused of being arrogant, he was also praised for providing shelter, affection, and food to young people in the youth teams where he came from. Today, he says he returns to Gávea a changed man, concerned with protecting his world, after a stint at Espanyol.
In Jônatas's world, dreams of returning to Europe and the national team are a reality. Today, however, he simply wants to heal recent wounds. While controversies surrounding his name raged, it was difficult to hear Jônatas's version. Escaping the media is, for him, a way of protecting not himself, but his family. Especially after the kidnapping of his father, José Lourenço, in December 2006, shortly after he left for Spain.
"I swear to God I'm happy. I'm not the least bit concerned about projecting myself in the media. I still suffer from what happened to my father. He's suffering, he hasn't recovered, he needs help. But there's that Northeastern culture, he doesn't accept it. I know that by being less visible, my parents will feel better. I'll do anything for their happiness," he says.
Jônatas, who already avoided exposure out of shyness, reinforced his self-preservation instinct. When he finds himself in a safe environment, he's a different person:
"At home, it's amazing how I joke around. With my club friends, too. But I change when I walk through the door. My excessive shyness gets in the way. But I'm 25. I'm going to change."
When this young Ceará native joined Flamengo's youth team, he barely spoke. Some feared he'd quit at Gávea. Jônatas assures he always knew he'd become a professional player. In his own words:
"They've said I'm cocky, that I'm a jerk. That's just for people who don't know me. They said I thought I was a better player than the others and, therefore, didn't need to guard. That was a joke in training, and they took it the other way. I don't compare myself to anyone. What professional has the right to say they don't need to guard? Just watch me on the field.
Difficult adaptation in Spain
Anyone who sees Jônatas hours before a game might think he's not focused. With friends, he might joke about things unrelated to the match:
- I put on my shirt and another Jônatas comes. I forget my shyness and do everything for my family.
Sometimes, the quiet young man becomes a protester. In 2005, during halftime of a Copa do Brasil match against Ceará, he got into a heated argument with Júnior Baiano in the locker room:
"It happens in any locker room. Whoever made it public was wrong," says Jônatas, who took the lead in talking to the board about salary delays and became captain.
In the most recent issue, he assures he wasn't involved. Football director Marcos Braz resigned because of his return:
- I've never had a problem with Marcos. I don't know if he has one with me.
These episodes, however, do not shake his relationship with the club, assures Jônatas:
"I started to appreciate it more when I left. I realized that I owe the little I have to the club, how important it was in my life. I came back for that reason and because I knew my parents were unhappy seeing me not playing in Spain."
Jônatas has returned to his world. To the place where he feels at home, protected. With each trip back and forth from Europe, he asserts that he has matured. He still can't overcome his almost pathological fear of flying. He claims he only feels at peace when he's on the ground. His fear once made him swap the professional plane for the junior team's bus on a trip to Campos.
Jônatas, who returns from Spain, recognizes past mistakes, but foresees a better future.
"In Spain, I didn't adapt because I didn't want to adapt. When I started dedicating myself, I couldn't erase the image I had built. I want to win titles with Flamengo, return to the national team, and I might return to Europe. But with a different mindset," says Jônatas, who returns to Rio today with the team after the final preseason training match against Huracán of Uruguay, at 9 am.
Yesterday, at Granja, the reserve team lost to Tupi de Juiz de Fora by 2 to 1. Kleberson scored the goal.
O Dia
The 'wall' of Rio de Janeiro football
Janir Junior
Rio - Starting on the 19th, cameras and fans' attention will be focused on the 2008 State Championship. It could be a Big Brother game. But instead of making out, drinking, nude photo opportunities, and a fight for R$1 million, players and coaches from Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, and Vasco da Gama will be aiming for their first title of the season.
Even far from the global house, they want to be leaders and have immunity. Questions asked to fans clearly reveal who the first candidates are to be sent to the wall. "In 2008, we're going to win everything," Renato Gaúcho proclaimed.
After managing a limited squad at Vasco, the coach will have to prove his worth, now with a quality group at his disposal. Fluminense, the club that invested the most in reinforcements, will have its first acid test: whether the attack featuring Dodô, Leandro Amaral, and Washington will work.
At Botafogo, Castillo was greeted by the fans upon his arrival with chants of "close the goal." Last year, the club suffered from poor goalkeeping. "We will be closely monitoring the refereeing," said Carlos Augusto Montenegro, who is currently unemployed but continues to monitor the club's day-to-day operations.
At Flamengo, Joel Santana pulled the team out of the relegation zone to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores. The coach earned immunity, but will rely on a string of good results to avoid being sent to the wall. Fans are keeping a close eye on Gavilán, who, with problems in his right knee, signed a risky contract.
At Vasco, the spotlight will be mainly on Romário, who will be both coach and striker. A renowned player, the short one needs to prove his worth in his new role. Otherwise, he'll face the firing squad.
FLAMENGO: ALL EYES ON GAVILÁN
Fans asked who deserves close monitoring at Flamengo mentioned Gavilán, who, despite being experienced for the Libertadores, has a problem with his right knee. Others mentioned Obina, who, despite being a favorite, suffers from weight problems. But everyone else is in the spotlight. "Flamengo has everything it needs to do well this season. We also need to consider other reinforcements, like Kléberson and defender Rodrigo," highlighted Flamengo actor André Cursino, who is part of Turma do Didi. Éder, a 20-year-old forward, signed a three-month contract. It will be time for him to prove himself.
VASCO: WORK FOR THE LEADER ROMÁRIO
The defeat in the first game of the year against Hamburg made many Vasco fans even more interested in the state championship's Big Brother. One of the standouts was veteran Beto. "Now, Romário will have to show he's a good scoundrel and fix the team," jokes samba singer Dicró.
Defender Luizão already made a mistake in his first match and remains firmly on the brink of relegation. Villanueva barely touched the ball and sparked questions from fans. "He's not the real deal," joked Vasco da Gama fan and Portuguese Marcolino Pontes.
It remains to be seen whether Edmundo will show up to liven up the 'house' of São Januário.
FLUMINENSE: ATTACK DRAWS MORE ATTENTION
Leandro Amaral, Dodô, and Washington. The first question is: will it work? If the attack doesn't work, which of the three will be sent to the wall? Just like on Big Brother Brasil, Renato Gaúcho warns that vanity must be set aside for good coexistence.
"For things to be successful, vanity can't enter the field. Each team needs the other, and it's always difficult to field three up front," analyzes leader Renato. Thiago Velasco, a Legião Tricolor fan, points to two players he considers to be on the chopping block: "Conca and Ygor don't inspire confidence and need to show much more than they did at Vasco."
BOTAFOGO: IN SEARCH OF A WALL IN THE GOAL
All eyes are on goalkeeper Castillo and the refereeing. The Uruguayan will be the No. 1 and said he was aware of the problem between the sticks. Forward Escalada, who is significantly overweight, was already on the bench before even making his debut. "How could they sign him knowing the player was a badass?" asks Alvinegro's Luís Sérgio Frossord.
The Black and Whites are also keeping an eye on defender Ferrero and want to learn more about the "participant" Robston, who played for Gama, Brasiliense, and Atlético-GO. As leaders, Botafogo has the experienced Túlio and the balanced midfielder Lúcio Flávio.
Flamengo: Reserves lose to Tupi in training match with violent plays
Rio - Flamengo's starting lineup is good to be up to the task, as, at least initially, the reserves were disappointing. This Saturday, they lost 2-1 to Tupi-MG in a training match at Granja Comary. Kleberson scored Flamengo's goal. Obina, with a right foot injury, was rested.
Tempers flared, and the training match was fiercely contested, with several violent plays. Coach Joel Santana became irritated with Tupi defender Silvio, who fingered Maxi. "Nobody here puts a finger in the face of a player on my team!" the coach roared from the sidelines.
This Sunday, the team concludes its preseason at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, with a training match for the starting players at 9 am against Huracán of Uruguay. After the training session, the players will return to Rio, bringing forward their return initially scheduled for Tuesday. On Monday, the club may announce Diego Tardelli as a new signing.
The players will have the day off, except for those who are overweight: defender Rodrigo, defensive midfielders Gavilán and Jônatas, and midfielders Marcinho and Obina. "Some players still have a body fat percentage above the ideal 11 percent. But that's normal, as some weren't playing," explained fitness coach Ronaldo Torres.
Rodrigo's situation is the most concerning. He underwent arthroscopy on his left knee three months ago.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo loses training match and Joel complains about violence\ Gazeta Press\
Teresópolis (RJ) - Flamengo played a practice match against Tupi, from Juiz de Fora (MG), this Saturday at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, aiming to gain momentum for the Guanabara Cup and the Copa Libertadores da América. Besides losing 2-1, the Rio de Janeiro team also left the field furious with the opponent's violence. Coach Joel Santana was unhappy with the way the Tupi players contested the plays and constantly complained about the opponent's violence. With the ball rolling, the red-and-black team did little and deserved the poor result.
Ademílson, formerly of Botafogo, and Henrique scored the goals for Tupi, while Kléberson scored for the red-black team. Flamengo played with Bruno (Diego); Luizinho, Rodrigo Arroz (Thiago Sales), Rodrigo and Egídio; Gavilán, Jônatas (Colace), Kleberson and Marcinho; Eder (Léo Medeiros) and Maxi Biancucchi.
Fla files appeal against release of games at altitude\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo will submit an appeal to FIFA next Monday against Conmebol's decision to allow games in cities such as Cuzco, La Paz and Potosí during the upcoming 2008 Copa Libertadores da América.\ Lawyer Michel Assef Filho has drawn up a document requesting the immediate application of the decision by the body that controls world football.\
FIFA had established that, for medical reasons, international matches above 2.750 meters could only take place if there was a 21-day acclimatization period.
Out: Striker Obina was rested from the reserves' training match this Saturday afternoon against Tupi-MG because he is still recovering from a right foot injury sustained in the friendly against Nicaragua. He will only return to training with his teammates on Tuesday.
Flamengo anticipates departure from Teresópolis\ Gazeta Press\
Teresópolis (RJ) - Flamengo's coaching staff has decided to bring forward the return of the delegation from Teresópolis, where the group is training at Granja Comary. The delegation, which was scheduled to return on Tuesday, was scheduled to return on Sunday morning, immediately after the training match against Huracán Buceo of Uruguay, at 9:22 am. The players will be released with instructions to report back to the Windsor Hotel in Barra da Tijuca at XNUMX:XNUMX pm on Monday. On Tuesday, the athletes will train full-time on Barra beach.
In the original schedule, Flamengo would stay in Teresópolis until the 18th. Then the period was shortened to the 15th and now the return is set for the 13th, Sunday.
The coaching staff explained the early return because, in the original plan, the players would be released anyway on Sunday and would have to return to the mountain town the following day, which will no longer be necessary.
PeléNet
Flamengo reserves lose training match to Tupi
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Flamengo's reserves lost 2-1 to Tupiu-MG in a training match held this Saturday afternoon at Granja Comary, the Flamengo team's preseason training ground. Former Botafogo and Fluminense striker Ademílson opened the scoring for the Minas Gerais team with a penalty kick in the sixth minute, but Kleberson equalized in the first half in the 33rd minute. In the second half, Henrique scored the winning goal in the 38th minute.
Flamengo played with only one starter, goalkeeper Bruno, who was replaced in the second half by Diego. The rest of the team consisted of Luizinho, Rodrigo, Rodrigo Arroz (Thiago Salles), and Egídio; Gavilán, Jônatas (Colace), Kleberson, and Marcinho; Éder (Léo Medeiros), and Maxi. Obina, recovering from a blow to his right big toe, was rested.
The training match was fiercely contested, with several violent plays. Coach Joel Santana even became irritated with Tupi defender Silvio, who put his finger in Maxi's face.
"Nobody here puts their finger in the face of a player on my team!", Joel shouted, on the edge of the pitch.
Flamengo's starting players will participate in another training match this Sunday at 9 a.m. (Sunday) against Huracán of Uruguay, also at Granja Comary. After the match, the Flamengo delegation will return to Rio de Janeiro and the players will train all week in the city, preparing for their State Championship debut against Boavista on Sunday, the 20th, at 16 p.m., at Maracanã.
On Monday, work at Flamengo is only for the "fatties"
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
After ten days of preseason training at Granja Comary, the Flamengo delegation heads down to the mountains this Sunday, following the training match against Huracán of Uruguay. On Monday, there will be training only for those who are still overweight. A "punishment" for those who overindulged during their vacation.
"Some players actually still have a body fat percentage above what I want, which is eleven percent. But that's normal, as some weren't playing," explained fitness coach Ronaldo Torres.
Among the "chubby ones" are defender Rodrigo, midfielders Gavilán and Jônatas, midfielder Marcinho and striker Obina.
"Everyone's response has been very good. They've already reduced that percentage a lot," Ronaldo said.
Of the five, Rodrigo's situation is the most worrying, as the defender underwent arthroscopy on his left knee around three months ago and was inactive until December 25, when he began his preparation at Flamengo.
Ibson reiterates his desire to stay at Fla at the end of his contract
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
A fan favorite at Gávea, midfielder Ibson reiterated this Saturday his desire to remain at Flamengo after his loan spell with Porto-POR ends on June 30. However, the player made it clear that a deal is still far from being finalized.
"I'm very happy here and I hope to renew my contract, which ends in the middle of the year. I hope this can be decided soon. But nothing has been discussed on this matter yet. There's no definition," he said.
In December, the club's board of directors spoke with representatives of the Portuguese club and offered around €4 million to sign Ibson permanently. However, the offer was not well received.
Thus, Flamengo's management continues to seek a solution to acquire the midfielder's economic rights. Another solution, however, would be to at least attempt to extend the contract until December 2008.
Trained by Flamengo, Ibson transferred to Portuguese football at the end of 2004. After a successful season, the player suffered from successive injuries and ended up losing his place, which facilitated his return to Gávea in August of last year.
Ibson has two goals for 2008: titles with Flamengo and a spot on the national team.
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
After a brief period of obscurity at Porto-POR, Ibson finally agreed to return to Flamengo in August of last year. The change of scenery helped the midfielder regain his form. He quickly took over the reins of the red-and-black team and was instrumental in their strong run in the Brazilian Championship (third place).
For 2008, with success now restored, the goals are twofold, and quite bold. The first is winning titles with Flamengo, and the second is a long-held dream: playing for the Brazilian national team.
"There are two things I want. To continue to do well here (Flamengo) and to win titles in this important year for the club. With that, I'll be able to achieve my second goal, which is a chance at the national team," he projected.
As he plans for the future, however, Ibson already has to worry about his loan contract ending on June 30. Although he knows it will be difficult, he continues to ask for the contract to be extended at least until the end of the year.
In December, Flamengo offered Porto-POR €4 million to acquire the midfielder permanently, but the proposal wasn't well received by the Portuguese club. As a result, the Flamengo board is now searching for a new option.
Kleberson downplays Flamengo's defeat in training match
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Flamengo's reserve team was defeated 2-1 by Tupi-MG in a training match held this Saturday afternoon at Granja Comary in Teresópolis. The result, however, didn't faze five-time champion Kleberson in the slightest. According to the midfielder, it was a valid test.
"This won't affect anything. It was just training. Right now, we're more concerned with the physical aspect, which is what we work on the most. That's why the team is still behind on the technical side," said the player.
"In this type of case, the result doesn't matter so much. The important thing is to have these close friendlies, as it gets everyone into the rhythm of competition right away," he added.
For this game, Flamengo formed with: Bruno (Diego); Luzinho, Rodrigo Arroz (Thiago Sales), Rodrigo and Egidio; Gavilán, Jônatas (Colace), Kleberson and Marcinho; Maxi Biancucchi and Éder (Léo Medeiros).
This Sunday, at 9 a.m. (Brasília time), it's the starters' turn to take the field. The opponent will be Huracán of Uruguay.
Only an anthological disaster takes Flamengo out of the second phase of the Copa SP
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo faces XV de Piracicaba this Sunday at 18:10 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Barão de Serra Negra stadium in Piracicaba, in the third and final round of group N of the first stage of the São Paulo Junior Cup. The Rio de Janeiro club is virtually qualified for the second stage of the competition.
The Rio club could advance to the next stage of the tournament even if they lose by six goals. Flamengo leads with six points, followed by XV, which has three. If the São Paulo club wins and ties its rival in points (six) and number of wins (two), the first tiebreaker, it would need to make up a huge difference in goal difference (currently 14-1). Therefore, only a seven-goal victory would turn the tables in favor of the home team (8-7).
Flamengo's massive lead was made possible by their 11-1 rout of Ypiranga-AP last Wednesday. In their debut, the team had already beaten Nacional-AM 4-0. XV defeated Ypiranga 2-0 and lost to Nacional 1-0.
Coach Rogério Lourenço is expected to field Flamengo with Marcelo, Michel, Lucas, Fabrício and Jóbson; Lenon, Wellington, Erich Flores and Renan Silva; Pedro Beda and Paulo Sérgio.
The other match in the group will be played between Nacional and Ypiranga, at 16:10 pm.
BalloonSport
Polish corridor is the terror of concentration
Late players receive 'pats' from their teammates at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
Flamengo's tardiness doesn't solve its problems by digging into its pockets to pay the tip. The form of punishment is, let's say, more severe. Every player who is late for any activity—be it lunch, dinner, or training—is subjected to the Polish Runner game.
Obina explains the painful red-and-black prank in the video below. Watch now!
Positioned in two lines, the athletes wait for the "culprit" to greet him with slaps. Obina thinks the joke is valid.
"It's a way to get everyone on the same page. It's a game that brings the group closer together," he says.
During the preseason, Rodrigo and Gavilán managed to arrive late for training after oversleeping. They were caught in the hallway in the middle of the Granja pitch. But in the training camp, punishment is more frequent.
"I was one of the first to pass. I arrived late for lunch and they didn't forgive me. Sometimes the slap hurts and it hurts. But the next moment it's over," says Obina.
History
The term "Polish Corridor" comes from the disputed strip of land near the Vistula River in Europe, which virtually sparked World War II. Nazi Germany demanded the return of the territory to Poland, and the invasion took place in 1939.
Joel gets angry defending his 'son' Maxi
Coach gets up from the bench and scolds opposing player
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
Dad Joel had a hard time defending his sons during Flamengo's training match against Tupi-MG this Saturday afternoon at Granja Comary (watch the exclusive video below). The opposing players overreacted and committed some excesses.
In one of them, in the first half of the activity, Maxi was the one who got the ball. Defender Silvio put his finger in the Argentine's face, and a brawl almost broke out. Angered by the scene, coach Joel Santana got up from the bench and shouted, among other profanities:
- You're not going to put your hand in my player's face, boy.
In the second half, complaints about Tupi's violence continued. Joel even threatened to foul Éder hard:
- I'll have it scrubbed too.
On the field, the atmosphere wasn't the calmest either. Even the starters, who were watching the action, commented that tempers flared.
- Even Juan was keen to join the fight - jokes midfielder Ibson
Fla gives extra training to equalize athletes
On Monday, players with above-ideal body fat percentages will go to Gávea
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
Obina will miss rest and will have to participate in activity on Monday
Theoretically, Monday will be a day off for Flamengo's players. However, the coaching staff has prepared an extra activity for those with a body fat percentage above the ideal (12%).
The roster includes the newly signed Marcinho, Rodrigo, Jônatas, and Gavilán. Obina also missed his rest and will have to be in Gávea on Monday morning. Fitness coach Ronaldo Torres says the starting lineup is a step ahead of the rest:
- The 'A team' finished 2007 playing and is obviously in better physical shape. The reserves need more time to get fit. Gavilán and Rodrigo, for example, didn't play in the end of the year.
This Sunday, Flamengo's starting lineup plays a training match against Uruguay's Huracán. Coach Joel Santana is expected to make few substitutions.
Fla's reserves lose to Tupi
Kléberson scores the only goal for the red-blacks in the 2-1 defeat on Saturday afternoon
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
Jônatas tried, but couldn't help Fla's reserves beat Tupi
Coach Joel Santana's ranting on the bench was pointless. With a very poor performance, Flamengo's reserve team lost 2-1 to Tupi-MG this Saturday afternoon at Granja Comary.
The starters were given the afternoon off, but most went downstairs to watch the practice match. They probably didn't like trading the peace and quiet of their rooms for the substitutes' performance.
Just six minutes in, Rodrigo Arroz conceded a penalty. Ademílson, formerly of Botafogo, opened the scoring, displacing Bruno, the only starter who participated in the activity.
Despite posing little threat, Flamengo equalized through Kléberson in the first half. Marcinho took a free kick, and the five-time champion pounced on the rebound. It was his third goal in two training matches.
In the second half, Joel Santana made some changes, and things got worse. In the 38th minute, Rodrigo made a mistake, and Henrique sealed the match.
- It was just training and it won't interfere with the work at all - says Kléberson, one of the few who survived.
Flamengo faced Tupi with Bruno (Diego); Luizinho, Rodrigo Arroz (Thiago Sales), Rodrigo and Egidio; Gavilán, Jônatas (Colace), Kléberson and Marcinho; Éder (Leo Medeiros) and Maxi.
In their farewell match to Teresópolis, this Sunday morning, Flamengo's starting players will face Huracán of Uruguay at 9 a.m. Just like this Saturday, the gates of Granja Comary will be closed to fans.
Jônatas prefers to be the first midfielder
Flamengo's new signing wants to play like he did in 2005. Joel leaves the mystery in the air
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis (RJ)
Jônatas at Flamengo training
Flamengo's midfield is the only area where doubts outweigh certainties. Jônatas started the season on the reserve team. But if he becomes a starter, he already knows which position he prefers to play.
And it won't be anything new for Joel Santana. He wants to play deeper, playing as a defensive midfielder. Just like in 2005, also under the current coach.
"I played more forward at Espanyol, but I feel better as a holding midfielder. I played that way with Joel in 2005, and if I could choose..." declares Jônatas.
In the first training sessions, his role on the field varied. Sometimes he was more withdrawn, sometimes he was tasked with setting up plays. And the mystery remains.
"Oh, they're trying to rush things. Jônatas knows how to score, but he's highly offensive. He knows how to work the ball from deep. His only problem at the moment is physical, as he came back from an injury in Spain," says Joel Santana.
Throw
Flamengo loses training match to Tupi
In a violent clash, Joel's team performed below expectations.
Flamengo had difficulty against Tupi
André Alt IN TERESÓPOLIS
Flamengo lost its second training match of the season this Saturday at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro. But this time, it was the reserves who took the field against Tupi, from Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. In a very tight—and sometimes violent—match, the Minas Gerais team won 2-1. Flamengo coach Joel Santana even intervened during the match, losing patience with the opponent's toughness.
Flamengo's goal was scored by midfielder Kleberson, who now has three goals—two of which came against the Nicaraguan national team last Thursday. Ademílson, formerly of Botafogo, and Henrique scored the winning goals. The starting players take the field at 9 a.m. this Sunday. The opponent is Huracán of Uruguay.
The game had barely started when defender Rodrigo Arroz conceded an unnecessary penalty. Ademílson took it skillfully, sending Bruno, the only starter on the field, into the net: 1-0.
With reinforcements Kleberson, Rodrigo, Jônatas, Gavilán, and Marcinho, Flamengo concentrated its attacks on the left, with full-back Egídio. But to no avail. Furthermore, they had to fend off the Minas Gerais team's attacks.
In a match against striker Maxi Biancucchi, Joel got up from the bench, pointed at defender Silvio and shouted:
"Hey! You're not going to put your finger in my player's face, you f---" Joel snapped. The field was silent for a few seconds.
The threat didn't intimidate the Minas Gerais team. But a free kick just outside the box resulted in Flamengo's equalizer. Marcinho took a free kick into the box in the 33rd minute, followed by a rebound, and Kleberson easily converted.
What was different in the second half was Diego replacing Bruno in goal. The Tupi team's brawl was the same. So much so that Joel intervened again after striker Éder was tackled hard:
"You're just kicking ass. You want to get some practice. I'll have you scrubbed too," he said. On the next play, defender Marcinho performed a judo throw on an opponent.
Unable to escape the onslaught and unable to create any good plays, Flamengo ended up suffering the final blow—and thanks to another defensive error. In the 43rd minute, the ball fell behind the goal to Rodrigo, who threatened to kick it away and tried to play it out. Forward Henrique stole the ball and slotted it into Diego's corner: 2-1.
There was still time for a Tupi defender to be sent off for nearly breaking Marcinho in half. He ended up being substituted on the referee's orders, but he emerged victorious in the Battle of Granja.
FLAMENGO: Bruno (Diego), Luizinho, Rodrigo Arroz (Thiago Sales), Rodrigo and Egidio; Gavilán, Jônatas (Colace), Kleberson and Marcinho; Eder (Léo Medeiros) and Maxi Biancucchi
Marcinho and Kleberson approve training match
A closely contested match serves as an example for this year's Libertadores
André Alt IN TERESÓPOLIS\ Guilherme de Paula IN TERESÓPOLIS\
If Flamengo's reserve team was defeated this Saturday by Tupi, from Juiz de Fora (MG), at least the tough training match at Granja Comary served as a preview of what the players should encounter in this year's Copa Libertadores.
Attacking midfielder Marcinho compared the game to the Brazilian Serie B, which he played for Atlético-MG in 2006.
"Serie B is also very tough. But training was good for getting used to what's ahead. Like here this Saturday, the referees in the Libertadores don't call many fouls," analyzed Marcinho, one of the most targeted players on the field, but who also fought back.
More experienced midfielder Kleberson also approved of the training match. He believes it's good to have challenging activities like this Saturday's.
The five-time champion, however, complained about the hard tackles:
"We were upset. This way, a player could even be removed from a championship. There was no need," added Kleberson, who even confronted an opponent who violently tackled Marcinho.
Gavilán: 'I'm not going to change my way of playing'
Even though he is suspended for assault, the Paraguayan should maintain a strong stance.
Suspended, Gavilán can only play on February 13th
André Alt IN TERESÓPOLIS\ Guilherme de Paula IN TERESÓPOLIS\
Midfielder Gavilán joined Flamengo to be himself. The Paraguayan says he won't change his style of play, not even with the suspension he's serving for assaulting Palmeiras midfielder Valdivia.
Gavilán was suspended for 120 days by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for punching the Chilean Palmeiras player when he was playing for Grêmio in last year's Brazilian Championship.
"I learned from what happened, but I won't change my style of play. Throughout your career, you gain experience," says Valdívia.
To avoid having to wait until February 13th, when he'll be cleared to play, Gavilán relies on Flamengo's legal department. The club is trying to get the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) to reduce his punishment to 60 days (already served), plus food baskets.
Gavilán had another problem that almost forced him out of Flamengo: the onset of osteoarthritis in his right knee. Even so, he's been training with the team. And he says he won't have any problems with coach Joel Santana's system:
radio l! - I've already played in Joel's system, so I don't need to change my way of playing much. I figured the coach would use this system. The important thing is that we already have a base. It's also important that the whole group is always prepared. (Click and listen)
Juan bets on the strength of Fla's full-backs
Player wants to repeat the good performance of 2007 with Leonardo Moura
Juan says he is physically and technically well
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Left-back Juan isn't universally popular among Flamengo fans. However, he played a key role in the Flamengo's run in the Brasileirão last year and was named the second-best full-back in the competition. In 2008, he aims to do it again.
Coach Joel Santana is expected to repeat the strategy with his full-backs pushing forward frequently—Leonardo Moura is another player who frequently appears up front. Therefore, Juan wants to capitalize on the team's chemistry to lead the team to success.
"It was with the full-backs attacking that Flamengo managed that breakthrough. We'll try to do the same this year too. I'm in great physical and technical shape. And I depend heavily on that," Juan assesses.
The team will really need to be in good physical shape, as they face the Campeonato Carioca and the Copa Libertadores in the first half of the year.
- Work is being done to ensure we play well in both competitions - warns Juan
Juan approves team maintenance
The full-back recalls that with the current formation, the team made a breakthrough in the Brazilian Championship
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One of the key players in coach Joel Santana's scheme, left-back Juan approved the team's continuation in Flamengo's first training sessions and preseason training matches. The player noted that with this formation, the team achieved its best results in 2007.
radio l! - That's how the team managed to make that run at the end and Joel kept it going. We have everything to do well this year too - he celebrated. (click and listen)
Juan reported that he's feeling well physically and that the work with trainer Ronaldo Torres has gone well. He's now looking forward to the matches.
radio l! - I'm feeling very well physically. Technically I'm also fine, but that will improve with the sequence of games - said the number 6. (click and listen)
Red-black reinforcements are not afraid of pressure
Experienced players guarantee that demanding fans won't scare them
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There's a coincidence regarding Flamengo's new signings. With the exception of young striker Eder, the other signings (Rodrigo, Gavilán, Jônatas, Kleberson, and Marcinho) have already played for at least one club with a large fan base. Thus, they have all the skills needed to handle the demanding nation and the pressure. And to top it all off, they've won titles wherever they've played.
Defender Rodrigo highlights his first experience with a major club as being with São Paulo in 2004. Before that, he played for Ponte Preta. With Tricolor Paulista, he competed in the Libertadores and reached the semifinals.
"Flamengo has a huge fan base, and for me, nowadays, that's a given. I no longer have any reason to be scared by it. It's definitely important to have played for a club with a large fan base before playing here," he analyzed.
Rodrigo spoke about the fans' enthusiasm in a simple training match (against Nicaragua, at Granja Comary, Thursday) to illustrate what he expects in 2008.
"I could feel the euphoria. Imagine what awaits us at the Maracanã in the GB Cup and even more so in the Libertadores? I expect a lot of celebration from the fans all year long," he concluded.
Kleberson played for Atlético Paranaense, which has a fanatical fanbase, and also considers it important to have played for a major club. He valued the experience of the new signings:
- That's the most important thing. It helps us know how to deal with intense pressure.
Gavilán, who previously played for Grêmio and Inter, was another who acknowledged the importance of working with large fan bases. He praised Flamengo's.
"We know we're not alone. But we have to work hard to live up to the trust we've shown and ensure the bond between the team and the fans is the same as last year," said the midfielder.
Ibson cautious not to lose his place
The midfielder will face competition from many reinforcements in midfield.
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Defensive midfielder Ibson is one of those starters who only leaves the team due to suspension or injury. His performance at Flamengo is undeniable. However, with so many reinforcements in midfield, the competition for a spot in the starting eleven is fierce. And he himself says he needs to always be on alert.
"The competition is fierce, so we have to be smart. If we give them a break, someone with quality will come in and may never leave," the midfielder commented.
Voted one of the best midfielders in the 2007 Brazilian Championship, Ibson's contract runs until June 30th. However, he has not yet spoken with Flamengo about a possible stay.
The red-and-black player says the important thing now is to maintain consistency at Flamengo to make it to the Brazilian national team. He also has the experience he gained in Europe, playing for Porto in Portugal, to his advantage.
"I learned tactical obedience there. The game there is faster, you have less time to think than here. It's also different in that they try to build their teams based on their opponents. And they also water the fields before games," Ibson said.
Flamengo's physical trainer praises preseason
Ronaldo Torres guarantees that the team will be fine this year
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Flamengo's fitness coach Ronaldo Torres praised the team's preseason training in Teresópolis this Saturday. He took the opportunity to praise the team's current physical condition and assured that the team will be in good shape for the remainder of the season.
"All the work is being done well, and I guarantee that Flamengo is well prepared physically. It was one of the best preseasons I've participated in. On the 20th, the team that has been training as the starters will be ready to start the season well. By the fourth game, the team will be ready for the rest of the year," he analyzed.
Ronaldo specifically referred to the teams Joel Santana has been using in training sessions and practice matches at Granja Comary. He also took the opportunity to preview which teams the coach will field this Saturday against Tupi-MG and Sunday against Huracán of Uruguay.
"Team A finished 2007 playing and is obviously in better physical shape. Team B needs more time to get back into shape physically. Gavilán and Rodrigo, for example, didn't finish last year. This Sunday, Team A will play both halves," the coach concluded.
According to Ronaldo Torres, the players who still need to reduce their body fat percentage will train physically on Monday at Gávea. Among them are Rodrigo, Gavilán, Jônatas, Marcinho, and Obina.