THE GLOBE
On the couch, Fla tries to verbalize his pain
While looking for new leaders, the team may have a coach suspended from the bench
Pedro Motta Gueiros
Silence spoke louder than a thousand words. On the pitch of an empty Maracanã, goalkeeper Bruno was the only voice of command for the Flamengo team that defeated Santos 3-1 on Sunday. Another leader, besides coach Caio Júnior, was defender Fábio Luciano, who watched the game from the stands due to an injury. After starting his work based on conversation, the new coach wants to make dialogue a rule for the team to overcome the pain and regain confidence in new achievements. On the couch after the humiliating elimination from the Libertadores, Flamengo has to verbalize its feelings, as Bruno and the fans have already done.
"This is an area where we can still improve," said the new coach. "Flamengo can't depend on one or two players. We need to find new leaders."
The search is urgent for those at risk of losing their new pitchside commander. Ejected from the match against Corinthians two weeks ago, while still playing for Goiás, Caio will be tried today by the Superior Court of Sports Justice. Accused of insulting referee Leandro Pedro Vuadem and invading the pitch, the coach could be suspended for 30 to 720 days under the combined provisions of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice.
- It was a mistaken reaction, but taken in the heat of the game, without the intention of offending - said the coach.
Internally, the players are also under scrutiny. Under pressure due to the lack of goals, Souza left the field silently and in apparent dissatisfaction when he was replaced by Diego Tardelli and went down to the locker room without speaking to Caio.
"It was just the opposite, we shook hands. Souza needs confidence and peace of mind, and as far as I'm concerned, he'll get it," said the coach.
Since the elimination, Flamengo has been forced to reassess its priorities. From now on, the ability to adapt to change is a must. After arriving with lofty expectations, Caio tweaked his plan but maintained the intensity with which he dedicates himself to each game:
- I really identify with Muricy's rigor at São Paulo.
Rodrigo terminates contract with Fla and signs with São Paulo
On Sunday, as Flamengo scored goals and an empty Maracanã stadium, Caio jumped energetically and hugged coach Ronaldo Torres. During yesterday's day off, he was already devising a strategy for Sunday's match against Grêmio in Porto Alegre. Besides the victory, Flamengo wants to restore confidence for its four home games against Internacional, Fluminense, Figueirense, and São Paulo.
"We were very disappointed, but we know our capabilities," said forward Marcinho, his chest and arms wide open to face the new times. "Caio gave us confidence, and we did the same with him."
While the coach tries to forge new bonds with players and fans, the club is letting go of others. Yesterday, defender Rodrigo terminated his contract and signed with São Paulo. With only six games and a long period of inactivity since his signing in January, he only broke his quiet stint at Gávea to complain about delayed salaries. In search of new leaders, Flamengo needs players with something more to say.
Basketball
Victory guarantees Fla in the semifinals of the National Championship
Rubro-negro has two wins in the series against Cetaf/Vila Velha
VILA VELHA (ES). Flamengo is one step away from the semifinals of the National Men's Basketball Championship and can secure its spot tonight. The red-and-black team faces Cetaf/Vila Velha-ES at 20 pm in Vila Velha, in the third match of the best-of-five quarterfinal series. Having won the first two matches last weekend in Gávea, Flamengo needs just one more win to qualify.
The Espírito Santo team faces a difficult and unlikely challenge: winning three consecutive matches to qualify for the next round. In the first round, the two teams faced each other four times, and Flamengo won them all.
If Vila Velha wins today, it will force a fourth match tomorrow at the same time and court. If it wins again, leveling the series, Flamengo will also have the advantage of deciding the spot in Gávea on Friday night.
Flamengo: Marcelinho, Duda, Amiel, Coloneze and Alírio.
Good People Column
The ace
Paulo Alberto Monteiro de Barros, the unforgettable Artur da Távola, was buried with a Fluminense flag draped over his coffin—and that was fine, it was a purple tricolor—and a Flamengo jersey. It was his best friend Marcio Braga's final tribute. The Flamengo president even took the time to have the senator's name inscribed on the back, below the number ten.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Confidence is back in the team
The return of confidence and greater unity among the group was the main outcome of Flamengo's victory over Santos in the Brasileirão opener yesterday at Maracanã. Relieved by the result and the team's strong performance, coach Caio Júnior was highly motivated by his work and, along with the players, became more convinced that Flamengo can indeed compete for this year's Brazilian title.
One of the main reasons the coach thinks this way is the unity of the group, which, according to many players, has increased even more after being eliminated from the Libertadores.
"I felt like a very close-knit group, they're friends. The presence of our captain, Fábio Luciano, at the hotel and in the locker room was very important," said the coach, who believes that managing Flamengo is the opportunity of a lifetime: "Being in charge of Flamengo at this moment is an honor. It's a source of happiness for me and my family, and I'm sure I'll do a great job here," he said.
Job accepted\ Known for becoming friends with his players, Caio is already starting to win over the club's athletes.\
"He showed in this game that he's an intelligent coach, he tried to respect the players' qualities, he kept the same team and he gave us a lot of confidence. We also have confidence in his work," said Marcinho.
The trust and unity that's beginning to grow at Gávea hasn't yet reached the fans. For Marcinho, Flamengo needs to win them back. "We have to bring the fans back to Maracanã. They have to have confidence in the team, because we have what it takes to be champions."
Dreaming costs nothing, Mengão
Victory over Santos excites the red-and-black players, who are already talking about the national title
Bernardo Peirão and Nathan de Lima
Wallace Teixeira
Coach Caio Júnior could face a suspension this afternoon in the Sports Court
Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Santos last Sunday in the first round of the Brazilian Championship filled the hearts of Flamengo fans with hope. Not because of the football they displayed on the field, and even less because of the opponent's strength, as Santos was playing with their reserve team. Flamengo fans once again dreamed of the Brazilian title because of a small tradition. Every time Flamengo beat Santos in their opening match, they finished the championship with a lap of honor. This was the case in 1980 and 83.
Besides this happy coincidence, another fact rekindles the spirits of fans who still feel the pain of disappointment caused by their early elimination from the Copa Libertadores. Last year, champion São Paulo also played their home opener behind closed doors and defeated their opponent, Goiás, by two goals.
Despite the similarities, coach Caio Júnior did not want to rely on hidden forces and made it very clear that to be champion, a team has to work hard and achieve victories on the field.
"I don't believe in that. I believe in hard work. In the Santos game, when we were winning, we maintained our composure. That's what matters. São Paulo won the championship because they were always focused. Muricy's work is very good in that sense. I also try to have that characteristic, I try to study the opponents, and in this championship, each game must be treated as a decisive one," said Caio Júnior, who will now face one of Flamengo's biggest rivals from last year. Sports Justice.
The new Rubro-Negro coach was indicted under Articles 274 and 187, II, after the match against Corinthians in this year's Copa do Brasil, while still in charge of Goiás. If convicted, the new Rubro-Negro coach could face a sentence of 30 to 720 days.
The club's legal director and lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, believes in the defense and is confident he has enough evidence to secure the coach's acquittal.
"I'm going to take Caio Júnior to testify and we're going to show him the video evidence, because we want him to be acquitted. We can prove that he never insulted the referee or invaded the field. We're confident," said Michel Assef Filho.
Despite being indicted while still coaching Goiás, Flamengo's board decided to give Caio Júnior all the necessary assistance.
Booed, Souza counts on the support of Caio Junior
File/JS
Souza hopes to return to scoring goals as soon as possible wearing the red and black shirt.
Despite putting in a lot of effort, striker Souza has been unable to end his uncomfortable goal drought, which has now reached eight matches without finding the net. The player has sacrificed himself tactically this year, operating more outside the box and creating space for the midfielders who come from behind. His work as a pivot has been highly praised, but his lack of goals has been the target of the ire of the Flamengo fans, who point to the number 9 as the main culprit for the team's embarrassing elimination from the Liobertadores Cup last Wednesday against América-MEX.
Despite not having the support of the stands, Caio Junior shows confidence in the athlete's potential for the Brazilian Championship, a competition in which he was the top scorer, in 2006, for Goiás.
Last Sunday, in his debut against Santos in the national tournament, Souza hit the crossbar, but ended up being substituted in the second half, as has become routine. Caio Junior explains that patience is needed for the striker to shine and score goals again.
"Souza is tired. But he's a player who needs peace of mind to perform, and if it's up to the coach, he'll have that peace of mind," said Caio Júnior.
Defender Rodrigo is released by Flamengo
Player is no longer a red-black athlete
Flamengo's board officially announced the release of defender Rodrigo this Monday. The defender is no longer a Flamengo player. The player's situation became untenable at Gávea, as the board, like the rest of the group, failed to establish a good relationship with Rodrigo.
Coach Caio Júnior even stated that Rodrigo was in the plans for the match against Santos, but the directors intervened and Caio abandoned the idea. São Paulo is interested in the player, who previously played for the Morumbi club.
Time to secure classification
Flamengo faces Cetaf, in Vila Velha, and has the chance to close the best of three of the National
Pedro Ivo Almeida
Wallace Teixeira
Cuban winger Amiel is one of Flamengo's strengths
After winning the first two matches in the quarter-final playoffs of the National Championship, Flamengo returns to the court today, at 20 pm, at the Colégio Marista de Vila Velha gymnasium, to face CETAF/Garoto/UVV in the third match of the best-of-five series.
Despite having a considerable lead in the series, needing just one win to secure a spot in the semifinals, the Rio de Janeiro team has some reasons to be concerned. Besides playing the next two matches away from home, the team will be without two of its key players: point guards Hélio and Fred.
embezzlement
Both players will be out due to injuries. While Fred recovers from an injury to the middle finger on his right hand, Hélio will be sidelined due to a lower back problem. The club's doctors believe that despite the injury, Hélio won't be out for more than one game. Fred's situation is a bit more delicate; the point guard is only expected to return if the team reaches the finals.
The Gávea team isn't just looking to secure a spot in the semifinals in advance. They want to wrap up the series early so they can have more time to rest, something they haven't had in a while due to the string of matches in both the South American League and the National Championship finals.
"The goal is to win and close out the series to recover from the wear and tear of games and trips to the semifinals. But it won't be easy. Cetaf gave us a hard time in Rio, and in Vila Velha it will be even tougher. But we trust in our team's talent. In the last match, we relaxed a bit at times, playing a bit individualistically. We need to attack with more teamwork in the upcoming matches," explained winger Duda.
Others games
Also in the quarter-final playoffs, Rio Claro beat Joinville 1-0, the Minas Tênis team is getting the better of Saldanha da Gama, also 1-0, as is Brasília who is beating Uberlândia.
Brasília is considered one of the big favorites for the National title
Sergio Du Bocage
Flamengo is only competing in the Brazilian Championship. Caio Júnior doesn't have the responsibility of being the Libertadores champion and can make more of a difference in his team's decisions. A quick search reveals that when Flamengo debuted with a victory over Santos in the Brazilian Championship, they went on to win in 80 (1-0) and 83-2 in 0. There was a draw in 81 (0-0) and a loss in 97 (3-2).
What's more, in all five titles, the coach's name began with a C: Coutinho, Carpegiani, Carlos Alberto, and Carlinhos (twice). In other words, Caio Júnior got off to a good start.
THE DAY
Caio Júnior in the dock
Flamengo coach will be tried today and could face a suspension of 30 to 720 days.
Janir Junior
Rio - After a 3-1 win against Santos in his Brasileirão debut, Caio Júnior will be looking for his second victory today, not from the bench, but from the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). The coach was charged with insulting referee Leandro Vuadem during the Copa do Brasil Round of 30 match between Goiás (his former club) and Corinthians. The punishment ranges from 720 to XNUMX days, but Caio Júnior believes he will be acquitted.
The coach appears calm. "I was upset about Goiás' 4-0 defeat, but I didn't mention the referee," said Caio, who intends to appear in court. He will be tried for insulting the referee and invading the referee's area.
Although the issue arose while he was still in charge of Goiás, the coach will be defended by Michel Assef Filho, from Flamengo's legal team. "I spoke with Caio. Even though we know he was at Goiás at the time of the possible infraction, we will defend him. He stated that he will not be punished, as he has a clear conscience knowing he did nothing to deserve his ejection. At no point did he belittle or disrespect the court," Assef Filho stated.
After yesterday's day off, the team is training full-time today at Gávea. After the turbulent times following their elimination from the Copa Libertadores, the victory over Santos has somewhat lightened the mood. The club hasn't started a Brazilian Championship with a win and top spot since 2002.
Since Flamengo won't return to action until Sunday, to face Grêmio in Porto Alegre, the coach will have time to make adjustments to the team. Defender Rodrigo has left the club and signed with São Paulo.
"The group has a great atmosphere, and that makes things easier. We're going to take advantage of the free week to work," said the coach, who will lead tactical, finishing, and collective training. After the victory over Santos, Caio Júnior came out in defense of striker Souza, who has been wasting chances in recent games.
Olympikus will be announced as the new sports equipment supplier at any moment. The legal disputes with Nike remain to be resolved.
Ten is Marcinho's shirt
The number immortalized by Zico suited the player, Flamengo's top scorer in 2008.
Janir Junior
Rio - Shortly after arriving in the Maracanã locker room before the match against Santos, Marcinho was about to begin his prayer with positive thoughts when he saw Flamengo's number 10 jersey set aside for him. After playing with the number 22 on his back since the beginning of the year, he was simultaneously surprised and fearful: after all, could the number immortalized by Zico change his fortunes or weigh him down? Neither. He scored a goal—his 11th of the season—and is the team's top scorer, and even back-heeled a pass for Íbson to score: it was the ninth assist for his teammates.
"After Renato Augusto's injury, the number 10 was kept. Against Santos, I was surprised, as I was playing with the number 22. But both were lucky. The number 10 fit me well, and I know its importance and the great history it holds. Few people get the opportunity to wear it," says Marcinho.
When he arrived at the club from Atlético-MG, Marcinho, 23, emphasized that his preferred position was fourth man in midfield. But now he's already playing as a striker. "I started playing up front out of necessity, and I've done well. Having quality in midfield also helps," he emphasizes.
A native of Irapuã, São Paulo, Marcinho has been questioned by Atlético fans for some off-field misbehavior. At Gávea, he has demonstrated his professionalism; outside the club, he asserts that he is a "quiet guy": "I spend a lot of time at home and also like to visit my friends. I'm very calm," the player asserts.
Before taking the field, Catholic Marcinho always prays; afterward, he gives thanks. And when everything goes well, he enjoys the good times to the sound of pagode and country music, his favorite genres.
Sponsored by Nike, he doesn't care much about clothes, but he likes to dress well. Flamengo's jersey, whether number 10 or number 22, seems to have suited Marcinho well.
"The first time I walked into Maracanã and saw the fans, waving all those flags and chanting, I felt what the club represents. It's something spectacular, something I'll remember forever," Marcinho adds.
Fla is full of coincidences with the Brazilian titles won
Genilson Junior
Rio - Surrounded by coincidences. That's how Flamengo fans found themselves this Monday, a day after Flamengo defeated Santos 3-1 and finished the first round atop the Brazilian Championship, thanks to the number of goals scored (see the standings). All because both times Flamengo debuted in the Brasileirão by beating Santos, they went on to win the championship. In 1980, Flamengo defeated Santos 1-0, and in 1983, they won 2-0.
Another similarity emerges when we analyze the names of the coaches who won Brazilian championships for the Red-Black team. In all five cases, the coach's name began with the letter "C." This year, the Red-Black coach is named Caio Júnior.
After these events, the red-and-black fans are somewhat divided. The most enthusiastic, like 25-year-old businessman Guilherme Alves, who lives in Barra da Tijuca, believe the sixth Brazilian title is just around the corner.
"I still haven't figured out what happened in the Libertadores elimination, but I trust this group. With these coincidences, I have a lot of faith in the sixth Brazilian championship," he said excitedly.
There are also those fans who are more down-to-earth. Like 29-year-old lawyer Raul Costa, who lives in Niterói. For him, these similarities are meaningless.
"I think taking advantage of these coincidences is the work of fans without a team. When we won our five titles, we had players who made a difference, and unfortunately, we don't have that today. We live off the folkloric Obina, who even scores goals in finals, but he's light years behind our idols of the past, only giving Zico and Junior as examples," he raged.
Check out the coaches who won for Fla:
1980 - Claudio Coutinho\ 1982 - Carpegiani\ 1983 - Carpegiani, Carlinhos. Cleber Camerino and Carlos Alberto Torres (champion)\ 1987 - Carlinhos\ 1992 - Carlinhos\
All four coaches participated in the campaign.
Defender Rodrigo thanks Flamengo and praises São Paulo
Rio - Defender Rodrigo, who played for Flamengo and agreed to transfer to São Paulo, praised the club and the red-black squad this Monday.
"I'm leaving Flamengo through the same door I entered. I'd like to thank the fans, the other players, and, most importantly, the trust of the entire medical and physiotherapy department, for recovering me and helping me through difficult times," said the defender.
According to him, what hindered him at Flamengo was "bad luck" at the beginning of the season, when he suffered a serious arm injury. Rodrigo also said he tried to reach an agreement to play for the Rio de Janeiro team for the rest of the season, without success.
The defender said that "the expectation of returning to play for São Paulo is now high, mainly because I know all the planning and structure that we can take advantage of there."
Caio Júnior begins to gain the trust of the squad
Coach will be tried tomorrow by the STJD and could be out for up to 720 days
Rio - A week after being announced as Flamengo's new coach, Caio Júnior is already earning the trust and respect of the group. Jailton, one of the starters in the coach's debut game, was full of praise for his new manager.
"He's a calm guy, who talks a lot with the players, he's always open to talk and all of us together will be successful in this Brazilian championship," commented the defensive midfielder, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
"We hope to adapt to his (Caio Júnior's) style of work as quickly as possible. The players are smart enough to adapt quickly. We already showed this in the first game, and despite Santos playing with the reserve team, we got a good result and this victory gives us peace of mind in the championship," concluded Jailton.
The team was deeply shaken after its tragic elimination from the Copa Libertadores, but the coach has already stated that with hard work and dedication from the players, the squad can overcome the elimination and focus solely on the Brazilian championship. Jailton agrees with the coach and believes Flamengo can be Brazilian champion in 2008.
"Our team is fully capable of winning the Brazilian title, especially since it maintained last year's core. We're going to fight for it. What's past is past, and it's a new life. We'll give our all to win this title."
The red-black defense's watchdog commented on the game against Santos.
"We had an obligation to win the game and we entered focused and determined. And that's how the victory came"
Flamengo, after a long time, will have a whole week to rest and train with just one match in mind, against Grêmio, at the Olímpico, next Sunday.
Tomorrow, coach Caio Júnior will be tried by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), for his statements against the refereeing and the pitch invasion that took place in the game between Goiás, Caio Júnior's team at the time, and Corinthians, for the 2006 Copa do Brasil. The coach could be suspended for up to 720 days.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Forgetting the Libertadores, Caio Jr. bets on Fla's recovery\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Caio Júnior's Flamengo debut was a good one, as the coach defeated Santos 3-1 last Sunday. But the Flamengo manager knows he can't afford to get complacent, as the team is still trying to recover from the trauma of its elimination from the Copa Libertadores. However, depending on Caio Júnior's confidence, fans can be optimistic. "The main focus is: Flamengo has quality. Therefore, the chance of turning around a bad situation is very high," commented the coach.
Flamengo finished the first round of the Brazilian Championship in first place, as they were the only team to win by two goals and score three goals. Thus, Flamengo will defend the top spot next Saturday against Grêmio in Porto Alegre.
Kléber Leite says Rodrigo will not be missed at Gávea\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - With only six games played this season, defender Rodrigo said goodbye to Flamengo, leaving the Rio de Janeiro club's directors very upset. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, assured that the player will not be missed. "May he go quickly. If Fábio Luciano is a dream player, Rodrigo is the opposite," said the director, clearly disappointed with the defender.
Rodrigo, who had agreed to a transfer to São Paulo, spent a long time in the hands of the club's medical department. The defender also angered management by demanding payment of back wages.
The defender was on loan to Flamengo from Dynamo Kiev until the end of June, but was released by Flamengo before that.
This Tuesday, STJD decides whether to remove Caio Jr from Flamengo's bench\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Caio Júnior may be left off the bench for Flamengo's upcoming Brazilian Championship matches. The coach will be tried this Tuesday by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for his sending-off against Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil, when he was in charge of Goiás, and could be suspended for up to 720 days. Caio Júnior was indicted under articles 187, paragraph II (Moral offense - referee or assistant referee in office) and 274 (Invading a place designated for the refereeing team, or for the match, test or equivalent, during its execution, including during the regulation break, or entering it without the necessary authorization) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD).
Last week, Caio said he was certain he would be acquitted, but Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, assured that the coach had no intention of undermining the STJD auditors.
"He stated that he will not be punished, as he has a clear conscience knowing that he did nothing to be sent off in the game. At no point did he disrespect or belittle the court," the lawyer explained to Justiça Desportiva.
Flamengo fans want the title so fans can forget about America\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Satisfied with the 3-1 victory over Santos that put the team at the top of the Brazilian Championship in the first round, the squad is aware that it still needs to win back the fans after the humiliation of being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores. And the players recognize that the quest for the Brazilian title is the only way for the fans to forget the defeat to América-MEX.
"Our goal isn't to have a good campaign and reach the Libertadores. Our goal is to fight for the title of this Brazilian Championship, because that would also guarantee our spot and help ease the frustration," said midfielder Jaílton.
Attacking midfielder Marcinho agrees with his teammate. "We have to bring the fans back to Maracanã. They have to have confidence in the team, because we have what it takes to be champions," he emphasized.
Souza may be blocked by Caio Júnior on an empty stomach\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - On Sunday, despite Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Santos, Souza failed to score again, extending a goal drought that has been going on since March 22.\ At least against Peixe, the striker escaped the boos of recent games because the game was played behind closed doors, serving a punishment imposed by the Superior Court of Sports Justice.\
However, the number 9 didn't escape the watchful eye of coach Caio Júnior. For the match against Santos, the rookie coach decided to give the team defeated by América-MEX a vote of confidence, but stated that he could make changes after that.
Given the bad phase, Souza begins to see the shadow of Obina grow, who already scored more goals than Souza (eight to six) in 2008, even as a reserve.
Caio Júnior will begin considering possible changes starting this Tuesday, when the red-and-black squad returns for full-time training. Defender Fábio Luciano may return, having recovered from the injury that sidelined him for the last two matches.
Flamengo's next match will be on Sunday, against Grêmio at the Olímpico.
PELENET
Jaílton sees a good future for Flamengo in the hands of Caio Júnior
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Caio Júnior seems to have truly won over everyone at Gávea. After receiving praise from striker Marcinho, the new Flamengo coach was praised by Jaílton. The midfielder believes the team has a promising future under his guidance.
"He's very calm and open to conversation. I'm sure we'll get along really well and that will help us go far this year," the player said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Another point Jaílton raised was Flamengo's recovery after their traumatic elimination from the Copa Libertadores. And the midfielder isn't about to dwell on the past.
"That's over. Now we have to think about the Brazilian Championship and returning to the Libertadores next year. And we're going to try to achieve that by winning the Brazilian Championship," he stressed.
Caio Júnior made his debut as manager of the Rubro-Negro this Sunday, with a 3-1 victory over Santos at Maracanã, in the opening match of the National Championship. The next match will be against Grêmio on Sunday at 16 pm at the Olímpico Stadium.
Marcinho praises the start of the new Flamengo coach's work
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
In his first game as coach, Caio Júnior received praise from his players, especially Marcinho. The striker praised Joel Santana's replacement after the 3-1 victory over Santos this Sunday at Maracanã, in the Brazilian Championship debut.
"He showed that he's an intelligent coach and can get everything out of a player. He gave us peace of mind to play. After a difficult game we had during the week, he gave us confidence and knew how to put the team together. If you look at the players who played today, most of them managed to put in a good performance," Marcinho emphasized.
The striker, who has been excelling this season, emphasized the importance of each game in a competition like the Brazilian Championship. "We have to treat each game like a final. We won, which was good, but tomorrow (Monday) we have to think about Grêmio. Analyze their style of play to put in a good performance and win, because in the Brazilian Championship, winning away from home is crucial," he said.
Playing behind closed doors wasn't approved by the player, even with likely pressure from the fans. "Personally, I'd prefer a game with a good crowd, as it shows who has character. There are experienced players in the squad, and I'm sure we would have played a great game either way," Marcinho analyzed.
Legal department confident in Caio Júnior's acquittal
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
If it's up to Flamengo's legal department, Caio Júnior is expected to be acquitted in the trial held this Tuesday. The coach could face a suspension ranging from 30 to 720 days. He was charged after the Goiás-Corinthians match in the Copa do Brasil, when he was in charge of the emerald team, for insulting the referee and invading the Pacaembu pitch.
"I'm confident of the acquittal, because besides being certain that Caio didn't say the offensive words that were in the report, I have an ace up my sleeve. I hope I can convince the auditors," said the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, in an interview with Rádio Manchete.
Caio signed with Rubro-Negro last week and Michel surprised everyone by saying he was unaware that the coach could be reported for what happened in the national competition.
"Flamengo didn't know about this. Caio himself wasn't sure if he could be subject to disciplinary proceedings. But in any case, I've already received him and prepared my defense," he revealed.
The trials of Bruno, Jônatas, and Toró are also scheduled for Tuesday. All three were charged by the Disciplinary Committee, and the goalkeeper was acquitted. The other two were suspended for one match.
Michel Assef Filho hopes the decision will be upheld in the Full Court. They were charged with the incidents during the classic match between Flamengo and Botafogo, held on March 13th, a part of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship.
"I hope the full court upholds the Disciplinary Committee's decision. The ruling that worries me most is Caio Júnior's. We can't be without a manager. At the start of the Brazilian Championship, we need him to take the reins. Being without a coach would be bad for the team," he concluded.
Hired by São Paulo, Rodrigo explains his departure from Fla
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Rodrigo confirmed his departure from Flamengo on Monday. The defender, who played little at Gávea, has already signed with São Paulo, the club he excelled at in 2004 and where he will play until the end of the current season. However, despite the Rubro-Negro being a thing of the past, the player didn't want to leave a bad impression.
Therefore, he thanked the fans for their support and also the attention of the medical department, which helped him recover from a serious injury to his right arm.
"I'm leaving Flamengo through the same door I entered. I'd like to thank the fans, the other players, and, most importantly, the trust of the entire medical and physiotherapy department for helping me recover and helping me through these difficult times," he said.
"Unfortunately, during my time at Flamengo, I can say that I was a bit unlucky at the beginning of the season, due to the serious injury I suffered to my arm. I am fully convinced that I have always fulfilled my obligations to the club and that I tried to reach an agreement to continue defending Flamengo this season," he declared, through his press office.
Hired as captain Fábio Luciano's ideal partner, Rodrigo rarely played for Flamengo. In total, he played only four games. Therefore, based on a cost-benefit analysis, the club's board made no effort to extend his contract.
GLOBOESPORTE
Rubro-Negro regains leadership of the Brazilian Championship after a long period
Fla had not been in first place since its debut in the 2002 edition.
From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro
Besides erasing some of the negative impression left by last Wednesday's loss to América de México in the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo's 3-1 victory this Sunday against Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro (watch the goals in the video below) broke a long streak. Flamengo hadn't finished top of the table since the first round of the competition in 2002.
On that occasion, Flamengo defeated Internacional 3-1 at Beira-Rio Stadium, finishing the first weekend of the 2002 Brasileirão at the top of the table. Flamengo's goals in that match were scored by Liédson (two) and Felipe Melo. However, that victory didn't signal a successful campaign, as the Rio de Janeiro club fought to avoid relegation until the final rounds.
Before 2002, Flamengo had been joint-leader of the Brazilian Championship in 1999, alongside Corinthians. The top spot came after a 5-2 victory at the Maracanã over Vitória. The problem was the red-and-black streak. In the remaining ten games, they had eight losses, one draw, and one win. The final record took away the chance of the title being held at Gávea.
Caio Júnior faces court this Tuesday
A coach has been reported to the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) for insulting a referee while still at Goiás. Flamengo's lawyer will defend him.
From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro
Caio Júnior sits in the dock this Tuesday
Having barely arrived at Flamengo, coach Caio Júnior could be barred from the bench for a long time. However, the Flamengo manager told the press that he is fully confident he will be acquitted.
The coach was reported for having insulted referee Leandro Vuadem, in the match between Goiás and Corinthians, in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, when he was still coaching the Goiás club.
Caio Júnior's statements that he believes he will be acquitted were even explained by Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, to avoid misinterpretation.
"I spoke with Caio Júnior, and we at Flamengo will defend him, even though we know he was in charge of Goiás at the time of the alleged infraction. He stated that he will not be punished, as he has a clear conscience knowing he did nothing to deserve his ejection. At no point did he belittle or disrespect the court," the lawyer explains.
If punished, Caio Júnior could face a sentence of 30 to 720 days. In the locker room after the match against Santos, the coach explained that the comments were not offensive to the referee.
- I was angry about Goiás' defeat (4-0) and I didn't refer to the referee - he guarantees
Souza receives support from Caio Júnior
Striker hasn't scored in eight games and becomes a target for fans. Coach reassures him
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Souza has a low goal average at Flamengo
Souza arrived at Flamengo as the top scorer in the 2006 Brazilian Championship, with Goiás. His goals didn't come in the same proportion at Gávea, but the striker's "pivot" style always earned him praise from coaches and respect from fans. That was until last Wednesday.
After the loss to América-MEX, the center forward was singled out by fans as one of the main culprits for the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores. Newcomer Caio Júnior ignored the criticism and put him in the team against Santos. The closed gates at Maracanã prevented any potential boos.
Souza struggled, headed a ball off the crossbar, started the play for the second goal, and left the field in the second half again without finding the net and visibly upset. His drought has reached eight games.
"Souza is tired. But he's a player who needs peace of mind to perform, and if it's up to the coach, he'll have that peace of mind," says Caio Júnior.
In 64 games for Flamengo, the striker scored 21 times, averaging 0,32 goals per game.
Fla praises captain Fábio Luciano
Even though he was injured, the defender went to the hotel and locker room to support his teammates.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
The elimination to América-MEX had an impact on captain Fábio Luciano. Faced with some reports that he didn't play in Wednesday's match due to a salary crisis, Flamengo rushed to his defense.
In any chat, players complain about the unfair treatment of the captain.
"What they did to Fábio is absurd. He would never do that. He's a great example for the entire squad," said defender Thiago Sales.
After the match against Santos, coach Caio Júnior made a point of remembering that, even injured, Fábio appeared to encourage the team.
"The group is great. Our captain went to the hotel and the locker room, and that strengthens the team," said the coach.
New leaderships
However, in his initial conversations with the players, the coach detected a certain dependence on the captain. Therefore, when he's not on the field, the others tend to feel lost.
"We need to create new leaders so we don't have to rely on just one player. It's a job I enjoy and intend to do here," said Caio Júnior (watch the red-and-black coach's interview in the video above).
In the match against Santos, Bruno was the captain. With the stadium empty, it was clear the goalkeeper was striving to be a leader. He never remained silent, always trying to guide his teammates.
THROW
Fábio Luciano thinks about quitting playing
Flamengo captain reveals his tiredness and wants to dedicate more time to his family.
Fábio Luciano promises that Gávea will be his last home as a player (Credit: TV LANCE!)
Rodrigo Benchimol RIO DE JANEIRO
Everything pointed to a quiet day of training for Flamengo. A victory over Santos, the starters were rested from the field, and only Renato Augusto, recovering from an injury, was running laps around the field. Until captain Fábio Luciano decided to announce that he might be playing his last season on the field. (See the full interview with the player in this Tuesday's edition of LANCE!).
"In principle, the reason for stopping is to spend more time with my family. But this end-of-year thing I mentioned isn't a given yet; it's just an idea that's maturing. On the other hand, it might be now. In three months, I might say it's over," he said, surprised.
If Fábio Luciano does indeed retire, Flamengo will not only lose its captain and central defender, but, most importantly, a leader in the art of guiding his teammates. Therefore, he has already named his likely successors:
"Léo Moura has this characteristic, despite speaking less than I do. Bruno needs to be more of a leader because he's an important player for the team and everyone listens to him."
The center of the controversy surrounding his absence from the match against América de México last Wednesday in the Libertadores, the captain guaranteed that he will only leave Rubro-Negro to retire.
- I won't swap Flamengo for another club - he promised.
Flamengo leads the Brazilian championship after six years
Rubro-Negro started at the top of the competition for the last time in 2002
Flamengo x Santos 2008 (Credit: Lancepress!)
Fla x Vitória, in 99
Inter x Fla, in 2002
LANCEPRESS!
Besides erasing some of the negative impression left by last Wednesday's loss to América de México in the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo's 3-1 victory this Sunday against Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro broke a long-standing streak. Flamengo hadn't finished top of the league since the first round of the competition in 2002.
On that occasion, Flamengo defeated Internacional 3-1 at Beira-Rio Stadium, finishing the first weekend of the 2002 Brasileirão at the top of the table. Flamengo's goals in that match were scored by Liédson (two) and Felipe Melo. However, that victory didn't signal a successful campaign, as the Rio de Janeiro club fought to avoid relegation until the final rounds.
Before 2002, Flamengo had been joint-leader of the Brazilian Championship in 1999, alongside Corinthians. The top spot came after a 5-2 victory at the Maracanã over Vitória. The problem was the red-and-black streak. In the remaining ten games, they had eight losses, one draw, and one win. The final record took away the chance of the title being held at Gávea.
Caio Júnior should have 'reinforcements' for Sunday
Coach has a chance to count on Renato Augusto and Fábio Luciano against Grêmio\ LANCEPRESS!\
After an excellent debut in charge of Flamengo, coach Caio Júnior should have the return of two very important players in the next match for the red-blacks, on Sunday, against Grêmio: Renato Augusto and Fábio Luciano.
The midfielder is already in physical training and only missed the first round of the Brazilian Championship due to a lack of match fitness. The defender and captain is expected to return to training with the rest of the group on Wednesday.
Fábio Luciano is expected to return to the team in place of Leonardo. Renato Augusto will compete with Marcinho for the position.
Michel Asseff: 'I have an ace up my sleeve'
Flamengo's lawyer will defend Caio Júnior at trial
LANCEPRESS!\ He's barely arrived at Flamengo and coach Caio Júnior could already be banned from working. This is because the coach was reported for having insulted referee Leandro Vuaden, in the match between Goiás and Corinthians, in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, when he was still in charge of the emerald team.\
Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, claims he was unaware of the incident, as was the coach, but has already devised a defense to avoid Caio Junior's suspension, which could range from 30 to 720 days. The trial will take place this Tuesday.
"I have an ace up my sleeve to indict him, but I prefer not to reveal it at the moment. Flamengo was unaware of the incident. Caio had no recollection of the incident. I received the complaint, which shows that he was indicted for invading the pitch and insulting the referee. Flamengo is confident of his acquittal, as is our coach," he told Rádio Manchete.
At Fla, Rodrigo barely completed 90 minutes
Tricolor reinforcement, defender had a series of problems at Gávea\ LANCEPRESS!\
Even if São Paulo manages to register Rodrigo to play in the Libertadores quarter-finals, which they would have to do by 21:50 pm (Brasília time) this Monday, the defender may not be a good option to face Fluminense.
Despite his quality, which experts have widely praised, Rodrigo hasn't played since February 7th, when he fractured his right arm. The defender recently completed his recovery. He only returned to training with the ball last week.
Furthermore, Rodrigo hasn't even completed 90 minutes on the field this season—not counting injury time. The match in which he was injured, the last of the First Phase of the Taça Guanabara (First Round of the Campeonato Carioca), was his first and only start. It was on this occasion that he spent the longest time on the field: 40 minutes.
Before that, Rodrigo only played three more times, all during games (see list below). Because he arrived at preseason overweight, he had to spend more time getting into shape than his teammates. Hence, the few opportunities. And when he did get one, he was injured.
- He didn't have time to show anything at Flamengo, - summarized Rodrigo Benchimol, reporter who covers Flamengo for LANCE! and LANCENET!.
The three-month recovery period for the fractured right arm was met. During this time, however, Rodrigo was unhappy about not being able to work with the group and became even more irritated when his paychecks were delayed. Reason enough to leave Gávea.
The defender's behavior even angered the club's vice president, Kléber Leite. The director made statements criticizing Rodrigo's actions and praising Fábio Luciano.
None of this, however, deterred São Paulo fans, who already had the player in 2004 and 2005 and approached him at the beginning of this season. For Benchimol, Rodrigo could succeed at Morumbi once again:
"He's visibly fitter today than when he arrived. I think he can come in and play, but he'll lack match fitness. That's his main problem. At São Paulo, he'll have everything he needs, which is to improve his mental skills and get opportunities."
See the list of games at Flamengo:
DAY MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP TIME ON THE FIELD\ 24/1 Flamengo 4 x 1 Cardoso Moreira Carioca 12 minutes\ 27/1 Flamengo 5 x 1 Duque de Caxias Carioca 24 minutes\ 2/2 Flamengo 5 x 0 América Carioca 11 minutes\ 7/2 Flamengo 2 x 1 Volta Redonda Carioca 40 minutes\
He started as a starter and left after fracturing his right arm.