The Globe
Fla prepares for a cold one in Curitiba
Without Jaílton, the red-black team faces Paraná, worried about the refereeing and the threat of cold and rain.
CURITIBA. With the remainder of their August salaries deposited two days ago, Flamengo's players are preparing to literally enter a cold spell. With 40 points and in 13th place, the red-and-black team faces Paraná, who are fighting to escape the relegation zone (16th, with 18 points), today at 34 p.m. at the Durival Brito Stadium. While it was very hot in Curitiba yesterday, the forecast predicts temperatures between 13 and 18 degrees Celsius this afternoon.
With their inability to play well away from home, the cold and the possibility of rain are additional obstacles in Flamengo's ongoing struggle to escape the abyss and maintain a modicum of consistency in this Brazilian Championship. Once again, coach Joel Santana will be without a player. Jaílton will be replaced by Toró.
"Paraná's situation isn't good. We also need to win to have some peace of mind in the standings," said coach Joel Santana.
Another problem Flamengo expects to face today is the refereeing. The club has complained extensively about the lineup of Minas Gerais native Alício Pena Júnior, claiming he is ill-intentioned and consistently makes mistakes: in seven games under his leadership, they have not won a single match.
Juan will be honored in the classic with Vasco
While there are restrictions regarding refereeing, at least one player is experiencing a special moment at the club. Left-back Juan is going through some emotional days. He's making his 100th appearance for Flamengo and will be honored by the board at Thursday's derby against Vasco da Gama at Maracanã. The match was confirmed yesterday by the Military Police, who promised the CBF that policing would be commensurate with the importance of the match and the ferocity of both sets of fans.
Unaware of the tributes, Juan knows that the red-black team will have difficulties today.
- Paraná has a good home record and the pitch doesn't favor our team, which relies on passing the ball - said Juan.
Despite Juan's observation, Joel Santana took a different tack. He didn't want to create a climate of rivalry and stated:
"We need to win, and now is the time to transmit energy. There's no point in saying the pitch is bad or that it's going to rain. Flamengo has to go out on the field, play, and win," said Joel Santana.
Paraná debuts coach Saulo de Freitas, who took over last Monday, replacing Lori Sandri, who resigned after the 4-0 rout by Figueirense. One of the standout players for the Paraná team is former Flamengo player Vinícius Pacheco, who also starts. He will play as a second striker, alongside Josiel, the Brazilian Championship's top scorer. Saulo hopes to leverage the player's speed to surprise Flamengo.
Referee: Alício Pena Junior (MG).
BROADCAST: Rede Globo
Sports Panorama
SOS: Fla is mobilized to find Sebastião Mendes, one of the greatest athletes in the club's history and who has been missing since May.
Sports Journal
Fla tries to escape the abyss
Flamengo faces Paraná needing to win to distance itself from the relegation zone
Thiago Bokel
Get out of here, get out of here! Speedy striker Maxi Biancucchi is one of the red-and-blacks' weapons for today's game.
As Joel Santana himself said after the victory over leaders São Paulo, things at Flamengo change from one game to the next. Just when people thought the team had finally escaped the agony of relegation, the loss to Fluminense, combined with victories by their opponents directly facing relegation, put the team just three points behind the bottom four.
Today, another chapter of this story will be written. Rubro-Negro faces Paraná at 16 p.m. at Durival de Brito Stadium, desperately needing a victory.
To beat this tough opponent, ranked 18th, the team will have to overcome a few challenges. The cramped and poorly maintained field, coupled with the fact that the team hasn't won away since May 20th—when they defeated Goiás 3-1 at Serra Dourada—is weighing on the Red-Blacks. Furthermore, several players are missing due to injuries and suspensions. For the coach, however, this is no time for regrets.
Lamentations
"I'm working with the best I have at the moment to select the team. I can't worry about the absences and the condition of the pitch, especially because the fans want to see a feisty team that seeks victory at any cost; that's what we're going to do," Joel stated.
To break this uncomfortable situation, the coach relies on the speed of striker Maxi Biancucchi, who since returning to the team against Juventude has failed to replicate the strong performances he showed when he first arrived. Now, to avoid the opponent's traps, the striker will be crucial in finally alleviating the suffering of a fanbase tired of so much complaining.
Detailed examinations for the end of 'flip-flops' at Fla
The board's patience with striker Leonardo's string of injuries at Flamengo appears to be nearing its end. Aware that he needs to prove himself, the player is already apprehensive about his future at Gávea.
"I have a contract until the end of the year, and it's up to the board to renew it or not. Even with only a few games left in the championship, I still hope to help the team. I really want to get back to playing, because this situation is weighing me down," lamented Leonardo.
Like the striker, another player under close surveillance is midfielder Roger. Flamengo's medical department sent both players for more detailed examinations to determine the origin of the injuries that are preventing them from playing. Both remained in Rio, as did Jaílton, undergoing treatment to be available for Joel as soon as possible.
Salaries on time
After paying 50% of the players' salaries on the day of the victory over São Paulo, Flamengo's board paid the remaining portion yesterday. Since payroll isn't due until the 25th, salaries are up to date. The club still owes the bonus for this year's Carioca title, but there's no set date for payment.
Souza meets João Vítor again after fracture
Souza was very upset by the accidental play that took the Paraná player off the field. The striker is in high spirits with the fans.
As he steps onto the Durival de Brito pitch this afternoon, striker Souza will recall a traumatic moment in his career. Despite being unharmed, on March 14th of this year, when Flamengo defeated Paraná in the Libertadores group stage, the top scorer in the last Brazilian Championship accidentally took a teammate off the field.
The play occurred in the 19th minute of the first half, just before midfielder Renato scored the winning goal for Flamengo. Souza, inside the box, facing goalkeeper Flávio, ended up hitting defender João Vítor's left arm, which resulted in an open fracture.
After seven months, the players' situation is very different.
While Souza is slowly winning over the fans with strong performances, João Vítor hasn't played since. The defender is in the final stages of recovery but isn't expected to return to action until next year.
Even with the victory in that game, Souza was very dejected after the play. To erase this last bad impression of the stadium once and for all, nothing better for Souza than to leave Curitiba with all three points and, if possible, with the winning goal being his own.
Léo Moura and Juan with complete freedom to attack
Léo Moura has already scored five goals in the Brazilian Championship
Flamengo's top scorers in the Brazilian Championship, full-backs Juan and Leonardo Moura, will have complete freedom to attack in the match against Paraná this Saturday at 16 pm at Durival de Brito Stadium. Coach Joel Santana praised the extremely attacking duo and justified the tactics adopted for the match.
"There are things in football that you can't hold back. How can I hold back two players with their technical quality and offensive prowess? I can't hold back both of them," Joel told Rádio Tupi.
The club's manager also took the opportunity to praise defensive midfielder Jaílton, who will be out of action this Saturday. According to the coach, the player's main qualities are his tactical obedience and his determination on the field.
"Jaílton fit right in in midfield. He's a good defender, has good physical quality, and is obedient. In his position, I need obedient players," the coach concluded.
Leonardo: 'It's up to the board to renew or not'
Striker Leonardo is suffering from an injury that will keep him out of the remaining matches of the Brazilian Championship. The player confirmed that these injuries could make it difficult to renew his contract with Flamengo.
"It's up to the board to renew or not. I have a contract until December, there are eight games left in the Brazilian Championship, and I still hope to help Flamengo this year," Leonardo told Rádio Brasil.
The athlete confessed that he is anxious to see the results of the exams and that the withdrawal in the final stretch of the tournament makes him sad, as he wants to help the Rubro-Negro team.
"I had all the tests done on Thursday and should get the results on Monday. I really want to train and play. I'm very shaken and sad about the injury," he said.
Favorites already emerge in the Adult State Basketball Championship
After two weeks of action, the State Basketball Championship is already taking shape. Thirteen matches have been played, and the title favorites have already taken the top spots in the standings.
Vasco and Flamengo, as expected, share the lead. Both teams have a 100% record. While Vasco has three wins (Iguaçu, Volta Redonda, and Fluminense), Flamengo have won their only two matches (Volta Redonda and Fluminense). Tomorrow, the Gávea club returns to the court to face Municipal. A loss would leave their archrival in sole possession of the lead.
Next up is Fluminense, which is competing in the competition in partnership with Minas Tênis. Tricolor has already played all of its first-round matches so its players could return to Minas Gerais, where they will have Mineiro commitments. In seven matches, Tricolor has won five. The two losses were in classics (91-86 to Fla and 89-77 to Vasco). The team's success rate is 85,7%.
Completing the group of four that advance to the semifinals is Campos. The team from the North Fluminense region partnered with the Espírito Santo team from CETAF and entered the State Championship with a strong group. They've already played two matches. With one win (Municipal) and one loss (Fluminense), they have a 75% record.
The biggest highlight so far is Vasco's campaign. The team has the best goal difference in the competition. The difference in points converted to conceded is 86. The second-best team is Fluminense, with 61.
At the start of the State Championship, Vasco da Gama signed a partnership with Brasília, the current Brazilian champion, and established themselves as the biggest threat to Flamengo's third title.
Flamengo defeats Botafogo and leads the women's water polo state championship
Flamengo won 30-4 (7-0, 9-0, 7-2 and 7-2) over Botafogo, yesterday, at the Gávea pool, in the Women's State Water Polo Championship. Striker Illana Pinheiro shone with 10 goals, also scoring for the Rubro-Negro: Karina (six), Luíza Jordy (three), Manuela (three), Carol Mello (five) Mariana (two) and Diana. For the Alvinegro, Adara (two), Luna and Talita scored.
O Dia
Fla: It's time to change the writing
Flamengo tries to avoid poor results away from home against Paraná
Marluci Martins
Rio - Flamengo's hosts in the Brazilian Championship have been less than courteous. They've been blocking the goal in front of the visiting team, preventing the ball from going in. To breathe a little easier, this situation will need to change, starting at 16 p.m. today at Durival de Brito Stadium, home of Paraná.
The match against the team from Paraná, in the relegation zone, turned into a nightmare because Flamengo won only one of the 12 games they played on the opposing field. The victory over Goiás (3-1), in the second round, was on May 20th.
Flamengo's average number of goals in the Brasileirão is 1,5, but taking into account only away games, there is a drop to 0,92. Of the players who take to the field today to face Paraná, only three managed to score goals at the opponent's home: Léo Moura (2), Juan and Souza.
Not even coach Joel Santana can explain what happens to Flamengo when it's away from its fans. He, who hasn't yet tasted victory away from home, uses a term often avoided by those in the football world: "It's a crisis," he said, summing up the situation as something he can't explain.
Just as he can't explain the poor away performance, Joel has trouble figuring out the secret to turning the situation around: "Just don't let it get too easy. You can't let it get too easy when nothing is in your favor. In fact, not even the fans at the stadium will be supportive," he said.
If it depends on Joel Santana, Flamengo will not make life easy for Paraná, who only have 34 points and are at risk of being relegated to the second division.
The situation doesn't faze the coach. "I think Flamengo has to do its part and leave the Paraná issue behind. When we have a problem, nobody cares about it," he stated, predicting a fiercely contested match, as the opponent is in a desperate situation. "Flamengo can't afford to make mistakes," concluded Joel Santana.
In search of a second away win, Joel wants perfection
Rio - Coach Joel Santama asked Flamengo players for "perfection" in the match against Paraná, which takes place this Saturday, at the Durival de Britto Stadium, in Curitiba, when the team will try to win their second away game in this Brazilian Championship.
As a visitor, the Gávea club only beat Goiás, at Serra Dourada, 3-1, in a match in the second round of the championship, held on May 20. In total, the red-black team has collected 5 draws and 6 losses in matches outside of Rio de Janeiro.
"We have to play a perfect match if we want to win. They have a new coach, and that motivates the players. But Flamengo has to think only about itself. We have to face the challenge and win," said coach Joel Santana.
Against the Paraná team, the Rio de Janeiro team's record isn't good either. In 20 matches, Flamengo has won only six and lost 11 times to this Saturday's rival.
To achieve victory, the coach hopes to count on the presence of the red-black fans, who according to him, even playing away from home, can make a difference.
"We won't be far from our fans. Flamengo fans are everywhere, always present. We're going to try to put an end to this history of not winning away from home," said Joel.
The information comes from reporter Rodrigo Viga, from Terra
Sports Gazette
Fla visits Paraná worried about last place\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Looking to bounce back from last weekend's losses, Paraná and Flamengo return to action this Saturday, when they face off at Durival de Brito Stadium at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) for the thirty-first round of the Brazilian Championship. With a game in hand on all their opponents—except Vasco—the Rio de Janeiro team has 40 points and still doesn't know where they'll be in the standings in the final stretch of the competition. The Paraná team, with 34 points, is focused solely on avoiding relegation. After a three-match run at Maracanã, where they earned six points, coach Joel Santana is hoping for a strong performance in the next three games. In addition to Paraná, Flamengo faces rivals Vasco and Grêmio.
"We're close to the Copa Sudamericana and the relegation zone, between heaven and hell. We'll finish in heaven, but these will be three even tougher games than the ones we're playing now. If we win, we'll open up a good gap on our opponents. This is a crucial moment; we have to pick up points," analyzed Joel, who has yet to win a match outside of Rio de Janeiro since taking over at Flamengo. In five matches, he's lost four and drawn only one.
For this Saturday's game, Joel Santana celebrates the return of attacking midfielder Maximiliano Biancucchi, who served a suspension against Fluminense. Meanwhile, forward Obina continues to serve the penalty imposed by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for the elbow he struck Internacional's Índio. Defensive midfielder Jaílton, midfielders Roger and Renato Augusto, and forward Leonardo are also out for the Rio de Janeiro team, with physical problems. Of these, only Jaílton had been playing and will be replaced by Toró.
In addition to the absences, Flamengo also had a confusing week due to the dismissal of midfielder Léo Lima, who had his contract terminated by the red-black board, tired of his irregularity and numerous cases of indiscipline.
Left-back Juan will experience a special moment this Saturday, when he completes his 2006th appearance for Flamengo. He joined the Rio de Janeiro club in early 2007. During this time, he won last year's Copa do Brasil and the XNUMX Campeonato Carioca. Juan recently renewed his contract with Flamengo for three more seasons.
"I'm very happy to wear this Flamengo jersey, but I can't hide my concern about getting Flamengo out of this situation. This match against Paraná will be a key one because it's a direct clash. Everyone in the mix is at risk of relegation. Our reality is to fight against relegation," warned Juan.
In Paraná, newcomer Saulo de Freitas says he's confident he can help the team in Serie A. The coach took advantage of the week without training to make some changes to the Tricolor from Paraná. Starting with the tactical scheme, the team will no longer play with three center-backs. Defender Daniel Marques will be out of the lineup, and the coach remains uncertain about whether Giuliano or Everton will be a midfielder.
Another change made by the new coach is the addition of Vinícius Pacheco to attack, alongside Josiel, the Brazilian Championship's top scorer. "Vinícius Pacheco is playing in the wrong position. He's explosive and likes to dribble and go forward. His ideal position is very close to the box. If he starts providing Josiel with ammunition, many goals will come," predicts the Paraná coach.
Fábio Luciano admits concern about Brazilian top scorer\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - This Saturday, Flamengo will face an important challenge in its fight to stave off the specter of relegation. In Curitiba, the Red-Blacks will face Paraná, which, despite its poor campaign, boasts Josiel, the Brazilian Championship's top scorer with 18 goals. Captain of the Rio de Janeiro team, defender Fábio Luciano, guarantees he won't neglect the opposing player. "He's a player who deserves a lot of attention. We won't man-mark him, but we have to be very alert. Josiel is a very fast player and a great finisher," Fábio stated.
Coach Joel Santana spoke with his players this Friday and asked them to forget about their opponent's crisis. The Paraná team is in the relegation zone, with only 34 points.
"Paraná's situation isn't good, but we don't have to worry about our opponent's problems. We also need to win to maintain our stability in the standings, and we're well prepared for that," commented Joel Santana.
PeléNet'
Fla is eager for an away win to boost morale in the Brazilian Championship
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo is hoping to win its second away game in the Brazilian Championship. Their first and only victory came in a 3-1 victory over Goiás on May 20th. Flamengo's chance to change this situation will come in this Saturday's match against Paraná, at 16 pm at Durival de Britto Stadium, in the 31st round of the national competition.
Coach Joel Santana hopes the team will triumph and further avoid relegation. Flamengo is currently in 13th place with 40 points.
"We need to win and be in a better position to avoid relegation. Who knows, maybe a win will be a sign of other good results away from home?" he said.
For Toró, the important thing is to be a starter at Flamengo
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Toró remains a starter for Flamengo, who face Paraná Clube this Saturday at 16 p.m. in Curitiba, in the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship. However, unlike the classic against Fluminense (a 2-0 loss), the player will play in the middle, his original position, and not in attack.
According to the Flamengo player, the important thing is to be a starter. Toró ended up being dropped back, as the team lost midfielder Jaílton to suspension, but will have the return of forward Maxi Biancucchi.
"For Flamengo, I play in any position. My goal is always to help the red-and-black team. We will have a very difficult match against Paraná Clube," he said in an interview with "Rádio Brasil".
In this way, Flamengo enters the field with the following formation: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Rômulo, Cristian, Toró and Ibson; Maxi Biancucchi and Souza.
Leonardo sees injuries as problems for staying at Flamengo
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Leonardo remains out of the Flamengo squad. With a thigh injury, the Flamengo striker has been undergoing a series of tests to determine why he's been sidelined for so long. In light of this issue, the player revealed that his stay at Gávea in 2008 was complicated.
"I believe that if I had had a sequence, I would certainly have renewed my contract with Flamengo. But, unfortunately, this has been happening. Whether I renew or not depends on the board," said Leonardo, who has a contract with the club until the end of this year.
Leonardo hasn't played since September 23, when Flamengo drew 2-2 with Juventude in Caxias do Sul. In fact, in that match, the striker scored one of the team's goals.
"I finished the tests yesterday (Thursday) and the results will come out on Monday. The pain in my thigh is very bad and we are trying to find out what the problem is. Let's hope there is nothing wrong," he concluded, in an interview with "Rádio Brasil".
BalloonSport
Fla x Paraná: Vila will heat up
Relegation threatens both, but Rio de Janeiro residents want to overthrow the executioner in Curitiba
The historic executioner against the recently abused rival. Or, simply put, Paraná versus Flamengo. The two teams face off this Saturday at 16 p.m. at Vila Capanema in a direct relegation battle. The match is part of the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship.
Overall, the Red-Blacks are a regular rival of Paraná. In 20 matches, they've lost 11 and won only six. In the first round, the Curitiba team won 2-1 in Uberlândia (check out the highlights in the video above).
Check out the Brasileirão standings
But the Rio de Janeiro team isn't just plagued by bad statistics. In the last three visits to the Tricolor, Flamengo has managed three victories. Two of them came in the 2005 and 2006 Brazilian championships (1-0 and 2-0) and more recently in the Copa Libertadores (1-0).
GLOBOESPORTE.COM is covering the game in real time. TV Globo (Rio de Janeiro) is also broadcasting the match. Left-back Juan was on the field in the last match. According to him, there's no point in making any comparisons:
"The teams have changed a lot. Not even the coaches are the same. And the pitch is tough. When we played in March, it was already bad. Now, almost at the end of the year, it's likely to get worse."
Take down the direct rival
In the Brazilian Championship standings, Flamengo's situation is somewhat more comfortable. The team sits in 13th place with 40 points. Paraná, with 34, sits in 18th place and is stuck in the relegation zone.
Maxi is back in the Flamengo team
For coach Joel Santana, the six-point gap needs to be widened:
"We need ten more points to avoid relegation. If we beat Paraná, we'll defeat an opponent and get even closer to our goal."
Still without Renato Augusto and Roger, who are injured, the coach made few changes to the team that lost 2-0 to Fluminense. The only change is the return of Maxi to the team. He served a suspension and replaces Jaílton, another player who is out due to medical issues. With the Argentine's entry, Toró moves from attack to midfield.
New coach against the crisis
Fear of relegation has left the atmosphere tense at Tricolor. Against Flamengo, the main news will be the debut of coach Saulo, who replaced Lori Sandri as the team's manager this week.
One of the new coach's first concerns was to ensure that all players received psychological support, as their nerves were frayed. Saulo's team will be more attacking, using a 4-4-2 formation, with Nem and Neguette in the center-back duo.
Up front, the attacking duo has also been confirmed with Josiel and Vinicius Pacheco. The only question is in midfield. Although Goiano, Adriano, and Beto have already been confirmed, Saulo still doesn't know whether to go with Giuliano or Everton. While there are doubts about the lineup, the same isn't true regarding the team's stance.
"The attitude against Flamengo will certainly be different. We'll go after them. Although we have several defensive players, when we have the ball, we'll push forward. Flamengo's full-backs are very supportive, and we'll exploit that. Of course, we can't let our marking slide, but in the situation we're in, we need to go for the result," he states.
Management pays salaries up to date
The red-and-black club pays its salaries for the month of August. The next payroll is due on the 25th.
At least until the 25th, Flamengo can be proud of having its payroll up to date. Last Thursday, the club paid the second installment of its players' August salaries.
The payment was made in installments. The first installment was paid in early October. However, the club still owes bonuses from Brazilian Championship victories and the State Championship. There is no timetable for the debt to be paid off.
Leonardo fears renewal with Fla
Constant injuries worry the striker: 'I'm very shaken and sad'
Like midfielder Roger, forward Leonardo is also dealing with an injury that prevents him from helping Flamengo in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. The player stated that the injuries could hinder his contract renewal with the Rubro-Negro.
"It's up to the board to renew or not. I have a contract until December, there are eight games left in the Brazilian Championship, and I still hope to help Flamengo this year," he said in an interview with "Rádio Brasil."
Leonardo confessed that the absence makes him sad, as he wants to be available to Joel Santana and help his teammates.
"I had all the tests done on Thursday and should get the results on Monday. I really want to train and play. I'm very upset and sad about the injury."
Leonardo's last goal for Flamengo was in the match against Juventude (watch the move in the video above).
Joel criticizes the Maracanã pitch
Flamengo coach says the stadium is beautiful on the outside but horrible on the inside
The Maracanã pitch has been in disrepair since the end of the Pan American Games. Flamengo coach Joel Santana is not at all satisfied with the pitch at Maracanã. Flamengo won't be using the stadium this weekend, but the pitch's condition for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship is a concern for the coach.
- Maracanã is beautiful on the outside but horrible on the inside. The pitch is awful.
Criticism of the field has been mounting since the Pan American Games. The stadium was used for the opening and closing ceremonies, and the grass was severely damaged. To make matters worse, there were too many games at the Maracanã in the second half of the year.
"There are so many potholes. Everyone suffers from them. I hope they solve this problem soon," says Joel.
Flamengo's next game at the stadium is theoretically against Vasco da Gama next Thursday. The day before, Brazil faces Ecuador. However, there's a possibility the state derby could be postponed at the request of the Military Police.
Fla escapes the predictable label
Joel Santana says that dependence on full-backs is a quality and not a defect
Eduardo Peixoto
Juan (center) and Leo Moura (right) are Flamengo's attacking weapons. Flamengo's attacking sector is hostage to the full-backs. The team's top scorers in the Brazilian Championship, with five goals, Leonardo Moura and Juan are also the main players responsible for setting up the plays.
However, this dependence causes problems. One of them is the team's supposed predictability. The solution, theoretically, is simple: mark the wingers. Coach Joel Santana agrees that both are essential to the team's success:
"Their strong point is their aggressiveness. How can I counter that? But if they're doing well, it's because the team is working."
In the derby against Fluminense, Juan was neutralized by the opposing defense. He acknowledges that the defense is more attentive to the red-and-black's strength.
"Everyone knows what our strengths are. And since last year, the team has been playing very well on the wings. Of course, this increases our marking," says the full-back.
Throw
Joel complains about the referee selection for the game
Alício Pena Júnior refereed seven Flamengo games and the club did not win
Coach Joel Santana commented on the selection of referee Alício Pena Júnior to officiate the match against Paraná. The coach's complaint is that Flamengo has lost six and drawn one of the seven matches under the referee.
"There are no coincidences in football. If we talk about it before the game, they'll say we're creating an anti-game, but we're setting numbers, and no one can deny that. This referee hasn't been very successful in Flamengo's last few games, and we were surprised by his lineup again," the coach stated, calling for loyalty and respect on the field.
Paraná vs Flamengo: decisive game for both
Paranistas need the victory to try to get out of the relegation zone and Rubro-Negros to get away from it
Ricardo Brejinski
The match between Paraná and Flamengo this Saturday at 16 p.m. at Durival de Brito Stadium in Curitiba will be the first of nine matches between the two teams to avoid relegation once and for all. For the red-and-blacks, with 40 points and a game in hand over their opponents in the Brazilian Championship, the situation is more comfortable. After all, Paraná is in the danger zone with 34 points.
A new Paraná, literally. That's what the fans expect and what the players and coaching staff promise for the match against Flamengo. With Saulo de Freitas making his debut as Paraná's manager, the expectation is that the team will change its approach and react to avoid the threat of relegation.
And the new coach said that, despite the little time to work, the team will show more attitude on the field, scoring more and being more offensive at the same time.
"We're working well, the players are assimilating this new approach. Of course, it's too early to completely change, but the attitude against Flamengo will certainly be different. The players need to work hard, and we depend on speed and marking to win. And that's what we'll work on. Everyone on the team needs to score, not just from the back. Vinícius Pacheco and Josiel too. We're conceding a lot of goals in games because the attack isn't helping the defense," explained Saulo, who assured that the three-man defensive midfielder formation won't hinder the team's search for goals.
Despite three absences for the game (defender Luís Henrique, with tendonitis, midfielder and captain Beto, with a head injury, and striker Vandinho, sent off in the team's 4-0 defeat to Figueirense), Saulo has practically already defined the formation.
The only question is who will be the playmaker: Giuliano or Éverton. The coach will only confirm who will start moments before the match.
Flamengo, meanwhile, is looking for an away win in this championship, a feat they only achieved in the second round, when they defeated Goiás 3-1 at Serra Dourada. But this Saturday's opponent would be ideal to end this streak (11 games without a win away from home). In this year's Copa Libertadores, Flamengo won 1-0 in Paraná, with a goal by Renato.
For the match, coach Joel Santana will have the return of Argentine Maxi, who was suspended after receiving his third yellow card, and will be able to count on the attacking duo he considers ideal. In compensation, the coach will have to field a new midfielder. Without Jaílton, who is experiencing pain in his right foot, Joel will field Toró in his place.
"Every match in the Brazilian Championship is difficult. It's been a while since we won away from home, but we'll do everything we can to return to Rio de Janeiro with a victory," said Maxi.
Joel remembers that games will be decisive
For Flamengo, there are ten matches left until the end of the Brazilian Championship
Joel Santana sees this Saturday's match as a chance for Flamengo to move away from the relegation zone once and for all. The coach also noted that Flamengo has already been in Paraná's current situation.
"From eighth down, there's a huge battle between the South American and relegation. We've been in Paraná's position and know the difficulties they're facing. From now on, every game is decisive," he said.
The coach expressed concern about the opponent who is in the relegation zone and asked the team to be careful in the game:
"Paraná has an excellent team, now with a new coach who already knows the house, and so we have to be aware of what they can create for us," he stated.
Fans will pay tribute to Juan on Tuesday
Left-back will complete 100 games wearing the Flamengo shirt
Next Tuesday, the Urubu Guerreiro fan club will present Juan with a commemorative plaque for his 100 games in the red and black shirt, in Gávea.
The left-back, one of the team's top scorers in the Brazilian Championship, with five goals, will reach the milestone this Saturday, against Paraná, at Durival Britto, in the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship.