The Globe

Decisive Thursday for Renato at Fla

Today, the midfielder knows if he will face Inter and may have his contract renewed.

An MRI this morning will determine Renato's status. Out of the 4-0 thrashing Flamengo suffered at the hands of Figueirense on Sunday due to a muscle injury in his left thigh, the midfielder underwent rigorous morning and afternoon training yesterday at Ninho do Urubu, and his chances of facing Inter on Saturday at Maracanã are very good.

In São Paulo, another important decision involving Renato could be made. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite is speaking with the player's agent to try to move forward with a one-year contract renewal. Although his selection is still pending an imaging test, Renato spoke yesterday as if it had already been confirmed.

"We have to change our approach to win on Saturday and turn the defeat into an incentive to win. We're not the best team in the Brazilian league, but we're not the worst either," said Renato.

Coach Ney Franco also demands a change of approach, knowing that the situation could become more complicated if he fails again, putting his position at risk, despite having renewed his contract for another year. He confirmed the change in formation from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2.

According to Neymar, Paulinho, who hasn't been performing up to par, could be replaced by Jaílton. The team for this afternoon's tactical training should be Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Paulinho, Claiton (Paulo Sérgio), Léo Medeiros, and Renato; and Léo Lima and Leonardo.

Sports Journal

The specter of relegation haunts Flamengo

A terrible start to the Brazilian Championship makes Renato fear 2005, the year he almost fell to the second division.

Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel

Ursula Nery/JS

The Exorcist — Captain Renato fears Flamengo's poor start to the Brazilian Championship. However, he believes in a comeback.

The Brazilian Championship has barely begun. However, Flamengo's poor performance at the start of the competition has changed the atmosphere at Gávea, and even though it's still very early, the situation is beginning to remind fans and players of the club's severe 2005 crisis.

That year, the club constantly fought against the specter of relegation and, after having changed coaches eight times, managed to save itself, thanks to the "miracle" performed by Joel Santana, who took over the team nine games before the end of the Brazilian Championship and, with six wins and three draws, avoided the embarrassment of relegation to the Second Division.

Flamengo's key player this season, midfielder Renato, who is expected to return to the team for the match against Internacional, was at the club at the time and experienced all the tension generated by the crisis. The player, who in 2005 was one of the leaders of the Rubro-Negro in their recovery in the Brazilian Championship, doesn't want to go through the same situation again. Therefore, after yesterday's training session, he demanded more motivation to prevent the bad spell from continuing.

"We can't get discouraged. We have to think carefully about these defeats. Flamengo is neither better nor worse than the others. The responsibility lies with the entire group, not just those who are playing," said the supporter, with the authority of someone who has faced difficult situations wearing the club's jersey.

And Renato truly seems like the ideal player to take on the leadership role in this situation. The player, who is the team's top scorer this season with 13 goals and recently regained the captain's armband, stated that this is the time for the more experienced players, especially those who have been with the club since 2005, such as Leonardo Moura and goalkeeper Diego, to help the others.

"We need to try to boost the morale of the younger players. Only then will we have a chance to change this situation after the game against Internacional," he said.

Fla vs Juventude game postponed to August

The CBF's competitions department announced this Wednesday the rescheduling of the Flamengo vs. Juventude match for the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship. Scheduled for the 28th of this month at Maracanã, it was moved to August 23rd, but will be held at the same venue. The reason for the change is the Pan American Games. On Tuesday, the State Secretary of Sports and Recreation, Eduardo Paes, reportedly announced that the two teams would face each other at Raulino de Oliveira Stadium in Volta Redonda.

Fla doesn't give up on Dinelson

Dinelson's signing remains a priority for Flamengo. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite, who is in São Paulo to finalize the negotiations, has not yet been able to speak with Corinthians president Alberto Dualib, and the signing remains stalled. The Flamengo director stated that the club is committed to negotiations with the midfielder and that, until they are finalized, Flamengo should not pursue other reinforcements.

Hard working day at Fla

On Wednesday morning in Vargem Grande, Flamengo prioritized their shooting. The coaching team, led by Ney Franco, focused on goal kicks, forcing attackers and supporters to insist on finishing.

In addition, full-backs, midfielders, and forwards worked on crossing and finishing. Defenders underwent specific training to improve the team's defensive system. Flamengo conceded 13 goals in five games in the Brazilian Championship.

In the afternoon, supporter Renato returned to training with the rest of the group, when the team's tactical side was worked on.

Juan downplays Fla's bad phase

Left-back Juan, who has already scored a goal in the Brasileirão, lamented the defeat suffered against Figueirense, but believes that the work has been good and is against radical changes.

"While losing by four goals is bad, it's not the time to change everything. The work is being done. A negative result doesn't make it wrong," Juan pondered.

The player recalled that in the Brazilian Championship, all games are decisive and the red-black squad needs to keep this in mind and gives the recipe for the team to get out of this bad phase.

"The team has to be aware of the importance of each game in a points-based league. We need to be more focused if we're to get out of this difficult situation," the fullback concluded.

Espanyol, Jônatas' club, wants the red-black full-back

Ursula Nery/JS

Juan, wearing a vest, fights for the ball with Toró and André (1) at the club's training center. He says he's in no rush to return to Europe.

Last Tuesday, coach Ney Franco revealed his concern about the opening of the European transfer window on the 30th of this month, fearing that some key players might be transferred away from the club. And this fear may be becoming a reality, as, in addition to the possible departures of Bruno and Renato Augusto, left-back Juan, whose contract with the club runs until the end of 2008, could be another player to leave Gávea.

Yesterday, speculation surfaced that Espanyol, which acquired defensive midfielder Jônatas from Flamengo last year, is monitoring the player and may soon submit an offer. Furthermore, the fact that Juan has dual nationality would further facilitate the transfer. However, the Spanish club's interest in an Argentine full-back could put the Flamengo full-back's signing on hold.

When asked about the matter, Juan admitted he still wants to work in Europe, but stated that, for now, he is in no rush to leave the country.

"Europe attracts me, I've never hidden that. I've been there, I know what it's like, and I've already had my dream come true. I'm in no rush to go back; I've even turned down a few offers," said Juan, who played for Arsenal and Milwall, both in England, between 2001 and 2003.

Afterwards, he took the opportunity to praise Spanish football and make it clear that no offers have been made to him yet.

"It's a traditional club, from a big city (Barcelona) and in a good market. I also like the style of play. But nothing is finalized yet, no official offer. When there is one, you'll know," he concluded.

Ney Franco's rout changes everything at Flamengo

Flamengo's changes after the 4-0 loss to Figueirense aren't limited to attitude. Coach Ney Franco confirmed after yesterday's training session that he will return to using a two-center-back formation. Although he admitted that his team would have lost in last Sunday's game anyway, due to their lack of desire on the field, at least for now, the old 3-5-2 formation will be forgotten. However, Ney doesn't rule out using it again in the future.

"I can't cancel a strategy just because it didn't work. But for this game, Thiago is suspended, so I think this is the ideal time for both defenders to return. When you lose, you're subject to all kinds of criticism, but even considering the profession I chose, I can't be discouraged by it," said the coach.

Another issue that has been bothering the Flamengo manager is criticism regarding his squad's physical conditioning. He believes that anyone who thinks Flamengo isn't training enough is simply not following the club daily.

"I saw my players complaining about what was reported in the press. I won't go into that, because I know we're doing everything according to a plan, which has been in the works for a long time," explained Ney Franco, who is expected to begin selecting his team for the match against Internacional in training this afternoon.

Juan is in no hurry to go to Europe

Full-back Juan is yet another Flamengo player being approached by a European club. Espanyol is reportedly interested in the player and could sign him during the European transfer window in August. Despite interest from a European club, Juan has not shown any willingness to leave the Gávea club.

"Europe attracts me; I've never hidden that. I've been there, I know what it's like, I've already had my dream come true. I'm in no rush to return; I've even turned down a few offers. Espanyol is in Barcelona's city, but nothing's finalized yet, no official offer. When I do, you'll know," the player told Rádio Brasil.

Marcelinho joins Flamengo for the State Futsal Championship

While the Brazilian futsal team trains for the Pan American Games, Rio de Janeiro clubs are taking advantage of the excitement to prepare their teams before the start of the State Championship, scheduled for September. The competition is expected to bring together 16 to 20 clubs, especially after the success of the Pan American Games.

Flamengo is close to signing its first reinforcement for the State Championship: winger Marcelinho, who was a standout for Piedade in the Carioca.

The news was confirmed by winger Maurição, who, however, assures that Pidedade will come out strong this season. "I'm upset about the departure of Marcelinho, a player who is actually one of the last of the Mohicans, as I call him. He's dangerous and an excellent finisher, but he's returning to Flamengo, where we won many titles together," commented Maurição, who trusts the board: "I think the club has all the conditions to secure sponsorship and remain competitive. Everything has to work out."

Flamengo's policy will be to invest in new funds to, in addition to the State Championship, lay the foundation for the 2007 Futsal League. This will all be part of the club's restructuring program, which began in March.

In addition to the 12 teams that competed in the Carioca, Rio's other powerhouse, Petrópolis, is confirmed. However, other teams like Grajaú Country and even Botafogo could be the big news. It's a comeback for Rio futsal.

O Dia

Paulinho recognizes the terrible phase he is going through

Player hopes to repeat the good performances he had when he arrived at Flamengo

Rio - Coach Ney Franco wasn't the only one to notice midfielder Paulinho's decline in performance in the Brazilian Championship. The player himself admitted on Wednesday that he's going through a rough patch.

"If we compare what I was playing here when I arrived and what I'm playing now, you could say I'm not having a good time. I know I haven't been playing well," the red-and-black player admitted.

Paulinho has plenty of sincerity. However, he lacks an explanation for his decline in performance on the field.

"I don't have any problems in my personal life that are interfering with my work. I'm very happy and calm. I'm fully adapted to Rio de Janeiro," the midfielder assured.

If there is no justification for his current bad form, Paulinho at least has one certainty: he will find his football form again.

"I'm going to work hard to repeat those good performances of the past. I've been trying to take care of myself as much as possible off the field," said the player, who has lost his starting status and is now competing with Jaílton for a spot on the team.

Renato could return against Internacional

With muscle problems, the player works to avoid worsening the injury

Rio - Midfielder Renato could return to the Flamengo squad. The player, who was the main absentee in the 4-0 rout of Figueirense last round, will train this afternoon to determine if he'll be fit to face Internacional at Maracanã. Suffering from a muscle problem, the player assures he's taking every precaution to avoid aggravating the injury.

"There's no pain. I'm working carefully so as not to completely tear the muscle and be out of action for much longer," said Renato, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.

Regarding the poor performance in Santa Catarina, the player states that there is no justification for the apathy shown by the team in the rout.

"We can't accept this kind of thing. Flamengo completely surrendered to Figueirense's marking. The most important thing is that we can resolve this situation, as the Brazilian Championship is just beginning," Renato emphasized.

Sports Gazette

Renato returns to training at Flamengo

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Midfielder Renato has recovered from a thigh injury and trained normally on Thursday afternoon. The team's top scorer in the Brazilian Championship with two goals was excited to return to the team after missing Flamengo in Florianópolis. The midfielder watched the match against Figueirense and expressed confidence in the team. "Of course the team didn't play well, but the squad is qualified. We have every ability to bounce back. These things happen and we have to overcome them," he concluded. Renato is Flamengo's top scorer in the Brazilian Championship with two goals, both scored against Sport in Recife.

Formation - Based on coach Ney Franco's knowledge of Internacional, Flamengo may revert to the formation used at the start of the competition. The coach hasn't yet decided on the lineup. He's watching videos of Inter's matches to determine his starting eleven. This Thursday, there will be a collective training session in the afternoon, and the starting eleven are expected to start Saturday's match at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã.

Juan could be in Espanyol's sights

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Ney Franco may have reason to be concerned about the composition of his squad for the remainder of the season. Besides having to deal with the possibility of Bruno and Renato Augusto leaving, the red-and-black coach may also lose left-back Juan, who is reportedly being sought after by Espanyol in Spain. Speculation arose on Wednesday that the Catalan club, which already has former Flamengo player Jônatas on its roster, is keeping an eye on the player and may soon submit an official offer. Juan has previously played for Arsenal and Milwal, both in England, and has made no secret of his desire to return to the European continent. However, the full-back says he is in no rush to leave Brazil.

"Europe attracts me; I've never hidden that. I've been there, I know what it's like, and I've already had my dream come true. I'm in no rush to return; I've even turned down a few offers," said Juan, who made it clear that he hasn't received any official offers so far. "It's a traditional club (Espanyol), from a big city (Barcelona), and it's in a good market. I also like the style of play. But there's nothing final yet, no official offer. When there is, you'll know," he concluded.

Flamengo escapes the hustle and bustle of Gávea

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In an attempt to avoid the threat of crisis due to recent results, Flamengo left Gávea and trained at the Vargem Grande training center this Wednesday morning. Under a blazing sun, coach Ney Franco led a finishing drill with the Flamengo players. While he's away from the pressure of his fans, training outside Gávea doesn't prevent the board from demanding action. "There's no reason for us to have such a poor and ridiculous performance as we've had in these first rounds of the Brazilian Championship. We'll hold them accountable," vice president of football Kléber Leite told Rádio Bandeirantes.

At its training center, Flamengo will train until Friday, the day before its match against Internacional in the sixth round of the Brazilian Championship. The team's sixteenth-place finish in the standings is already starting to worry some players. "Everyone says the championship is long, but it's good to take a good look at the standings. If we don't score early on, we'll fall behind the leaders, and things will get tough later," said midfielder Renato.

Recovering from a left thigh injury, Renato is slowly returning to training, but his starting lineup will only be decided if he doesn't complain of pain in the area again by the time the match begins. "There's no pain. We're working calmly, and it's better to sit out a game and return well afterward than to rush things," the player emphasized.

Still unsure whether he'll be able to count on Renato Abreu, but aware that suspended defender Thiago and forward Souza, and midfielder Renato Augusto, who plays for the Brazilian U-20 national team, will be unavailable, Ney Franco is banking on playing the next few matches at home to seek rehabilitation in the Brazilian Championship. "We have home advantage in two games and a derby. This is our chance to climb significantly in the standings," commented the coach.

One of Flamengo's starting midfielders, Claiton, is optimistic about the team's growth in the rest of the Brazilian Championship. However, he knows the team needs to change its behavior in matches. "We have to be confident; everything is overvalued here; we have to believe. Flamengo is the Carioca champion and can overcome this situation. We have to change our approach," said Claiton.

PeléNet

Flamengo returns to 4-4-2 against Internacional

Flamengo returns to a 4-4-2 formation against Internacional this Saturday at 18:10 PM at Maracanã Stadium. Despite this, coach Ney Franco made it clear that the team could still return to a 3-6-1 formation in the future.

"It's difficult to put the word 'abolish' into a coach's vocabulary. We have to organize the team based on the players available for the game. If I need and find it necessary to use the three defenders, I will return to the same system without any problems," said the coach.

Flamengo is without Thiago, Souza, and Renato Augusto. The first two are suspended, and the latter is with the U-20 national team. Ney Franco commented on the changes that could be made to the team due to these players' absence:

"Alternatives for Renato Augusto's place are Paulo Sérgio, Léo Lima, and Léo Medeiros himself, who can play deep, pushing Renato Abreu forward. For the attack, in Souza's place, we have Leonardo, Paulo Sérgio, or Kayke, who just came up from the youth team, can also play."

Seeking to close the signing of midfielder Dinélson, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, traveled to São Paulo to negotiate the player's situation with Corinthians.

Flamengo has five points and is 16th in the Brazilian Championship, just one place above the relegation zone. Last Sunday, the team was thrashed 4-0 by Figueirense in Florianópolis.

BalloonSport

Even in a bad phase, Paulinho stays on the team

Ney Franco will give the midfielder another chance, as he acknowledges a drop in performance.

Paulinho is not going through a good time and he knows it

When he arrived at Flamengo in 2006, midfielder Paulinho quickly won over the fans with his grit and marking ability. However, in recent games, his performance declined and he received a minor scolding from coach Ney Franco.

Even so, the player will have another chance against Internacional.\ - Paulinho can perform better. I expect him to play well - says the coach.\

The midfielder admitted that he is not well.

"I'm not in a good moment, but we'll bounce back. Now, it's time to fix the mistakes and play a good game against Inter," says the player.

Botswana has 'Fla Santos'. In blue and white

Local club pays tribute to the two Brazilians, but copies the Argentinian team's uniform

Eduardo Peixoto

Argentina? No, this is Flamengo Santos from Botswana. Go figure...

Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, knows nothing about Botswana. Perhaps most Flamengo and Santos fans are also unaware of any information about the Southern African country. But the opposite isn't true.

In the local First Division, known as the Mascom Premier League, one of the 16 participants pays tribute to Brazilians. Uniao Flamengo Santos FC takes its name from the two giants. But when it comes to choosing the uniform, the copycat is curious.

Flamengo Santos of Botswana wears the colors of Argentina, with a blue and white striped shirt and dark blue shorts.

"Even though we play in blue and white, knowing that there's a Flamengo team in Botswana is fascinating. Especially because they can change those colors. We ourselves wore gold and blue when we were founded," says Kléber Leite.

On the field, results are still modest. Fla Santos has yet to win a national tournament and is occasionally relegated to the Second Division. This season, they sit in 11th place. But the Botswana press admires the team's "South American" style of play.

- The team surprises with its ball touch and has the most exciting football in the league - declares journalist Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe, in an article published in the newspaper "Mmgei".

There's even an aspiring Obina. At 26 years old and 1,70'XNUMX", the diminutive Sekhana Koko is the team's top scorer and the only Flamengo representative on the Botswana national team. It's hard to argue that he's also better than Cameroon's Eto'o.

Inter may have Marcão against Fla

Colorado lawyers believe the defender will be released for the game in Rio de Janeiro

In addition to Furacão, Marcão also played for Frontale-JP for one year

Defender Marcão could make his debut for Inter this Saturday against Flamengo at Maracanã in the Brasileirão, as reported by ClicRBS. The Colorado legal department is convinced that the player, signed from Atlético-PR, should be released by the CBF. Initially, he could only play for the Rio Grande do Sul club in July, having already played for Furacão and Frontale-JAP in the same period.

Therefore, coach Gallo will have to decide where the new signing will play. The first option would be to play him in defense, on the left side, a position where he has previously stated he performs best. This, however, would mean leaving the youngster Sidnei, who has been performing well. Another option would be at left back, replacing Rubens Cardoso.

The third, and most remote, option would be to set up a 3-5-2 formation, with Sidnei—who originally plays on the right—, Índio, and Marcão forming the defense. But coach Alexandre Gallo, a self-proclaimed supporter of the 4-4-2, has already stated that he doesn't intend to alter the formation simply to adapt a player to the team. The possibility of Marcão remaining on the bench is also not ruled out.

Inter also has doubts up front, as Christian and Fernandão are injured. The former returns to the team for the Gre-Nal on the 24th, and the captain has no recovery timetable. Meanwhile, idol Alexandre Pato plays for the U-20 national team. Therefore, the spot to play alongside Iarley could go to Wellington or Mossoró, who, in Gallo's opinion, is a striker. Guto, 19, was promoted from the youth teams this week and will be on the bench in Rio de Janeiro.

Week of criticism instigates red-blacks

Ney Franco says he prefers not to read news about Flamengo. Renato promises a comeback

Eduardo Peixoto

The barrage of criticism the team received this week changed coach Ney Franco's habits. He preferred not to read or listen to news about Flamengo in the days following the loss to Figueirense. But he assures he's not shaken.

- If I feel affected by this, it's a sign that I'm not ready to be a coach - he declares.

But it's true that some comments have caused discomfort among the squad and coaching staff. Particularly the accusation that the team isn't training enough. This Wednesday, combining both periods, there were 2 hours and 35 minutes of technical work and a two-touch drill.

"Some criticism is constructive. Others are not. But we have to let go and reverse this bad situation," says supporter Renato.

Renato takes decisive test on Thursday

Player must participate in the collective and decide whether to face Internacional on Saturday

Renato missed Flamengo's tragic 4-0 loss to Figueirense due to pain in his left thigh. This Wednesday, at Ninho do Urubu, the athlete did a separate workout and felt no pain. "I did an hour and 1 minutes of training, and everything is fine, I didn't feel any pain. Thursday will be the final test; I'll train with the ball and play in the group match. I hope to feel nothing and help the team on Saturday," Renato said.

The player's contract expires at the end of 2007, and to address this matter, vice president of football Kléber Leite is in São Paulo to finalize the player's contract renewal. Regarding this, Renato stated:

"Kléber is in São Paulo to resolve this matter. This isn't the time to talk about it. I renewed my contract in 2005 and 2006. And it could happen again this year. Now, I'm just thinking about playing," he declares.

Throw

Renato Augusto only leaves after paying the fine

Kléber Leite believes the supporter will remain at the club

Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, denied that the search for midfielder Dinelson, from Paraná, is related to the departure of Renato Augusto, who even received inquiries from European clubs such as Manchester United and Lyon.

"If someone pays the termination fee and wants to leave the club, there's no stopping them. However, I don't believe that will happen now," the director stated.

Renato Augusto's contract with Flamengo runs until 2012, and his release clause is €30 million (approximately R$90 million). The Flamengo midfielder could be out of the team for up to eight matches due to the U-20 World Cup in Canada. This means Flamengo will only have Renato and Léo Lima as midfielders on the roster.

Rubro-negros train hard after a lazy day

Flamengo's squad works hard in two periods after a break

Players trained lightly on Tuesday, but worked hard the next day (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)

Rodrigo Mandarini

Flamengo players trained hard this Wednesday morning at Ninho do Urubu, the club's training center in Rio's West Zone. For an hour and a half, the players practiced finishing and aerial plays. Wednesday's training session will be completed in the afternoon, when the squad will return to the training center for a technical training session.

The intensity of the training session this Wednesday is much higher than the previous three days of training—Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. After Sunday's loss to Figueirense, the squad had Monday off and did a light workout on Tuesday, according to a report in Wednesday's edition of LANCE!. According to fitness coach Geraldo Fabian, the red-and-black squad isn't taking it easy in training.

"Our planning was done over a month ago. Just because we lost doesn't mean we're going to change everything. In yesterday's training session (Tuesday), the players did some intense exercise in the weight room and then did a light jog for about 25 minutes on the field," Fabian explained.

Striker Souza's slow pace caught the eye during Tuesday's training session. Fabian assured that everything was as planned and that the striker didn't slack off during his light run around the field.

"The players who played against Figueirense didn't train as hard as the others. Souza jogged, and those who overtook him were engaged in other activities," the coach explained.

Fla goes with two defenders at home

After suffering a thrashing at the hands of Figueirense, Flamengo is under pressure for a home win. With this in mind, coach Ney Franco decided to start the match against Internacional with two defenders.

However, the coach doesn't rule out other formations. On the contrary, Ney tries to make variations according to his needs.

Juan wants Fla among the top five

Flamengo left-back Juan stated that the loss to Palmeiras in the first round was a determining factor in the team's poor form. For him, the match against Figueirense drew attention more to the result than the defeat itself.

According to Juan, Flamengo is training to improve its situation.

Ney Franco: shielding against criticism

Flamengo coach preferred not to watch the news this week

Ney will define his team this Thursday to have a more peaceful week (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)

Rafael Ximenes

After the 4-0 defeat to Figueirense last Sunday, the week was full of criticism towards coach Ney Franco and towards the entire Flamengo squad.

The coach created a kind of shield against criticism from the press: he ignored news from newspapers or radio stations during the week.

- I didn't even watch the newspaper this week, because I already knew there would be a lot of criticism - said the coach, who jokingly said he will read everything when Fla is champion again.

Supporter Renato responded to criticism that the team wasn't training long enough. This Wednesday, the team trained in two periods, totaling 2 hours and 30 minutes.

"Some criticism is constructive and good for correcting mistakes that are occurring. I see no other way than to work to improve. Let's tune out the criticism," said the player, who is expected to return for Saturday's game against Inter.

Ney: sequence to climb the table

Flamengo coach expects games at Maracanã to improve performance\ Rafael Ximenes\

Flamengo coach Ney Franco is confident he can lift the team out of its uncomfortable 16th place in the Brazilian Championship as quickly as possible. He wants to take advantage of the next three games at Maracanã (Internacional, Vasco, and Juventude) to turn things around.

- In the next three games the tendency is to leave this range and go to the intermediate zone - said the coach.

With two losses in five games in the national competition, Flamengo doesn't want to repeat the mistakes of past championships, when they had to escape the relegation zone in the final rounds. Coach Ney Franco isn't willing to go through that.

- Another defeat could see us fall into the relegation zone, but I prefer to work on the hypothesis of a victory against Inter - he said

Flamengo returns to 4-4-2 against Internacional

Ney Franco decides to change his strategy and has doubts about the team

After a 4-0 loss to Figueirense in the Brazilian Championship, Ney Franco will once again change Flamengo's formation to a 4-4-2. The coach opted for the change because he believes it's the best formation to face Internacional. Another reason is Thiago's suspension, following his third yellow card.

While a 4-4-2 formation is practically certain for Saturday, Ney Franco is uncertain about his starting lineup. With Souza, suspended, and Renato Augusto, with the U-20 national team, absent, the coach hasn't yet named his replacements. He'll only resolve this doubt at Thursday's training session.

"I'm torn between Léo Lima, Léo Medeiros, and Paulo Sérgio for Renato Augusto's place. With Léo Medeiros, the team would drop back a bit. As for Souza's place, it's either Leonardo or Paulo Sérgio, but we'll still be keeping an eye on Kayke in the team," said the coach, who may use the young striker from the club's youth academy.

Game against Juventude has date changed

Flamengo will face a team from Caxias do Sul in August

The CBF has announced the dates for two more Flamengo games during the period in which Maracanã will be closed for the Pan American Games.

The match against Vasco was held at the stadium on the 24th of this month. The match against Juventude was postponed from June 28th to August 23rd, also at the Biggest Stadium in the World.

Training to see if Renato returns against Inter

This Thursday the supporter will train with the ball and will do collective training

Flamengo midfielder Renato missed the tragic 4-0 loss to Figueirense due to pain in his left thigh. During training on Wednesday, the midfielder felt no pain and spoke to Rádio Tupi about the session:

"I worked out for an hour and 1 minutes, and I'm feeling fine, no pain. Thursday will be the final test; I'll train with the ball and play in the group. I hope I don't feel anything and can help the team on Saturday," Renato said.

The player's contract expires at the end of 2007, and to address this matter, vice president of football Kléber Leite is in São Paulo to finalize the player's contract renewal. Regarding this, Renato stated:

"Kléber is in São Paulo to resolve this matter. This isn't the time to talk about it. I renewed my contract in 2005 and 2006. And it could happen again this year. Now, I'm just thinking about playing," he concluded.