THE GLOBE
Cuca: 'If I lose, I won't stick my head in' \ in the toilet' \ A line wraps around the Maracanã stadium, at the ticket office near the Bellini Statue. Demand for tickets is high. \ CUCA TALKS to Fábio Luciano and Leonardo Moura in Gávea: coach can change team \ Fabio Juppa \ On Friday, the day before the Taça Rio final, Cuca will reunite with old friends from Flamengo. At the initiative of Flamengo's board, a lunch will bring together, in addition to him and Ney Franco, the football leadership of both clubs. The idea is to show fans that the fierce rivalry rekindled after the 2007 and 2008 finals, and fueled by Botafogo fans' provocation of the Flamengo coach in the Taça Guanabara final against Resende, can be approached with civility. For those who couldn't hide their resentment upon hearing chants of "Cuca is the runner-up," he seemed more composed yesterday, even though his suspension was upheld by the TJD and he faces the risk of being punished again for going to the locker room before and after the semifinal against Fluminense. \ RUNNER-UP STIGMA: "I was runner-up last year and the year before. The team (Botafogo) came in strong in every championship and lost. Now, losing two championships leaves a stigma? The day I win, I'll still have this ugly face here. And the day I lose, I won't put my head in the toilet. Life goes on." \ PROVOCATION: "Today, I see things more transparently. I understand what the fans are saying because I'm at their archrival. I spent a long time there, gave my all, and didn't win, but it was good for them too. I have respect for Botafogo and the fans, but, far from being hostile, I will do my best for Flamengo." \ PRESSURE TO WIN: "That's life's contingency. Fate would have it that I faced Botafogo, who are still strong. Flamengo has tradition, the strength of the stands. I don't get into arguments or speak ill of them, because I was happy there. We are adversaries, not enemies." \ 2007 and 2008: "I wish I had won the titles I lost, just like I want to win today. I'm going to train my guys a lot. People don't see how difficult it is to get (to the final). I'm 45 years old, I'm going to work until I'm 70. I'll be there again another 15 times, I'll win and lose." \ BOTAFOGO CURRENT: "They said Vasco was the best team. One bad day ruined the charm. The State Championship is like that. Their trio (Maicossuel, Victor Simões, and Reinaldo) is very good. Together, they combine the characteristics of the perfect player: skill, speed, and finishing ability. But to play like that, they rely on Thiaguinho and Alessandro. We may not excel in consistency, but we have the power to make decisions, which balances things out a bit." \ FLA IN THE FINAL: "I have one or two doubts that I will take with me until the game. In training, there are players who ask for a pass and you can't stop them.\
BASKETBALL: FLA WINS \ Flamengo/Petrobras maintained its lead in the National Basketball Championship, defeating Ciser/Araldite/Univille/Joinville 100-90 (56-37 at halftime), yesterday, in Joinville. The top scorer was Marcelinho, with 34 points. Today: Cetaf/Garoto x Pinheiros, 18:30pm; Universo/Brasília x São José/Unimed; Lupo/Araraquara x GRSA/Bauru; Vivo/Franca x Amigão/Assis; Univates/Bira x Pitágoras/Minas, 20pm; and Saldanha da Gama x Paulistano/Amil, 20:30pm. \
Fernando Calazans Column
Thiago Neves, defeated by Fluminense, said he had never seen Flamengo run so much. \ Funny, isn't it? It almost seems like Thiago Neves is a longtime observer of Brazilian football, a connoisseur of Flamengo's history. He seems to be in his 90s to utter such a definitive statement. \ Even more than for its best teams, Flamengo has gained notoriety for its grit, its fire, its heart, and precisely for its hustle and bustle. Strange, truly strange, is when Flamengo doesn't run. Then something, or a lot, is wrong. \ Thiago Neves hasn't been very happy with his analysis. Leaving the game, he said that Flamengo "created an opportunity and won the game..." \ These are the things players say just for the sake of it, on their way to the locker room, just to get away from the reporters, and that's it. Without any concern for rightness or wrongness—and much less for the truth. \
SPORTS JOURNAL
Friday's Menu: Fla and Bota à mesa
Kleber Leite organizes a lunch to celebrate peace between the archrivals
Vinicius Castro
Rio de Janeiro - Flamengo and Botafogo are currently engaged in the greatest rivalry in Rio de Janeiro football. Deciding the state titles since 2007, the archrivals will be on opposite sides starting at 16 p.m. on Sunday at the Maracanã. However, before the ball rolls, the clubs will meet with the goal of keeping the rivalry confined to the pitch. Flamengo's board, through its vice president of football, Kleber Leite, has organized a celebratory lunch. The event will be held next Friday at an undisclosed location. In addition to Kleber, coaches Ney Franco, Cuca, and members of the opposing board will be at the table. Ney and the Flamengo director have been friends since the coach's time at Gávea, between 2006 and 2007. Leite made a point of discussing the meeting, which he considered a message for football.
"We have a good relationship with all the boards. Ney Franco is a friend of mine, but these things happen off the field. This meeting is a message for football. We must have respect for human life and for other human beings. We'll be together on Friday, hoping that peace will be maintained between the fans outside and the players on the field," he comments.
Open path to Gávea
The player's agent is in Milan to amicably terminate his contract with Inter
Lucas Cascão
Rio de Janeiro - It may be just a distant dream for both sides, but this Tuesday, the dream of seeing "Emperor" Adriano play for Flamengo again may have gotten a little closer. That's because the player's agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, is in Milan, as the player himself confirmed to Globoesporte.com on Tuesday afternoon, and, by all indications, will reach an amicable termination with Inter Milan. This would leave the striker free to play for any other club. \ Everyone already knows the player's desire. He himself confirmed in a press conference that his only destination in Brazil would be Gávea. Jokingly, Adriano said his grandfather would kill him if he played for another team. Besides his affection for the red-and-black club, there are other reasons that would lead him to return to Brazil, more precisely to Rio de Janeiro. Here, the striker would be closer to family and friends, unlike in the Italian city of Milan, where loneliness led him to abandon his current team and disappear for a few days in a hillside area of Rio de Janeiro. And right now, all Adriano needs is the company of his friends to overcome his problems, as he himself has made clear. Ultimately, all the "Emperor's" paths point to Flamengo.\ Cautious board\ Despite the evidence, Flamengo's board prefers to remain cautious when dealing with the matter. The club's vice-president, Kleber Leite, opened Flamengo's doors to the player, but preferred not to go into further detail, so as not to appear as if Flamengo is trying to take advantage of the striker's delicate situation.\ The club's strategy, therefore, is total silence and patience, waiting for Adriano to find his feet and, from there, begin any negotiations. For this reason, Kleber Leite preferred to focus on the athlete's personal life and psychological recovery. Before any professional negotiations, the director wants to see the striker recover in his personal life.\ Despite trying to avoid the issue, the truth is that Flamengo's desire to sign the striker is clear and long-standing. Last year, the club even attempted to reach an agreement with Inter Milan, but negotiations failed. Now, however, with the potential termination of the contract, a happy ending for Flamengo and Adriano's relationship is increasingly possible. \
Cuca: 'I won't put my head in the toilet if I lose'
Coach says he is not desperate to be champion for the first time
Rio de Janeiro - There's no denying it: the talk of the week leading up to the Taça Rio final in Gávea is the supposed misfortune of coach Cuca, who is still fighting to win his first title as a coach. However, apparently, not even the provocation of Botafogo fans, who chanted "Cuca is the runner-up!" during the celebration of winning the Taça Guanabara, took the red-and-black coach's peace of mind, as he won't be able to lead his team from the sidelines in the Taça Rio final against Alvinegro.\ "I wanted to win the last two years and I want to win this one too. I'm a professional and I want to give my all for this team. It's difficult to reach the final, I'm 45 years old and I want to work until I'm 70. I'm sure the title will come because, until then, I'll be going to at least 15 more finals. The day I'm champion, I won't set off fireworks or put my head in the toilet if I don't win," says the coach, who "felt the blow" at the time of the provocation.\
Cuca remains away from the edge of the field
The TJD/RJ plenary upholds the 30-day suspension imposed on the red-black coach.
Vinicius Castro
Rio de Janeiro - If coach Cuca had any hope of being able to lead Flamengo from the sidelines in the Taça Rio final against Botafogo on Sunday at Maracanã, it was dashed on Tuesday night. By unanimous vote, the TJD/RJ Plenary denied Flamengo's appeal and upheld the thirty-day suspension imposed on the coach. As a result, Cuca remains off the bench, replaced by his brother and assistant, Cuquinha.
However, the coach's situation could become even more complicated. This is because FLA TV released a video of the players' chain of events before the semifinal against Fluminense last Sunday. Cuca appears in the footage, which is prohibited by the CBJD. If a new complaint is filed, the coach could face an even longer suspension. The red-and-black coach was frugal on the matter.
"I only participated in the prayer with the players. Being punished for praying is already the end of the world," he laments.
Goalkeeper Bruno was also tried this Tuesday. Although he had already served his sentence, the club's legal department wanted to clear his record for a possible future trial. The initiative was unsuccessful, and the goalkeeper's sentence was upheld by a majority vote.
No problems with Botafogo
After the back and forth between Cuca and Botafogo, the coach tried to rule out any problems with the fans and management of Alvinegro.
"I will never speak ill of a club where I was very well received and made friends. The decision will be between Flamengo and Botafogo. Cuca isn't even a fingernail in this classic. In fact, less than a fingernail," he says.
Léo Moura doesn't believe Cuca is unlucky
Right-back wants to help the coach win his first title
Rio de Janeiro - Both times he faced Cuca's Botafogo in the Campeonato Carioca finals, Léo Moura emerged victorious, winning the second Carioca title (07/08) with Flamengo. Now, with the coach at his side at Rubro-Negro, the right-back wants to prove that the coach's difficulty in winning his first title in his career is not a matter of bad luck. \ "I don't believe in the story of Cuca's bad luck that people are talking about. Unfortunately, he hasn't managed to win the finals he's played in yet. Maybe it wasn't the right time. But I believe it could happen now," says the right-back.\ However, to have a chance to give the coach his first title, Léo Moura and Flamengo will have to win the Taça Rio on Sunday against Botafogo. While playing for Alvinegro, Cuca won the last two editions of the competition, but was defeated in the final by the Rubro-Negro. \
Mengão guaranteed in the NBB Playoffs
Team beats Joinville (100 to 90), remains in the lead and guarantees a place in the final phase
Pedro Ivo Almeida
Joinville, SC - With a near-perfect performance from forward Marcelinho Machado, who led the game with 34 points, including eight three-pointers, Flamengo defeated Joinville 100-90 this Tuesday at the opponent's gym, marking their 18th victory in the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) tournament. It was the ninth consecutive victory for coach Paulo Chupeta's team, which also secured a spot in the playoffs in advance. For Joinville, forward Willians stood out, scoring 18 points.\ Fla returns to the court next Friday, at 19 pm, to face Univates/Bira, again away from home.\ With excellent use of the three-point line and favored by a very weak defense from the opponent, Flamengo took no notice, and led by Marcelinho, destroyed the opposing team in the first half of the game, going to the locker room with an excellent lead of nineteen points on the scoreboard, 56 to 37.\ After halftime, the red-and-black team failed to replicate the stunning performance of the first half. Unable to find space to break through the Joinville team's excellent defense, the Rio de Janeiro team saw its lead dwindle further and further, and also faced a long-standing problem: inconsistent play. The team lost focus, became overly concerned with the officiating, and failed to do what was expected of them: play basketball. Alberto Bial's team increasingly took advantage, and with a stellar performance from American Williams, who scored 11 points in the quarter, they narrowed the deficit to 73, 62-XNUMX.\ However, Flamengo wasn't about to throw away everything they had built during the first half. With Marcelinho's calibrated hand once again controlling the red-and-black team's offensive attacks, the Rio de Janeiro team regained control of the game and comfortably maintained their lead, winning the match 100-90.\ In addition to being the top scorer, winger Marcelinho reached the mark of 2.500 points wearing the red and black shirt.\ "These numbers serve as encouragement, as extra motivation. But the most important thing is to think about the group as a whole, especially when it comes to a team sport like ours, to think about how these numbers can help Flamengo, and today they were very important and helped us achieve this crucial victory, which will greatly help us in the rest of the competition," says the star.\
Marcelinho reaches 2500 points with the red and black shirt
The winger reached the milestone in the match against Joinville, for the NBB
Joinville, SC - Flamengo's standout basketball player in their 2009 Liga das Américas triumph, winger Marcelinho Machado surpassed the 2500-point mark while wearing the red-and-black jersey in the first half of the NBB match against Joinville. The player, the competition's top scorer, reached halftime in Joinville with an incredible 27 points, once again being the leading scorer on the court in the first two quarters.\ In the NBB, a competition equivalent to the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo leads the standings and is one of the main favorites to win the title.\
John Areosa
Seriously... areosa@jsports.com.br "A word to the wise is enough." This is an old saying, very old indeed, but one that never goes out of style, unlike clothing items, whose prices plummet with the departure of the heat and the scorching sun that has been burning our bodies throughout a summer of movies. Rio summer.\ Well, I won't mention the saint. I'll just mention the miracle.\ Gentlemen, what force is part of the São Paulo media using to divert the sports spotlight away from Rio? Note that all anyone talks and writes about is Corinthians and São Paulo, with little room for the rest.\ As former basketball player Hortência recently told this columnist before catching a shuttle flight: “the money is there.”\ He said it all: "The money is there." Did he say it all? Maybe he did. And even the columnist speaking to you is thinking about moving to São Paulo, lock, stock and barrel. Rio is tough! And he (the columnist) is screaming his head off, really tough.\ But there are things money can't buy. When will São Paulo have a classic with the charm and appeal of a Fla-Flu match? \ I could use Nelson Rodrigues to talk about the Fla-Flu, but I don't have any lines to spare. Whoever created the Fla-Flu threw the recipe away.\ Well, there are things that money can't buy. Some friends in the São Paulo press want to make Corinthians the most popular club in the country. They won't succeed. Unless they manipulate polls, declare Flamengo's demise, announce the death of its fans, and move the Maracanã stadium there.\ There are things money definitely can't buy. And here I come with a little story that began during the pre-match broadcast of Sunday's Fla-Flu match. Defender Fabio Luciano, who is retiring from his career, asked to speak, holding the hand of his four-year-old son, Gianlucca:\ "Do I want to dedicate this title to my son? Yes, man. I want to put a little medal in his room, so he'll be proud of his father (...) We're going to make this sacrifice today, we're not going to let this story end. Don't let this story end for me. I need three more games with you guys," said the captain, moving the other athletes.\ Seriously, is there a price for this? And if Flamengo lifts the Cup? Get out of here!\ |
THE DAY
Cuca's prayer in the locker room could increase the suspension
Rio - Fábio Luciano's emotional speech during the Fla-Flu match was attended by Cuca. The coach, whose 30-day suspension was upheld yesterday, could further complicate his situation. As he is serving a sentence for being sent off in the match against Vasco on March 22nd, the coach was unable to be at work. "The laws are not clear. I went to the locker room to pray. If I get punished for praying, it will be the end of the world," declared Cuca. \ The Attorney General of the TJD, André Valentim, will watch the video made by Flamengo's official television channel, in which the coach appears to be forming a chain with the players, and is expected to file charges today. The sentence could range from 90 to 360 days, and the additional aggravating factor is that the Flamengo coach is no longer a first-time offender. \ Yesterday, the team had a relaxed tactical training session. Cuca revealed that he has one or two doubts about the lineup for the team that will face Botafogo in decision of the Rio Cup. "I'll take it until game time. The team performed well against Fluminense, but players may appear in training who demand a pass, and I won't be the one to act as an obstacle," the coach analyzed. \ On Friday, leaders and coaches Flamengo and Botafogo will participate in a lunch, all together, to highlight the friendly atmosphere of the classic. \ "We want to show that, despite the rivalry, we are not enemies. Ney Franco is one of the people I love most in football. Before the last game "Flamengo vs. Botafogo, we had dinner together and some people raised suspicions. Thankfully, the match ended in a draw (1-1)," joked vice president of football Kléber Leite.\
With Cuca away from the toilet
Coach rejects runner-up syndrome and swears that if he loses he won't put his head in the toilet
BY JANIR JUNIOR, RIO DE JANEIRO
Rio - Protagonist of the Rio Cup final, Cuca promises not to have extreme reactions, regardless of the film's ending. While extolling his desire to win, the coach made it clear he'll be prepared if he suffers another disappointment. With the state title, he assures he won't get carried away; and if he finishes second again, which would be his third consecutive, Cuca warns: he won't bury his head in the toilet. \ Yesterday, the treinador He spoke little about the team and a lot about the recent championship losses, but he created antidotes to avoid the 'runner-up syndrome'. \ "There's no stigma to being a permanent runner-up. Even without drinking, I go to bed at 22 p.m. and sleep soundly. If I win, I'll show up with the same scowl I have and won't set off fireworks; if I'm runner-up, I won't put my head in the toilet. I'm a fingernail compared to the magnitude of this decision. If we win, I'll move on; if we lose, life goes on," Cuca stated calmly. \ The coach changed his philosophy yesterday. Instead of the annoyance he displayed when the black and whites, in the Guanabara Cup final, shouted that "Cuca is the runner-up," he said he now sees it all as a joke. Without controversy, the coach praised Botafogo and made a point of demonstrating that his desire to win the title is paramount. \ “Today, I see the issue of crowd in a more relaxed and playful way. I have no enemies at Botafogo; I'm much smaller than the club. There's no enmity or controversy. Fate would have it that the decision went against them, and that's fine," Cuca declared.\ Known for his extreme emotions—alternating between moments of euphoria and others of shattered self-esteem—Cuca, yesterday, was full of smiles and optimistic statements. "I really wanted to win the titles I competed for with Botafogo, just as I really want the title now. I'm 45 years old and want to work until I'm 70. I'll reach another 15 finals, and eventually I'll win. Reaching the final is what's difficult; I don't suffer because of it, but I do feel strong," commented the coach. \ Cuca praised Flamengo's strength in the finals, said Botafogo is an opponent, not an enemy, and revealed that he will only announce his team just before the game. Amidst the mystery, the "runner-up syndrome," and the fact that he's facing his former club in a final, Cuca tried to demonstrate yesterday that he's prepared for anything, except going down the toilet.\
Rio - Victor Simões and Reinaldo grew up in Flamengo's youth ranks; Maicosuel was close to being signed by the Gávea club in partnership with Cruzeiro. The golden trio, once almost entirely Flamengo fans, is now all black and white and deserves high praise from Cuca.\ "It's a very good trio, combining all the characteristics to perfection: one has skill; the other, finishing power and more consistency and skill. They're very good," Cuca analyzed. \ Reinaldo left Gávea in 2001 and transferred to São Paulo; Victor Simões left the club after becoming a free agent in 2003; and Maicosuel was close to an agreement at the end of 2006. Regarding this last player, vice-president of football Kléber Leite recalls that Rubro-Negro would buy the economic rights in partnership with Cruzeiro, but value request was very high. \ “Maicosuel is a good player, but we have good players in our squad,” said the manager. \ The decision against Botafogo raises expectations within the squad. Emerson is expected to be a starter. He could take Josiel's place, as Cuca has announced he will make changes to the lineup. team.\ Ronaldo Angelim is already waiting for crowd red-and-black fans in greater numbers: "I have no doubt that our fans will be bigger. We have to play with the spirit they demand, and I'm sure they'll support us."\
Flamengo beats Joinville 100-90
Joinville - Flamengo defeated Joinville early Tuesday evening, at the opponent's home, by 100 to 90 (56 to 37) and, in addition to remaining at the top of the NBB, Novo Basquete Brasil, now with 18 wins and only 2 losses in 20 games played, secured a place in the playoffs of the competition. \ The match was valid for the 7th round of the return leg and will be remembered for the 2.500 point mark achieved by winger Marcelinho Machado with the shirt Flamengo. Flamengo's number 4 was also the top scorer of the match, scoring 34 points.\
"Everyone knows how difficult it is to face Joinville here, and the team deserves congratulations. We entered with a very strong rhythm, the team was well balanced in defense and it paid off. Our attack worked and we got a very good lead in the first half. We made a lot of mistakes after the break and let them close the gap, but we kept our cool and kept the score and got this victory, which is very important for us in the competition", commented the championship's top scorer with 543 points (average of 27,2 per game).
TJD maintains suspension of Cuca and Bruno
Rio - Flamengo tried hard, but couldn't change the result in trial of the appeal of coach Cuca and goalkeeper Bruno. On Tuesday afternoon, the Court of Justice Desportiva do Rio de Janeiro unanimously maintained the 30-day punishment for the red-black commander.
Goalkeeper Bruno also had his two-game suspension - already served - maintained, against the club, which would like to keep the number 1 as defendant primary.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Images reveal Fábio Luciano's emotion before the classic
Rio de Janeiro - RJ)
Two days after Flamengo beat Fluminense in the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca, FlaTV, the television channel of the Rubro-negro website, released a video of the team's speech in the Maracanã locker room moments before the derby began.
O Experient defender Fábio Luciano, who will retire at the end of the state championship, brought his four-year-old son, Gianlucca, into the players' circle. Visibly moved, the captain asked everyone to commit themselves so he could win his last title before hanging up his boots.
"Do I want to dedicate this title to my son? Yes. I want to put a little medal in his room, so he can be proud of his father (...) Let's make this sacrifice today (Sunday), let's not let this story end. Don't let this story end for me. I need three more games with you", asked the player, moving his teammates.
After beating Tricolor 1-0, Flamengo now faces Botafogo this Sunday in the Guanabara Cup final. Cuca's men need to beat Botafogo to secure a second meeting, as Botafogo won the Guanabara Cup, the second round of the Carioca Championship.
In one day, fans buy 41 tickets for the final
Rio de Janeiro - RJ)
At the opening of the ticket office for ticket sales for the Rio Cup final between Flamengo and Botafogo, fans of both teams showed that Maracanã will be packed on Sunday. This Tuesday, more than 41 tickets were sold.
This amount represents more than half of the tickets made available to fans. Of the 67.709 tickets, 41.009 were sold at the ticket booths. Ticket sales will continue until Saturday, between 11 a.m. and 17 p.m.
However, it is estimated that by the end of this Wednesday all tickets will be sold, selling out the tickets for the game from 16 pm.
If they beat Flamengo this Sunday, Botafogo will take the Campeonato Carioca title, having won the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the state championship. However, if the red-and-blacks beat their rivals, a second game will be played.
Fla trains aiming for the final
Gazeta Press \ Rio de Janeiro - RJ) \
Flamengo is already working towards the derby against Botafogo at Maracanã, the final of the Taça Rio. However, the lessons learned from the 1-0 semifinal victory over Fluminense are still being absorbed by everyone at Gávea. The main one is that the Red-Black team wouldn't have suffered until the final whistle if they had made better use of the opportunities of goals against Tricolor. The goal is to prevent a lack of accuracy from jeopardizing the title win.
"We could have sealed the match against Fluminense much earlier, but we ended up failing, and things could have gotten much more complicated. Against Botafogo, we can't repeat the same mistakes, or we'll face even more difficulties. But we'll definitely take advantage of these training days to improve in every aspect," said left-back Juan, who scored the winning goal against Fluminense.
Midfielder Ibson, another who was highly praised for his performance against the Rio de Janeiro club, shares a similar view. "We certainly could have won by a bigger margin on Sunday, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. At least it didn't compromise the final result, but we can't count on that against Botafogo, who also tend to be efficient in their finishing," said the number seven.
Finishing drills are expected to gain prominence in the run-up to next Sunday's derby. The team will only be determined during Friday's training session, and it's not ruled out that Cuca will keep the lineup secret and not announce it until Sunday.
Off the field, Flamengo's board hopes to put an end to any negative atmosphere that may exist between the club and Botafogo, and should offer a dinner before Sunday's classic to bring together directors from both sides. teams and members of the technical committee.
The initiative came from Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, who is friend Botafogo coach Ney Franco's personal life. The two worked together at Gávea, where Ney won the 2007 state title, ultimately defeating Botafogo. Since then, the rivalry between the teams has intensified.
"It's a healthy rivalry, as both teams have consistently won the championship in recent years and have demonstrated their competence. Once again, we'll meet in a final, and once again, we'll have a very competitive and balanced game. I hope we can win this Sunday, as we're focused on winning the Rio de Janeiro title," concluded Ibson.
Uncomfortable with the reservation, Diego may leave
Gazeta Press \ Rio de Janeiro - RJ) \
Goalkeeper Diego was unfazed in the win against Fluminense, but he still knows he'll be benched, as Bruno is considered a regular starter for the red-and-blacks. The goalkeeper's situation, considered a perennial backup at Gávea, is starting to worry him, and he himself hasn't ruled out a transfer.
"The years are passing and I've been playing an average of five games per season. I'm at the point where I can start playing more and I'm sure that 2009 will be a turning point in my career, because I've set my mind to it. But let's wait until the final stretch of the State Championship is over to talk," said Diego, who has played 170 games as a professional for Flamengo and has been with the club for 14 years.
The number 20's chances of finally earning a starting spot have increased, as Bruno is reportedly negotiating a move to Portuguese football. Without the funds for significant investments, the club could rely on the reserve for the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Sudamericana.
"When Bruno arrived, I was a starter and I was doing well, but I ended up getting injured and losing my place. This has been weighing on my mind, because I know I have what it takes to be a starter for Flamengo or any other club. Nothing against Bruno, he's a great goalkeeper and also deserves that position, but I have to think about my career," said the goalkeeper.
The red-and-black squad is expected to undergo many changes from mid-year onwards, with several players leaving the current squad. In addition to Bruno, right-back Leonardo Moura, with The proposal CSKA Moscow, a club managed by Brazilian Zico, has adopted a farewell speech. Ibson, whose federation rights are tied to Porto, is unlikely to remain, as the Portuguese club will only negotiate a permanent deal with him, and Flamengo lacks the resources for the transaction.
The same is true for attacker Josiel, linked to Arab football. Defender Fábio Luciano also announced his retirement as soon as Flamengo's participation in the Campeonato Carioca ends. Regarding reinforcements, the board will only make a statement after the State Championship.
PELENET
"I won't put my head in the toilet if I lose the title," says Cuca
Luciano Paiva\ In Rio de Janeiro\
"I'm not going to put my head in the toilet." That's how coach Cuca reacted when asked about the possibility of losing the Rio State Championship title for the third consecutive time. Runner-up for the last two years with Botafogo, precisely to Flamengo, the current manager downplayed the reaction of the black-and-white fans who, after winning the Guanabara Cup, chanted at the Maracanã: "Cuca is the runner-up."\ According to the coach, the most interesting thing about these days leading up to the Taça Rio final is trying to undo the image that was built since the first meeting between him and Botafogo after taking over at Flamengo.\ "The final will be between Flamengo and Botafogo, not between Botafogo and Cuca. There's no such thing as Botafogo being unlucky if they lose, or Cuca being unlucky. Regarding the greatness of these two clubs, I'm less than a fingernail. I wouldn't be able to speak ill of Botafogo, because I worked there for two years, my teams played the best football in Brazil, according to critics, and I was happy," said the coach, who adopted a new tone when commenting on the Botafogo fans' provocations. \ "At first, that upset me. But now I see more clearly what happened. They said that to the coach of Botafogo's archrival, not to Cuca," he highlighted.\ Vice? No way!\ Little by little, Cuca is demonstrating greater maturity as he faces the pressures of not having yet won a major title, aside from the two Rio Cups in 2007 and 2008 with Glorioso. Although he doesn't hide his anticipation for another chance to shake off the stigma of almost winning, he asserts that much won't change if he wins.\ "I'm 45 years old, and I intend to work until I'm 70. I can't be labeled a runner-up because I lost two consecutive championships," concluded the red-black commander. \
For Cuca, the Bota trio combines all the qualities of a perfect player
Luciano Paiva\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Intelligence, technique, and physical strength. In coach Cuca's opinion, these are the characteristics of a perfect player, one capable of deciding a match at any moment. And according to the Flamengo manager, Botafogo has three players in Maiocusuel, Victor Simões, and Reinaldo, each with one of the characteristics of an ideal athlete.\ When asked who the Red-Black team should be most wary of next Sunday in the Taça Rio final, the second round of the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, Cuca found himself in a bind and emphasized that, in this particular case, attention must be divided. He knows the trio is strong when they're on a good day.\ "These are three very good players. Together, they combine all the qualities of a perfect player. Victor Simões has the strength, Reinaldo has the technique to score goals, and Maicosuel thinks up the plays," praised the manager.\ The most curious thing is that all the members of Botafogo's attacking trio have had some close contact with Flamengo. Strikers Reinaldo and Victor Simões were trained in the club's youth academy, while Maicosuel almost came to Gávea in 2006, after a drawn-out negotiation between Paraná and Cruzeiro.\
Ronaldo Angelim wants Fabio Luciano at Fla until the end of 2009
Luciano Paiva\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Defender and captain Fabio Luciano has already publicly stated that he is very close to retiring. However, Ronaldo Angelim has been fighting a daily battle, worse than any skilled striker, to convince his teammate to reconsider his decision. If he fails and Flamengo loses the Taça Rio final to Botafogo next Sunday at Maracanã, the derby could be Fabio Luciano's last professional match.\ "I'm even annoying about it, because I talk to him every single day. I want him to stay with us until at least the end of this year. Besides the State Championship, we have two important competitions: the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão," said Angelim, who believes the captain can bow out in style.\ "Ideally, he would retire after qualifying Flamengo for next year's Copa Libertadores. Who knows, maybe we can convince him otherwise?" he asked, before stating that he's not thinking about retiring any time soon.\ "I have a big family, two children to raise, and I still need to save a little more money. Fabio Luciano already has his situation sorted out," he joked. \
GLOBOESPORTE
Flamengo achieves ninth consecutive victory and maintains leadership in the 2009 NBB
Marcelinho leads the Rio team's victory over Joinville, 100 to 90
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Joinville
Joinville fans did their part and packed the Ivan Rodrigues Municipal Gymnasium this Tuesday for the seventh round of the second round of the 2009 New Basketball Brazil (NBB). But even in smaller numbers, the party was still with Flamengo fans, who saw their team easily overcome Joinville. Flamengo defeated the Santa Catarina team 100-90 (56-37), led by forward Marcelinho Machado. With their ninth consecutive victory, Flamengo maintains its lead in the tournament and guarantees a spot in the playoffs, among the top eight. \ The Gávea team relied on three-point shooting to win the game. The standout performer, once again, was Flamengo's forward, Marcelinho, who grabbed eight rebounds and surpassed the 2.500-point mark for Flamengo. In the second half, on the Gávea team's 36th point, the forward extended the lead and celebrated the feat. \ "In team sports, personal bests take a back seat. What counts is our advantage in the game," said Marcelinho, the match's top scorer with 34 points, and now seeking another feat with the No. 4 jersey: reaching 100 games for the team. \ Joinville mounted a comeback in the second half, but never managed to take the lead. With a lead that reached over 20 points, the Santa Catarina team showed a desire to turn the score around, but it wasn't enough. \
The game
With poor defense and no counterattack, the Joinville team saw Flamengo score easily and hit numerous three-pointers throughout the match. In the first quarter, Flamengo took the lead with a three-pointer from Marcelinho. Soon after, it was Helinho's turn. At 12-7, Flamengo easily controlled the score and closed the first quarter at 28-17. \ In the second half of the first half, with Joinville lacking defensive posture, Flamengo took advantage to pull away. Lost on the court, the Santa Catarina team's players missed numerous shots. They attempted 15 three-pointers and made only three. The Santa Catarina team sought a comeback. Coach Alberto Bial brought on power forward Olívia, after five months out due to surgery, but the situation changed little, and Flamengo closed the first half with a 56-37 lead. \ Flamengo came back less effective after halftime, and Joinville took a risk by taking their point guards off the court to give the team a stronger, more defensive stance. Joinville threatened a comeback, led by American Williams. The difference was 12 points at the end of the quarter, 73-61 for the visitors. Joinville managed to excite the fans, who cheered with the three-pointers, which the team finally managed to hit. Flamengo lost focus and began making a lot of mistakes, but it wasn't enough to turn the score around. \ The highlights in Joinville were also André, with 21 points, and center Shilton, who in addition to 17 points, grabbed 18 rebounds. \ In the decisive quarter, Joinville started lively and gave the Rubro-Negros a hard time, seeing the lead drop to 82-71. But Flamengo reignited and re-established a 15-point lead (89-74) with just over four minutes remaining. The home team made one last attempt, but Flamengo closed the match at 4-100. \ With the result, Flamengo, which still has a game in hand, has 38 points in the competition, with 18 wins and two losses. Joinville suffered its second consecutive loss and reached 36, in 21 games with 15 wins.\
Flamengo's next challenge will be on Friday, April 17, at 20 pm, in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, against Bira.
Fla may have changes in the final: 'There are people asking for passage', warns Cuca
Coach may include Emerson in the starting lineup against Botafogo
Eduardo Peixoto Rio de Janeiro
Emerson, Léo Moura and Ibson in training
O Flamengo held a less-than-conclusive training session, with players split into two teams on Tuesday afternoon. But even before naming the starting lineup on the Gávea pitch, Cuca acknowledged that he could make changes to the lineup that beat Fluminense 1-0 last Sunday. \ - In training, there are people asking for passage. And I won't be the obstacle. \ The message wasn't personal. But it's known that the coach is quite pleased with Emerson and may replace Josiel. The striker has two goals and, in the Fla-Flu match, again showed good movement and nearly scored a late goal. \ - Don't even tell me about that goal, don't even tell me - joked Emerson, as he left Gávea. \
There's also the situation with Everton Silva. He missed the last game due to a thigh problem, but he's recovered. It remains to be seen whether he'll return to the team, or whether Léo Moura will remain at right-back. \ - I have one or two questions and you will only know what I chose a little before the game – warned the coach. \ Flamengo faces Botafogo in the Taça Rio final next Sunday at 16 p.m. GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be covering the match in real time. Globo TV and Rádio Globo will broadcast to Rio de Janeiro.\
Suspended, Cuca was in the Fla-Flu locker room and could be punished again
The red-black coach claims he went to pray with the players and reacts: 'If I'm punished, it will be the end of the world'
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Unable to reverse the 30-day suspension, whose appeal was heard this Tuesday, coach Cuca could be punished again. Even while serving his sentence, the Flamengo coach was in the Fla-Flu locker room on Sunday, before and after the match. \ TJD Attorney General André Valentim will watch the video of the coach forming a chain with the players and will file a complaint this Wednesday. According to Article 172 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice, Cuca was not allowed to be at the workplace.\
According to Valentim, the coach will be held accountable for failing to comply with the Sports Court's ruling, as provided for in Article 223 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD), sole paragraph, which could result in a fine of R$10 to R$200 and a suspension of 90 to 360 days. Repeated noncompliance could result in suspension from the sport, as explained on the website "Justiça Desportiva." \ Cuca lamented the possibility of receiving a new suspension. \ - The laws are unclear. I went to the locker room before and after the game to pray. If I'm punished for praying, it will be the end of the world. I respect the laws, but they didn't tell me anything about this. \
In 2006 a similar incident happened to the coach. Driving the Botafogo, he passed through the locker room of a match against Vasco, even though he was suspended. The São Januário club reported the coach, but the accusation should have come from the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), and he was acquitted. \ The coach has been suspended for 30 days since April 1st. In the match against Vasco, on March 22nd, in the fourth round of the Rio Cup, he was sent off in the 41st minute of the second half, when the Flamengo was already losing 2-0 (final score). Cuca gestured to referee Luiz Antonio Silva dos Santos, complaining about a foul against the red-black team, and was sent off the field. As he was leaving for the locker room, he cursed the referee.\
PHOTO: Bruno returns to training and is confirmed for Sunday's final
The goalkeeper was out of the last two games in the Carioca because he was suspended
Eduardo Peixoto and Malu Toledo Rio de Janeiro
Diego did his part and left to great acclaim, but Bruno is back in goal for Flamengo. This Tuesday, the goalkeeper trained hard alongside his teammates at Gávea. He missed the last two games due to a suspension from the Rio de Janeiro State Court of Auditors (TJD-RJ) and had been off since Tuesday. On the trip to Belém, he confided that he would return with "even more desire" to win his third Campeonato Carioca title. Next Sunday, Bruno will start in the Taça Rio final against Botafogo.
Cuca's appeal is denied, and the coach remains suspended by the TJD
The red-black commander in Sunday's final will be Cuquinha, again
Marlos Bittencourt Rio de Janeiro
By a vote of eight to zero, auditors at the Sports Justice Court (TJD/RJ) upheld the 30-day suspension imposed on coach Cuca by the Third Disciplinary Committee for his red card in the derby against Vasco. He was accused of insulting referee Luiz Antônio Silva Santos, but the punishment could be converted to food baskets, as he has served 50% of the sentence. If the TJD accepts the conversion, Cuca will be able to manage the Flamengo in the decision of Rio Cup, Sunday, against the Botafogo at Maracanã. The club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, promises to file the conversion request by Thursday.
Goalkeeper Bruno, who was tried for rough play in the same match, received five votes in favor of upholding his sentence and three against. However, he has already served his two-game suspension and will be eligible to face Botafogo. \ The Flamengo goalkeeper, however, is no longer a first-time offender, but Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, will have to appeal to the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) so that the number 1 has a clean record in court. \ "I'll talk to Bruno to see if he wants me to appeal to the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), because I understand that three of the eight auditors acquitted him. As for Cuca, on Thursday I may request the conversion of the sentence to food baskets. If the president of the Superior Court of Justice (TJD), Antônio Vanderler, agrees to the conversion, Cuca will be able to lead the team in the Taça Rio final," said Michel Assef Filho.\
Flamengo plans product line for Fábio Luciano's farewell
Marketing department ensures that the project will go ahead even if the team is not champion
Eduardo Peixoto and Malu Toledo Rio de Janeiro
Fábio Luciano during Flamengo training
Fábio Luciano will retire before completing 100 games for Flamengo. Not enough time to dedicate him a spot in the club's gallery of idols? Absolutely not. A role model both inside and outside the squad, the captain will be the subject of a product line commemorating his retirement from the field. \ The idea is still in its early stages. The marketing department is waiting for the player to sit down and discuss the project. \ "For now, he doesn't want to see anything because he prefers to focus only on these final games. But I can say that we will have a product line, yes. With shirts and other things that I can't reveal so as not to interfere," said Flamengo's marketing director, Ricardo Heinrichsen. \ In the club's view, the football rollercoaster won't affect them. Even if the team loses the State Championship final, the product launch is guaranteed. \ "Fábio's image is bigger than that. The project is in no way linked to the Carioca title," said the director.\
The 34-year-old is expected to hang up his boots at the end of the Campeonato Carioca. Therefore, his last game could be this Sunday, in the Taça Rio final against Botafogo.
'I won't put my head in the toilet if I'm not champion,' says Cuca
Coach tries to distort the decision of a match between him and Botafogo
Eduardo Peixoto Rio de Janeiro
Cuca during Fla's training in Gávea
The buzzword for Sunday's final between Flamengo e Botafogo is "runner-up." But this Tuesday, Cuca, the main protagonist of the decision, tried to reject the idea that he and the black and white team will compete for the unpleasant label of runner-up. \ In the last two state championships, the coach was on the other side and lost the finals to the Red-Blacks. When he won the Guanabara Cup this year, Botafogo fans chanted "Cuca is the runner-up." This fact bothered him. But only at first. \ "Now I see it differently. I understood they said that because I'm now at my biggest rival. I'll never speak ill of a club where I was warmly welcomed and made friends. The final will be between Flamengo and Botafogo. Cuca isn't even a fingernail in this derby. In fact, less than a fingernail." \ To secure his first career title—with the exception of two Rio Cups won in 2007 and 2008—coach Cuca promises not to despair. He guarantees there will be no frustration if he wins, nor depression if he loses. \
"If I win, I won't arrive here the next day setting off fireworks, and I won't stick my head in the toilet if I lose. I'll arrive here with the same look on my face, that ugly look you always see." \ Ultimately, he thinks it's still too early for people to blame him for being the runner-up. \ "I'm 45 years old, and I want to work until I'm 70. I'll be runner-up many times, just as I'll win others. I lost last year and the year before. Will that be the only reason I'm going to be stigmatized as a runner-up?" \ Flamengo and Botafogo will decide the Taça Rio this Sunday at 16 p.m. If they win, the red-and-black team will still have to play the two final games of the Carioca.\
Flamengo and Botafogo fans buy more than 40 tickets for the final
Teams face each other on Sunday to decide the Rio Cup title
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo and Botafogo fans formed huge lines this Tuesday
The fans of Flamengo e Botafogo were quick and bought more than half of the available tickets for the final of the Rio Cup, Sunday at 16 p.m., at Maracanã. This Tuesday alone, 41.009 tickets were sold. In total, there were 68.709 tickets at the beginning of the day. There are no more special seats. This Wednesday, starting at 11 a.m., all tickets will likely be sold out.
Cortês, Kleber Leite plans dinner with Botafogo coach and board
The manager and Ney Franco are personal friends and want to 'defuse' the mood for Sunday's final
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Regulars in the finals of the Campeonato Carioca in recent years, Flamengo e Botafogo saw their rivalry explode into a devastating frenzy. To prevent the conflicts from escalating and turning Maracanã into a powder keg next Sunday, the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, will invite the rivals to dinner.
At the table—in addition to Kleber—will be coach Ney Franco and members of the opposing board. Ney and the Flamengo director have been personal friends since the coach's time at Gávea, between 2006 and 2007. \ Next Sunday, starting at 16 p.m., Flamengo faces Botafogo in the Taça Rio final. If they win, Flamengo will become state champions and will unseat the two-time defending champions of Rio de Janeiro without the need for a final.\
THROW
Juan, the decisive one for Flamengo
The full-back has already scored important goals against Vasco and Flu. Botafogo is missing.
LANCEPRESS!
A hero in Flamengo's qualification for the Taça Rio final, Juan has been known for making the difference for the Red-Blacks in decisive matches. Besides his goal in the Flamengo-Flu match, the left-back also scored the winning goal in the Copa do Brasil final against Vasco and in a match that earned a spot in the Copa Libertadores, against Atlético Paranaense, in the 2007 Brazilian Championship.
Coach Cuca knows the importance of his number 6 and hopes that the player's good form will once again make a difference in the final stretch of the competition:
"Juan is having a great time. He's been crucial for us and performs well when he's in good physical shape, which is the case now. He trains with the same intensity he plays."
Botafogo has not yet been the victim of Juan's goals in finals, but they have also suffered from the player's left-footed shot two years ago in a 1-1 draw in the Brazilian Championship.
In fact, with his goal against Fluminense, Juan is one of four players in the current Flamengo squad who have scored against the three biggest rivals. The others are Leonardo Moura, Jônatas, and Obina.
Juan's partner on the left flank, defender Ronaldo Angelim knows the importance of his teammate and also mentions other players who could make a difference in Flamengo's favor, as Botafogo has a highly regarded attacking trio.
"It was proven in the game against Fluminense that when Juan and Léo Moura perform well, Flamengo thrives. We still have the quality of Ibson and the experience of Kleberson," said Angelim, not forgetting a player who hasn't stood out this season but who often appears in big decisions. "We know Obina is crucial for us. He should be on the bench, and I hope he helps us."
Cuca's situation may worsen
TV caught the coach in the pre-match talk before the derby against Flu
LANCEPRESS!
Coach Cuca's 30-day suspension was upheld by the TJD (Department of Justice of the Judiciary), which rejected Flamengo's appeal. Worse, the coach's situation could worsen.
Cuca was in the Maracanã locker room for the Rio Cup semifinal against Fluminense last Sunday. Footage of defender and captain Fábio Luciano's pre-match talk shows Cuca participating in the chain and prayer with the players.
In fact, he couldn't be there because of a 30-day suspension for insulting the referee in the derby against Vasco. Upon learning that his sentence could be extended, Cuca became irritated and vented:
"Our laws aren't very clear. What they said I couldn't do, I did. I went to the locker room just to pray with the players. I was suspended because I argued with the referee about a play. Now I'm just waiting to be suspended because I went to pray with the players in the locker room," he said.
The punishment for goalkeeper Bruno (already served) was also maintained by a majority of votes.
Kleber and Ney: meeting before the grand final
Manager and coach guarantee that there is no enmity between Flamengo and Botafogo, opponents in the Rio Cup
LANCEPRESS!
During the week of the Taça Rio final, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, and Botafogo's coach, Ney Franco, have a meeting scheduled before the match kicks off. On Friday, the two will have lunch together to catch up and prove that, despite the teams' repeated close matches, there's no over-the-top rivalry between the Red-Black and White teams.
"It will be a meeting between friends, and it's necessary to convey this kind of message. The topic of football is limited to the field. Neymar is one of the people I love most in football. Rivalry should be encouraged, but with love and affection. The coaches will attend the meeting, and if the president of Botafogo also attends, I'll invite Delair Dumbrosck (acting president of Flamengo)," explained Kleber Leite.
The Gávea director confessed that this won't be the first time the two have met since they began playing opposite sides in Rio de Janeiro football. During the Guanabara Cup, Kleber Leite and Ney Franco had already dined together.
"Recently, he had a birthday and was home alone, as his wife had to go to Belo Horizonte. I called him and we went out to dinner like two good friends. Thank goodness the Flamengo-Botafogo game ended in a draw at the time, otherwise they would have said something," he concluded.
Flamengo defeats Joinville and remains leader of the NBB
Rubro-negro wins 100-90 in the South and guarantees a place in the playoffs
LANCEPRESS!
Despite playing away from home, Flamengo had no trouble maintaining its lead in the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) standings and securing a spot in the playoffs, among the top eight in the championship. In the opening match of the seventh round of the second half, this Tuesday, in Joinville (SC), the team led by coach Paulo Chupeta defeated Ciser/Joinville 100-90 (56-37).
With this result, the red-black team reached 38 points in the standings with 18 wins in 20 matches (90% success rate). Joinville suffered its second consecutive defeat and has 36 in 21 games with 15 wins (71,4%).
Marcelinho Machado was the top scorer in the match, surpassing 2.500 points for Flamengo. The captain left the court with 34 points, 27 of them in the first half, bringing his total to 2.516. The standouts for Joinville were André, with 21 points, and center Shilton, who not only scored 17 points but also grabbed 18 rebounds.
"This was an important victory because mathematically, we've already qualified for the playoffs. The team came out with determination, which was crucial to the result in a game like this," celebrated the red-and-black coach, Paulo Chupeta.
The seventh round of the NBB continues this Wednesday with six more games:
18h30:\ Cetaf/Garoto x Pinheiros\ 20h:\ Universe/BRB x São José/Unimed\ Lupo/Araraquara x GRSA/Bauru\ Vivo/Franca x Unimed/Assis\ Univates/Bira x Pitágoras/Minas\ 20h30:\ Saldanha da Gama x Paulistano/Amil\
Fabio Luciano to a place in the Libertadores?
Ronaldo Angelim hopes captain postpones retirement
LANCEPRESS!
In the Flamengo squad, the "Stay, Fabio Luciano" campaign continues in full swing. Defender Ronaldo Angelim is one of the