The Globe

Renato attacks and Joel mocks

On the eve of the Fla-Flu match, a heated argument between coaches shows that friendship is a thing of the past

Marcos Penido and Marcio Tavares

In 1995, Renato was called "baby" and treated like a saucer of milk by then-Fluminense coach Joel Santana. He reciprocated with a belly goal with which the two celebrated the club's state title, precisely in Flamengo's centennial year. As they began to compete for positions in the coaching market, their friendship turned to antagonism. Upset by Joel's statements when he was managing Vasco, Renato left it to vent now that he will face his rival in the Fla-Flu match tomorrow at 20:30 p.m. at Maracanã, for the Brazilian Championship.

- I never saw Joel lift a trophy as a player and I lifted 16. I wish I had played in the same period he did. I would have passed him by - said Renato.

From the top of the mountain, in Teresópolis, where Flamengo is training, Joel responded ironically:

"It's his right to speak. And his phrases always come with a touch of humor. I used to call him baby, but now he's a bit naughty. I was Brazilian champion with Vasco in 1974, and I won several titles with América de Natal. I learn every day. He will too."

Renato's resentment may have stemmed from Joel's statement, the day before he was fired from Fluminense four months ago to make way for his former player. Fluminense drew with Bahia, and the fans chanted for Renato. With a price on his head, Joel declared:

"I'm not a coach who throws in the towel. I don't even touch my face, much less go down to the locker room before the game is over," he said, referring to Renato's trip to the Maracanã locker room after Botafogo had beaten Vasco, then under his command, 2-0, minutes before the end of the Taça Rio match (shortly after, Renato would leave the São Januário team).

Ever since the baby began to blossom as a coach, Joel became his direct competitor. In the 2003 Brazilian Championship, Renato left Fluminense to make way for his former coach. Shortly thereafter, Renato returned to save the team from relegation and celebrate the success of the mission Joel had failed. Like his former commander, the current Tricolor coach has a good track record with rival clubs. As a player, Renato played for Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo. And he doesn't forget to pamper the fans:

"I've always been treated well by everyone, and they're demanding fans. That's great. Now, I'm in charge of Fluminense, and I'll try to help our team win."

Without full-back Carlinhos or his replacement, Rafael, both injured, Renato is keeping the lineup a secret. Yesterday, the starting lineup trained with Ricardo Berna, Thiago Silva, Luiz Alberto, and Roger; Arouca, Romeu, Maurício (David), Thiago Neves, and Júnior César; Soares and Somália. Arouca played right wing.

For Somália, the classic is the chance to end the goal drought for the tricolor at Maracanã:

- When I was 16, I played for América-MG against Flamengo, and we won with a goal from me. Who knows, maybe I'll bring some joy to the Tricolor fans.

The Tricolor board has already finalized the terms of the contract to secure midfielder Thiago Neves's continued presence, and the new contract is expected to be signed next week. Full-back Gabriel is expected to return to the club if he doesn't receive an offer from abroad.

In terms of ingredients, the classic's appetizer promises to be just as exciting as the box office buzz. The rivalry remains as vibrant as ever.

Paulo Sérgio is an option if Souza doesn't play

TERESÓPOLIS. Nobody forgets the first Fla-Flu match. Surprised by the chance to be selected for tomorrow's derby—provided Souza's suspension isn't lifted—forward Paulo Sérgio was the picture of disbelief after yesterday's training session. While he hadn't even participated in training the day before, yesterday he learned that coach Joel Santana sees him as an option.

- If Souza (suspended for attacking Grêmio player Tcheco last month) is not released, Paulo Sérgio will come in - Joel decreed.

The attacker vented:

"It's going to be my first Fla-Flu match. I'm happy and excited," said Paulo Sérgio.

In addition to tomorrow's Fla-Flu match, Joel faces trial today at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). He's accused of inciting violence in the last match against Santos and could face a one- to two-year suspension.

"I'm not tense. There wasn't this 'shell' they created. My players aren't violent," says Joel. "Those who get to where I am don't order hits."

Regarding Fla-Flu, Joel knows the opponent well and insinuates that Renato Gaúcho's team was practically assembled by him, at the beginning of this year.

- They've changed some positions, like the attack, which is different. Fluminense is just ahead of us.

By acknowledging the opponent's superiority in tomorrow's match, without using demagogic phrases declaring the rival the favorite, the coach confesses his concern about his defense.

- We have been conceding goals due to inattention - said Joel Santana (MT).

Lula regulates Timemania lottery

At a ceremony, the president expressed concern about empty stadiums.

BRASILIA. In a ceremony attended by executives from Brazil's top teams, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a decree yesterday at the Planalto Palace regulating Timemania, a new lottery that will hit lottery outlets later this year. During the ceremony, Lula reiterated his concern about the premature sale of athletes and suggested the creation of a working group, made up of government and club officials, to discuss the matter.

Lula said clubs must find a way to bring fans back to stadiums. He believes one of the motivations is the quality of the team. But, as he has done on other occasions, he expressed concern about the sale of star players.

- The kid kicks a ball at three years old and already has an agent - he observed.

The president stated that the early sale of athletes forces fans to watch European championships to see Brazilian stars in action.

"Since I'm a soccer fanatic, sometimes on the weekends I'll watch TV at midnight, flipping through channels to watch something," he revealed. "The sad thing is that you turn on cable TV, watch games from around the world, and see a stadium packed with people. And sometimes you turn on the TV, like I did on Sunday to watch Corinthians and Grêmio, and there are 8 people."

Lula says clubs need to put on shows

For the president, clubs will only survive when they have a spectacle to put on for their fans.

Lula noted that the clubs, in debt, ended up becoming simply a company sponsored by marketing and he, as president, cannot wear the teams' shirts because he cannot do merchandising for those who pay the teams.

Lula pointed out that currently not even the managers are going to the games "because the teams are falling down the table."

In Lula's opinion, Timemania is an "experiment" that he hopes will help clubs overcome the financial difficulties they are currently facing. Timemania was approved by the National Congress last year and stipulates that teams interested in participating in the program will be entitled to 22% of the lottery's gross proceeds. To do so, they must sign a membership agreement with Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF), which administers the lotteries.

Among the criteria for joining the program is the presentation of documentation proving that the directors have no convictions for intentional crimes or misdemeanors in any court of law, presentation of a balance sheet and recognition that the lottery remuneration amounts will be linked to the settlement of the clubs' debts with the INSS, Federal Revenue and FGTS.

Lottery may have up to 80 participating clubs

The new lottery will feature 80 teams from the Brazilian Championship's A, B, and C series. The drawing will take place once a week, on Saturdays, and will reward bettors who match seven, six, five, four, or three numbers. Bettors can select 10 numbers from the 80 available on the betting slip.

The end of income discounts is postponed in Alerj

Deputies make amendments to the bill that aims to make Maracanã more profitable

The state government's bill to end the Maracanã Stadium revenue discount for professional associations will have to wait at least until next week to be voted on. In a regular session yesterday at the State Legislative Assembly, representatives made 21 amendments to the bill submitted by the executive branch, which will be submitted for review by the House committees before returning to the plenary. The bill aims to end the transfer of a percentage of the stadium's net revenue to the Professional Athlete Guarantee Foundation (2%), the Brazilian Scouts Union (1%), and the Rio de Janeiro State Sports Writers Association (0,5%).

During the last State Championship, the transfer totaled R$240,9, averaging R$8 per game, according to the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation's accounting records. The idea of ​​Suderj president and State Secretary of Sports, Eduardo Paes, is to make Maracanã more profitable and attractive to clubs. According to him, the stadium is the only one in Brazil that offers this type of discount. Because it originates from the executive branch, the bill has priority in the Assembly. The amendments are expected to be analyzed for their constitutionality and technical aspects by early next week before being voted on individually.

Recently, the House rejected a proposal to set up a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) to investigate irregularities in the Federation.

Sports Journal

Joel Santana: 'Renato Gaúcho still has a lot to learn'

Coach Joel Santana declined to respond to the provocations from Tricolor coach Renato Gaúcho. Renato said he was much more successful than Joel and said that if he had played in the former defender's era, he would have celebrated. The Rubro-Negro coach changed the subject and emphasized the importance of Thursday's match.

"Renato's statements don't bother me at all. I want to talk about the game. It's a tough game, and we need to win no matter what. We prepared and hope to play well," Joel told Rádio Tupi.

The red-black coach recalled the times when he and Renato defended the same colors, praised him, but made a reservation.

"He already knows me well; we were champions together. Now he's on the coaching side. He'll gradually become successful in his profession, but he still has a lot to learn," commented the red-and-black coach.

Barbs exchanged on the sidelines between Renato Gaúcho and Joel Santana

Old acquaintances, coaches heat up the atmosphere for tomorrow's Fla-Flu

Nathan de Lima

Controversy and tension raged on the eve of tomorrow's Fla-Flu match at Maracanã. Coaches Renato Gaúcho and Joel Santana, coaches of Fluminense and Flamengo respectively, spoke their minds and exchanged barbs during yesterday's training sessions at Laranjeiras and Granja Comary, where Fla is preparing for the match. Renato said Joel hasn't achieved anything. The Flamengo coach said his opponent is misinformed.

After yesterday's tactical training, Renato Gaúcho challenged the experienced Joel Santana, Flamengo's current coach and his predecessor at Flu. Renato stated that he didn't remember any of Joel's titles from his playing days.

"As a player, I lifted 16 trophies and never saw Joel lift one. In that sense, I have the advantage. I want to see who can get me a picture of him lifting a trophy. He's lucky he didn't face me," Renato Gaúcho quipped.

Joel Santana doesn't have many titles as a player, but he was a Brazilian champion in 1974, when he played for Vasco as a substitute. Back then, Vasco defeated Cruzeiro 2-1.

Joel did not forgive the tricolor coach's forgetfulness.

"Renato's statement doesn't bother me, especially since he's misinformed. I was a champion many times when I was a player. I was a Brazilian champion with Vasco in 1974," said Joel.

If the psychological warfare between the two old supporters of trickery has heated up, they've shown respect for each other during the match. For Renato, the support from the stands will be an ally.

"We can't expect the game to be easy because of Flamengo's current situation. Flamengo is always a threat, regardless of its position or phase. Proof of this is that they brought in 40 people for the match against Náutico. You can't be too careful," Renato stated.

Joel Santana maintained his expectation of a tough match. "I like talking about football, and the Fla-Flu match will be exciting and difficult. We have to win no matter what. We're prepared, and I know we'll put in a good performance," Joel added.

Joel Santana, the title-winning coach

Joel Santana leads Flamengo in another Fla-Flu match tomorrow at 20:30 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium. He is the only coach in history to have won a championship with all four major Rio clubs. Joel made his mark on Rio de Janeiro football with titles, his good humor, and his longtime companion, the clipboard, who has been with him since the beginning of his career.

Joel Santana began his involvement with Rio de Janeiro football in his new role in 1986, when he first coached Vasco, but didn't stay long and returned to Asia. More mature as a coach, Joel returned to Brazil in 1992, again with Vasco, and won his first Rio de Janeiro title. In 1995, Fluminense thanked Joel for winning the Rio de Janeiro championship, with a late goal from Renato Gaúcho (the manager of tomorrow's opponent). The following year, Flamengo brought him in as coach, and he didn't disappoint the fans, winning the state title that year. In 1997, Botafogo won the Rio de Janeiro title with his help.

Souza's hope at Fla

The club is trying to obtain a suspension to count on the striker for the classic

Thiago Bokel

Souza trained with the starting lineup yesterday. He hopes to receive a stay of execution from the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) to play tomorrow's derby against Fluminense at Maracanã.

The word "hope" has definitely entered Flamengo's vocabulary. Besides the desire to escape the relegation zone as quickly as possible, the club strongly expects striker Souza to benefit from a suspension and be fit to play in tomorrow's Fla-Flu match. The player trained much of yesterday's training session at Granja Comary among the starters and hopes for a happy ending.

"It's a delicate situation, as I have to wait for the Superior Court of Justice (STJD)'s approval. The same thing happened against Náutico; I was focused on Thursday and Friday and couldn't play. Now I'm hopeful that this issue will be resolved and I can play against Fluminense," said the player.

Souza was suspended for five games for his sending-off against Grêmio at the Olímpico Stadium. He was charged under Articles 253 and 254 (for physical assault and violent play, respectively) and would have to sit out two more matches. The striker knows he made a mistake and hopes not to repeat it.

"This punishment made me reflect. I have a family that depends on me, and I need to think before making a mistake like this. But my attack wasn't unintentional; he also punched me, and my adrenaline spiked," Souza admitted.

Coach Joel Santana was pleased with the possibility of having a player who can be a reference in attack, as Obina is undergoing physical reconditioning work and Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio were unable to please him.

"Now I'm leaving it in the hands of the club's legal department. If he leaves, he's in the lineup for the derby," the coach stated.

Despite the possibility of counting on the striker, vice president of football Kleber Leite said the situation should only be resolved tomorrow, when STJD president Rubens Aprobatto will be in Rio. Until then, nothing will likely be decided.

Fábio Luciano is confirmed for Fla-Flu

Defender Fábio Luciano, who made his debut last Saturday against Náutico and even managed to score a goal, is confirmed for tomorrow's Fla-Flu match. He was substituted at halftime of that match due to muscle pain. Now, he's recovered and ready to play in his first Rio derby.

"The pain has improved and I'm ready. Last week I trained really hard to be able to play, and I ended up feeling it. Now my focus is on getting into rhythm and putting in a good run of games to establish myself," said the red-and-black sheriff. One of Fábio Luciano's greatest joys came precisely at the Maracanã, the venue for tomorrow's derby. When he played for Corinthians, he was crowned Club World Champion by beating Vasco on penalties in front of a stadium packed with Vasco fans. Although tomorrow's opponent will be different, he hopes to leave the Maracanã happy again.

"We have to respect Fluminense, who have a good coach and a great squad, but we need the three points, which are important to get us out of this difficult situation. We'll go after them no matter what," explained the defender.

Fábio Luciano's success at Flamengo promises to be swift. Signed as the club's great hope for a solid defensive system, the player had an excellent debut and showed that he could soon become a key player on the team.

U-19 wins another one

Flamengo remains undefeated in the U-19 Club World Cup in Malaysia. Yesterday, the team defeated PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands 1-0 and qualified for the semifinals of the competition. Flamengo's goal was scored by Erick Flores in the final minute of the match. The next match will be on Friday at 7:50 am. The opponent has not yet been determined.

O Dia

Fla-Flu: Two not-so-cordial friends

Renato Gaúcho mocks Joel Santana and mocks the opposing coach, saying he was never a champion during his playing days.

José Luiz de Pinho and Marluci Martins

Rio - The cold war has begun. Tomorrow's Flamengo-Flu match may not have a favorite, but Renato Gaúcho is banking on his former player's winning career to further sink Joel Santana's Flamengo into the relegation zone and take Fluminense from 11th to 7th place in the Brasileirão.

Irreverent, Gaúcho heated up the classic with a mocking statement about the rival coach — whom he replaced in command of Tricolor.

When asked if the coaches' trickery could decide the derby tactically off the field, Renato blasted the former master.

"Of course you can. Especially since I never saw Joel lift a trophy as a player, and I lifted 16," the former limited defender said, taking a dig at him.

"I doubt anyone will show me a picture of Joel lifting a trophy. And he's lucky I didn't face him as a player," recalled the inspired Tricolor coach.

The red-and-black coach's response was curt. "Baby is getting angry... He's misinformed," countered Joel, who, with Vasco, was state champion in 70 and Brazilian champion in 74. "And I was champion several times (77, 79, and 80) with América-RN," he added.

Joel handled Renato's provocation diplomatically. But he couldn't take everything for granted. "Life teaches us a lot. Renato has always been like that, laid-back, and he won the Copa do Brasil title. He's gradually gaining ground, but there's still a lot to learn," Joel stated.

Renato's 'nudge' was payback given to Joel, who criticized him for not staying on Vasco's bench to miss the penalty shootout in the semi-finals of this year's Guanabara Cup, in which Flamengo eliminated their arch-rival, then led by Renato.

One of the 16 trophies on his resume is the 1995 state championship, with Fluminense, a team managed by Joel Santana, when Renato scored the historic belly goal in the 3-2 victory over Flamengo in the final.

"When I arrived at Laranjeiras, Fluminense hadn't won a title in 10 years, and I scored two goals in that final. With Flamengo, I won three titles and I'm proud to have worked for Rio's four biggest clubs," says Renato, who also played for Botafogo and was coach of Vasco.

Having been a coach for 11 years, a career that began at Fluminense in 1996, replacing Joel himself, Renato Gaúcho once again replaced his former mentor in April of this year.

“I was a champion at Fluminense as a player and coach, and the fans can expect more,” says Renato, who secured the Tricolor's place in the 2008 Copa Libertadores by winning the Copa do Brasil.

Joel Santana continues to learn from every game. After three matches for Flamengo, he concluded that defense is the biggest thorn in the side's side. "The leader conceded seven goals. We conceded almost 30," he noted.

For Joel, every great team needs, above all, a good defense: "We need to have firmness and humility to score. We need to be responsible when we lose possession."

TRICOLOR CLIPBOARD

Despite taking jabs at his former mentor, Renato seems to have a touch of Joel in him and showed that the clipboard is also a great ally. Yesterday, after banning filming of the training session, he gathered the players on the field and showed them how to destroy the red-and-blacks.

When asked if he copied Joel, he said, "This whole coach-using-a-clipboard thing has been around since 1920. I don't know how Flamengo will play, and if he wants to know how we'll play, he'll have to find out," he replied.

Although he will only announce the team shortly before the derby, Renato has shown that he is not worried about what Joel may be preparing.

"I have three formations (4-4-2, 3-5-2, and 3-6-1) and I can use any of them. Just because it's Flamengo doesn't mean we're going to change," he warned, adding that he plans to exploit the opponent's tension.

Renato is certain that the difficult situation facing his rival, second-to-last in the Brazilian Championship, will be an added advantage for Fluminense. "We know Flamengo thrives in these situations, but their fans are demanding and will demand it," predicts the Tricolor coach, who is not worried about the potential tight marking of Thiago Neves, a standout midfielder.

Sports Gazette

Leonardo wants a streak to establish himself at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Signed after excelling for Paraná in the 2006 Brazilian Championship, striker Leonardo has yet to win over Flamengo fans. In nearly eight months with the Red-Blacks, he has spent more time on the bench than on the field. Receiving new opportunities since coach Joel Santana was hired, Leonardo dreams of a string of matches to prove he can be a starter for the Rio de Janeiro team. "That's what I want, a string of games to score the goals Flamengo needs," commented Leonardo.

With Obina out of shape and Renato Augusto suffering a muscle injury, Leonardo will likely be joined by Argentine Maximiliano Biancucchi in Thursday's derby against Fluminense. Leonardo assures that the duo is also committed to overcoming, in addition to the lack of chemistry, the communication issues. "We're always talking, but sometimes he talks too quickly and it gets complicated."

Leonardo's positive mood also stems from last Saturday's victory over Náutico. The result helped ease the pressure on the Red-Blacks in recent days. "The fans could see that the team has the power to overcome. It was a relief, and I'm sure the fans will support us for years to come to overcome this situation," Leonardo stated.

Also looking forward to seeing a packed Maracanã on Thursday is midfielder Rômulo, who will be playing in his first professional derby. "It's great to play for Flamengo, even better to play in a derby with the fans in attendance. It's different from when I was a junior. The Flamengo-Flu team has history, and now I can be a part of it. Wearing the Flamengo jersey is always a source of pride," says Rômulo, who made his starting debut against Náutico.

Midfielder Roger, accustomed to playing in the derby but wearing a Fluminense jersey, assures he's prepared to be booed by the Tricolor on Thursday. "The boos will be inevitable, but they won't affect me at all. I'll take the field with the same determination to try to help Flamengo secure another victory."

Roger, Rômulo, Leonardo, and the other players will try to free Flamengo from a troublesome record. Flamengo has yet to win a state derby this year. The team has drawn four times with Botafogo, lost once to Fluminense, and recorded a draw and a loss against Vasco. This Wednesday morning, the Flamengo squad returns to Rio de Janeiro and will train in the afternoon at Gávea.

Early this evening, coach Joel Santana will go to the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), where he will be tried for controversial statements made during the game against Santos, on the 5th. If punished, Joel could be suspended for up to two years.

Joel avoids controversy with Renato Gaúcho\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - About to face Fluminense in Thursday's derby, coach Joel Santana avoided controversy with his opponent. On Tuesday, the Flamengo manager preferred to dodge the provocations made by Renato Gaúcho, the Flamengo coach, who said Joel Santana achieved little during his time as a player. "It doesn't bother me at all, especially because he's misinformed. He's known me for a long time, we were champions together, now he's on this side, he's become a coach, he's gradually improving, and he's still going to learn a lot," commented Joel, who finally took a dig at Renato. "He's very angry."

This Tuesday afternoon, Joel Santana led a Flamengo training session at Granja Comary, where he revealed that he has yet to decide who will partner Maximiliano Biancucchi in attack. For the position, the coach tested Leonardo, Paulo Sérgio, and Souza, but the latter is still awaiting a suspension.

PeléNet

Joel responds, and fuels rivalry on the bench for Fla-Flu

Coach Joel Santana didn't shy away from the provocation. This Tuesday, the red-and-black club responded to a dig from opposing coach Renato Gaúcho, fueling the rivalry on the bench for next Thursday's Fla-Flu match at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship.

"He [Renato] has known me for a long time. He was my player, we were champions together, and now he's on this side, with the coaches. Every day he's gaining his place in football, but there's still a lot to happen and a lot to learn," said Joel. "He's already getting excited," continued the coach, who is preparing his team in Teresópolis for the derby.

In Laranjeiras, Renato Gaúcho began his provocation playfully after this morning's training session. Everything was cordial at the press conference, until the final question from the reporters. When asked what difference the coaches could make in the Fla-Flu match, Renato didn't hesitate and took a dig at the opposing coach.

"With all due respect to him, the difference is that Joel never lifted a trophy as a player. I lifted 16," joked the coach, who was state champion with Fluminense in 1995 as a player (scorer of the famous belly goal) under Joel Santana, but only won one title as a coach - this year's Copa do Brasil, with the tricolor club.

Despite his response to Renato Gaúcho's provocation, Joel Santana assured that he wasn't upset. "It doesn't bother me at all. Especially since he [Renato] is misinformed. So, it doesn't mean anything," concluded the Flamengo coach.

Renato Gaúcho spices up the classic even more and provokes Joel

Leonardo Velasco\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Initially, coach Renato Gaúcho tried to keep his irony subtle. This Tuesday, however, the Fluminense manager was more explicit in his controversial statements, further inflaming the atmosphere ahead of Thursday's derby against Flamengo. The target: Fluminense coach Joel Santana.

Coach Renato Gaúcho further intensified the Fla-Flu rivalry by mocking Joel

Everything was extremely cordial at the press conference after Tuesday morning's training session, until the final question from the reporters. When asked what difference the coaches could make in the Fla-Flu match, Renato didn't hesitate and took a dig at the opposing coach.

"With all due respect to him, the difference is that Joel never lifted a trophy as a player. I lifted 16," joked the coach, who was champion when he was coached by Joel, in 1995, at Fluminense.

Regarding Flamengo's preparation before the derby, which includes training in Teresópolis, Renato Gaúcho stated that he does not consider it necessary to do anything special in the days leading up to the game.

"Everything is fine here. The group is responding positively to training and nothing will change just because the match is against Flamengo," he said.

The provocations, however, were limited to Joel Santana. When discussing the Fla-Flus matches he's played on both sides, the Laranjeiras coach adopted a much more diplomatic tone.

"I feel proud to have played for all the clubs in Rio de Janeiro and to have been an idol for all the fans," said Renato.

Flamengo's juniors are in the semifinals of the tournament in Malaysia

Flamengo's youth team came closer to another title in the 2007 season. This Tuesday, in the quarterfinals of an international tournament in the category held in Malaysia, the team led by coach and former player Adílio beat PSV-HOL 1-0 - with a goal from Erik Flores in the last minute of the match - and secured a place in one of the semifinals of the competition.

Now, Flamengo returns to the field next Friday at 7:50 a.m. (Brasília time) against an opponent yet to be determined, hoping to secure a spot in the final. Bayern Munich-GER, AC Milan-ITA, Barcelona-ESP, Inter Milan-ITA, Manchester United-ENG, and Juventus-ITA are still in the running.

If they win the title, the red-and-black team will be undefeated champions. In the first phase, the team drew 1-1 with Milan-ITA, beat Arsenal-ENG 2-1, defeated Ajax-HOL 1-0, and qualified for the quarterfinals as the first-place team in Group A.

Incidentally, the new Flamengo "crop" is promising. This year, Flamengo's youth team has already won three state championships and the Belo Horizonte Cup, which is considered the "Brazilian Championship" for the category.

Milan defeats Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup in Malaysia

Milan defeated Bayern Munich this Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur and qualified for the semifinals of the Club World Cup in Malaysia. Pierre Aubameyang scored the Italian club's goals. Milan is managed by Filippo Galli.

Flamengo had already secured their place in the next stage of the competition by beating PSV from the Netherlands this Tuesday.

BalloonSport

Joel tests two attacking options

The coach still doesn't know who will be Maxi's teammate on the red-black team.

Marcio Iannacca

Maxi Bianchucci has been training well and is confirmed for the Fla-Flu, on Thursday

Coach Joel Santana tested two options in Flamengo's attack. Argentine Maxi Biancucchi is confirmed as Flamengo's starting midfielder, but he still doesn't know who will be his partner. Souza, who is awaiting the Superior Court of Justice's suspension, and Paulo Sérgio are competing for the starting spot.

"We're making a lot of changes in attack. We've already used Obina, Souza, and Leonardo, and now this Argentine kid will have a chance in the starting lineup. He's been training very well and will have his opportunity," says the coach, who confirms Paulo Sérgio will be available if Souza is unavailable.

Joel Santana hopes the team will improve its performance in this Thursday's classic against Fluminense.

"Little by little, our team is finding its feet. For the derby, we just need to choose Maxi's attacking partner. We're looking for stability in that area," reveals the red-and-black manager, who even scolded striker Paulo Sérgio when he missed a clear chance during the training session.

"Are you going to try to score a pretty goal? You have to put the ball in there," he roared.

Joel uses the example of Italy in Fla

Coach says Azzurra won the world championship thanks to a well-organized defense

Marcio Iannacca

Joel Santana is inspired by the four-time world champion team of 2006

Coach Joel Santana is concerned about organizing Flamengo's defense and preventing early goals. In the three matches he's coached, goalkeeper Bruno has been forced to retrieve the ball from the back of the net in the opening minutes.

Joel Santana used a recent example to confirm his attitude of fixing the defense first and then worrying about the attack.

"We've been working on this for almost 30 years. The history of football is there to show it. In football, titles are won by those with a solid defense. Italy won the World Cup with a well-positioned and solid defense. You have to be firm and humble to defend well," analyzes the red-and-black coach.

Working with the Brazilian women's team, which is preparing for the World Cup in China, is also a source of inspiration for the Flamengo coach.

"The women's team is also a good example. They didn't concede a single goal at the Pan American Games," says the coach.

Fábio Luciano expects Fla's evolution

Defender prefers not to promise goals in his second match for Rubro-Negro

Marcio Iannacca

Fábio Luciano upon his arrival at Flamengo. He promises no goals for Thursday.

Defender Fábio Luciano has fully recovered from the muscle pain that kept him out of the second half of last Saturday's 2-1 victory over Náutico at Maracanã. For Thursday's match against Fluminense, the player asks for respect for his opponent, but says Flamengo needs to play as if it were competing in a final.

"We expect the team to evolve. I'm just arriving, and our team has a lot to improve. We have to take it game by game. The first goal is to get the three points from Thursday's derby," says Fábio Luciano.

In his debut for Flamengo, Fábio Luciano scored one of the team's goals. The defender, however, prefers not to make any promises to the Flamengo fans.

"It's not the defenders' job to score goals. Our job is to protect our goal. Set pieces are an excellent weapon for our team, and that's the only way I could score another goal," the player analyzes.

Souza: 'I felt regret'

Striker says he will wait until the last minute to know whether he will play against Flu or not

Marcio Iannacca

Souza is confident to play in the Fla x Flu classic, this Thursday

Striker Souza is confident that Flamengo's legal department will secure a stay of execution so he can play in Thursday's derby against Fluminense at Maracanã. The Superior Court of Sports Justice has not yet reviewed the case and has not yet issued a ruling. The player believes he will be able to play against his rival, the Tricolor.

"I'm confident we'll be on the field for Thursday's match against Fluminense. It's a good match for us to play in. It's awful to be on the sidelines," says Souza.

Throw

Souza hopes Fla can get a suspensive effect

Striker says he regrets the attack that led to the suspension

Out of the victory over América-RN, Souza says he knows how the fans suffer at the games (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)

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Striker Souza says he's eager to return to Flamengo's attack. He's suspended for assaulting Grêmio supporter Tcheco. However, even with two matches remaining on his sentence, the player hopes the club will secure a suspension.

"I'm anxious to get the suspension because Flamengo needs me. I feel regret. We stop to think and realize we're out and can't help," he said.

Souza was left out of the match against Náutico last Saturday, in the 2-1 victory. The striker explained how he felt having to just watch the match:

- It's horrible to be out. We know what the fans go through. - he said.

Joel confirms Paulo Sérgio in Fla's attack

Striker will only be on the bench if Souza gets the suspension effect

Coach Joel Santana confirmed this Tuesday that, if striker Souza does not obtain the suspension effect, Paulo Sérgio will be the partner of Argentine Maxi Biancucchi in Flamengo's attack against Fluminense.

The classic will be played this Thursday, at Maracanã.

"I tested the options I have. But if Souza doesn't play, I'll go with Paulo Sérgio," he stated.

Joel started the training camp at Granja Comary with Souza alongside Maxi, but replaced him with Paulo Sérgio. The coach also changed the tactical scheme by replacing midfielder Cristian with Leonardo, switching to a 4-3-3 formation.

Joel already sees improvement at Flamengo

Coach says team is absorbing his way of working

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Coach Joel Santana said on Tuesday that Flamengo's players have already begun to demonstrate some aspects of his work philosophy. Marking and attacking were the areas he praised.

"The team is starting to achieve something I like, which is absorbing important points in my view. The marking is improving, and we have more attacking speed. Little by little, we'll grow," Joel commented to the club's website.

Flamengo faces Fluminense this Thursday at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. Joel asked for the support of the Flamengo fans for the derby.

"The derby will be great, our fans will be there and will certainly cheer us on. We have to win, and I'm sure this support will help us a lot," he concluded.

Fábio Luciano no longer feels muscle pain

Flamengo defender says the classic against Flu is special

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Defender Fábio Luciano said Tuesday that he no longer feels the muscle pain that forced him to leave the field at halftime of Flamengo's match against Náutico last Saturday. He scored the first goal against the Pernambuco team and captained the team in the match.

- I'm better from the pain I was feeling - he said.

With that, Fábio Luciano secured his place in Thursday's derby against Fluminense. Regarding the match, the defender made a point of praising Flamengo, but stated that Flamengo needs a win to escape the relegation zone.

"It's a special game, and we need to win. We have to respect Fluminense, who have great players and a great team. But we need the three points," he concluded.

Márcio Braga praises the creation of Timemania

Flamengo president says the day is historic for Brazilian football

Márcio Braga states that the Gávea Revitalization Program will be implemented (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)

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Flamengo president Márcio Braga praised the creation of Timemania, which will be regulated this Tuesday in Brasília. The director published a note on the club's official website, declaring it a historic day not only for Flamengo but also for Brazilian football.