Sports Journal
Time for changes in the Fla team
Figueirense's thrashing forces the coach to make five changes for tomorrow's game against Inter
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Dynamic duo — Léo Lima (L) replaces Renato Augusto, who was called up to the U-20 national team, and Léo Medeiros replaces Renato, who has a left thigh injury. The duo will form the midfield to face Internacional tomorrow at Maracanã.
As expected, Flamengo's 4-0 defeat to Figueirense in the last round of the Brazilian Championship prompted changes to the team. Seeking to get the team back to playing good football and forget the poor performance they had in Florianópolis, coach Ney Franco practically confirmed the 4-4-2 formation in yesterday's training session and made five changes to the lineup for tomorrow's match against Internacional.
Midfielder Claiton was ruled out for Jaílton, and with the absences of Renato Augusto, called up for the U-20 World Cup, and Renato, ruled out due to edema in the back of his left thigh, Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima have earned a spot in midfield. Young striker Paulo Sérgio will partner Leonardo up front, as Souza and Thiago are suspended.
Coach Ney Franco explained the change in the game plan and stated that he is not concerned about a lack of team harmony due to the excessive number of changes and absences. He emphasized the fact that the group has been working together for some time.
"The players have been at the club for a long time and are used to the way we play. I know my team very well and I believe that, even with the changes, we will play well," said Ney Franco.
One of those who was very happy with all these changes was supporter Léo Lima, who will have his first big chance to showcase his football skills at Flamengo. When talking about his expectations for the match, he was direct: "I hope to take advantage of the opportunity I've been given. It's an important game, at a delicate time. When I was at Grêmio, after my first start, I never lost my place."
Regarding Renato, who will be unable to play, vice president of football Kleber Leite said he has not yet finalized the midfielder's contract renewal. He met with the player's agent, Cláudio Guadagno, yesterday afternoon, and the two have scheduled a meeting in Rio next Monday to attempt to conclude negotiations as quickly as possible.
IN THE FRIGHT — Yesterday, Corinthians supporter Dinelson complained loudly about Corinthians' disregard for his future. He's in the best moment of his career and is worried about being relegated to the background at the São Paulo club, as he could miss out on the opportunity to establish himself in Brazilian football. He called Kleber yesterday and, in addition to reaffirming his desire to play for the Red-Blacks, revealed that he will meet with coach Paulo César Carpegiani today to try to secure his release.
Flamengo's proposal pleases Bruno
The saga surrounding goalkeeper Bruno's stay at Flamengo may yet have a happy ending for the number 1 and the club. The player's agent, Eduardo Uran, said yesterday that Bruno can rest assured because, whatever his fate—remaining at Gávea or heading to Europe—he won't be inactive. With his contract expiring at the end of the month, there was a risk that the goalkeeper wouldn't return to play until August.
"If there's no news, we'll try to extend his contract until December. Flamengo made an offer to keep the player, and if nothing comes of it by the 30th, I guarantee he won't be left without playing. Bruno liked what was offered, found the proposal interesting, and since Flamengo hinted at the possibility of acquiring part of his federation rights, we're hopeful he'll stay," the agent said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
If Bruno's stay is confirmed, coach Ney Franco will have one less problem to solve. With the threat of a breakup looming at Gávea, and the club lacking the funds to invest in new signings, retaining key players becomes the board's main objective for the remainder of the season.
Bruno himself has already admitted that his preference is to stay at Flamengo for at least three more years. Even if Uran only secures his stay until the end of the year, at least for now, that problem would already be resolved.
Claiton says he was wronged
Jair Mota/JS
Claiton complains about being sent straight to the bench. He says he's not solely to blame for Flamengo's losses.
The likely loss of the starting spot to Jaílton could leave midfielder Claiton very upset. Before learning he would be warming the bench, the former Flamengo captain even said that it wouldn't be fair if he were left out, as he felt he was improving his performance.
"I'm calm, I know the whole team didn't play well. I'm growing at Flamengo, and since the game against Defensor, I've been highly praised. When we lost to Palmeiras, they said I was the only one who saved myself. Neymar makes the decisions, and if he feels he needs to replace me, I'll keep working. I hope I don't leave, because everyone performed poorly in the defeat, not just me," the player told Rádio Brasil before learning he would lose his position.
Since being hired at the beginning of the year, Claiton has never been a unanimous choice at Flamengo. In some matches, he was even booed by the fans and was relegated to the bench. After adapting to his new club, the player showed some improvement, but with a poor performance in the loss to Figueirense last Sunday, the defensive midfielder saw the good reputation he was building disappear.
This isn't the first time Claiton has been overlooked for Jaílton. On the eve of the second leg of the Carioca final against Botafogo, Ney Franco opted to leave him on the bench due to his inconsistent performance.
Full-back Egídio is back at Flamengo
After speculation of Espanyol's possible interest in Juan, the club's directors rushed to arrange the return of left-back Egídio, who was loaned to Paraná at the beginning of the year.
The player returns to the club at the request of coach Ney Franco. At 20 years old, Egídio is a product of Gávea and was loaned to the Paraná team to gain experience.
For the Paranaense team, the player competed in the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Paranaense as a starter. With the arrival of Márcio Careca, Egídio was relegated to the bench. Flamengo currently has Juan, André, and now Egídio at left-back.
Dinelson case continues and Renato close to renewing with Fla
Vice President of Football Kleber Leite is in São Paulo trying to secure the signing of midfielder Dinelson from Corinthians. The director is very committed to securing a deal with the player due to Renato Augusto's absence for at least eight rounds, as he is with the Brazilian U-8 team at the World Cup in Canada.
However, the club's president revealed that the player's situation has not yet evolved, as the São Paulo club's president, Alberto Dualib, remains in London and has no return date. While awaiting his return, Kleber is taking the opportunity to advance negotiations for midfielder Renato's contract renewal with agent Cláudio Guadagno, who is considered a priority for the club's squad.
"I don't have any news so far. We haven't been able to develop anything because Dualib is still traveling. We met with Cláudio and had a long conversation. I believe we should have everything sorted out by Monday," Kleber Leite said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
O Dia
Flamengo: Claiton loses his way
Blocked by Ney Franco, the player mocks the coach: "I already knew. It's always like this."
Marluci Martins
Rio - The dust raised by the rout against Figueirense was already settling when two new problems shook Flamengo yesterday: in addition to Renato, injured, not being able to face Internacional tomorrow, Claiton, ruled out by coach Ney Franco, lost his composure after training.
"You want to know, honestly? I was expecting this. Everything was fine, but if the team concedes four goals, I'm out. It's always like this," complained Claiton, who lost his spot to Jaílton. Unhappy, Claiton was the first to leave Ninho do Urubu yesterday. He didn't even want to talk to the coach.
"I don't talk to him anymore. He's the coach... Tell me who played well against Figueirense... But I'm strong enough for that. I can take a beating," he said, trying to smile for a photo with some kids who were vying for his autograph. Claiton even tried to be ironic in his outburst:
"Why do I always have to leave the team when something goes wrong? I'm unlucky. That must be the reason."
NEW TEAM
Claiton is the only player to be ruled out by coach Ney Franco, although Flamengo will play a completely different game. Having recovered from injury, Irineu returns to the team, replacing Moisés. Léo Medeiros takes Renato's place, who is ruled out due to thigh edema. Léo Lima will also have a chance in midfield, as the team will play a 4-4-2 this time. Up front, Paulo Sérgio takes Souza's place, who is serving a suspension.
Thus, Flamengo will enter the field tomorrow, against the world champion, with Bruno, Léo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Paulinho, Jaílton, Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima; Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio.
With this formation, the starters defeated the reserves 3-0 (two goals from Juan and one from Paulo Sérgio). The midfield will feature three players who played together at Ipatinga: Paulinho, Jaílton, and Léo Medeiros.
"Coincidentally, there are three players who came from Ipatinga and who I think are capable of playing well against Inter," said Ney Franco.
Kléber Leite doesn't give up on Dinélson
Vice President of Football Kléber Leite returned from São Paulo yesterday without Dinélson, but he hasn't thrown in the towel yet. In a phone conversation with the player, he was assured that it's not time to give up.
"I spoke with Dinélson, and he said he told Carpegiani that he doesn't want to stay at Corinthians. He wants to come to Flamengo. And in football, the player's will usually prevails," the still-optimistic director stated.
Kléber Leite is now trying to renew Renato Abreu's contract, which expires in December, for another two or three years. Negotiations with his agent began in São Paulo and will continue next week in Rio.
Another concern for Kléber Leite is the team's left-back position. Fearing that some club might try to lure Juan away from Flamengo, he requested the return of Egídio, who was on loan, from Paraná.
"I heard a rumor on the air that Juan will be making offers. I don't know anything, but I'm taking precautions so as not to be surprised."
Sports Gazette
Renato will not face Internacional\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Midfielder Renato's return to the Flamengo squad for Saturday's match against Internacional was thwarted. The player, who already missed the team's loss to Figueirense, was ruled out by the medical department after an MRI performed on Thursday revealed edema in his left thigh. The midfielder was very frustrated and will be undergoing treatment at Gávea to recover from the injury in time for the derby against Vasco da Gama on Sunday, the 24th. Last week, Renato was angered by comments from Gávea claiming he was faking an injury to gain a few days to negotiate a transfer to a club abroad.
In the training session held on Thursday afternoon at Ninho do Urubu, in Vargem Grande, coach Ney Franco practically defined the team that will start playing: Bruno, Léo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Paulinho, Jailton, Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima; Paulo Sérgio and Leonardo.
Egídio leaves Paraná and returns to Flamengo
By correspondent Luiz Felipe Fagundes
Curitiba (PR) - Left-back Egídio will no longer play for Paraná Clube in the Brazilian Championship. Unhappy at Vila Capanema, especially after a long period in the medical department, the player requested a return to Flamengo, which owns his federation rights. Vice-president of football, José Domingos, expressed great disappointment in the player. According to the director, Egídio, who had already returned to ball training, stopped dedicating himself as much as before after coach Ney Franco signaled that he would like to have another full-back in the squad.
"The player started behaving differently after we denied Flamengo's request. He no longer showed any desire, so we decided to release him because there's no point in keeping a player who doesn't have the spirit to win in Paraná. We've released him, he'll settle his accounts, receive what he's owed, and he should be heading to Rio," he concluded.
Kléber Leite wants a fine for Renato Augusto. Bruno is undetermined.
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, ruled out the possibility of midfielder Renato Augusto, considered Gávea's biggest revelation in recent years, leaving the club and moving to a European club in the middle of the year. At least not with the board's approval. Renato is playing for the Brazilian U-20 national team, which will compete in the World Cup in Canada, and some newspapers are reporting that he won't return to Flamengo in July, as Lyon and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing him. "There is indeed a possibility that a European club could sign Renato Augusto. For that to happen, the player simply needs to reach an agreement with that club and they need to pay the release clause, which is 30 million euros (approximately R$90 million). In that case, Flamengo can't do anything to prevent Renato Augusto from leaving Gávea. But I think that possibility is very remote," said Kléber Leite, who also noted that Renato Augusto's current contract with the Rio de Janeiro club ends in 2012.
The situation of goalkeeper Bruno, whose contract with Flamengo expires on June 30th, remains unresolved, according to the athlete's agent, Eduardo Uram. "What I do in this case is represent the player. For now, we're waiting for the investment fund that holds Bruno's federation rights to reach an agreement with a club, which could even be Flamengo."
"I believe Flamengo has taken a step forward in reaching an agreement with Bruno and presenting an official proposal to the fund to purchase the player's rights. So far, this proposal hasn't reached the fund's attention, but we're waiting," said Eduardo Uram, who hopes an agreement will be reached before the end of his contract or that his loan with Flamengo will be extended, at least until the case is resolved, to avoid the goalkeeper being left without playing time.
Despite several speculations involving Flamengo players, Kléber Leite sought to reassure Flamengo fans about a possible disbandment in the middle of the Brazilian Championship, which could seriously compromise the team's performance in the competition.
"Flamengo fans can rest assured that we will continue to have a strong team for the Brazilian Championship, as our goal is to win the title or at least a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores. We're not interested in selling any players to make a bundle of money, because bundles of money don't score goals. We want to keep the team strong, and we'll work to achieve that," said Kléber.
Unaware of the matter, coach Ney Franco is only expected to name his team for Saturday's match against Internacional this Friday at 18:10 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro, in the sixth round of the Brazilian Championship. Defender Irineu and midfielder Renato are expected to return to the team after injuries. However, Ney will be without Renato Augusto, who is on international duty with the U-20 national team, and Souza, who was sent off in the 4-0 rout of Figueirense. Defender Thiago, also suspended, is another absence, forcing the coach to abandon the three-man defense and return to the traditional 4-4-2 formation.
PeléNet
Ney Franco bars Claiton and makes changes at Flamengo
Ney Franco made changes to Flamengo's lineup for this Saturday's match against Internacional at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã. The biggest surprise was the withdrawal of midfielder Claiton and the introduction of Jaílton.
The coach expressed confidence in the players who will take to the field this weekend: "Those who will play have been in the squad for a long time. I believe that in Saturday's game, we will have a good performance against Internacional."
With Souza's suspension, Paulo Sérgio takes the striker's place in Flamengo's front line. Irineu replaces Thiago, also suspended, in defense. Léo Lima will be the team's playmaker, as Renato, who is injured, and Renato Augusto, who is on the U-20 team, are out.
"I'm not worried about tactics. If they were players we weren't using, I would be, but tactically, we're not changing, it's nothing drastic. And some changes were forced, like Renatos and Souza," said Ney Franco.
In the training session held this Thursday, the starters defeated the reserves 2-0. Left-back Juan scored both goals. Flamengo's likely starting lineup for the match against Internacional is Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Paulinho, Jaílton, Léo Medeiros, and Léo Lima; Paulo Sérgio and Leonardo.
Flamengo plays Internacional seeking to recover in the championship. The red-and-black team sits in 16th place, just one spot above the relegation zone, with five points.
BalloonSport
Leo Lima gets his first real chance
Supporter says he hopes to repeat Grêmio's trajectory, when he came in and never left
Eduardo Peixoto\ At Flamengo since February, Leo Lima will finally start a match. Renato Augusto's call-up and Renato's injury prompted coach Ney Franco to give the midfielder his first opportunity. And he hopes to make the most of it.\
"It was like that at Grêmio. I grabbed the opportunity that came my way and never left," he says.
Leo Lima's contract expires at the end of the month, but coach Ney Franco has recommended that the board renew it until the end of the year. On the other hand, the player has yet to impress in the red-and-black jersey and is constantly subjected to boos from the fans.
Renato Augusto is compared to Rivaldo
English magazine dedicates a page to the Flamengo and U-20 national team star
Rivaldo is at Granja Comary. No, it's not the five-time champion. But rather, midfielder Renato Augusto, from Flamengo. According to the English magazine "World Soccer," the player's style, who is preparing with the Brazilian U-20 team for the U-XNUMX World Cup in Canada, is very similar to that of the former Palmeiras and Barcelona attacking midfielder, who recently transferred to AEK in Greece.
The publication dedicates a page to Renato Augusto in this month's issue. The player is the main name in the "Stars of Tomorrow, Today" section, which profiles athletes from around the world who are excelling in their respective local championships.
In addition to the Fla midfielder, the magazine highlights 16-year-old striker Bojan Krkic, who has been attracting attention in the Catalan club's youth ranks, and 23-year-old midfielder Raul Meireles, two-time Portuguese champion with Porto.
Mengão also has its duck
Actually, there are six. But instead of goals, they have a simple task: eat mosquitoes.\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Mengão's Pato doesn't have a name yet. How about suggesting one? It's true that Alexandre Pato, who is training with the Brazilian U-20 national team, won't face Flamengo on Saturday. Even if he were on the field, the Flamengo team wouldn't have anything to fear. After all, at the Ninho do Urubu training center, the Flamengo team is also hiding its pato. Or rather, a bunch of them.
Unlike Internacional's favorite, the animals obviously don't need to score goals to be idolized. However, they play an important role in Ninho's daily life.
- The ducklings stay there to eat the mosquitoes - says the Fla employee known as Juruna.
Quartered by bamboo in a small pond that serves as a water reservoir for irrigating the fields, the animals haven't yet been named. Any suggestions? Send them by email!
Claiton: 'It's always left to me'
Out of the starting lineup, Flamengo player says he is sad about Ney Franco's choice\ Eduardo Peixoto\
The Globe
Claiton is upset that, once again, he's been chosen to leave the team. Ney Franco's wholesale changes for the game against Inter actually only claimed one victim at Flamengo: Claiton. And the midfielder didn't like being made a scapegoat after the 4-0 thrashing by Figueirense.
Still at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center, the player expressed his dismay. While signing children's jerseys, he commented:
- You can blame me and I can take the hit. I'm strong enough for that.
Later, he spoke to GLOBOESPORTE.COM and explained his feelings of frustration in more detail.
"I'm sad because after a game where everyone played poorly, he only took off Claiton. It always falls to me. I always believe in people's loyalty, but I keep thinking: why always me? I was improving, I was praised, and now it seems like they're putting all the blame on me. But I respect the decision; after all, he's the coach," says Claiton.
Ney Franco didn't give the player any explanation after dropping him from the team this Thursday. In the press conference, the coach assured that his intention is not to blame Claiton for the previous defeat. But Paulinho's selection as a second midfielder has yet to be digested.
- He put Paulinho in a role that isn't even his - says the midfielder, who trained this week despite having a sore throat and fever.
Claiton's contract with Flamengo runs until the end of 2008. Although dissatisfied, the player rules out any radical stance against Ney.
Coach talks harshly to the team
Ney Franco yells at Flamengo players and asks for more care in passing
Eduardo Peixoto
One misplaced pass, one whistle blow. This was coach Ney Franco's methodology during Thursday's training session at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center. And the Flamengo coach's sound system worked hard.
The starting lineup did a good job marking, but when it came to setting up plays, things got complicated. There were dozens of elementary errors, and Ney...
- You're stealing well and passing wrong! - shouts Ney Franco, during the bus ride
"We have to be careful with our passes. I challenged them a lot because we would steal the ball and then misplace the play. And that, in a match, leads to counterattacks," he says.
The coach makes a point of clarifying that the four changes to the team have nothing to do with the lack of passing.
"The players who came in already know our tactical scheme, and there's no reason for there to be a lack of cohesion. These mistakes have been repeated for several matches. And this number of lineup changes was forced by injuries, suspensions, and call-ups," says Ney Franco.
The training session was divided into two parts. In the first, the starters were positioned defensively. Then, they had to mark the substitutes under pressure.
Ney makes four changes to the team
In addition to returning to the traditional 4-4-2 formation, midfielder Claiton is leaving the team. Eduardo Peixoto. The defeat to Figueirense last Sunday heated up the atmosphere at Gávea and motivated coach Ney Franco to make changes to the tactical scheme and the starting lineup. Against Internacional this Saturday, Flamengo will return to the traditional 4-4-2, but with three new players in midfield and one in attack.
In defense, Thiago Gosling, suspended, makes way for Irineu alongside Ronaldo Angelim. The midfield will consist of Paulinho, Jaílton, Leo Medeiros, and Leo Lima. Since Renato Augusto is on international duty with the Brazilian U-20 team and the other Renato is injured, the only player missing is defensive midfielder Claiton. "For the team's tactical needs, I thought it best to field Paulinho and Jaílton together for this game. But that doesn't mean Claiton is out. He can play next time," says the coach.
Up front, with Obina still not expected to return and Souza serving a suspension, youngster Paulo Sergio forms a duo with Leonardo. The likely lineup to face Colorado is: Bruno; Leo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Paulinho, Jaílton, Leo Medeiros, and Leo Lima; Paulo Sergio and Leonardo.
In the collective, the starters beat the reserves 2-0, with two goals from left-back Juan.
Ipatinga is the base of the midfield
But Ney Franco denies influence in the selection of Jaílton and Leo Medeiros alongside Paulinho\ Eduardo Peixoto\
AGÊNCIA O GLOBO\ Leo Medeiros (R) will start in the game against Internacional this Saturday\ In just over a year, Flamengo signed seven players from Ipatinga. Three of them have already left. But, when it seemed that their influence had waned, coach Ney Franco decided to field a midfield with a base formed by former athletes from the Minas Gerais team.\
This Saturday, against Internacional, Jaílton, Paulinho, and Leo Medeiros are confirmed in the starting lineup. However, the red-and-black coach dismisses the idea that their chemistry was crucial in the final.
"I didn't think about it. I just saw what was best for Flamengo. It has no connection whatsoever to the Ipatinga era," says Ney.
Throw
Renato is out of the game against Inter
Flamengo supporter feels discomfort in his left thigh
Renato once again had muscle problems (Credit: Julio Cesar Guimarães)
Rafael Ximenes
Renato is out of the game against Internacional this Saturday at Maracanã due to discomfort in his left thigh. Doctor Walter Martins assured that despite the pain, Renato is not seriously injured and is confirmed for the game against Vasco on June 26th.
"He had an MRI this Thursday and no muscle injury was found. But he's been complaining about discomfort in his thigh, and we decided to spare him," the doctor said.
While Renato is out, he'll be working on his fitness. He already missed Flamengo's 3-0 loss to Figuerense last Sunday in Florianópolis.
Ney Franco explains changes for the game against Inter
Coach says changes to Fla's team are not drastic\ LANCEPRESS!\
With the absence of Renato, who has edema in his left thigh, and Renato Augusto, who is with the Brazilian under-20 team, coach Ney Franco changed the scheme for the match against Internacional, Saturday, at Maracanã.
The team will play a 4-4-2 formation, with Jaílton replacing Claiton, Léo Medeiros replacing Renato, and Leo Lima replacing Renato Augusto. Paulo Sérgio and Leonardo will form the attacking duo, as Souza was sent off in the match against Figueirense and will serve a suspension.
"It's not a drastic change, they're familiar players, I'm just changing things around. We have no other option, they've been in the group for a long time and know how we work, I think we'll play well on Saturday," the red-and-black manager told Rádio Tupi.
Flamengo with a new attacking duo
Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio will start the game together for the first time\ Rafael Ximenes\
This Saturday's game against Internacional will be the first time Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio will form Flamengo's starting attacking duo. The two have each scored a goal in the Brazilian Championship, but have never played together.
"I hope this partnership works out. They're both looking for a spot, and that motivates us even more," Leonardo said, before commenting on how the two will play and coordinate their plays.
– We can't go out to the sides together, because there won't be anyone to finish – he said.