THE GLOBE
Flamengo's financial relief demands a new approach
With salaries up to date, athletes will have to display sponsorship
RENATO AUGUSTO fights for the ball with Cristian during the training session in Gávea
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
An agreement with Petrobras resulted in Flamengo receiving its installments for the first six months of 2008 yesterday. The approximately R$8 million allowed the club to announce that players and employees are up to date with their salaries, but will require a new effort at Gávea. Under the new contract, only a re-education of the players will prevent heavy fines.
The agreement with the state-owned company imposes penalties for celebrating goals and titles without wearing the sponsor's Flamengo jersey. Standing on the podium without the jersey, as has happened with several players in recent victories, will be prohibited by the club's management.
"We're going to hold a board meeting and list the points of the contract that deserve attention. Each department will receive guidance. It's documented, and there are serious penalties. You can't celebrate a goal by lifting your shirt or go to the podium without your uniform," warned president Márcio Braga.
Renato Augusto will start against Botafogo
Of the R$8 million, the club received a 15% discount from the Regional Labor Court (TRT) to pay labor lawsuits, in addition to other debt settlements that tied the payment to sponsorship fees. The next installment from Petrobras will only be released in July.
"Things have always been tight here. But we're already the second-highest-earning club in the country, behind São Paulo. In 2009, I want to surpass them. They have a training center, a stadium, and a player sales policy that we don't have," said the president.
On the field, coach Joel Santana named the reserve team that will face Botafogo yesterday. Renato Augusto will start for the first time since surgery, forming a strike partnership with Obina. He will be monitored by Joel and, if he performs well, could start against Nacional in the Libertadores on Wednesday. Jaílton and Jônatas, options for this match, will also be evaluated.
Yesterday's scare was caused by striker Éder. He was supposed to be on the bench for the first time, but he twisted his ankle in training and left the field in tears.
FIFA vetoes games in La Paz
At an altitude of 3.360 meters, the Bolivian city is out of the 2010 qualifiers
NEXT TO Leão, Zico puts his arm to his face: lack of oxygen took the former star out of a game in La Paz in the 79 Copa América
ZURICH, Switzerland.
For FIFA, the players' sacrifices have a limit and do not exceed 3.000 meters in altitude. The organization's Executive Committee upheld its December 2007 decision yesterday and prohibited international matches from being held in cities above this altitude, unless a mandatory two-week adaptation period is completed. The ruling excludes La Paz, Bolivia, located at 3.360 meters above sea level, where the Brazilian national team was scheduled to play on October 11, 2009, from the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
La Paz was authorized to host the qualifiers based on a provisional FIFA decision, which was overturned by the new rule. In a statement, FIFA recommends that the limit be applied to competitions organized by other entities, such as the Copa Libertadores (CONMEBOL).
Bolivian Minister criticizes the decision
The Bolivian government classified the decision as discrimination and expressed fears that the veto would extend to the Libertadores.
- It is people's right to play where they were born and live - said Milton Melgar, Bolivia's Vice Minister of Sports.
FIFA also maintained the adaptation criteria for referees and players, communicated to the federations in January. For matches above 2.500 meters, the organization mandates a three-day acclimatization period. Above 2.750 meters, as in Quito, Ecuador, the organization extends the period to one week. This complicates matters for the Ecuadorian national team—Brazil's opponent on March 28, 2009—because the FIFA statutes state that a player can only be released from the club five days in advance. In cities above 3.000 meters, matches are prohibited unless acclimatization takes place for 15 days.
FIFA based its decision on information from a medical symposium held at its headquarters last year, which concluded that games at extreme altitudes put players' lives at risk.
"It was a victory for medicine. Science must prevail over any political issue. I believe it will only be a matter of time before the decision is extended to the dispute between clubs," said José Luiz Runco, doctor for the Brazilian national team and Flamengo.
The decision against La Paz was approved unanimously among the members of the Executive Committee, including the votes of the president of the CBF, Ricardo Teixeira, and the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Julio Grondona.
FIFA also determined that all stadiums built from now on must have a field with a minimum standard measurement of 105 meters long by 68 meters wide. Maracanã is 110 meters by 75 meters.
MONCHO SEES FLA WIN
The coach of the Brazilian men's basketball team, Spaniard Moncho Monsalve, watched Flamengo's 12th victory in the National Championship last night in Gávea. The undefeated leader, Flamengo, crushed the Ulbra/Rio Claro/ABCD Bandeirantes team 96-66. Point guard Marcelinho stood out with 23 points. In the preliminary match, Iguaçu lost to Inesul/FEL/Londrina 81-56.
Sports Panorama
Fla until 2014
Nike has counter-offered Flamengo a new sports equipment supply contract, lasting until the end of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The offer was presented last Thursday in Rio during a luncheon attended by the club's vice president of marketing, Ricardo Hinrichsen, and the company's global director of football, Italian Riccardo Colombini.
Colombini came to Rio with the mission of bringing forward the renewal of his current contract with the club, which ends in June 2009.
Under the current agreement, Flamengo receives R$7,5 million annually, including sports equipment.
Last January, Flamengo proposed to Nike to terminate its current contract and sign another one, worth around R$15 million annually. The club claimed to have received offers from other suppliers, such as Adidas/Reebok. Yesterday, the latter reportedly increased its offer to R$17 million.
Hinrichsen declined to reveal the amount Nike counter-proposed, but said it also includes an increase in the volume of sports equipment supplied to the club and royalties from the sale of Flamengo shirts.
Nike is preparing to launch Flamengo's new jersey in May. There are actually three new models. The traditional jersey will have thinner and more numerous red and black stripes than the current ones. The second jersey, which is predominantly white, will have few significant changes. The biggest change is the relaunch of the number three uniform, as was the case in 1995—the club's centennial year. Here, the red and black colors will be divided horizontally. The "CRF" will be replaced by the rowing crest, which features two oars and an anchor.
Last month, Nike also approached Flamengo about the possibility of hosting a match against Barcelona at the Maracanã in June or July. The Spanish club was due to come to South America to play another friendly against Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires.
Riccardo Colombini informed Ricardo Hinrichsen that the project was canceled. Barcelona opted to conduct preseason training in North America.
Amen
If, on the field, coach Joel Santana prepared Flamengo to beat Botafogo, off it, the mission fell to Father Lindolfo, who prays day and night for a good result. It couldn't have been any different. After all, when he welcomed the team last Monday at the Church of Saint Jude Thaddeus, the priest asked for and received some red and black jerseys.
SPORTS JOURNAL
In Gávea, controversy is off the agenda
In the days leading up to the first derby against Botafogo after the controversy surrounding the Taça Guanabara final, Flamengo's coaching staff has been trying to prevent the players from further escalating the rivalry between the clubs. Proof of this is that coach Joel Santana won't even include striker Souza—a protagonist of the Flamengo clash—in the match. However, the coach claimed the number 9 was being rested for the match against Nacional-URU next Wednesday.
"There has to be professionalism here. We can't take rivalry off the field and turn the Maracanã into a battlefield. These days, violence is so intense that public figures can't encourage it further," the coach warned. Right-back Leonardo Moura also thinks the same way:
"It's a special game because it's a classic, not because of the rivalry. What happened is already a closed chapter, leave that to the fans," he said.
And if it's up to the world's biggest fan base, the pranks won't stop anytime soon. Yesterday, approximately 50 people attended training at Gávea and sang provocative songs about Botafogo. And, of course, they danced the "Créu" (Créu). (TB)
Joel praises the importance of Sunday's classic
Joel will lead the reserves against Bota on Sunday
Flamengo and Botafogo have been real decisive matches in recent years. That's why Flamengo coach Joel Santana made a point of praising Sunday's opponent and, like Cuca, cited the two teams' recent clashes.
"It's going to be a very tough match. I saw their game against Duque de Caxias. They have a defined tactical formation, rehearsed plays that decide the game. It's a classic that has decided finals here in Rio," Joel said in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
The manager believes that even with the team full of reserves, the importance of the classic continues to be great and there is a whole history between the two teams, including when he was still in charge of Botafogo, in 1997, and beat Flamengo 1-0 playing with the entire reserve team.
"Regardless of who takes the field, it's going to be Flamengo and Botafogo. We have quality players like Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Jônatas, who is trying to prove himself, Toró, who is undeniable for his performance, and Renato Augusto, who was a starter when he got injured," said the coach.
Leonardo Moura will play for the reserves, serving a suspension in the Libertadores Cup, after being sent off against Nacional in Uruguay. The athlete recalls Botafogo winning the derby in 1997 with the reserves and believes that match could serve as a model for the red-and-black victory.
"I was still in the youth team. In this game, Botafogo came out with a completely different team and managed to win, a sign that we can win," he explained.
Now it's my turn!
Flamengo wants to pay back tomorrow the defeat suffered against Botafogo's reserves in 1997
Diego Marrul and Thiago Bokel
Photo from the Jornal dos Sports archive
Zé Carlos (9) and Fábio Baiano (2) follow the trajectory of the ball in Renato's historic goal, 11 years ago
Revenge is a dish best served cold. Coincidentally, this expression is tied to the history of the Flamengo-Botafogo games. Beaten 6-0 in 1972, the Rubro-Negro struck back nine years later. And tomorrow, history could repeat itself. On March 26, 1997, Botafogo, on an incredible ten-game winning streak and already qualified for the Guanabara Cup final, decided to field a reserve team in the derby against Flamengo. It turns out that Vasco, who was competing for a spot in the Campeonato Carioca final against Flamengo, felt aggrieved by the black-and-white coaching staff's attitude. The club from Colina even promised to sever ties with Botafogo's board because of the incident.
What the Cruzmaltino directors didn't expect was that the club from Estrela Solitária would surprise Flamengo, snatching a 1-0 victory with a beautiful goal from midfielder Renato in the 25th minute of the first half. Interestingly, Botafogo's coach at the time was the current Flamengo manager, Joel Santana, who didn't even stand on the sidelines for this match, leaving that role to his assistant Valinhos.
Almost 11 years later, Flamengo once again has the opportunity to avenge the defeat, also with a virtually all-reserve squad. Of the starters, only goalkeeper Bruno, right-back Leonardo Moura, and midfielder Toró will start tomorrow—the latter two because they won't be able to face Nacional on Wednesday after being sent off in Uruguay. Renato Augusto, who will start for the first time since suffering a facial fracture, will be another new addition.
One of the only remaining reasons Botafogo fans have teased Flamengo in recent years is precisely having beaten them with a reserve team. Now, on the other side, Joel doesn't treat this match as a rematch.
"I remember this game; Botafogo won 1-0 with a goal from Renato. The team was already in the final, and I decided to rest the starters. But despite the coincidences, I don't think I'm in the mood for revenge. Regardless of who plays, it will be a team that will represent Flamengo worthy of it. I want to test out some players," explained Joel.
Even though Flamengo's sense of revenge isn't overt, the club's fans don't deny that avenging this defeat would be an excellent dish to enjoy at a Sunday dinner. (TB)
Leonardo looking forward to the first classic
Diego Marrul
A chance to establish himself at Flamengo and win over the Flamengo fans. This is how defender Leonardo approaches tomorrow's derby, his first for the Flamengo team. And he guarantees: he's ready to do well at Maracanã. "I notice this rivalry with Botafogo every day. The team is ready to do their best. For us, it will be a final, as we're aiming to win the Taça Rio. A derby like this, above all, is a turning point. Those who do well win over the fans," commented the defender.
Accustomed to playing classics in São Paulo, having played for Palmeiras from 2001 to 2005, before moving to Goiás, his last club before Fla, Leonardo compared the differences in games between the big São Paulo and Rio teams.
"Here we have the Maracanã, a completely different atmosphere. And the Flamengo fans too, who are enthusiastic and encouraging throughout the game," he explained.
uncomfortable
The defender has only been at Flamengo for a little over a month, but he knows the Gávea club hasn't lost to Botafogo in four years. Their last defeat came on March 14, 2004, in the Campeonato Carioca.
"Of course, this must bother them. But we're going to go in to win and I hope to keep this streak going," he declared.
And to get the three points, Leonardo gives this tip: "We have to focus on set pieces, something their team is very strong at. We need to stay focused the whole time and reduce the spaces," he assessed.
Thiago Sales' defensive partner in tomorrow's game, Leonardo dreams of scoring goals, just like his teammate.
"I don't like to promise anything, but who knows, maybe I'll score a goal in the derby. It would be special," he concluded.
Fla wins again: 96 to 66 in Rio Claro
Duda stood out in the game and enchanted the national team coach Moncho Monsalve (detail)
Flamengo remains undefeated. The team led by coach Paulo Chupeta defeated Ulbra/Rio Claro last night, 96-66, at the Gávea gymnasium, in a National Basketball Championship match. The red-and-blacks have now won 16 consecutive matches this season—four in the South American League and 11 in the national tournament. The evening's distinguished guest was the new coach of the Brazilian National Team, Spaniard Moncho Monsalve.
The top scorer of the match was Flamengo's Marcelinho, with 23 points. For Rio Claro, Manteiguinha was the top scorer with 20 points.
The first quarter started evenly, with Duda leading the red-and-black side in an inspired performance, and Vanderlei breaking the deadlock for Rio Claro, who even took the lead. But Fernando's introduction gave the home team a boost, winning the set 18-12.
Although Marcelinho wasn't having his best days, his brother Duda continued to make a difference in the second quarter. The shooting guard was nearly flawless on offense with his three-pointers while also helping the Flamengo defense. With his excellent performance, Flamengo went into halftime with an 18-point lead (51-33).
Strong defense
At the start of the third quarter, the game remained the same. Point guard Fred stood out, grabbing plenty of defensive and offensive rebounds for the home team. Marcelinho and Amiel also showed strength on defense and offense, allowing the lead to persist. On the other side, Rio Claro tried to fight back, but to no avail, and the quarter ended 70-46.
Marcelinho's name came up in the final quarter. The winger, who wasn't having his best days, excelled especially in free throw shooting, with a perfect eight of eight attempts. Besides him, Fred and Duda, who were already playing well, continued their good work and allowed Flamengo to win the game.
Flamengo 96: Marcelinho (23), Fred (14), Duda (22), Coloneze (3), Alírio (2) Entered: Fernando (7), Amiel (11), Wagner (4), Hélio (4), Maicon (4), Marcellus (2)\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
Rio Claro 66: Diego (4), Vanderlei (12), André Bambu (9), Danilo, Janjão (4) Entered: Brown (4), Manteiguinha (20), Betão (2), Mineiro (8), Bego (3)\ Coach: José Neto.\
THE DAY
Inspiring past
In 1997, Joel Santana was on the other side and, with a reserve team, beat Fla
Janir Junior
Rio - The example that a reserve team can surprise a starting lineup came from the opposing team. In 1997, when he was in charge of Botafogo, which had a guaranteed spot in the final, Joel Santana fielded a reserve team and beat Flamengo 1-0. The match was shown to the Flamengo players during their pre-match training sessions, proving that anything can happen in football.
Leonardo Moura, who played for Botafogo's youth team in 1997, made the revelation. "They showed the tape during the pre-match training session. Botafogo, with the reserves, pulled off a surprise," the full-back recalled.
On that occasion, Joel didn't even take the field. He watched the game from the stands and sent his assistant onto the field. "We were confident, and I didn't want to wear the players out. We won 1-0, with a goal from Renato, who was sent off shortly after. But that was 11 years ago, a long time ago," the coach commented. It's worth remembering that Flamengo only needed a draw.
Eleven years have passed since that game, and four years since Botafogo's last victory over Flamengo. "So, they're already poking the opponent too much," Joel said evasively.
Among the players and coaching staff, the order is total respect for the opponent. "There's no revenge. They took all the jokes very seriously, but now it's a different story," the coach stated.
In this new chapter, Joel Santana hopes to repeat the story of 1997, but now in a red-and-black tone.
Joel prohibits fouls near the area
Rio - Joel warned his team to avoid free kicks near the box, as the coach considers this one of Botafogo's strengths. "They know how to exploit these types of plays, set pieces, well. Lúcio Flávio always takes them very well," the coach said, noting that in the Alvinegro's 4-1 victory over Duque de Caxias on Thursday, three goals came from set pieces.
The confirmed lineup includes Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Leonardo, Thiago Sales, and Egídio; Gavilán, Jaílton, Jônatas, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Obina. In yesterday's training session, this team lost 3-1 to the starters.
"There are no starters or reserves. We're a strong group, and winning this game is very important," said Leonardo Moura, who will play because he has to serve a suspension on Wednesday against Nacional.
Escort for fans at Sunday's classic
Military Police keep an eye on the organized groups. More than 1.000 officers will be working the Maracanã derby, along with support from the Military Police's Cavalry and Riot Squad.
Rio - The commander of the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe), Major João Jaques Busnello, believes that, despite the rivalry between Flamengo and Botafogo fans — which intensified even more after the Guanabara Cup final —, there will be no major problems in this Sunday night's classic at Maracanã.
For the major, the fact that the Gávea team is playing with a squad full of reserves will likely deflate the match. "We should have a peaceful derby. This is because we won't have much to offer, as Flamengo will be playing with a team of substitutes, and it won't be a final, as was the last time the two teams met," explained Busnello.
He believes the Flamengo fans won't be showing up in droves. "Flamengo has a Copa Libertadores game on Wednesday. With ticket prices so high, I think it's unlikely fans will be able to see both matches. I think they'll save their tickets for the most important game, in the middle of next week," the major commented.
However, the GEPE commander wasn't waiving all caution. He's already deployed the same contingent of police officers he used in the Taça GB final to provide security for the derby. Furthermore, organized fan groups will be escorted. "We'll have 1.000 to 1.100 police officers. There will be 500 officers just inside the Maracanã stadium, in addition to the support of the Military Police's Cavalry and Riot Squad in the vicinity," he said.
Tickets for the classic are still on sale today at various locations throughout the city. The total number of tickets is 68.430. Prices: white, green, and yellow bleachers, R$30; regular seats, R$20; special seats, R$120. Half-price tickets are available for students in all sections.
At Fla, 'reserves' beat 'starters' 3-1
Rio - In Friday's training session at Gávea, the starting lineup (which will face Botafogo on Sunday) lost 3-1 to the reserves. Toró scored the team's only goal. Éder, Marcinho, and Vinícius Pacheco scored for the reserves.
Coach Joel Santana acknowledged that the team needs to improve:
"It's a team that has never played well together, and that's why it had some difficulties. The offensive part was very good, with Toró, Renato Augusto, Obina and Léo Moura, but in defense we made some mistakes. We're getting the pieces right to have a great match on Sunday," he declared.
In the activity, which lasted about an hour, Joel selected the main team with: Bruno, Léo Moura, Leonardo, Thiago Sales and Egidio; Jailton, Gávilan, Jônatas and Toró; Renato Augusto and Obina. The reserves trained with: Marcelo Lomba, Luizinho, Fábio Luciano (Rodrigo Arroz), Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian (Hugo Colace), Kleberson (Vinicius Pacheco) and Ibson (Marcinho); Maxi, Diego Tardelli (Éder) and Souza.
The bad news was that striker Éder sprained his right ankle, leaving him crying on the pitch.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Joel avoids provoking his rival before the classic\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Less than a month ago, Flamengo defeated Botafogo to win the Taça Guanabara. Besides winning the first round of the Campeonato Carioca, the result also served to maintain Flamengo's four-year unbeaten streak over its rival. Even with the numbers in their favor, Flamengo coach Joel Santana avoids any provocation and prefers to praise this Sunday's opponent. "Botafogo played very well once again, with a well-defined tactical formation. They're an opponent we respect, and we'll have to play hard if we want to win."
On Sunday, Flamengo will field a team almost entirely made up of reserves, as they will rest their key players for next week's Libertadores match against Nacional-URU. Despite this, Joel Santana assures that his focus is on the Rio derby.
"The game is on Wednesday, and I'm not thinking about it right now. Let's take it easy, because we have Botafogo first. If we win, we'll reach 12 points, practically qualify, and then we can focus on the Libertadores. Then we'll think about the National Championship and go after them. One thing at a time," Joel emphasized.
Obina and Gavilán celebrate starting against Botafogo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Joel Santana's decision to rest some of his starters for this Sunday's clash with Botafogo in the Rio Cup was celebrated by two Flamengo reserves well-known in Brazilian football: striker Obina and midfielder Gavilán.\ A favorite of the Flamengo fans, Obina is thrilled with his chance and also enters the field motivated after renewing his contract until 2010. "Of course, no one likes being a reserve; I'd like to play more. But the coach and the fans realize that I always come in with a great desire to help Flamengo," he stated.\
Starting for the second time this season, Gavilán also expressed his delight at the opportunity to gain match fitness and prove himself to Flamengo's coach. The midfielder was suspended by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) and only became fit to play in February.
"I'm feeling better every day, but of course, training with the ball isn't the same as an official game," admitted Gavilán, who echoed Joel Santana's speech and promised a Flamengo team playing to win on Sunday.
“With all due respect to Botafogo, we’re going to try to get another positive result to stay ahead in this Carioca,” the Paraguayan midfielder told Rádio Brasil.
Flamengo has a reserve team for the classic\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Contrary to his usual practice, coach Joel Santana has put the mystery aside and already has the team ready to face Botafogo this Sunday in the fourth round of the Taça Rio. With the club's priority being next week's Copa Libertadores match against Nacional-URU, the coach decided to field only goalkeeper Bruno from the team he intends to field against the Uruguayans. Flamengo will also have right-back Leonardo Moura and midfielder Toró on the field, but they will serve an automatic suspension in the Libertadores and will not need to be rested. Thus, Flamengo will enter the field with the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Leonardo, Thiago Sales, and Juan; Jailton, Gavilán, Jônatas, and Toró; Renato Augusto and Obina.
Despite having an almost entirely reserve team, the coach guarantees that Rubro-Negro will have an attacking stance to try to maintain the lead in their group in the second round of the Campeonato Carioca.
"Every game is important for us, especially a derby. It will be a very difficult match against one of the best teams in the league, but we're going for the win. We're defending our unbeaten record and our lead, so we're going to win," commented the Flamengo coach.
Even with the reserves, Flamengo will have another mission besides defending its lead in Group A of the Rio Cup. The team has a four-year unbeaten streak against the Alvinegro. The red-and-black team's last loss to their rival was in 2004.
“It's always great to be able to play in a classic and we hope to keep this streak in Flamengo's favor,” said defender Thiago Sales.
PELENET
Classic serves as an affirmation for Jônatas and Renato Augusto
Alexandre Soares\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Winning a derby is important for any player. However, this Sunday's Flamengo-Botafogo clash at 18:10 PM at Maracanã, for the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship, will be special for defensive midfielder Jônatas and midfielder Renato Augusto. If they perform well, they could remain in coach Joel Santana's starting eleven.
When he left Flamengo in mid-2006 (he went to Espanyol-ESP), Jônatas was considered the team's key player in their Copa do Brasil victory over rivals Vasco. However, upon his return to the club, the midfielder found a stronger squad and his importance to the team relatively diminished.
"There's a lot of pressure on Jônatas. Everyone hopes he'll return to playing the beautiful football he played in recent years. The match against Botafogo could be crucial for that to happen," analyzed Joel Santana.
Renato Augusto, after suffering an injury to the right bone of his face, has the full confidence of Joel Santana, who hopes to see him recover his form and help Flamengo this season.
"Renato Augusto is not yet at his ideal level. He will start this Sunday, but it would be premature to leave him on the field for the full 90 minutes. We will evaluate him for Wednesday," he emphasized, referring to the duel with Nacional-URU, at Maracanã, for the Copa Libertadores da América.
With Jônatas and Renato Augusto, Flamengo takes on Botafogo in this way: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Leonardo, Thiago Sales and Egídio; Gavilán, Jônatas, Jaílton and Toró; Renato Augusto and Obina.
Flamengo is ready for the classic against Botafogo
Alexandre Soares\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After Friday's training session at Gávea, coach Joel Santana confirmed Flamengo's lineup for Sunday's derby against Botafogo at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã, in the fourth round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. Renato Augusto and Obina will form the Flamengo's attacking duo.
Fotocom/Disclosure
Leonardo Moura is confirmed at Flamengo for the classic against Botafogo
In the collective, the "reserves" won 3-1, with goals from Éder, Marcinho and Vinicius Pacheco. The team was formed by Marcelo Lomba, Luizinho, Fábio Luciano (Rodrigo Arroz), Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian (Hugo Colace), Ibson (Marcinho) and Kléberson (Léo Medeiros); Diego Tardelli (Éder, then Vinicius Pacheco), Souza and Maxi Biancucchi.
Toró scored the only goal for the team that will play on Sunday. Flamengo faces Botafogo with the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Leonardo, Thiago Sales, and Egídio; Gavilán, Jaílton, Jônatas, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Obina.
"I don't care about the collective loss, I was just focused on the team that will play on Sunday. They played very well. Of course, we had mistakes, but we corrected them," the red-black commander emphasized.
On Thursday, after tactical training, Joel Santana already indicated that this would be the formation for the derby. The red-and-black manager simply wanted to wait for Friday's training session to confirm his decision.
Besides goalkeeper Bruno, right-back Leonardo Moura and midfielder Toró will be the only starters on the field. The latter two were sent off against Nacional in Montevideo and will not face the Uruguayans on Wednesday, the 19th, at Maracanã Stadium in the Copa Libertadores.
Fla and Botafogo adopt politically correct speeches for the classic
Alexandre Soares and Pedro Ponzoni\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After all the chaos surrounding the Guanabara Cup final, the first round of the State Championship, everyone is eagerly awaiting Flamengo and Botafogo's clash this Sunday at 18:10 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium for the Rio Cup, the second round of the competition. However, both Flamengo and Botafogo have adopted a politically correct approach.
In this decision, Flamengo won 2-1. Outraged by referee Marcelo de Lima Henrique, who allegedly harmed the team, the players, members of the coaching staff and directors of Flamengo protested and even cried at the press conference.
Shortly after the incident, striker Souza provoked Botafogo and made a crying gesture during the Copa Libertadores match against Cienciano-PER. Botafogo midfielder Túlio didn't appreciate the provocation and responded to Souza.
"It's a classic with tradition and romantic history. I remember the great games involving Garrincha's Botafogo. In another era, Zico's Flamengo. The current Alvinegro has a well-trained team with rehearsed plays. We respect the quality of our opponent," said coach Joel Santana.
The Flamengo manager will field a mixed team to face Botafogo. But the coach warns that, regardless, Flamengo will be well represented.
"It doesn't matter if it's team A, B, or C that plays. Whoever takes the field will represent the club well. This game is very important. If we win, we'll get closer to the Rio Cup semifinals," he added.
Right-back Leonardo Moura, one of three starters who will play this Sunday (goalkeeper Bruno and midfielder Toró are the other two), considered Sunday's match to be another for Flamengo this season. He isn't worried that Botafogo will enter the field thinking about revenge against their rival.
"It will be a special game, but because it's a classic, I'm confident I'll do my best, because it's an important game for Flamengo. But I'll leave the provocations to the two fans," he said.
For the black and white side, coach Cuca said that none of his players will take the field with thoughts of revenge. "That doesn't exist here. That feeling can't exist in football," Cuca added.
"This match could send a team to the semifinal stage. The two teams could meet in the grand final of the State Championship," he added.
Wellington Paulista, who scored six goals in the State Championship, stated that the match won't be special due to the loss in the last match. "It will be another great derby. Flamengo will want to show their worth. We need to be careful," the striker warned.
GLOBOESPORTE
Fla maneuvers and pays overdue salaries
Club receives advance payment, but athletes will have to follow the sponsor's guidelines
Eduardo Peixoto
One less problem. On Friday night, Flamengo paid all of its employees and players their overdue salaries. The club secured the funds thanks to an advance from its main sponsor. Petrobras released six months of the new contract at once, equivalent to approximately R$8 million in its coffers.
The money was immediately transferred to pay the overdue salaries. In the case of the athletes, the debt reached two months. The rest of the employees were in a worse situation.
"Everything's fine. We paid everything, and I feel relieved because it's hard to see your employees suffer. Now we just need to beat Nacional," says the club's president, Marcio Braga, referring to next Wednesday's Libertadores match at Maracanã.
However, it's not all roses. As coach Joel Santana said last Thursday, Flamengo is also made of thorns. And the players will have certain obligations. According to the new contract with the state-owned company, they cannot, under any circumstances, appear on the podium after victories without their uniforms. Therefore, personal messages on shirts are prohibited. There are also rules for goal celebrations.
A meeting will be scheduled with the group to inform them of the new regulations. In case of noncompliance, the athlete will have to pay a "heavy" fine, the amount of which has not been disclosed.
Leo Moura calls for an end to provocations
Right-back highlights the importance of winning a classic
Suspended against Nacional, Leonardo Moura is confirmed against Botafogo
One of the few Flamengo starters scheduled to face Botafogo this Sunday, right-back Leonardo Moura hopes the Guanabara Cup final will be put behind everyone involved in the derby. After all, that provocative atmosphere could lead to violence on and off the field.
"Sunday's game is special because it's a classic. Now, the Guanabara Cup final is a closed chapter. Let's leave the teasing to the fans. It's not a final, but it's an important game. Winning a classic boosts morale, regardless of the team (reserve or starter)."
Leonardo Moura has faced Botafogo ten times while playing for Flamengo and has never lost. They have won five and drawn five. The Flamengo full-back has scored two goals against the Alvinegro since arriving at Gávea in June 2005.
Botafogo and Fla: peace and expectation in the reunion
In the first match after the Guanabara Cup final, no one wants to know about rivalry
Eduardo Peixoto and Gustavo Rotstein
The Guanabara Cup final between Botafogo and Flamengo had all the makings of a great match: controversial plays, chaos, and, above all, plenty of emotion. Therefore, despite this Sunday's match at 18:10 PM at Maracanã being a qualifying round match for the Rio Cup, it is surrounded by anticipation. What will the reaction of the players and fans be like at the rematch? The classic will be broadcast live on Premiere, and GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be covering it in real time.
The match between Botafogo and Flamengo, which began on February 24th, lasted much longer than 90 minutes. Six of the club's players and coach Cuca were put on trial for their actions during the final. Souza, the Flamengo striker, mocked his opponents a few days later, celebrating a goal against Cienciano in the Copa Libertadores with a "cry," which outraged the Flamengo fans.
But after a series of controversies on and off the field, the discussions leading up to Sunday's derby were completely peaceful. At Botafogo, the word "revenge" was treated as blasphemy. At Flamengo, the order was to leave everything that happened as history.
"It's not anger that will make us play well, but balance. Then things will happen naturally. In a match like this, calmness is more important than motivation," says Botafogo coach Cuca.
Souza's 'crybaby' angered Botafogo players after the final
Leading Group A with nine points from three games, Flamengo believes a win this Sunday will virtually secure its place in the Rio Cup semifinals. However, competition from the match against Nacional is a hindrance. Most of the starting players are out of the match against the black and whites, focusing on Wednesday's Copa Libertadores match.
From the team that started against Botafogo in the Taça Guanabara final, four players will be on the field this Sunday: Bruno, Leo Moura, Jaílton, and Toró. However, memories of the last duel have been swept under the rug.
The speech at Gávea is far from controversial. A target of Botafogo fans after the "crybaby" celebration, Souza won't even be on the bench.
"It's time to forget that game. This derby will be very difficult, and we respect Botafogo," says right-back Leo Moura.
Confusion in the final led Cuca and six players to the dock
While avoiding the desire for revenge, Botafogo must contend with a four-year streak without a win over Flamengo. Furthermore, the team is keen to shake off its favoritism, precisely because the Red-Black team is stacked with reserves.
"That's the problem. This ends up making us favorites, and we're expected to win no matter what. But on the other side, there will be players eager to prove themselves," emphasizes forward Wellington Paulista.
Botafogo will have a virtually full squad for the derby. Defender Ferrero, suspended, is the only absence, and the team will once again have Renato Silva and Diguinho, who served suspensions. Andre Luis, Edson, and Eduardo are competing for a spot in defense, with the more experienced former having more chances.
Fla avoids controversy with Botafogo
Coach Joel Santana doesn't want to 'poke' Sunday's opponent
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana doesn't want to provoke Botafogo before Sunday's classic
Flamengo hasn't lost to Botafogo in exactly four years. They've played 15 games, with eight wins and seven draws. In the last meeting—the Flamengo triumph in the Guanabara Cup final—the controversy raged on, leading to Souza crying. But, if the Flamengo strategy is anything to go by, the exchange of provocations is over.
Although coach Joel Santana fielded a largely reserve team, the board took some precautions. One of them was banning news coverage outside the club during the week of the derby. This was done to avoid sounding "inconsiderate."
In interviews, the coach also worries about answers that could be misinterpreted. When asked about the club's undefeated anniversary, Joel evaded the question.
- They're already poking the opponent too much - he says.
Defender Leonardo, who didn't even face Botafogo in the previous match this year, also thinks the events have been forgotten.
"That's in the past. It's time to forget what happened in that game and think about this classic," the player declared.
Of the team that will take the field this Sunday, five players participated in that final. Bruno, Leo Moura, Jaílton, and Toró started, with Obina coming on in the second half. Souza, the pivot of the controversy, won't even be included in the squad.
THROW
Joel Santana: 'Renato Augusto is a starter'
Despite the mixed team, Natalino guarantees the seriousness of the red-black team\ LANCEPRESS!\
Coach Joel Santana guarantees that, even with a mixed team, Flamengo will enter with great seriousness on Sunday, against Botafogo, at Maracanã, in the fifth round of the Taça Rio.
- Flamengo and Botafogo are clubs with a lot of tradition and regardless of the team (A, B or C) we know that we are representing Flamengo and we have to do our best - he told Rádio Globo.
Regarding Renato Augusto, who recently recovered from facial surgery and will start as a starter, Natalino commented:
- This Sunday's game will be crucial for Renato Augusto to regain his rhythm. He's a starter and will return to the team when he's fully fit.
Joel Santana: 'Why would I put Souza in the classic?'
Coach talks about sparing him from the hostility created after the GB Cup final
Joel uses reason when not casting Souza (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
Given all the controversy surrounding the Guanabara Cup final, Souza, one of the key players in the heated exchange between Flamengo and Botafogo, won't even be included in Sunday's game. Joel Santana, faced with numerous questions, explained why he's not counting on the number 9 for the derby.
"What's the point of playing him? I have Marcinho, Maxi, and others. Souza will be backed up for Wednesday (the day Flamengo plays Nacional in the Libertadores). What's the point of playing him and losing him for the Nacional game? He'll be rested to avoid injury and because of the controversy from the last game," explained Joel Santana.
During the Guanabara Cup final, won by Flamengo 2-1, Souza got into a brawl with goalkeeper Castillo. After the game, Flamengo's players publicly complained about the refereeing, and many were brought to tears.
On the Wednesday after the decision, Souza celebrated his goal in the 2-1 victory over Cienciano by pretending to cry, mocking the black and whites.
Botafogo has not beaten Flamengo in four years
Since March 14, 2004, Glorioso has not beaten his great rival
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Botafogo and Flamengo will face off next Sunday in the Rio Cup, and the match will be Glorioso's opportunity to break a streak. Exactly four years ago, Alex Alves's letter A last celebrated the black-and-whites in a classic between the two teams. A backheel goal scored by the striker, currently with Mirassol, secured a 1-0 victory in the match on March 14, 2004. Since then, there have been 15 matches, seven wins for Flamengo and eight draws.
Alex recalled the emotion, listing the ingredients that motivated him most for that game.
"It was my first derby in a Botafogo jersey. During the week, everyone was talking about how important the game was. When I scored, the celebration started right there at Maracanã. During my two years at Botafogo, every time we faced Flamengo, they remembered the goal," he says delightedly.
In these four years, among the 15 unbeaten games against Botafogo, there are two special ones for Flamengo: the 2-2 draw, with which they were crowned state champions in 2007 after winning on penalties, and the dramatic, comeback victory, 2-1 in the final of the Guanabara Cup this year.
Thiago Sales, likely to start next Sunday's game, intends to increase the black and white team's suffering and "offer it" to the Flamengo fans.
"Beating Botafogo is always important, as this derby is fiercely competitive. We'll do everything we can to keep this streak going so our fans can celebrate," he says.
Joel reveals the team that will face Botafogo
Of the starting lineup, only Léo Moura and Toró will play the classic\ LANCEPRESS!\
Joel Santana led a tactical training session with the team that will face Botafogo. If nothing happens by then, the starting lineup will be: Bruno, Léo Moura, Leonardo, Thiago Sales, and Egídio; Gavilán, Jaílton, Toró, and Jônatas; Obina and Renato Augusto.
"There are so many teams in mind that that's what you saw," joked Joel, who declined to discuss a rematch against Botafogo. "When they say that, it sounds like they're talking about fighting and trouble. We don't have that here," the coach stated.
Leonardo Moura and Toró will only play against Botafogo because they are suspended for next Wednesday's match against Nacional-URU in the fourth round of Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores. Therefore, Joel Santana has no reason to rest them.
Striker leaves Flamengo training in tears
Éder, with a problem in his right leg, left the bus in tears
LANCEPRESS!\ Striker Éder, signed by Flamengo from Guarani in a gamble by the Flamengo board, left Friday's training session crying profusely. The player had a problem with his right leg and left the field without his boots, carried by members of the coaching staff.\
Éder scored one of the goals in the substitutes' 3-1 victory over the starters. Marcinho and Vinícius Pacheco completed the scoring for the substitutes. Toró pulled one back for the starters.
During the activity, Joel Santana made several changes with a view to the game against Nacional, next Wednesday.