THE GLOBE
Joel shows nervousness and an intention to return to last year's scheme
Besides Toró, the doubt is Cristian and Marcinho or Kleberson and Tardelli
LEONARDO Moura turns the cone into a megaphone: Fla on alert
Both in his long conversation with the players and during tactical training, Joel Santana was calm. Off the field, the Flamengo coach seemed irritated by being constantly targeted by photographers and critics of his four-man midfield defense. At Gávea, the line was comfort, and the lack of control is tenuous, especially after a rout in a Fla-Flu match and on the eve of a decisive derby, like tomorrow's against Vasco in the Guanabara Cup semifinal.
"I'm bitter. There are times when I can't take certain comments and situations. It's always the same, like a snake sent to get me mad before the derby," Joel complained after being photographed drinking coffee and being reminded of his commitment to a TV show after the derby. "I don't have commitments to anyone, just my wife and kids."
Despite calls for him to play with a midfielder and two strikers, Joel is showing signs of stepping back. Since Kleberson and Diego Tardelli still need to gain rhythm and chemistry, the coach may return to the formation that worked well last year, with Marcinho replacing Renato Augusto and Cristian returning to replace Toró, who is dealing with muscle pain.
"Some of the reinforcements haven't played. Of course, they haven't performed as expected yet. They'll have to come in eventually, but we haven't yet reached the end-of-year target that everyone was thinking about."
Normally good-natured, Joel was a departure from the calm afternoon at the club, with empty stands and no commotion at ticket sales. Not even the return of Edmundo, Vasco's historic tormentor, to Vasco caused any shocks.
"I get chills for other, much more pleasant reasons," quipped vice president of football Kleber Leite. "Edmundo's presence is good for the derby and also for Flamengo, because it inspires extra care and more focused attention from the players."
Edmundo's first coach at Vasco, Joel considers him a role model. Once, to justify Renato Augusto's importance, he compared his style to Edmundo's. Yesterday, the coach was more restrained.
"In 30 years of professional work, I've learned not to talk about opposing players. Every time I've commented on Edmundo, he's played really well. So, let everyone do their part."
SPORTS JOURNAL
Toró is still in doubt
During yesterday's training session at Gávea, the atmosphere of concern was evident. With the team practically set, coach Joel Santana is still waiting for midfielder Toró, who felt a twinge in the back of his right thigh last Wednesday against Coronel Bolognesi.
Joel replaced defensive midfielder Kleberson and indicated he would likely opt for the midfielder if Toró is unfit to play. Doctor José Luiz Runco preferred to err on the side of caution when explaining the midfielder's physical condition.
"Toró is undergoing intensive medical treatment. We'll wait for him until the last moment. If the match were today, he would be out, but by Sunday, he has a 50% chance of being available," the doctor assessed.
The midfielder, meanwhile, said he'll make a point of playing if he's at least physically fit: "The pain is still bothering me a bit, but I trust Flamengo's medical department. I really want to play, and I'm focused on this goal," the player stated. Yesterday's good news was midfielder Renato Augusto's return to training with the rest of the group. He participated in the initial part of the ball practice, but was absent from the tactical training, as he was working on his physical fitness.
The training session was attended by former Cardoso Moreira coach Charles Guerreiro, who came to the club to see some friends. He left the Northern Fluminense club a week ago due to disagreements with the board.
Kleber Leite keeps Ronaldo a secret
As soon as he learned of the serious injury suffered by striker Ronaldo Fenômeno to his left knee, vice president of football Kleber Leite made Flamengo's facilities available for the player to recover. Now, the director has been more direct, promising to announce major news in the coming weeks.
"There will be some big news. We want to finalize an offer we have for him. We believe Ronaldo will return to being the great player he always was. But a father is a father, a mother is a mother, and new things are new things, so I won't say anything," Kleber Leite said evasively. Doctor José Luiz Runco, who treated the striker's previous right knee injury, is also confident in Ronaldo's recovery. He believes his self-esteem will weigh in the striker's favor.
"From what I understand, his surgery was very successful. Now we have to wait for his physical therapy sessions to see how he'll recover. He has a lot of willpower, and I'm sure it will help him," explained the red-and-black doctor, who specializes in knee injuries.
Leonardo, finally, is introduced
Leonardo was all joy during his presentation as a Flamengo player
Defender Leonardo, signed by Flamengo from Goiás, was officially presented yesterday afternoon in Gávea after training. The player, who also played for Palmeiras and Coritiba, emphasized the importance of playing for the club with the largest fan base in the country and, especially, of coming so close to a final.
"It's a huge responsibility to wear this shirt. I'm arriving at a special time, after all, Flamengo is deciding the Guanabara Cup and competing in the Libertadores. I've been training hard physically since Tuesday and I hope to be available in a week, ten days at most," said the new Flamengo signing.
Leonardo, who played in two Libertadores in his career, one for Palmeiras and another for Goiás, also spoke about his main characteristics and introduced himself to the red-black fans.
"I'm a manly player, so I have to be in top physical shape. The fans can expect a lot of effort. Playing with them (the fans) supporting us will be wonderful. I've made my mark at every club I've played for, and I hope to make history here at Flamengo as well," concluded the defender, who arrived to replace Rodrigo, who was out for approximately four months due to a fractured right forearm.
Born in Juiz de Fora (MG), Leonardo Devanir de Paula will turn 31 on the 12th. In addition to being state champion for Coritiba, in 1999, and Goiás, in 2006, he also won the Série B of the Brazilian Championship, in 2003, for Palmeiras.
Who's afraid of Edmund?
Even though he's a red-black executioner, the Vasco striker isn't exactly a bogeyman at Gávea
Nathan de Lima, Pedro Chiaverini and Thiago Bokel
Souza, who has yet to score a goal against Vasco for Flamengo, wants to finish this writing
Edmundo. Just hearing that name sends shivers down some Flamengo fans' spines. "The Animal" is recognized as Flamengo's greatest tormentor over the last two decades. However, even though he's making his return for Vasco tomorrow, the striker doesn't scare Flamengo fans.
Striker Souza, who has never scored a goal against Vasco wearing the red and black shirt, explained that as a Flamengo fan, he enters the field even more committed to defeating his rival.
"Matches against Vasco always bring a special motivation, even more so because I'm a Flamengo fan. We'll go all out for this game," promised Souza, who despite having played for Vasco for a long time, concluded by saying that he doesn't hold any affection for tomorrow's opponent.
"I don't feel anything for Vasco, only for Flamengo. I just have a lot of respect for the players there. I played with Edmundo, and although he's getting older and has lost that momentum, he's still a very dangerous player," warned Flamengo's number 9. Vice president of football Kleber Leite recalled the time when Animal defended the red-and-black colors and explained that a player with his qualities doesn't always succeed at certain clubs. But despite praising the striker's football, Kleber said he doesn't fear the striker.
"Edmundo doesn't give me chills at all. I feel that kind of thing at other times in my life. But not when I remember him," joked Kleber Leite.
Coach Joel Santana declined to comment on the opponent. Regarding the starting lineup for the decisive match, the coach tested some tactical training yesterday at Gávea, but it's likely the same lineup that drew with Coronel Bolognesi last Wednesday. In the second half of training, Joel took off Diego Tardelli and Jônatas and replaced them with Marcinho and Cristian, respectively. However, the latter's chances of leaving the team are slim.
Joel Santana, who began the interviews saying he was bitter, ended up happy, and even with all the experience accumulated in his long career, revealed that he still gets anxious before decisive games like this one.
"I still have butterflies in my stomach. It's an exciting classic. Every time I step onto the field, I remember that this wonderful crowd will be supporting us, which makes me emotional," said Joel, who since his return to Flamengo has won one and drawn another match against tomorrow's rival.
The goalkeeper classic
Roberto Murad
Bruno and Tiago could decide the classic
Bruno and Tiago are both good goalkeepers and inspire confidence in their fans, but they have more in common. Both goalkeepers enjoy taking risks from free kicks, and while they haven't yet found success, they see this derby as a good chance to make history.
No goalkeeper has ever scored in a match between Flamengo and Vasco. Tiago has scored from penalties and free kicks while playing for Portuguesa, while Bruno has never scored.
In the match against Duque de Caxias in this Rio de Janeiro State Championship, coach Joel Santana asked Bruno to take a free kick near the box. The goalkeeper was unable to take the shot, sending the ball wide. Bruno also had a chance to score from the penalty spot, but Souza caught the ball and prevented the goalkeeper from taking it.
This Sunday's Flamengo vs. Vasco match will be a decisive one, and goalkeepers could be the main characters, whether defending, scoring goals, or in the penalty shootout.
Mengão claims another victim
The team beats FTC/EAD 93-68 and remains undefeated in the National Basketball Championship.
Photo from Archive/JS
Even without scoring as usual, winger Marcelinho was an important player in Flamengo's victory, their eighth in eight Nacional games
Salvador, Bahia — Flamengo confirmed its favoritism and defeated the FTC/EAD team 93-68 last night at the Colégio Salesiano gymnasium in Salvador, maintaining its unbeaten streak and sole lead in the National Basketball League. A standout performer was center Alírio, who topped the scoreboard with 20 points. The team returns to the court next Sunday at 11 a.m. against Brasília, at their opponent's home ground. Unlike recent matches, where the Gávea team had been seizing the lead early on, this time the story was different. The red-and-black team struggled to overcome the Bahian team's tight marking in the first quarter and was unable to open a lead larger than four points, which it held until the end of the period: 23-19.
In the second quarter, coach Paulo Chupeta focused on outside shots, as the Bahian paint was difficult to play inside, and the move paid off. Forward Duda, who came on early in the period, completely changed the game's trajectory. With three converted three-pointers, he increased Flamengo's lead and confused the FTC/EAD defense, which, by rushing to defend long-range shots, left spaces in its own paint. It was then that Alírio also began to shine. The center scored 13 points in the first half, which ended 44-29 for Flamengo.
In the second half, the team returned with the same formation that finished the first half, and also with the same disposition, opening up a 26-point lead.
Hits
The red-and-black coach took the opportunity to rest his key players, but even so, the technical standard remained unchanged, and the team closed the quarter with a 71-47 lead. In the final quarter, it was Marcelinho's turn to shine. The player, who had not been performing well until then, began hitting mid-range and long-range shots, further increasing the championship leader's lead. With a large lead established on the scoreboard, the team from Gávea waited out the clock and closed the game with a 93-68 lead.
FTC / EAD: Muñoz (12), Jefferson (3), Gilson (13), Roberto (11) and Newsome (5)\ Entered: Perez (5), Henrique (6), Gustavo (8), Velasco (2) and Darlan (3)\ Coach: Daniel Watffy\
Flamengo: Fred (11), Duda (18), Marcelinho (14), Coloneze (11) and Alírio (20)\ Entered: Wagner (3), Hélio (5), Fernando Mineiro (2), Maicon (6), Igor (3) and Amiel\
Coach: Paulo Chupeta
THE DAY
Money to encourage players
Janir Junior
Rio - As is common in the days leading up to decisive matches, the financial doping for Flamengo players before tomorrow's semifinal against Vasco was fragmented. The board finally paid the bonuses for winning last year's state championship and participating in the Brazilian Championship, but failed to pay the two months' back wages.
However, nothing is causing a stir at Gávea Stadium. Quite the contrary: the players understood the board's justifications. Only a loss to Vasco would worsen the situation. With the renewal of the sponsorship with Petrobras, the promise is a new payment next week.
For Souza, no amount of money could buy him a goal against his former club, which hasn't happened since he joined Flamengo. "Against Vasco, it's special. I'm anxious for the game to come soon. My family and friends are demanding a victory," said the striker, who didn't argue about his rival's runner-up syndrome: "This idea that they lose to us when the cup is on the line doesn't exist."
Souza, who played with Edmundo at Vasco, issued a warning: "Despite his advanced age, he has a lot of quality, we need to be careful."
Due to pain in his right thigh, Toró did not participate in yesterday's tactical training session at Gávea. However, he says he will be on the field tomorrow. If he is unfit, Kléberson will start in midfield.
When asked about Edmundo's presence, Joel Santana joked. "I don't talk about the opponent, especially Edmundo, who is a skilled player. Whenever I do, he destroys the game," said the coach.
TRIBUTE TO RONALDO
The Urubu Guerreiro fan club is preparing a tribute to Ronaldo, with a flag featuring the striker's face, the club's logo, and the phrase "eternal love." Vice-president of football Kléber Leite reiterated that he will continue pursuing the striker's signing. According to the director, a formal offer will be presented to the Milan player next week.
Leonardo is presented in Gávea
Rio - Defender Leonardo was finally officially introduced as a Flamengo signing this Friday at Gávea Stadium. The new signing was announced as a reinforcement on Monday, but only today, at the squad's re-introduction, did he express his joy at playing for Flamengo.
"It's a huge responsibility to play for Flamengo. I'll work hard to seize this opportunity. I hope to win many titles and make history for the club. Playing with the support of these fans will be wonderful."
The defender highlighted his physical strength and ability in the air as his main strengths. The former Goiás and Palmeiras player hopes to be available to coach Joel Santana soon.
Clássico dos Milhões already has 53 thousand tickets sold
Rio - Sunday's Clássico between Flamengo and Vasco, in the Guanabara Cup semifinal, is already guaranteed a full house. The latest partial sales figures showed 53 tickets sold. Now, there are about 15 tickets remaining for the match.
A regular seat costs R$30, the green, yellow and white bleachers cost R$40 and the special seat costs R$150. Students who prove they were enrolled in 2008 pay half price.
Advance Sales Locations:
•Gávea Ticket Offices in NS Auxiliadora Square\ •Gávea Ticket Offices in Mario Ribeiro Street (Helio Maurício Gymnasium)\ •Olaria Atlético Clube Headquarters Ticket Offices (Rua Bariri, 251)\ •São Januário Ticket Offices (Vasco da Gama)\ •Calbauço Headquarters (Downtown Rio)\ •Vasco Barra Ticket Offices\
On the day of the game, only the Maracanã ticket offices will be open.
Toró is doubtful for Sunday's classic
Rio - Coach Joel Santana led a tactical training session on a reduced-size field during the team's return to training this Friday. Toró, undergoing treatment on his right thigh, did not participate in the training session and is doubtful for the derby against Vasco on Sunday. Kleberson replaced him.
The team that trained was: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Jônatas, Ibson and Kleberson; Diego Tardelli and Souza.
Fla continues to be interested in Ronaldo and Romário
Rio - Kleber Leite, Flamengo's vice-president of football, said this Friday that the club remains interested in having Ronaldo and Romário, and that the events of the week have not changed Flamengo's interests in any way.
According to the director, even with the Phenomenon's serious injury, Rubro-Negro can still formalize an offer for the striker, who has a contract with Milan until the middle of the year.
In the case of Romário, the director said he will wait for Baixinho to decide his situation with Vasco, before formalizing an official proposal.
SPORTS GAZETTE
In Gávea, Toró is spared from training\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After having Thursday off, Flamengo's squad returned to training on Friday afternoon, with coach Joel Santana leading the training session at Gávea. The biggest loss from the training camp was midfielder Toró, who has not yet fully recovered from a right thigh problem. Unable to count on Toró, Joel Santana used Kléberson in his midfield, but Cristian is also in contention for a starting spot in Sunday's derby against Vasco, should Toró be ruled out by the doctors. "He's going to the training camp and I'll wait until the last minute," commented Joel Santana.
One of the attractions this Friday at Gávea was Renato Augusto. The player performed a light ball workout, his first since undergoing surgery to correct a sunken cheekbone.
Confident, Tardelli hopes to shine in the classic\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After debuting for Flamengo with a goal against Volta Redonda, striker Diego Tardelli was a quiet figure in the loss to Fluminense and the draw with Coronel Bolognesi. His recent performances have drawn some criticism, but the striker says he's confident he can shine in this Sunday's derby, when the Red-Blacks face Vasco in the semifinals of the Taça Guanabara. "The team is still finding its feet, especially Souza and I, but I'm sure we have everything we need to put on a great performance. Our mental health is in good shape," Tardelli assured.
"Joel already talked to me and said it's a classic that's not much different from the others. But I'm going to go out there and give it my all and qualify for this first-ever final in my career," the striker said.
Flamengo's coach, however, believes in the gradual development of the team's attackers. "I know you don't build an attack overnight. We played well in the last match, but we needed to finish better," commented Joel.
Joel Santana will be without three players for this Sunday's derby. Defender Rodrigo and midfielder Renato Augusto remain in the medical department, while defender Leonardo is not registered for the Guanabara Cup.
Midfielder Toró, who was injured against Coronel Bolognesi, is expected to play, but remains under close observation by the club's doctors. Kléberson is on standby and could be given an opportunity if the player feels the injury to his right thigh again.
This Friday, while the squad only returned in the afternoon, Toró underwent treatment. On Saturday morning, Joel Santana will lead a recreational group in Gávea. After the activity, the red-and-black squad will return to the training camp.
PELENET
Kleberson trains in place of Toró at Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo returned to training on Friday afternoon in Gávea, after having debuted in the Copa Libertadores with a goalless draw against Coronel Bolognesi, in Peru, on Wednesday night.
The new development in the tactical training session led by coach Joel Santana was the inclusion of Kleberson in the starting lineup, replacing Toró, who is doubtful for Sunday's classic against Vasco da Gama at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium in the Guanabara Cup semifinals. The player suffered a right thigh injury in the first half of the match against the Peruvians.
Coach Joel Santana confirmed that he's still waiting for a starter. He also said that keeping things quiet is crucial before decisive matches.
"I'll wait and see if I can count on Toró, but if he's not fit, we have another option. We've been living with decisions for a long time, and I don't think we should talk too much. My stance is to respect the opponent and do my job here," he commented.
The rest of the squad is confirmed: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Jônatas, and Ibson; and Diego Tardelli and Souza. The players return to training this Saturday morning, when Joel is expected to lead a quick group training session.
Defender Leonardo trains and is presented at Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo officially introduced 30-year-old defender Leonardo, formerly of Palmeiras and Goiás, early Friday evening. Before the ceremony, the defender participated in training with his teammates at Gávea.
He was signed last Monday, but his arrival at the club was delayed as the team traveled to Peru, where they debuted in the Copa Libertadores da América with a goalless draw against Coronel Bolognesi. Leonardo reinforces the red-and-black squad to cover for defender Rodrigo, who suffered a fractured right arm, underwent surgery, and will only return in about three months.
"It's a huge responsibility to play for Flamengo. I'll work hard to seize this opportunity. I hope to win many titles and make history for the club. Playing with the support of these fans will be wonderful," said the defender, who hopes to soon be available to coach Joel Santana.
"I've been working hard on my physical condition since Tuesday. I hope to be ready to play within a week," he added.
Leonardo Devanir de Paula was born in the Minas Gerais city of Juiz de Fora on March 12, 1977. He began his career at Tupi-MG and later played for Coritiba, Palmeiras and Goiás, where he had been since 2005. At Alviverde Paulista, he participated in the team's relegation campaign to Série B of the Brazilian Championship.
Renato Augusto does his first ball training session with Flamengo after surgery
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's training session this Friday had a special highlight. Midfielder Renato Augusto worked with the ball for the first time since suffering a dented cheekbone in the Rubro-Negro's 2-0 victory over Boavista at the Maracanã stadium, in their Group A debut in the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the State Championship.
The midfielder underwent surgery on January 21st, which required the placement of three 1,5cm thick titanium plates, in addition to 11 screws to reconstruct the fractured bone.
Coach Joel Santana expressed his happiness at seeing the midfielder training with ease at Gávea. "He's a good kid, and I'm happy to see that Renato Augusto is already doing well," he said.
The Rubro-Negro's number 10 is initially expected to return to the team in March. Due to the injury, Renato Augusto was not even part of Flamengo's roster for the Copa Libertadores.
Joel Santana warns: "I want to make Flamengo almost unbeatable"
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Joel Santana is pleased with the results he's been achieving as Flamengo's coach. This Friday, he commented that he's been striving for exceptional performance at Gávea, helping the club achieve its goals in the first half of the year: a second state championship and a Copa Libertadores title.
"My concern is to make my team almost unbeatable, because no one is unbeatable," said Joel, on the eve of the classic against Vasco, valid for the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup, first round of the domestic competition.
Joel took the opportunity to praise his rival Alfredo Sampaio, Vasco's coach.
"Alfredo Sampaio did a great job at Madureira and I hope he does a good job at Vasco too. I will continue to do my job here at Flamengo," he concluded.
The coach has a question about which team will face his biggest rival this Sunday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium. Toró still feels pain in his right thigh and if he is unable to play, he will be replaced by Kleberson, who already trained with the starters this Friday.
GLOBOESPORTE
Vasco and Fla fight for a place in the final
Cruzmaltinos are counting on Edmundo's return, and Rubro-Negros are betting on the full-backs
Brasileirão top scorers duel: Edmundo and Souza, hope for goals
This Sunday's match between Vasco and Flamengo, at 16 p.m., at Maracanã, is worth a spot in the final of the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the Campeonato Carioca. For fans who leave home to go to the stadium, the match has more than special ingredients. For Vasco fans, Edmundo makes his debut in the club's jersey and hopes to end his winless streak over his rival in decisive matches. For the red-and-black team, maintaining their dominance over the Cruzmaltinos is all the more reason to attend the "Biggest in the World." There's no shortage of reasons to watch the derby that attracts millions.
Fans who couldn't get tickets to Sunday's big game or who preferred to stay home can watch the match live on Rede Globo or in real time on GLOBOESPORTE.COM. There will be no shortage of excitement as they see who will reach the final of the Guanabara Cup.
Edmundo makes his debut for Vascão
At Vasco, excitement is high about Edmundo's debut. The Animal's return to the team has at least restored the confidence of the fans, who in recent decisive matches against Flamengo had turned out in small numbers due to the team's unfavorable record against their rivals over the last decade. Tickets were in high demand at São Januário and at the Calabouço stadium.
"My entry isn't going to make Vasco's team wonderful and put on a show overnight. We can't do anything alone. I want to help. I have no intention whatsoever of being the protagonist, of scoring goals. My focus is on helping Vasco win. I'll be 100% physically. I'll run like hell," says the Animal, who will be the only one wearing the number 10 jersey from now on.
Having scored 14 goals against Flamengo in 17 games for Vasco, Edmundo prefers to focus on the present.
"Retrospect is good, but it doesn't win games. Every match has its own story. I don't dwell much on the past. I like to think about the present."
Coach Alfredo Sampaio has two issues for the match. Wagner Diniz is the one who worries him the most. With a muscle problem, the right-back, one of Vasco's standout performers in this Campeonato Carioca, trained little this week and isn't in top condition. Another player who could miss the match is midfielder Beto, who is experiencing pain in his left foot. Andrade will likely replace him.
Another new addition will be Morais' debut wearing the number 98 jersey. By handing over the number 10 to Edmundo, the midfielder was given the responsibility of being the only one on the team to wear a personalized jersey commemorating the year Vasco won the Copa Libertadores. It features a message on the chest that follows the model used by CONMEBOL, with the phrase "Ten years of the reconquest of America - Vasco 2008."
Mengão wants to take advantage of the best campaign
Toró is doubtful for the classic against Vasco, this Sunday, at Maracanã
For Flamengo, coach Joel Santana has only one question regarding his starting lineup. Toró, with a contracture in his right thigh, didn't even practice and his presence in the derby is in jeopardy. Cristian and Kléberson are in contention for the starting spot. The five-time champion is likely to start if Toró is ruled out.
"I'll wait for Toró until the last minute. Let's not forget that daylight saving time ends this weekend. This hour we're gaining could help Toró recover," joked the red-and-black coach.
On the other hand, Rubro-Negro has plenty of reasons to enter the field full of morale. The team had its best campaign in the qualifying phase, with six wins and one loss. Furthermore, the good form of full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan, and defenders Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim, are plenty of reasons to cheer the Rubro-Negro fans.
Not even Edmundo's debut is scaring the red-and-black team. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, stated that the "Animal" is no longer scary. Souza, for his part, prefers to respect the history of the Cruzmaltino idol. However, he took another jab at his rival.
"I know Edmundo and have played with him. He's got a lot of quality and can make the difference. I have a lot of affection for him. Regarding Vasco, what I can say is that I'm a Flamengo fan. I don't have any feelings for Vasco, I have feelings for Flamengo," says the striker.
Leonardo is presented at Fla
Defender arrives at the club to replace Rodrigo, who broke his arm on his debut
Marcio Iannacca
Leonardo is presented in Gávea
Defender Leonardo, formerly of Goiás and Palmeiras, was presented this Friday as Flamengo's reinforcement for the 2008 season. The player was hired by the red-black board to replace Rodrigo, who suffered a broken arm in his debut for the Gávea team.
Excited about the opportunity, the player spoke to the press after wearing the Flamengo shirt.
"I'm happy with the opportunity. I want to help Flamengo and I'm training to join the team soon. The goal is to come and help the team," says Leonardo.
This Friday, the player began training with the group. Leonardo walked laps around the pitch and is being prepared to join the rest of the squad in the coming days. He is registered for the Copa Libertadores.
Toró is still in doubt at Fla
Discouraged, the midfielder gives indications that he won't play. Joel will wait until the last moment.
Marcio Iannacca
Toró is confident he will be able to play in Sunday's classic against Vasco
Midfielder Toró's starting lineup for Sunday's semifinal against Vasco da Gama at Maracanã has yet to be confirmed. With a strain in the back of his right thigh, he didn't even show up on the pitch at Gávea Stadium this Friday. At the press conference, he indicated that he's unlikely to take the field against his rival.
"I'm in pain. I wouldn't play today (Friday). I'm a little discouraged because we don't want to feel anything. We have an important semifinal, a Libertadores match. I didn't want to miss out on all of this," says the midfielder.
Despite his player's discouragement, Joel Santana will wait until the last minute to decide whether to field Toró. During Friday's training session, the red-and-black manager tested two alternatives—one with Diego Tardelli and Kleberson, and the other with Marcinho and Obina.
"I'll wait until the last minute. As far as I know, Vasco is the home team, and I just need to announce the lineup after them," says Joel.
Renato Augusto trains with the ball
After a long time recovering, midfielder participates in training with his teammates. Márcio Iannacca. Midfielder Renato Augusto trained with the ball for the first time since his injury this Friday at Gávea (See the video below to see how he got hurt). Recovering from facial surgery, the player begins work to return to the team. He has been out of the team since the debut in the Campeonato Carioca on January 19th.
Renato Augusto was a regular starter for coach Joel Santana's team until he suffered a facial injury. He's expected to return to action in March.
THROW
Leonardo is introduced and promises delivery
Defender arrives at Fla and says he has always left his mark wherever he has been
LANCEPRESS!\ Defender Leonardo, 30, was presented by Flamengo this Friday at Gavéa. The player, signed last Monday, has already completed physical training at the club. And he showed confidence when talking about what the fans can expect of him.\
"The fans can expect a lot of commitment. I came here to help and work hard. I'm a manly player who gives my all. I've left my mark wherever I've been," the athlete stated.
Still unsure how long it will take for him to be fit to play - according to him, between a week and ten days -, the defender commented that his registration in the Libertadores (he was signed to replace fellow defender Rodrigo, who fractured his right arm) is a sign that what he has already achieved in his career has been recognized.
- This shows that there is confidence in my football - said Leonarod, who was already a semi-finalist in the South American competition: in 2001, with Palmeiras, he was eliminated by Boca Juniors
Joel has a puzzle to solve at Flamengo
Three doubts torment the coach's head on the eve of the classic
Joel: doubts for the game against Vasco (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
Joel Santana has three questions about his ideal lineup for the Clássico dos Milhões. Toró, with pain in the back of his right thigh, could be replaced by Kleberson. In midfield, Cristian and Jônatas are competing for a spot, as are Diego Tardelli and Marcinho, who are up front.
Unable to use Toró in Friday's tactical training session, Joel tested two different formations: "My main doubt is Toró. It all depends on his lineup when I decide the rest of the team."
I tested some formations: one with Jônatas, Kleberson and Tardelli, another with Cristian and Marcinho – explained the coach.
Cristian was a regular starter during Flamengo's recovery in the Brasileirão, but in 2008, he only started one match for the main team, in Flamengo's debut in the State Championship, in which Flamengo won 2-0 against Boavista.
Considering Toró to be Flamengo's barometer, the Flamengo coach guarantees that he will wait until the last minute to decide on the team: "I'll only decide an hour before the game, when I have to sign the scoresheet," he stated.
Joel's doubts are not shared by Souza, who sees Diego Tardelli's characteristics as ideal to complement his playing style.
– They are both good players, but for my movement, I obviously prefer Diego Tardelli, as he is closer to me.
I also really enjoy playing with Obina – he explained.
On Thursday, when Flamengo arrived from Tacna, Joel gave clues that Diego Tardelli should be the starter, as he asked for patience from the Souza-Tardelli attacking duo, claiming that they had played little together – just two matches.
Precautious, Flamengo practices penalties in Gávea
Ibson and Fábio Luciano have excellent performance; Juan and Maxi disappoint
LANCEPRESS!
With the possibility of the derby against Vasco ending in a draw, Flamengo players practiced penalty kicks on Friday at Gávea. Official penalty takers Ibson and Fábio Luciano had 100% success rates.
Left-back Juan, on the other hand, missed seven of his ten shots on Friday. Another player who didn't perform well was striker Maxi, who made just two of his five attempts.
Flamengo and Vasco will decide a place in the final of the Guanabara Cup this Sunday, at 16 pm, at Maracanã.
Souza says: 'I don't have any affection for Vasco'
However, when it comes to Edmundo, the red-black striker is full of praise.
LANCEPRESS!
Without mincing words, striker Souza revealed that he has no feelings whatsoever for Vasco, the club he played for at the beginning of the decade and for which he was state champion in 2003, even scoring a goal in the final against Fluminense:
– I don't care about Vasco, I care about Flamengo. It's them there and me here.
However, when it comes to Edmundo, the red-black fan is full of praise.
– I have affection for him and we get along very well – said the striker, who will face his former club again this Sunday, at 16 pm, in the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup.
Joel Santana: experience to give confidence
Champion of the big four, coach shows the importance of the game
LANCEPRESS!
A classic like Flamengo vs. Vasco da Gama is a nerve-wracking affair for everyone involved. To reassure his team, coach Joel Santana uses his experience: he was a state champion with the four major Rio de Janeiro clubs.
"I try to convey to all my athletes how much I've accomplished in Rio so they gain confidence. Here, we always live with decisiveness," said the coach.
According to the red-black commander, the importance of a classic like this - on Sunday, the teams play one of the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup (the other is between Botafogo and Fluminense) - is enormous in the life of a player.
"It's a game that leaves its mark. Every athlete should enjoy a match like this, as it's rare in their career," commented Joel Santana.
After resuming his role as the club's coach in the 2007 Brazilian Championship and qualifying the team for the Libertadores, he has the opportunity to fight for his first title in this return - and he has a goal.
- What worries me most is trying to make my team play with the same enthusiasm as last year - observed Joel Santana.
EXTRA
Flamengo wins and remains undefeated in the National Championship\ Lancepress\
Flamengo's men's basketball team defeated FTC EAD 93-68 on Friday night in Salvador, Bahia, and remains undefeated in the lead of the National Championship. The red-and-black team was led by Alírio, who finished with 20 points.
This was the Rio de Janeiro team's eighth victory in the competition, leading with a 100% record. Second place is occupied by Saldanha da Gama, with an 80% record, with four wins and one loss. FTC EAD, defeated this Friday, remains in tenth place with a 16,7% record (one win and five losses).
"The group believes in the work philosophy. We have a squad made up of great athletes, which leaves me with plenty of options on the bench. Every player who steps on the court maintains the same standard of play, and that's been making a difference in the matches," said Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta.
Rubro-Negro returns to the court this Sunday, when they face the Universo/BRB team, in Brasília, at 11 am (Brasília time).
Toró is spared from training at Flamengo\ Vicente Seda - Extra\
RIO - With pain in his right thigh, midfielder Toró was rested from Flamengo's training session this Friday afternoon at Gávea. He is still doubtful for Sunday's derby against Vasco da Gama at 16 p.m. at Maracanã, in the Guanabara Cup semifinal. Also visiting the club on Friday was former player Charles Guerreiro, who managed Cardoso Moreira in the first round of the state championship.
Timemania will be launched on Monday in Brasília\Extra\
RIO - Sports Minister Orlando Silva and President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva will launch Timemania, the new lottery run by Caixa Econômica Federal (CEF), next Monday at 15 p.m. at the Planalto Palace. Participating in the ceremony will be Caixa president Maria Fernanda Ramos Coelho, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ricardo Teixeira, Pelé, and representatives of soccer clubs.
Created by the Ministry of Sports in partnership with the Federal Economic and Social Commission (CEF), the new lottery aims to distribute prizes, but mainly to regularize the tax situation of soccer clubs with the federal government. Timemania is expected to raise R$520 million in the first 12 months. Bettors can mark 10 of the 80 numbers on the betting slip to compete for prizes. There will be five prize tiers: winners who match 7, 6, 5, 4, or 3 of the 7 numbers drawn. A bet costs R$2,00. Drawings will be held on Saturdays, starting at 20 p.m. The first drawing is scheduled for March 1st in São Paulo, with live television broadcast.
Excited defender Leonardo is presented as Flamengo's new reinforcement\ O Globo Online\
RIO - After training this afternoon at Gávea, defender Leonardo was officially introduced as Flamengo's new signing. The former Goiás and Palmeiras player introduced himself to the Flamengo fans.
"I'm a very strong player physically. I'm good at aerial balls because of my height. I hope to do a great job here," he said, showing his joy at wearing the Flamengo jersey.
"It's a huge responsibility to play for Flamengo. I'll work hard to seize this opportunity. I hope to win many titles and make history for the club. Playing with the support of these fans will be wonderful," he added.
Leonardo has been training at Gávea since the beginning of the week and hopes to be available to coach Joel Santana for the next rounds.
"I've been working hard on my fitness since Tuesday. I hope to be ready to play for Flamengo within a week," he concluded.
Full name: Leonardo Devanir de Paula
Date of birth: 12/03/1977
Place of birth: Juiz de Fora (MG)
Height: 1,85m
Weight: 84kg
Flamengo: Tense, Joel Santana doesn't talk about Edmundo\ O Globo Online\
RIO - Flamengo coach Joel Santana seems tense about Edmundo's starting lineup for Vasco, their opponent on Sunday in the Guanabara Cup. When asked this Friday what the Animal's presence means for the match, he seemed irritated and preferred not to comment on the rival's number 10.
(Read more: Fans ignore hefty prices and buy 91 advance tickets for classics)
"I don't usually talk about the opponent. They take care of their side, and we take care of ours. I don't talk about Edmundo. He'll do his job, and I'll do mine," Joel said in an interview with Rádio Tupi, before assuring that the team is ready for the derby worth millions.
( Vasco: 'I will play with a lot of love', promises Edmundo )
"I want to see the team with that vibrant spirit, with a lot of drive and determination. When that happens, we are an almost unbeatable team."
"Everything's normal, calm. If we're in the semifinals, it's because we worked for it. We're ready. Now we just have to wait for the game," he added.
(Read more: If Vasco has Edmundo and Tiago, Flamengo bets on Souza, who has already given his rival a title)
The coach's only doubt is Toró, who is in pain. If he doesn't play, two players will compete for the position.
"Toró is on the training list, and I'll wait until the end. Kléberson or Cristian could come in," he said.
(Read more: Excited, defender Leonardo is presented as Flamengo's new reinforcement)
Joel's only certainty is his desire to see the team perform as they did in the final stretch of last year's Brazilian Championship.
"I want to see the team with that vibrant spirit, with a lot of drive and determination. When that happens, we're a nearly unbeatable team," he concluded.