THE GLOBE
With the homegrown pieces, Caio gives his touch to Fla
Looking for a point guard, the coach brings in Erick Flores from the youth team. The club postpones the decision on Dininho.
Caio Júnior's leadership style is already attracting attention at Gávea. This is especially true because he didn't arrive with the message that radical changes were necessary. With Flamengo's existing players and no major hiring demands, Caio conducts thorough evaluations. During training, he switched roles with Toró and Kleberson, for example. He says he's satisfied with the group's defensive midfielders and forwards, but in the search for a playmaker, he will welcome 19-year-old Erick Flores from the youth team next week.
For Caio, a midfielder capable of setting up the team and possessing accurate passing skills, perhaps this is the squad's weakness. It was up to vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, to recommend Erick Flores to the coach. A similar situation to Renato Augusto. Erick, who is recovering from hand surgery, will report to the professional team on Monday.
Souza is banned and Bruno is also a concern
In yesterday's training session, Caio Júnior reinforced the tendency to use Toró further back, as a defensive midfielder, and Kleberson a little further forward than during Joel Santana's time. He then tested Leonardo as a starter, using three native defenders. The board announced yesterday that the decision on the potential signing of Dininho from Palmeiras was postponed until Monday.
Caio Júnior has immediate issues. Goalkeeper Bruno, with lower back pain, is a concern. Souza, with Achilles tendon pain, will miss the Grêmio match on Sunday in Porto Alegre. Yesterday, Caio said the tendency is to field Obina, which wouldn't change the team's character. But in tactical training, he used Diego Tardelli alongside Marcinho.
Tardelli sees a chance to live a new era at Gávea. He lamented having had limited opportunities with Joel Santana.
"Every player needs rhythm. With Joel, I didn't have many chances. I don't criticize him. He had the group together when I arrived. I don't even compare coaches, but with Caio, I expect a new lease of life. His work is unique," said Tardelli.
A new life also awaits striker Éder, who arrived from Guarani in January and has been given an extra three months to be evaluated.
Yesterday, Goiás officials threatened to charge Caio Júnior the full amount of the release clause from his contract with his former club. They said the amount was R$450.
Pacifier to stop basketball from crying
CBB surprises and announces Flamengo coach in charge of the national team in the South American Championship
Photo caption: Paulo Chupeta smiles next to a basketball. Coaching the national team was a longtime dream of the coach.
Claudio Nogueira
Football lost a goalkeeper. Almost 40 years ago, Paulo Sampaio, known as Paulo Chupeta, made the choice of his life. He chose to be a basketball forward rather than stay between the posts. He became a player and then a coach. Yesterday, the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) announced him as the coach of the men's national team for the South American Championship in Chile, from July 1st to 6th.
Flamengo coach - leader of the National Championship and runner-up in the South American League - Chupeta will work alongside his college colleague Cristiano Pereira, coach of the Brazilian under-15 team and Vasco's youth teams, and coaches André Guimarães and Fábio Ganine.
Moncho Monsalve will manage the team for the Pre-Olympics
To be announced today or in the coming days, the South American team will be different from the one prepared by Spaniard Moncho Monsalve for the July Pre-Olympics in Greece. Three Olympic spots will be at stake at the event, a competition for which the men's team last qualified 12 years ago in Atlanta, USA.
- In the South American Championship, we have a huge responsibility, because Brazil has 17 titles and we will fight for the 18th to maintain this hegemony - said Chupeta.
The base of the team for the South American Championship should be formed with players who play in Brazil, while the Pre-Olympic team will also have athletes from the NBA and Europe.
"We're receiving information about our opponents. The South American tournament qualifies for the 2009 Copa América, which guarantees a spot in the 2010 World Cup. We'll have the chance to observe several players," Chupeta said.
He began his career in 1974, playing for Riachuelo and coaching the youth team. He has worked for Flamengo for seven years, three of which have been with the adult team, a three-time state champion:
"Reaching the national team is a huge thrill. All coaches start in the youth divisions and dream of playing for their state or national team. There was speculation, and finally the invitation came. And I was rewarded with Cristiano as my assistant."
Born in Rio de Janeiro, raised and still living in Riachuelo, Chupeta says that the adventure around baskets began casually:
- Around 1969, I was a goalkeeper. A friend invited me to train basketball with Bira Bello, but at first I found it boring because I couldn't shoot, and I left. In 1970, when I was about 13, I met the same friend again. I was now the same height as I am today, 1,80'XNUMX", and he invited me back. I went back and met Mr. Zezinho Montofano, my first coach. I ended up liking it.
Good at long-range shots, Chupeta remembers that in 1987, already playing for Tijuca, he was awarded by the Federation for having hit 60 three-pointers - a new rule at the time - in eight games.
The nickname by which the coach is known came about at the age of 4, when he used a pacifier:
"A neighbor bricklayer, Mr. Benedito, called me Paulinho da Pacifier. When he was working at Riachuelo, he saw me training and said, 'Look, Paulinho da Pacifier!' The class heard 'Paulo Chupeta,' and the nickname stuck.
According to the president of the CBB, Gerasime Bozikis, the Greek, the entity wants to increase the range of coaches, as each year there will be ten international tournaments in the various categories of the sport:
- It was recognition of his work at Flamengo, and he is taking over with an incredible desire to win.
Bassul must announce\ today\ women's selection\
For the women's national team, coach Paulo Bassul announced today the 12 players who will travel to Ecuador on Tuesday for the South American Championship, from May 24th to 29th. It's likely that, in addition to the ten players training in Rio, he'll also include Mamá and Claudinha, who play in Europe. For the Pre-Olympics (in June, in Madrid, with five spots available), he has 14 players from which he will choose 12.
The day before yesterday, in the Men's National Championship, Ciser/Univille/Joinville (SC) defeated Ulbra/Rio Claro (SP) by 86 to 79, opening a 2 to 1 lead in the series. Flamengo's opponent will be determined from the match.
In the NBA playoffs, the day before yesterday, the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by Brazilian Anderson Varejão, 96-89 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Boston is 3-2 in the series.
Ancelmo Gois Column
Love tattoo
Flamengo full-back Léo Moura got a love tattoo for his girlfriend, funk singer Perla: he drew the girl as an angel on his ankle.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Fla wants to reconcile with the fans
A victory over Grêmio on Sunday is seen as a way to win back fans
Eduardo Lacombe and Bernardo Peirão
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Flamengo players want to restore their alliance with the fans, which led the team from relegation to qualification for the Copa Libertadores.
The loss of trust resulting from the elimination to América de México left Flamengo fans with bitter feelings last week. Like a betrayed lover, they were not only frustrated but, above all, disappointed with the team they themselves took by the arm 10 months ago and with great determination, love, and passion helped lead to the Copa Libertadores.
Precisely the Libertadores, which was thrown out the window by those whom the fans embraced. Even aware of their debt, the players want the support of the fans again, to once and for all close this wound that, today, seems incurable. After playing Grêmio away from home, Flamengo will have four consecutive games at Maracanã. A unique opportunity for the unity of team and fans to return to their former selves, and for the good times to be reestablished in Gávea. With this, the importance of the match against Grêmio, this Sunday, at the Olympic Stadium, grows even more:
"It would be great for our team if we could get a good result at the Olímpico, so we can have the support of our fans again. We have four games in a row at the Maracanã, and to get a good run right from the start, the strength of our fans is crucial," emphasizes coach Caio Júnior. He believes that with a strong start to the season, the team's chances of fighting for the top of the table are high.
Like the coach, Marcinho believes a win against Grêmio could restore the fans' confidence. But he acknowledges that winning at the Olímpico is a difficult task:
"We have to win for the fans to believe in our team again. I know it's going to be a very difficult game, and that's why we have to go out there focused to get a good result. The Brazilian Championship is just starting, and whoever gets off to a good start will do well in the end," he said.
For coach Caio Junior, the match's difficulty increased even more with Grêmio's victory last Saturday against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium. According to him, not even the pressure on coach Celso Roth will make things easier for Flamengo. The coach, however, has no doubt that his team can bring home a victory from the South:
"The Olympics will be packed and we will certainly be under pressure. But I believe in my group," he said.
Doubts in attack and defense
Jair Motta/JS
Diego Tardelli may have an opportunity, on Sunday, to form the attack with Marcinho
With tendon pain in his right foot, Souza didn't train yesterday and is virtually out of Sunday's match against Grêmio at the Olympic Stadium. Coach Caio Júnior is considering two options to replace him: Obina or Diego Tardelli. The former, however, is the favorite for the spot.
Another question mark concerns the defense. Caio is concerned about the height of Grêmio's players, especially forward Perea and defenders Réver, Pereira, and Léo. As a result, he may remove Toró and field another defender. Leonardo is the suggested choice. Caio Júnior, however, remains mysterious:
"Obina trained well, and if he plays, we'll maintain our structure. He has the same style as Souza. Tardelli hasn't been ruled out. But since he's fast, he could be an option later in the game. I'll take advantage of the next training sessions to test him out," said the coach, who yesterday practiced a lot of finishing and set pieces.
Candidate for the position, Tardelli says he is motivated:
"Joel had the group together. I scored a title-winning goal, but I didn't have the sequence I wanted and like other players did," said the striker, who once again praised Caio Júnior: "His motivational methods are way ahead, and on the field, the training sessions are different."
Tardelli: 'I didn't get the sequence I wanted with Joel'
Tardelli seeks a starting position at Flamengo
Lacking the desired playing space under coach Joel Santana, striker Diego Tardelli sees Caio Junior's arrival as a sign of a new era for him at the club. Despite scoring the winning goal in the Guanabara Cup, the player never achieved starting status, and worse, he was even the former coach's third-choice striker. Tardelli has a reasonable explanation for his lack of use so far.
"Joel had the group together. I scored a title-winning goal, but I didn't have the streak I wanted or like other players. Now it's a new life for everyone, not just me. Éder, for example, had no chance with Joel, and in the first training session with Caio, he managed to stand out," commented Tardelli.
Despite his hope, Diego Tardelli is still expected to be on the bench for Flamengo's next match, against Grêmio at the Olímpico this Sunday. The former São Paulo player sees this match as his first challenge to becoming a starter.
"When you're on the bench, you have to come in and be the solution to problems. If you're a starter, you can get a run of games. I think that's what's missing for me," he concluded.
'Black Angel' Obina is expected to start against Grêmio
Flamengo, which got off to a strong start in the Brazilian Championship, defeated Santos 3-1 at the Maracanã Stadium. It will look to pick up three more points in the south of the country against Grêmio next Sunday. Their opponents from Rio Grande do Sul also got off to a strong start, beating São Paulo 1-0 at the Morumbi Stadium.
Coach Caio Júnior expects a difficult game, with Grêmio more prominent than in the first round.
"They played a good game against São Paulo. I don't know if they'll have the same attitude as they did in the match against us. I don't think so, because now they'll be playing at home and going out more to play," the coach told Rádio Bandeirantes.
Souza out\ Forward Souza didn't train this Thursday and won't face the Rio Grande do Sul team. The red-and-black number 9 is experiencing pain in his right foot. His replacement is expected to be Obina, who, according to the coach, has the same playing style as the starter.\
Pacifier commands the Selection
Flamengo coach chosen to lead Brazil in the South American Basketball Championship
Just over two months after the presentation of Spanish coach Moncho Monsalve, who will lead the Brazilian National Team in the World Pre-Olympic Championship in July in Greece, the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) announced yesterday morning the name of Paulo Chupeta, coach of Flamengo, to lead the Brazilian team in the 43rd South American Championship in Chile, from July 1st to 6th.
The new coach will also be joined by Christiano Pereira, who will serve as his assistant coach, as well as physical trainers André Guimarães and Fábio Ganime. A highly qualified coaching staff.
Paulo Teixeira Sampaio, or simply Chupeta, started as a player at Riachuelo (RJ), and also played for Jaó (GO), Jequiá (RJ), Benfica (Portugal), Botafogo (RJ) and Tijuca TC (RJ).
After a few years working in the red-black youth categories, he took command of the adult team in 2005, where he became three-time state champion (2005/06/07), as well as South American runner-up and semi-finalist in the National Championship this year.
Curriculum
At 51, the coach arrives at the national team, comments on the good form and guarantees that he will enter the South American competition to win. "I've worked my whole life to get to this moment. Leading the Brazilian national team is every coach's biggest dream, and I'm truly delighted. Basketball fans can expect a serious job, in keeping with my qualities as a disciplined and unifying coach. My philosophy and that of assistant coach Christiano is to always enter a competition to win, and it is with this objective that we will work with the team towards the South American," he said.
Partner
Chupeta will be joined by Christiano, who in 2007 was José Neto's assistant (currently Moncho's assistant) in Brazil's wonderful campaign at the youth world championship, held in Serbia, when the team finished in 4th place.
The team, which should be called up in the next few days, will begin training at the beginning of next month.
Pitágoras/Minas (MG) is the second semifinalist of the 19th National Men's Basketball Championship. In the third match of the quarterfinals, Pitágoras/Minas (MG) defeated Saldanha da Gama (ES) 87-83 (42-37) in Vitória. Minas' Johnson and Saldanha's Ricardo Gianecchini were the top scorers, with 28 and 20 points, respectively. The Minas Gerais team closed the series 2-1 and awaits the winner of the match between Uberlândia and Universo. In the series that will determine Flamengo's opponent, Joinville defeated Rio Claro and took a XNUMX-XNUMX lead in the best-of-five series.
Eduardo Lacombe
The Red and the Black
The red-black Phoenix
Eduardo Lacombe lacombe@jsports.com.br
I'd barely arrived at the newspaper on Wednesday afternoon when a Vasco fan asked if the seventh-day mass was being celebrated that day for the death of Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores. The gods—all the gods!—inspired me. I answered immediately: "No, today is the monthly mass for the death of Vasco in the Campeonato Carioca." The Vasco fan retreated, and the story died there. Or rather, it would have died if the topic hadn't been discussed again in the TV news reports, albeit in a different way: "Has Flamengo already forgotten the trauma of América de México?" I thought to myself: well, how can they forget if people—red-and-blacks or not—don't stop talking about it?
I think it's time to forget this year's embarrassment. Another thing: this wasn't Flamengo's biggest embarrassment in its nearly 113 years of existence. These embarrassments are proportional to the glories, like the five Brazilian titles, the South American title, and the '81 World Cup. Not to mention the 30 state titles, none of which are being challenged in court, right?
But, I was saying, the biggest embarrassment happened in 1968 when Flamengo, after a lap of honor in advance, was defeated by Bonsucesso 2-0 and, worse, thrashed by Botafogo 4-1 in the Guanabara Cup final. And I insist: nothing has hurt me more in my life than Brazil's defeat in the 1982 World Cup in Spain. It hurts even more to know that Zico, Falcão, Leandro, Júnior, Sócrates, and—come on—Cerezo aren't world champions. It's worse, I assure you it is!
But since we have to move on, let's try to give the team a new look, something Caio Júnior seems to already be doing. The best example is Kleberson, who, by moving to the right side of the field, could return to playing the same style—I wouldn't say the same style—that made him famous in 2002, when they won the World Cup in Korea and Japan.
Patience and chicken soup, my wise grandmother taught, never hurt anyone.
Let's take it easy so that in December we can say: "Like the Phoenix, we are reborn from the ashes."
THE DAY
Bad foot, Souza gives way to the 'Black Angel'
With the injury to the starter, who hasn't scored in eight games, Obina faces Grêmio on Sunday. Diego Tardelli is on the bench to come on during the match.
Janir Junior
Rio - Souza hasn't scored since March 22nd—eight games in a row—and his foot isn't feeling well in several ways. Besides not scoring, pain in the tendon of his right foot led Caio Júnior to announce that the forward will miss Flamengo's game against Grêmio on Sunday in Porto Alegre. According to the coach, Obina will start and Diego Tardelli will come on during the match. However, the coach has not officially confirmed who will replace him.
"Souza is ruled out. With Obina, who stays more in the box, the team's character won't change, as he has the same playing style as Souza. Tardelli isn't ruled out, but with him we gain speed, and he could be an option during the game," analyzed Caio Júnior. Obina and Souza, both smiling despite their different moments, had already left Gávea when the coach made the announcement. Diego Tardelli admitted: "I'm an outside player. When you're on the bench, you have to come in and solve problems. As a starter, you can have a run. That's what I need."
Without criticizing Joel Santana, Tardelli believes in a new lease of life at Flamengo with the arrival of Caio Júnior. "Joel had the group together. I scored a title-winning goal, but I didn't have a run. Now the philosophy has changed. And Caio always encourages those on the bench," added Diego Tardelli.
On Wednesday, Obina trained with the starters and scored a goal. Yesterday, in tactical training, the attacking duo was formed by Marcinho and Tardelli. The coach practiced various set-piece situations and quick counterattacks. Then, he changed the formation from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2, taking off Toró and bringing on Leonardo.
Little by little, the team begins to see Caio Júnior's influence. And, in this transition phase, Souza's foot pain led to the first change in attack.
Goiás charges Caio Jr. a R$420 termination fine.
Goiânia (Goiás) - The Goiás board appears to be unhappy with coach Caio Jr.'s move to Flamengo shortly after losing the Goiás title to Itumbiara. Now, the club is demanding a termination fee from the coach and his assistant coach and threatening to sue to recover the money.
According to the contract, in the event of a unilateral termination, Caio Jr. would have to pay R$450 in compensation, and his assistant, R$120. Goiás' legal department director, João Bosco Luz, explained the situation:
"The truth is this: when a team fires a coach, it has to pay a fine. Vanderlei Luxemburgo was once receiving salaries from three clubs simultaneously due to this contractual clause. Personally, I'm against forgiving the debt, but I'm awaiting an official statement from president Pedro Goulart," João Bosco told the newspaper Diário da Manhã.
The president of the Goiás team, in turn, made his decision:
"We cannot waive this amount relating to the contract fine. We will charge what we are entitled to receive," he concluded.
Elimination from the Libertadores has not yet been forgotten
Rio - Left-back Juan showed that the wound of elimination from the Copa Libertadores da América hasn't healed yet. In an interview with Rádio Globo, the number 6 said the players felt bad about having to watch yesterday's games.
"You watch the training and everything seems fine, but among the players you see that there's an open wound. Especially since yesterday was the Libertadores round and we wanted to be there. This wound will take a long time to heal. Going for the Brazilian title is the only way to show that our team has quality."
The team returns to training this Friday at 15:30 p.m. in Gávea. The team will depart for Porto Alegre the same day at 18 p.m. and will have a final training session at Internacional's training center on Saturday. Flamengo will play against Grêmio on Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Olímpico Stadium for the second round of the Brazilian Championship.
Caio Júnior tests new formation
Rio - After morning training, Flamengo's players returned to training in Gávea on Thursday afternoon and are back at it. The Flamengo team is making final preparations for Sunday's match against Grêmio.
Caio Júnior organized a tactical training session on a reduced-size field, which served to practice defensive positioning and quick counterattacks.
The coach began the session with Diego Tardelli in the starting lineup, replacing Souza. After 30 minutes, he tested the team in a 3-5-2 formation, taking off Toró and bringing on Leonardo. The team started with: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jailton, Ibson, Kleberson, and Toró (Leonardo); Marcinho and Diego Tardelli.
Maxi was the big news in training for the reserve team. The Argentine returned to the field after nearly two weeks recovering from back pain.
Flamengo sells youth striker
Rio - Young striker Pedro Beda is no longer a Flamengo player. The youth striker was sold for R$1,2 million to Desportivo Brasil, owned by J. Hawilla, the owner of Traffic.
According to executive director of football, Eduardo Manhães, the measure adopted with the sale of Pedro Beda will become commonplace at Flamengo. The director said this will be a new policy at the club, inspired by what Cruzeiro and São Paulo currently do.
The player, who hasn't even played a single match for the club's senior team, has been permanently transferred. Pedro Beda, 19, has been with Flamengo since 2002. He was the top scorer for the under-19 team in the Taça BH last year, with 9 goals. He also made his mark in the Champions Youth Cup, an international tournament held in Malaysia, where he was a starter and participated in two editions of the Taça São Paulo de Futebol Junior (São Paulo Junior Football Cup) in 2007 and 2008.
Grandpa Zico: A new emotion
The eternal Flamengo idol arrives from Italy and goes straight to his son Bruno's house to meet his first grandson, Felipe. Proudly, the Rooster says the baby is beautiful and a significant addition to the Antunes Coimbra family and the entire Flamengo fan base.
Martha Esteves
Rio - Zico was so excited to meet his grandson, Felipe, just a month and a half old, that he barely set foot on Rio de Janeiro before heading straight to his son Bruno Coimbra's house. The thrill of holding him in his arms was probably greater than any goal he scored during his successful career.
Proud, like any first-time grandfather, Zico thought the baby was beautiful and a significant addition to the Antunes Coimbra family and Flamengo fans. But since he arrived in Rio in the early hours of Wednesday, the Fenerbahce coach only got to hold the baby at the lunch that brought the whole family together.
"He's very handsome. In fact, he looks just like me," he said, laughing. "I'd seen several photos people sent me online, but seeing him up close was very different. It was incredibly emotional to hold him," said Galinho. Bruno, however, assures that his son takes after his father. "But let him say he takes after him, because he's a first-time grandfather," Bruno joked.
The coach's excellent season in charge of the Turkish team is also a source of pride: in 57 matches played, he won 36, drew 13, and lost eight. This represents a 63% success rate for the team. Furthermore, he reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time in history. But his contract has expired, and his future is uncertain.
"My position is to wait for a signal from them. I'd like to stay at the club, but something else could come up, I don't know... For now, I'm on vacation," said the eternal Flamengo idol.
On Wednesday night, Zico welcomed some friends to CFZ for a lively game of football, as well as fans leading the movement for the unveiling of his statue at Maracanã. Zico will be honored in December at the All-Star Game. "I was honored by this gesture," he said.
ZICO CUP
On Monday, the coach will launch the Zico Cup, which will be played from July 22nd to 28th at the CFZ field, involving non-federated boys ages 8 to 17 and girls under-20. The tournament finals will be played at the Maracanã Stadium on July 29th. The idea of Júnior and Bruno Coimbra, who are leading the tournament, is to honor their father and discover new talent for CFZ.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Bruno is injured in training and will likely miss the match against Grêmio.
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo could be without goalkeeper Bruno for their match against Grêmio on Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Olympic Stadium, in the second round of the Brazilian Championship. The goalkeeper was injured during the team's training session on Thursday at Gávea Stadium. He overstretched his shot while trying to prevent Obina from scoring after a mistake by right-back Leonardo Moura. Following the injury, Bruno was diagnosed with lower back pain and will be monitored by the medical department, which will determine his release later this Friday. Flamengo will already be without Souza against Grêmio, who has an Achilles tendon problem in his right foot.
Caio Júnior downplays poor away performance\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo will play its first away game in the Brazilian Championship this Sunday, against Grêmio, in Porto Alegre (RS). This begins a challenge that the Rio de Janeiro club has been trying to overcome since last year, in which the team typically performs poorly away from home, with a performance below 30%.\ This fact was not even mitigated by the late surge in the 2007 edition, which led the Rubro-Negro to secure a spot in this year's Copa Libertadores. Despite the uncomfortable situation, the fact was downplayed by everyone at Gávea.\
"Flamengo is a great team and will play well anywhere. I believe this is misinterpreted, as teams typically play better at home, with the presence and support of their fans," believes coach Caio Júnior. "We have to play well anywhere, but it would be more worrying if Flamengo weren't able to assert itself at home," he added.
Off the field, the board continues to look for reinforcements for the Brazilian Championship, but the names are being kept confidential to prevent speculation from hindering negotiations. A left-back and a midfielder are the priorities.
Flamengo will not have Souza against Grêmio\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - A tactical drill carried out this Thursday morning, in Gávea, practically defined Flamengo's team for this Sunday's match against Grêmio, in Porto Alegre (RS), for the second round of the Brazilian Championship.\ Coach Caio Júnior, however, received some unpleasant news, as he was informed that he will not be able to count on striker Souza, who was ruled out by the medical department due to pain in his right foot, which has once again kept him out of action.\
"Souza is practically ruled out, as he didn't participate in training and, according to the medical department, won't be able to face Grêmio. It's a considerable loss, but I'm sure there are players in the squad capable of filling in for the starters," the Flamengo manager assured.
Despite saying that he does not rule out using Diego Tardelli from the opening minutes of the match, Caio Júnior made it clear that Obina should be Souza's replacement.
"Obina has been tested and should definitely play, as with him we won't change the team's characteristics much, as he has a similar style to Souza. I also have Diego Tardelli, who I won't rule out, but since he's a fast player, it might be better to use him later in the match. I still have Friday to decide," said Caio Júnior, trying to mislead reporters.
Obina assured that he's ready to step onto the field and help Flamengo achieve a result in the South of the country. He expects the team to thrive in the Brasileirão. "My goal has always been to help the team and be a starter. But I know Flamengo has great attackers. My goal against Grêmio is to help my teammates," promised Obina.
Having been overlooked by Caio Júnior in the fight for a starting spot, Diego Tardelli has not given up hope of convincing the new coach that he can be very useful to Flamengo.
"When Caio Júnior was hired by Flamengo, he said he likes to play offensively, prioritizing attack. So I hope to take advantage of this situation to establish myself as a starter. But I always respect my teammates, which is the most important thing," Tardelli stated.
Defender Fábio Luciano, recovered from a right ankle injury, will replace Leonardo. Midfielder Renato Augusto, who is not yet at his best, is expected to be on the bench.
With Obina in Souza's place, Rubro-Negro will take to the field this Sunday with the following formation: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Kléberson and Íbson; Marcinho and Obina.
GLOBOESPORTE
PHOTO: Fans return to support the team\ Players receive hysterical screams from the fans for the first time since elimination. Striker Éder receives a chant from a fan\
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
The Copa Libertadores elimination is still fresh. But on Thursday afternoon, for the first time since the loss to América-MEX, fans came to watch training. And the return was triumphant. A group of 30 people fanned the players to their hearts' content. Bruno and Obina, as usual, were the most sought-after. The surprise was Éder. The forward, who renewed his contract for three months, even received a flirtation. Shy, he simply smiled.
Caio Júnior maps out the squad and promotes Erick Flores to the professional team
Coach reaches consensus with board and pulls main prospect from juniors to the professionals: 'I want to be here to stay,' says Erick
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Erick is the new member of the professionals
A meeting between coach Caio Júnior and Flamengo's board of directors reflected on a young boy's mood. Dejected by the fracture in his right hand that kept him out of the finals of the State Junior Championship and the U-19 national team, Erick Flores smiled upon learning he was a new member of the professional squad.
The decision came after the new coach reviewed the squad and determined that it was well-equipped in all positions except playmaking. Caio intends to use Renato Augusto in the role and, on the advice of the management, decided to promote Erick.
At 19, the player's contract runs until 2012 and he carries a release clause of nearly R$33 million. In the youth ranks, he's seen as the red-and-black's top prospect.
"There's nothing better than receiving news like this, especially at a time like this when I'm recovering from hand surgery. I hope it's here to stay," says Erick.
The player hasn't yet recovered from the surgery, but all treatment will be carried out by the professional team's physiotherapists. He will report to Caio Júnior next Monday.
'Videotape' could take Bruno out of Sunday's duel at the Olímpico
Goalkeeper feels back pain and will be re-evaluated in Rio Grande do Sul
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
An unusual incident during Thursday's tactical training session could have unpleasant consequences for Flamengo. Right-back Leo Moura incorrectly passed the ball to Bruno, the ball hitting the post, leaving Obina free to score. It would all have been a "videotape" if the goalkeeper hadn't overdone his efforts to prevent the goal.
Bruno fell to the ground complaining of pain and was treated by Dr. Walter Martins. He then returned to his activity, appearing 100%.
However, as he left the club on Thursday night, he showed concern.
"It hurts a lot. I even had to get an injection. I think it was a strain," he says.
However, the injury wasn't that serious. The Flamengo number 1 actually had lower back pain. He will be re-evaluated this Friday and will travel to Rio Grande do Sul with the delegation. If he's unable to play, Diego will start the match against Grêmio on Sunday at the Olímpico.
Caio Júnior's termination fee is included in his contract with Goiás
Vice-president of Esmeraldino states that the initiative to include the clause came from the coach and his assistant
Pedro Veríssimo From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Coach Caio Júnior needs to settle accounts with Goiás, his former club
Even after taking over at Flamengo, coach Caio Júnior remains somewhat tied to Goiás. He and his assistant coach, Júlio César, still have to pay the termination fee to Flamengo, as stipulated in their contracts with the club. Goiás vice president Edmo Pinheiro wouldn't confirm this, but it's estimated that the fines will be R$450 for Caio and R$120 for his assistant. The Goiás director explained the situation, emphasizing that the initiative to include the clauses in the contract came from the coach himself.
"The termination fee is in Goiás' contract with Caio, and the club will collect it. It was a requirement of Caio and his assistant when we signed the contract. I've never seen a player or coach fail to collect anything, and this will be no different," says Edmo Pinheiro.
The vice president believes there will be no difficulty in reaching an agreement between the parties. "We have to sit down and settle the accounts. Pay Caio for all the days he worked, and I guarantee that Goiás is not a day late, and collect the severance pay. He knows this because it's in the contract. I believe he made a good deal with Flamengo and won't have any trouble paying," he continues.
Caio Júnior avoids saying the name of Goiás
Verdão's vice president took the opportunity to clarify how Caio Júnior's recent interviews have been perceived by Goiás. On several occasions, the coach has avoided mentioning his former club by name, referring only to a club from the Midwest when discussing Goiás. According to Edmo Pinheiro, Caio Júnior's remarks had a negative impact on the club, but at no point did this motivate the board to demand payment of the termination fee.
"I'm not saying I'm bitter, but he wasn't happy with his statements. Goiás is a great club, and he shouldn't have been ashamed. However, that wasn't the issue with the fine. He could have said that Goiás is a great club, which he should have done because we gave him a lot of structure to work with, and that our position would be the same regarding the fine," he concludes.
Fla renews with Éder and postpones the decision on defender Dininho until a second time
Caio Júnior has asked for more time to observe the striker. A deal with the defender is close, but Palmeiras' release is preventing an official announcement.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo wants to sign Dininho. And the feeling is mutual. However, the announcement of the defender's signing has been postponed until next Monday.
- Defender, only on Monday - says Fla's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite.
The player is still resolving issues surrounding his release from Palmeiras. His contract runs until mid-year, and the São Paulo club is demanding a small compensation to release him before that.
Dininho was recommended by Caio Júnior. The two worked together at the São Paulo club. He would replace Rodrigo, who returned to Dynamo Kyiv.
Éder
After excelling in Wednesday's training session, striker Éder earned points with Caio Júnior. The coach requested a three-month renewal of the player's contract, which expired this Thursday. The board complied.
The player arrived at Flamengo at the beginning of this year, but was not given the opportunity by Joel Santana.
CBF confirms Bota's Rio classics at Engenhão
Matches against Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco will no longer be held at Maracanã.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed this Thursday that it will respond to Botafogo's request and transfer the Alvinegro classics in the Brazilian Championship, against Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco to the Engenhão stadium.
Bota's first home derby (and in the championship) in the Brasileirão is against Vasco, on Sunday, the 25th.
Fla sells promise for R$1 million
Pedro Beda didn't even play for the professional team and was sold to a club linked to businessman J. Hawilla. The club raised R$5 million in 2008.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Pedro Beda never even had a chance on Flamengo's professional team. And he never will. Seeking funding, the club sold the player's economic rights for R$1,2 million to Desportivo Brasil, owned by businessman J. Hawilla, owner of Traffic.
Pedro, a center forward for Gávea's youth team, is expected to be transferred to a Dutch club. He is in Mato Grosso with his family and will not return to Flamengo.
"It will be a new policy from now on. Cruzeiro does this, São Paulo does this, and Flamengo will have to do the same. Players that the amateur department deems not promising will be traded. We need money," declares the club's director of football, Eduardo Manhães.
This year, Flamengo raised nearly R$5 million from the sale of shares in its players, including Renato Augusto. After the Copa Libertadores failure, president Marcio Braga warned that to keep its finances in order, the club would have to sell players.
'I scored a title-winning goal and didn't get the chance with Joel Santana,' laments Tardelli
Striker confirms that former coach had a group formed and praises Caio Júnior's arrival at Rubro-Negro: 'Now it's a new life'
Eduardo Peixoto from GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Diego Tardelli (e) will not start on Sunday
It took a while, but in May, Flamengo finally broke free from 2007. This is Diego Tardelli's opinion. Excited about Caio Júnior's arrival, the striker admits that Joel Santana had a preference for the players who were at the club last year.
Without directly criticizing his former coach, the striker laments the few opportunities he received. When the first team was on the field, he started only five games. Even so, he scored six goals that season, some of them important, like the one that secured the Guanabara Cup title against Botafogo.
- Joel had the group together. I scored a title-winning goal, but I didn't have the sequence I wanted and like other players did - he declares.
Joel Santana never denied that he would prioritize the players who worked with him during his run in the 2007 Brasileirão. Of the reinforcements, only Marcinho earned a spot in the starting lineup. Other players who arrived, like Jônatas, Rodrigo, Gavilán, and Tardelli himself, were left on the bench. Or not even that. "Now it's a new life for everyone, not just me. Éder, for example, had no chance with Joel, and in his first training session with Caio, he managed to stand out," says Tardelli.
In the match against Grêmio on Sunday, the striker will start on the bench. Obina and Marcinho are expected to start up front. An added responsibility, according to Tardelli:
"When you're on the bench, you have to come in and be the solution to problems. If you're a starter, you can get a run. I think that's what I need."
Souza is not training and will be out of the match against Grêmio next Sunday.
Obina is the likely replacement for the striker. Diego Tardelli is an option on the bench: 'I'm running on the outside'
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Pain in the tendon of his right foot has overwhelmed Souza. This Thursday, the forward again missed Flamengo's training session and is out of Sunday's match against Grêmio at the Olímpico Stadium. Obina is the most likely option to replace him.
However, coach Caio Júnior prefers to wait to announce the lineup.
"Obina trained well yesterday (Wednesday), and if he plays, we'll maintain our structure. He has the same playing style as Souza. Tardelli hasn't been ruled out, but since he's fast, he could be an option during the game. I'll take advantage of the next training sessions to test him," he declared.
Tardelli maintains a glimmer of hope:
- I'm running on the outside.
Souza's foot injury made life easier for Caio Júnior. Having failed to score in eight games, the striker was under threat.
PHOTO: Zico meets his grandson Felipe
After 50 days of waiting, Galinho finds a baby and gets emotional
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
A 50-day wait ended this Wednesday afternoon. That's how long it took Zico to meet his grandson Felipe, Bruno's son with Danúbia, born on March 25th, for the first time. Quintino's little rooster arrived in Rio from Italy, where he participated in a charity event, late Tuesday night and went straight to his son Bruno's house in the early hours of the morning. Felipe was sleeping, and the meeting was postponed. At the family lunch this Wednesday, Zico was finally able to hold his first grandchild...
PELENET
Injured, Souza will miss Flamengo's match against Grêmio
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo will be without Souza for Sunday's match against Grêmio at 16 p.m. at the Olímpico Stadium in Porto Alegre, in the second round of the Brazilian Championship. The striker, still complaining of pain in his right heel, sat out Thursday's training session at Gávea Stadium and was ruled out by the Flamengo medical department.
Without Souza, who also missed Wednesday's training session, Caio Júnior is expected to opt for Obina. However, the coach decided to keep the decision somewhat secret. This is because Diego Tardelli has a chance of starting.
"Souza is ruled out. I tested Obina in Wednesday's training session, but I'm not ruling out Diego Tardelli. We still have time and we'll think about it calmly," Caio Júnior said.
Despite Souza's absence, the Flamengo coach has welcomed back Fábio Luciano. The defender, who missed Flamengo's last two games, has fully recovered from a right thigh injury.
In this way, the team can face Grêmio with the following formation: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Kléberson, Toró and Ibson; Marcinho and Obina.
Caio Júnior tests 3-5-2 formation at Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Caio Júnior is already beginning to put his work methods into practice at Flamengo. In training this Thursday afternoon, the manager tested a new formation, abandoning the classic 4-4-2 adopted by former coach Joel Santana and opting for a 3-5-2. To achieve this, Toró left the team, making way for defender Leonardo, who formed a trio with Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim.
The change, however, occurred only 30 minutes into the game. Until then, the base team had been playing, with no changes. Except for the presence of Diego Tardelli, not Obina, in attack, replacing Souza, who was ruled out due to an Achilles tendon problem in his right foot.
"It's good to play the full ninety minutes, because you have more time to try plays. If you make a mistake, you can try again. When you come on in the middle of the game, you have fewer opportunities. But I hope to play from the start and help the team," said Tardelli.
One of the good news from training was the presence of striker Maxi Biancucchi among the reserves. The Argentine had not played for about two weeks, having been treated for back pain.
The team played this Thursday with: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Ibson, Kléberson and Toró (Leonardo); Marcinho and Diego Tardelli.
STJD ends with closed doors
STJD Attorney's Office files lawsuit to prevent games without fans and it is granted
After much debate during the last plenary session, the Prosecutor's Office of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) filed a Declaratory Action seeking the nullity of articles 52 and 54 of the General Regulations of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) competitions. The President of the Court, Dr. Rubens Approbato, reviewed the action and granted the injunction. With this, fans across Brazil can celebrate, as home-field losses will no longer require the game to be played behind closed doors. This decision is expected to be adopted starting today, May 15th.
The lawsuit filed by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) Prosecutor's Office requested the nullification of articles 52 and 54 of the General Competition Regulations of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Now, it will be up to the CBF to decide the location and/or minimum distance from its sports venue for future games with the loss of home field advantage.
Check out what articles 52 and 54 of the General Competition Regulations say:
Art. 52 - In the event of a delay in a competition game, a fine will be applied by the CBF, regardless of the sanctions provided for by the CBJD.
Art. 54 – In cases where a club is penalized with loss of home field advantage by the STJD, the matches corresponding to the penalty will be held in the same stadium where the club plays its games, with the stadium gates closed to the public.
During the session held in the Plenary, the Attorney General of the STJD, Dr. Paulo Schmitt, highlighted the importance of the public at the games, opting for the end of the games behind closed doors and also recalled cases that had regrettable episodes and that closed doors did not help at all.
THROW
Definition about Dininho only on Monday
Kléber Leite does not guarantee that the negotiation will be closed.
Dininho was nominated by Caio Júnior
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's negotiations with defender Dininho have been postponed until next week. The player, who is currently with Palmeiras but has not been used, has already expressed his desire to play for the Rubro-Negro.
Vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, stated that the matter will be decided next week, when he will meet with Dininho and his agent, Bruno Paiva, in Rio de Janeiro.
"I spoke with Bruno this Thursday. They're supposed to come to Rio on Monday or Tuesday to talk," said the red-and-black director, before giving the negotiations' current status:
"We'll meet next week, that's for sure. Whether the deal will be closed or not, I don't know."
Dininho was suggested by Caio Júnior to replace Rodrigo, who left for São Paulo. The two worked together at Palmeiras last year.
Éder: 'Joel Santana barely spoke to me'
Striker believes he may have a chance to play with Caio Júnior
Hugo Perruso RIO DE JANEIRO
Éder celebrated his three-month contract renewal with Flamengo. For the striker, Caio Júnior's arrival could help him earn a chance to play, something he practically didn't get with Joel Santana (only one game), which left him disappointed.
According to Éder, there was no point in training well with Flamengo's former coach. But with the current one, he gained attention in just over a week.
"I'm very happy with Caio's praise. He came to talk to me this Thursday and asked to renew my contract and continue training well. With Joel, I could train whatever I wanted, and it didn't matter to him. When I arrived, he already had a squad with his trusted players. It was very difficult," said Éder.
The 21-year-old striker, who was signed at the beginning of the year from Guarani, was disappointed with Joel Santana.
According to Éder, the coach spoke very little with him.
"He didn't even really speak to me. I think only once. When I went to talk to him, he barely paid me any attention and told me the opportunity would come. I don't think he even knew my name (laughs)," joked the player, who will not travel with the delegation to Porto Alegre.
- I have to stay calm. Just because Caio Júnior has been praising me doesn't mean I'm going to get in. I have to keep working to earn my place.
Dininho's attorney is cautious in his speech
Player's representative wants the defender to end his contract with Palmeiras before going to Flamengo.
Dininho has a contract with Palmeiras until July
LANCEPRESS!
Regarding the possibility of negotiations between Flamengo and Palmeiras, defender Dininho's agent, Bruno Paiva, made it clear that, before agreeing with the Rio de Janeiro club, the priority is for the defender to leave the São Paulo club, with whom he has a contract until July.
"The first thing to do is find out how Dininho will leave Palmeiras. They haven't contacted me yet. At the moment, I can't share anything," said the defender's representative.
However, despite the cautious speech, a statement from the prosecutor shows that the defender's transfer to Flamengo could, in fact, happen.
– Coach Caio Júnior really likes Dininho and he shouldn’t stay at Palmeiras – declared Bruno Paiva.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that he spoke with the prosecutor late Thursday afternoon. The Flamengo director stated that Dininho and Bruno Paiva will arrive in Rio next week to finalize the transfer details. Kléber said, however, that the deal is not certain to be finalized.
Dininho was the solution found by Flamengo's board after defender Rodrigo left the club to sign with São Paulo. The Palmeiras player is not being used by the São Paulo team's coach, Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
Maxi returns to training with the Flamengo group
Argentine was out of training for almost two weeks\ LANCEPRESS!\
Striker Maxi is another option for coach Caio Júnior to build for Flamengo. The Argentine returned to training with the group after nearly two weeks of back pain treatment and will have to make up for lost time in the fight for a spot in the Flamengo attack.
This year, Maxi has played 12 games for Flamengo, starting only four. Underused by Joel Santana, the striker is another player who is hopeful about the new coach's arrival. Besides him, Éder, Gavilán, and Jônatas are also dreaming of a chance.
Fla will earn R$1,2 million from the sale of a player
Pedro Beda has not played a single match as a professional\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo is no longer Pedro Beda's home. The youth striker, who never played for the senior team, had his economic rights sold to Desportivo Brasil, owned by businessman J. Hawilla, owner of Traffic, for R$1,2 million.
Executive director of football, Eduardo Manhães, explained that the measure adopted with the sale of Pedro Beda will become more constant at Flamengo.
"It will be a new policy from now on. Cruzeiro and São Paulo do this, and Flamengo will have to do the same. Players who are not considered promising will be traded. We need money," said Manhães.
Souza is out of the game against Grêmio
Obina should start in Flamengo's attack
Obina scoring for Flamengo (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!\ What many Flamengo fans were asking for has come true: Souza will not play against Grêmio. The striker, who has been heavily criticized by fans, will be out of the team with a tendon injury in his right foot and is officially out of the match.\
Caio Júnior, despite not anticipating Obina's entry, gave tips on how he could set up Flamengo's team without the number 9:
- I tested Obina yesterday and my main idea is to use him. But I still don't rule out starting the game with Tardelli.
According to the coach, the entry of each player into the team causes a tactical change and this must be taken into account.
- With Obina the team's characteristics don't change, but with Diego Tardelli the team gains speed and I must take advantage of that as the game progresses.
Caio Jr. leads unprecedented tactical training at Fla
Coach takes the opportunity to test the starting lineup and selects three defenders
LANCEPRESS!\ Caio Júnior began to demonstrate his work philosophy at Flamengo. After the first training session on Wednesday, the coach led a tactical training session for the first time this year at Gávea on Thursday. Imitating a game situation during set pieces, the coach took the opportunity to test out his tactics.\
During the training session, Obina, the favorite to replace Souza against Grêmio, was among the reserves, and Diego Tardelli was among the starters. The training session consisted of defensive positioning and counterattacks from free kicks and corner kicks. After 25 minutes, Caio Júnior replaced Toró with Leonardo, changing the formation to a 3-5-2.
The team's forwards were Tardelli and Marcinho. Juan stayed in the half-moon and was responsible for the ball out. The rest of the team stayed inside the box to clear the ball. Another novelty was the space on the field. The reserves' goal, defended by Diego, was in the middle of the defensive half.