The Globe
Flamengo presents two reinforcements who already arrive with starting status
Shirts reveal: Ibson will wear number 7 and Cristian has already inherited number 5 from Paulinho
In a circus-like chaos, with fans rushing to take photos and get autographs without the slightest ceremony or civility, Flamengo unveiled its newest signings for the Brazilian Championship yesterday. Although their current fitness levels have yet to be confirmed, Ibson and Cristian have already arrived at Gávea with clear signs of already being starters.
A homegrown talent, returning to Gávea to resume the journey interrupted in 2005, Ibson proudly wore the number 7 shirt, which Obina kindly agreed to give him.
"I was at Flamengo from the age of nine to 21, starting as a right winger. I hope to be happy again," said Ibson, who played 77 games and scored 11 goals for Flamengo as a professional, where he experienced moments of anguish. "The situation is different from what I experienced in 2004. The pressure was great and time was short. Now, the Brazilian Championship is still in its infancy."
Cristian, 24, another Minas Gerais native in Flamengo's squad, had the personalized number 5 shirt on his back, which confirms Paulinho's farewell, who is leaving for Israeli football, on Thursday, against Paraná, in Uberlândia.
"My situation at Atlético-PR was complicated, and I decided to leave. I hope to do well in this challenge of playing for Flamengo," said Cristian, who was swapped for Claiton until the end of the year, with the transfer fee set at US$500.
With the latest reinforcements - in addition to the two, the club signed Roger and the Argentine Maxi - coach Ney Franco had no doubts whatsoever:
"I reiterate that Flamengo's squad is good. The board is strengthening the team, and all that's left for the coaching staff to do is demonstrate the quality work needed to get the team out of its current predicament in the Brazilian Championship."
The quality of the group improved even further with the return of Renato Augusto, who scored the winning goal for the starters in yesterday afternoon's training session. According to him, quality was what seemed to be missing from the Brazilian U-20 team, which was eliminated from the World Cup in Canada by Portugal. "I'm not going to say what happened. But I'm also not going to say that nothing happened."
Sports Journal
Renato Augusto returns to play
Upon returning from Canada, the supporter says the team needs to quickly get out of the relegation zone
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
Renato Augusto trains in Gávea and says he is looking forward to wearing the Flamengo shirt against Paraná, in Uberlândia, on Thursday
After being out of the team for three games - against Internacional, Atlético-MG and São Paulo - due to playing in the U-20 World Cup for the Brazilian National Team, midfielder Renato Augusto will finally return to play in the red and black shirt.
Despite not having played well for the national team, which was eliminated early from the World Cup, the player did not seem shaken and took on the responsibility of replacing captain and idol Renato, who recently left Gávea.
"It's important that we beat Paraná. I want the win because, by getting the three points, we'll gain momentum for the tough sequence of games we'll face. I've always felt responsible; that's my characteristic," the player stated.
After yesterday's training session, coach Ney Franco celebrated Renato Augusto's return and hinted at the player's strong possibility of playing against Paraná from the start of the match. It's no surprise that the first-team midfield in yesterday's training session consisted of Jaílton, Paulinho, Léo Medeiros, and Renato Augusto, who scored the winning goal in the starters' 1-0 victory. In addition to her expectations for Thursday's match, the young Flamengo star also commented on the club's recent arrivals and expressed great optimism, stating that Flamengo will soon be among the top ten in the Brazilian league.
"With the players who have arrived, we have everything we need to quickly escape the relegation zone. I believe that in four or five rounds we will be among the top ten in the competition," prophesied Renato Augusto, who also commented on the U-20 team's poor performance, leaving a hint of distrust in the air.
"We all wanted to leave there as champions, but we didn't get the results on the field. I won't say what happened, but I won't say nothing happened. It's up to the national team to resolve this. My mind is solely on Flamengo right now," he stated.
Cristian and Ibson are presented in Gávea
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Midfielder Cristian (L) and Ibson show excitement as they wear the Flamengo shirt during their presentation at the club
Flamengo continues to strengthen for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. Yesterday, midfielders Ibson and Cristian were introduced at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium. The former had already been announced last Thursday, while the latter arrived in a trade with Atlético-PR, which resulted in midfielder Claiton's move to Curitiba.
"These are two players I know very well, and they came at a time of restructuring the group. To have a competitive team, we need to have not only a core team, but also replacement options," the coach stated.
Ibson joined the Rubro-Negro as a child, just nine years old. In early 2005, after completing 12 years with the club, he transferred to Porto, Portugal. Now, he hopes to relive the happy times he had during his first stint at the club. "When my father told me Flamengo was interested in me coming back, I did everything I could to return. I remember when I left Gávea, saying that if I returned to Brazil, it would be to play for Flamengo. I arrived here very young and was very happy. I hope, in this second stint, to repeat those good times," said the player.
Midfielder Cristian, despite not having Flamengo roots, played for two years at Atlético. He felt the difference between Atlético and Flamengo the moment he entered the auditorium. The player signed a contract until the end of 2007 and has 50% of his federation rights stipulated at US$500.
"Playing for a club the size of Flamengo isn't for just anyone, and it took me a while to sink in. When I walked in here today, I was impressed by how full it was, and that made me very happy," explained Cristian.
Roger trains for the first time at Fla
The new addition to Flamengo's training session yesterday in Gávea was the presence of midfielder Roger, who had his first contact with his new teammates this morning. He improved his fitness with trainer Geraldo Fabian, who liked what he saw.
"Roger takes great care of himself and is a good professional. He trained separately at Corinthians for a long time and was only out for a week. We've conducted an evaluation and will have another training session, twice a day. We'll examine him next Monday, and if he's fit, he'll be cleared to train," said Fabian.
Roger's last match this year was in the Campeonato Paulista in April, when he was playing for Corinthians. The coaching staff is optimistic about having him available on July 29th, when Flamengo faces his former club at Pacaembu Stadium. The midfielder's situation has been resolved, but he won't be traveling to Uberlândia or Porto Alegre, when Flamengo faces Grêmio on Sunday at the Olímpico Stadium. Cristian, who was introduced yesterday, could be available for this match.
Souza accepts punishment of director
Striker Souza, who abandoned Flamengo's training match against Olaria last Saturday, was fined 20% of his salary. He accepted the punishment without complaint and took the opportunity to acknowledge his wrongdoing.
"Everything was resolved, and I apologized to the coaching staff and Isaías (Tinoco, football supervisor). The club has rules, and I have to respect them," the player said, before later admitting he should have acted more calmly. "I should have waited until training was over to talk. I acted rashly," he added.
The striker also commented on his long goalless spell. Since the Campeonato Carioca final against Botafogo on May 6th, Souza hasn't scored for Flamengo. In total, he played in three of Flamengo's eight Brazilian Championship matches.
"I've already played three games and haven't scored yet. The pressure will come, but I'm calm about that. I haven't had a good run yet, and I'm sure that against Paraná I'll find the back of the net," said the striker.
Sergio Du Bocage
Here's What You Wanted
All the best
Sergio du Bocage bocage@jsports.com.br
Roger and Ibson at Flamengo, replacing Renato and Claiton. It's unbelievable. With Renato Augusto playing a bit deeper, the team will have a respectable midfield. Provided, of course, that Roger is the player we've been waiting for. I think the only thing missing now is a center-back, as the ones currently playing at Gávea haven't yet earned the trust of the team or the fans. But Flamengo's management deserves congratulations for what they've done this past week.
O Dia
Fla: After discussion, Souza is fined 20% of his salary
Rio - Flamengo's board fined striker Souza 20% of his salary. On Friday, the player brought two friends to the club's training session at Ninho do Urubu. Since bringing friends to training is prohibited, Souza was reprimanded, ended up arguing with supervisor Isaías Tinoco, and left the training session.
On Monday morning, Souza said the situation had been resolved. "It was a misunderstanding. I apologized to my teammates and Isaías. I did something I shouldn't have done. I received this fine with peace of mind," he said.
Souza stated that he hopes to score goals again. "The championship has just started for me. I've only played three games, and I hope to get back into the swing of things against Paraná and score goals again."
Sports Gazette
Ibson and Cristian perform in Gávea\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Midfielders Ibson, on loan from Porto, and Cristian, traded for Claiton to Atlético Paranaense, presented themselves to Flamengo on Monday afternoon at their Gávea headquarters. The event was attended by several fans. A product of the club's youth academy, Ibson compared the current situation to the one he left last year, when he was traded after winning the Copa do Brasil. "I'm ready for this challenge and hope to play well for the club again. There's no difference between the club I left and the current one, only the change of players. That's why I believe we'll be able to climb the table and be a significant contributor to the team this season. I'm returning more mature, having learned to be more successful in contact football and to be more patient," he analyzed.
Cristian, in turn, revealed that he worked hard to secure his release from Furacão. "When my agent called me and told me I could play for Flamengo, I was ecstatic. Of course, Atlético Paranaense is a popular club, but not like Flamengo. I really want to seize this opportunity," commented the athlete, who won the 2005 Copa do Brasil with the Paulista.
Cristian travels with the delegation this Tuesday to Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, where the team faces Paraná at Parque do Sabiá Stadium on Thursday in the 13th round of the Brazilian Championship. However, due to bureaucratic issues, he will only be able to face Grêmio this weekend. Ibson will only be able to play in August as an international transfer. Goalkeeper Bruno's documentation arrived at the club on Monday afternoon, and he is free to face Paraná.
Renato Augusto reveals internal problems at the U20 World Cup\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Back at Flamengo, midfielder Renato Augusto avoided creating controversy regarding what happened in Canada, where the Brazilian U-20 team was eliminated in the round of XNUMX of the World Cup.\ However, the player did let slip that there were relationship problems during the competition. The midfielder assured that he was not upset about being dropped by coach Nelson Rodrigues midway through the competition. The coach opted to bring in Corinthians midfielder William.\
"I'll never be upset, because the person who came in is my friend, and I still talk to him today. What happened there is our problem, a matter for the players and the coaching staff," said Renato Augusto.
Upon his return to Flamengo, he encountered new faces at the club, such as midfielders Íbson and Roger and Argentine striker Max Biancucchi. The player was thrilled with the new signings.
"They're great players, experienced and experienced. Flamengo has everything to gain from their arrival and will help it escape the relegation zone as quickly as possible, which is where Flamengo can never be," said Renato Augusto.
Souza apologizes, but doesn't escape a fine at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Striker Souza appeared in Gávea on Monday morning and gave a press conference to clarify the incidents of last Saturday, when he abandoned the training match against Olaria, which competes in the Second Division of the Campeonato Carioca, before the activity even began because some friends were barred by Flamengo's coaching staff, as coach Ney Franco did not want fans in attendance. The athlete apologized to everyone present at the training session. "I just have to apologize, and I did. For me, this matter is over, as I spoke normally with Isaías Tinoco (supervisor of the football department). Now it's time to move on and think about Flamengo's next matches in the Campeonato Brasileiro," said Souza.
Fined 20% of his salary by the board, Souza said he accepts the punishment imposed by the club without any embarrassment. "I accept the fine normally, because I knew no one was allowed into the club," said Souza, who was in good spirits and joked that he will pass on the losses to his friends who tried to watch the training match.
With few options available, Ney Franco will field the player in Flamengo's next match in the Brazilian Championship, scheduled for this Thursday at 20:30 pm (Brasília time) at the Parque do Sabiá Stadium in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, for the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship. The player said he is available and intends to help the team escape the relegation zone.
"I believe we'll start climbing the Brazilian Championship standings on Thursday, as the fans expect. I want to get back to my ideal rhythm against Paraná Clube and, God willing, I'll be able to find the net," said Souza. Also appearing at Gávea on Monday morning was midfielder Roger, who trained hard but won't be fit to face Paraná Clube. He will be re-evaluated next Monday to determine when he'll be able to play officially for the Rubro-Negro. Roger declined to speak to reporters.
Regarding the team that will take the field, Ney Franco confirmed that the announcement will only be made after training on Tuesday. Rodrigo Arroz and Thiago Gosling are expected to form the defense, as Irineu and Ronaldo Angelim are suspended. Returning from the Brazilian U-20 team that failed at the U-XNUMX World Cup in Canada, midfielder Renato Augusto reappears in the defense, and the team is expected to consist of: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Gosling, and Juan; Paulinho, Jaílton, Leo Medeiros, and Renato Augusto; and Leonardo and Souza.
Midfielder Cristian, who was traded for Claiton to Atlético-PR, could be an option on the bench if his documentation is regularized in time with the CBF. The player already underwent medical examinations at Gávea this Monday and signed a contract. "Cristian is a player who adds to our group and can play several roles in midfield, which is positive," said Ney Franco.
PeléNet'
Léo Moura confirms lineup and Ney Franco defines Flamengo
Vinicius Barreto Souto
Having recovered from a strained right thigh, right-back Leonardo Moura trained normally this Monday at Gávea Stadium, securing his starting spot for next Thursday's Brazilian Championship match against Paraná in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Coach Ney Franco has now announced his starting lineup for the match, which is part of the 12th round.
"Léo Moura trained well. If he doesn't have any problems by the day of the match, he'll return to the team. The team is practically set, it's the one that trained today [Monday]," confirmed Ney Franco.
Indeed, Leonardo Moura proved he's recovered. This Monday, the full-back—who trained for the first time since recovering from his injury—moved with ease in the training session, which was played on a pitch heavily dampened by the rain.
"I was even worried about taking a stronger shot because of the time off, but the work with the physiotherapists was very well done. I'm 100%. I didn't feel a thing even in the rain, with the heavy pitch and a very competitive match. It was a good test," he said.
The team that participated in the training session and is expected to take the field against Paraná was as follows: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago and Juan; Jaílton, Paulinho, Léo Medeiros and Renato Augusto; Leonardo and Souza. The starters defeated the reserves in the training session 1-0, with a goal scored by Renato Augusto.
Obina remains on the bench\ After training, coach Ney Franco also confirmed that striker Obina will be on the bench against Paraná. This allows him to return to action after nearly five months out due to a serious left knee injury.\
"Obina is likely to be on the bench. We have to be careful, training is different from a game. We'll keep him for the second half, taking advantage of the fact that the opponent will be more tired," said the coach.
Roger trains for the first time
Introduced as a Flamengo signing last Friday, midfielder Roger trained for the first time with the club this Monday. Having not played in over two months, the player simply took a few laps around the Gávea pitch to regain his fitness.
Flamengo coach and director praise Cristian
Vinicius Barreto Souto
Unlike Ibson, midfielder Cristian was introduced this Monday as a Flamengo reinforcement amidst suspicion among fans, mainly because much of the team doesn't know him. However, at least in the opinion of coach Ney Franco and the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, the athlete has everything it takes to surprise.
During the player's official presentation, the director projected: "I'm sure the fans will also fall in love with him [Cristian]".
Coach Ney Franco echoed the praise. "Cristian isn't new. I know him very well, from the youth teams [at Cruzeiro]. He's a defensive midfielder with quality passing and a good shot," he said.
Shy, Cristian was succinct in defining himself and confirmed Ney Franco's analysis. "I have an easy time getting into the box and finishing. I perform both roles, both as a first and second midfielder," he said.
Cristian is 24 years old and was playing for Atlético-PR. Before joining the Curitiba team, he played for Paulista, the club with which he won the 2005 Copa do Brasil.
The player signed a loan contract with Flamengo until the end of this year, involved in a swap deal with midfielder Claiton. At the end of the contract, the Rio de Janeiro club has the option to acquire 50% of the player's economic rights for US$500.
Flamengo presents midfielders Ibson and Cristian
Vinicius Barreto Souto
Three days after announcing midfielder Roger, Flamengo officially announced two more reinforcements for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. This Monday, it was the turn of defensive midfielders Ibson and Cristian to arrive at Gávea.
A Flamengo player, Ibson returns to the red-and-black team two and a half years after leaving the team on a high note for Porto-POR. The 23-year-old midfielder expressed his delight at his return to the club.
"I arrived here when I was nine and left when I was 21. When I left, I said that if I ever returned to Brazil, it would be to Flamengo, and it was no different. I was very happy here during these years and I hope to be happy again," said Ibson, who was loaned for free by Porto-POR to Flamengo until June 2008.
"Unfortunately, I had problems with the coach. I had other offers, but when my father told me about Flamengo's interest, I wanted to come back right away," continued Ibson, who received the number 7 shirt from vice president of football Kleber Leite.
Cristian, meanwhile, expressed his enthusiasm for his new club. The shy 24-year-old—who joined Atlético-PR on loan until the end of the year in a swap deal for midfielder Claiton—admitted that it took him a while to believe he'd get the chance to play for Brazil's most popular team.
"I was a bit stunned when I heard about the interest until it finally sunk in. Anyone dreams of wearing a Flamengo shirt, and I'm no different. It's my first major club. When I arrived here, I was even startled by the sheer number of people. But it's a huge joy, I hope to be happy here," said Cristian, who won the 2005 Copa do Brasil with Paulista.
According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, the club has the option to acquire 50% of Cristian's economic rights for US$500 at the end of the loan.
According to coach Ney Franco, the player could make his debut next Sunday against Grêmio, as he has been playing regularly for Atlético-PR. "If he's regularized in time, he'll be included in the squad for the game," the coach stated.
Ibson, however, will only be able to make his debut again in August, when registration of players from foreign clubs will be permitted. "And he's also been out for a month, so there's no point in just releasing him. But when he's legally fit to play, he'll be ready," Ney projected.
BalloonSport
Ibson and Cristian are presented in Gávea
Midfield reinforcements arrive talking about the joy of defending Rubro-negro
Rafael Cardoso From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro, get in touch
Cristian and Ibson are introduced under the satisfied looks and smiles of Márcio Braga and Kléber Leite
Flamengo officially unveiled two new signings for the Brazilian Championship on Monday at Gávea: Ibson, a homegrown talent from Porto, and Cristian, a defensive midfielder who joined from Atlético-PR in a swap deal with Claiton. Both are defensive midfielders and were signed on loan until the end of the year.
The good son returns home
Ibson couldn't hide his joy at wearing the Flamengo shirt again, the club that introduced him to football.
"When I left Brazil two years ago, I promised myself: if I return to the country, it will be to play for Flamengo. I arrived in Portugal in 2005 and unfortunately had problems with the coach. When Flamengo invited me back, I didn't think twice. I lived here for many years and was very happy. I arrived at the club when I was nine and left when I was 21. I hope to be happy again," said the midfielder during his presentation.
As agreed with Kléber Leite, Ibson will wear the number 7 shirt, the same one he wore when he first emerged at Flamengo.
Seduced by the red and black cloak
Still searching for his place in Brazilian football, Cristian, who won the Copa do Brasil with Paulista in 2005, arrives without a preferred shirt number, but with only one certainty: this is the biggest opportunity of his life.
"When my agent told me about Flamengo's interest, I was completely stunned. It took me a while to sink in. Flamengo is a big club where everyone wants to play. It's the first mainstream club I've played for. I hope to be very happy here," says the midfielder, just 24 years old.
Ibson: 'This shirt is passion and race'
Back home, the midfielder praises the signings and believes the team is strong for the Brazilian Championship
Rafael Cardoso From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro, get in touch
Ibson and Cristian wear the Flamengo shirt in Gávea
When he left Flamengo for Porto in 2005, Ibson left a large number of friends at the club and promised himself that one day he would wear the sacred jersey again. Back home, the midfielder says the atmosphere at the club remains the same.
"When I went to Europe, Flamengo had excellent players and an excellent coach. I'm back at the club, and the situation is no different. We still have a great coach and excellent players. I hope the team recovers and proves that this jersey is all about passion and grit," the player says.
Asked about his new partner Cristian, who was introduced at the same time as him, Ibson didn't hesitate.
"Since they say he's an excellent player, I think he's a good signing. Plus, he came from Atlético-PR and is also a Flamengo fan. We have to work hard this week to be on the field soon," the midfielder concludes.
Ney puts together a team outline that will face Paraná
Coach selects Souza and Leonardo in the starting attack. Obina trains as a reserve.
From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro
Souza should be a starter in Flamengo's attack alongside Leonardo
At Monday's training session in Gávea, Ney Franco already revealed a rough outline of the team he intends to field for Flamengo's match against Paraná this Thursday in Uberlândia. The coach set up a defense with Rodrigo Arroz and Thiago. Leonardo Moura, who was being rested due to a right thigh injury, returns to right-back, and Juan will be at left-back.
In midfield, there was a surprise: the coach opted for Léo Medeiros instead of Léo Lima. In addition to the player, Jaílton, Paulinho, and Renato Augusto make up the midfield.
In attack, another new addition: Souza paired with Leonardo. Obina, in match condition, trained with the reserves.
Flamengo's newly signed Roger didn't train with his teammates. He only did physical training in the gym. Meanwhile, Íbson donned his training uniform and worked out on the field, even before being introduced, but he also didn't train with the group.
In good spirits, Souza accepts fine
20% poorer, striker says friends will have to stay outside from now on
Rafael Cardoso From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro, get in touch
Souza says everything has been cleared up and was nothing more than a misunderstanding. Friends are friends, business is business. The saying is old, but it still holds true, as Souza, a Flamengo striker, can attest. Last Saturday, he abandoned the training match against Olaria in Vargem Grande because his friends were prevented from watching the red-and-black team. Souza argued with supervisor Isaías Tinoco, still on the field, and the act of indiscipline will have direct consequences for his wallet.
This Monday, calmer and in a good mood, the striker accepted the fine and revealed that he will lose 20% of his salary. And since money is a necessity and no one likes to lose it, Souza himself has already warned his friends: they'll be on the sidelines from now on.
"It's all been resolved, and it was just a misunderstanding. I apologized to the coaching staff and to Isaías. I accept the fine. There are rules here, and I have to respect them. They took some of my money, right? But everything's fine. I've never had a problem with anyone here. I should have waited until practice was over and then talked about it. I acted inappropriately. Now I'm going to leave them (my friends) outside. In the end, it's me who loses money, not them," he replies, smiling.
Roger trains for the first time in Gávea
Mengão's new signing for the Brazilian Championship should be fit to play in two weeks' time.
Rafael Cardoso From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro, get in touch
Supporter gradually gaining fitness to debut for Flamengo\ At this morning's training session in Gávea, the main news was the presence of supporter Roger, who performed physical exercises for the first time in a Flamengo jersey. The player did a separate physical workout, running laps around the pitch, and was evaluated by the club's physical trainers.\
According to coach Geraldo Fabian, Roger will undergo another evaluation in a week, and the expectation is that he will be fit to play in two weeks. Optimists predict he could be on the field as early as the match against Santos on August 9th.
Roger hasn't played since April 11th. The midfielder will not travel to Uberlândia, the site of Flamengo's next Brazilian Championship match, on Thursday, against Paraná.
The good news for this match is the return of Renato Augusto to Flamengo's midfield. The player returned from the Brazilian U-20 national team without any physical problems and trained normally with his teammates.
Throw
Neymar praises Flamengo's midfield reinforcements
Coach says Ibson will only be able to play when he is 100% fit.
LANCEPRESS! Flamengo coach Ney Franco praised the two signings introduced Monday afternoon at Gávea, Ibson and Cristian. He said it's important to have a variety of options to build a competitive team. The arrival of these two players enhances the quality of Flamengo's midfield, which, in the coach's opinion, can be considered very good.
"Flamengo is undergoing restructuring. When I was coach of Cruzeiro, I faced Ibson several times in the youth ranks and I know he's a very talented player who shouldn't be thrown in lightly. He'll only join when he's fit. I've been following Cristian for a long time. I'm happy with the reinforcements," said the Flamengo coach.
For Ney Franco, the two new signings have one thing in common: they're both defensive midfielders who go out and play, which is very beneficial for the team.
The new Flamengo midfielder said that when he learned of Flamengo's interest, it took him a while to sink in and that he hopes to have a lot of joy playing for the Flamengo team.
"Flamengo is a different club; when it doesn't rely on technique, it relies on grit. It's the first mass club I've played for. Everyone wants to play here, and I came just to contribute," said Cristian.
Íbson is happy to return to Flamengo
The player wants to use what he learned in Europe to help the team escape the relegation zone.
Íbson is back home. At his presentation this Monday in Gávea, the supporter said he's always been happy at Flamengo and hopes this time will be no different. The player joined the club when he was 9 years old and left at 21 to play for Porto.
He also said that he enjoyed playing for the Portuguese club and that despite the problems with the coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, it was very important to play in Portugal.
"I arrived in Portugal in 2005 and had a good season. Portuguese football is faster than Brazilian football and less rhythmic, with a lot of physical contact. I learned a lot and hope to help Flamengo with this experience," he said.
The player revealed that he had other offers, but when his father gave him Flamengo's offer, he had no doubts about wearing the red-black number 7 shirt again.
- The issue of the number 7 jersey is an old one. When I arrived here, I was a right winger and played with it. When I moved up to the professional ranks, I continued playing with the number 7. It was a request I made, and they said it was fine.
The player is part of the new reinforcements Flamengo is preparing for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. On Monday afternoon, midfielder Christian was also introduced, from whom Íbson expects a lot of determination to defend Flamengo.
Due to the long time out (one month), Íbson promised to train hard to be well prepared when Ney Franco wants to put him to play.
"Flamengo has one of the biggest fan bases in the world, and it's my home. I can't wait to get back to playing."
Reinforcements give rise to a new Flamengo
New signings give hope for good weather for the red-black team
Roger arrives to reinforce Fla's midfield in the Brazilian Championship (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
Rafael Ximenes and Rodrigo Benchimol
A breath of fresh air has revived Flamengo fans' appetites. The new signings by the board bring new prospects for Flamengo in the Brazilian Championship. With reinforcements like Ibson, Roger, and Maxi Biancucchi, and the returns of Renato Augusto and Obina, the team gains a competitive edge and a real chance of achieving higher positions in the standings.
Not even the departure of Renato, who was one of the main references on the field, was able to dampen the positive expectations that all these names bring to the fans.
If it weren't for the lack of security in the defensive system, whose names have not yet managed to convey confidence, the new possibilities that coach Ney Franco has gained, added to the old ones, have the potential to take the team out of the infamous relegation zone.
In addition to the aforementioned names, Flamengo also has goalkeeper Bruno, full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan, and forwards Souza and Leonardo. The optimistic Ney Franco, however, will only have all of them available starting in August, when Ibson is registered in the Brazilian league.
After investing at the beginning of the year to build a competitive team for the Libertadores, the board revamped the squad, aiming for a new lease of life.
"We've evolved. But verbiage doesn't work. We'll only know whether this will all work out or not based on the results. Football isn't an exact science. Some bets don't work out. What we can't do is stop trying," says vice president of football Kléber Leite, who doesn't rule out new signings.
The search for a center-back, a priority among fans, is currently on hold. The board even negotiated with a Colombian, but there was no progress. The priority now is to organize the new players.
Like different eggs in hand, Ney Franco will be responsible for making the omelet. The chef, who bet on names like Juninho Paulista, Roni, Claiton, and other less prominent players at the beginning of the year, once again falls back on the commonplace positive headache of choosing his new starting lineup.
"I'm not going to change the team's structure. I'm going to fit the pieces together and keep the 4-4-2," says Ney Franco, who just can't afford to make mistakes with the seasoning.
Flamengo should have full strength against Santos
Reinforcements are in good physical shape and should debut on August 5th
Rafael Ximenes and Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo's fitness coach Geraldo Fabian said that coach Ney Franco should have full strength on August 5th, when the Red-Blacks face Santos at Vila Belmiro. This will be the first match in which Ibson and Maxi, international reinforcements, will be able to play. Brazilian sports law only allows the registration of players from overseas from August 3rd onwards.
"If nothing unexpected happens, Ney Franco will be able to count on everyone. Roger could make his debut even before this game," said Fabian, recalling Flamengo's other major signing.
Argentine Maximiliano Biancucchi was scheduled to train with his teammates for the first time this Monday. However, he didn't show up at the club this morning. Last Monday, Maxi underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his neck. He spent the entire last week recovering.
Trainer says Roger's physical condition is good
Red-black reinforcement could debut against his former club, Corinthians
Rafael Ximenes and Rodrigo Mandarini
Fitness coach Geraldo Fabian approved the fitness of midfielder Roger, who had his first training session with the club this Monday at Gávea. The player was training with Corinthians' B team but hasn't played in an official match since April.
Geraldo commented on the form of the new red-black star.
"Roger was training separately and was only out for a week. We're evaluating him, and he'll have another training session. He'll train in two sessions all week, and next week he'll be re-evaluated to see if he'll be cleared to train with the group," he said.
Many players become overweight after being inactive for a while, but that's not the case with Roger, according to the fitness coach.
"He takes great care of himself, he's a great professional, he's in good condition. He was out for a few weeks. In two weeks, he'll be fit to play," he said.
If Fabian's prediction comes true, Roger could make his Flamengo debut against his former team, Corinthians, at Pacaembu, on the 29th of this month.
Reinforcements will not travel to Uberlândia
The red-and-black team heads to the Minas Gerais city this Tuesday.
Rafael Ximenes and Rodrigo Mandarini
Midfielder Roger and Argentine Maximiliano Biancucchi have already been introduced to Flamengo. Next up will be midfielders Ibson and Cristian. However, they won't travel to Uberlândia, where the team will face Paraná on Thursday in the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship.
Biancucchi and Ibson came from foreign teams, Sportivo Luqueño, from Paraguay, and Porto, from Portugal, respectively, and therefore will only be able to play on August 3, when the international transfer window opens.
Roger will be doing physical training this week in Gávea in two periods and could make his debut in two weeks, against Corinthians, at Pacaembu.
Cristian hasn't arrived at Flamengo yet and is unlikely to be registered in time for the trip. The team departs for the Minas Gerais city this Tuesday at 12:45 p.m.