The Globe
Rodrigo Arroz has a new chance to establish himself at Fla
FIFA punishes Moisés and paves the way for the former junior's rise
It's Rodrigo Arroz's turn again. Revealed in Flamengo's youth academy as a defender with a bright future, but severely hampered by the enmity within the squad at the beginning of last year, Rodrigo has another chance to establish himself in the Flamengo defense against Paraná tomorrow in Uberlândia, replacing the suspended Irineu. His opportunity arose because Moisés's tenure at the club appears to be ending, along with his contract, in December.
The natural replacement tomorrow should have been Moisés. However, the defender lost a decisive battle. He was suspended for four months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the FIFA body that ultimately decides international football disputes.
CAS ruled that Moisés will only be able to play for any club again if he or Cruzeiro pays a little over US$1 million to Krylya Sovetov of Russia. The penalty starts in January, and since Flamengo doesn't intend to pay that amount, Moisés, who is in Uberlândia, already knows he won't stay in 2008. And Rodrigo Arroz is back on the rise.
Sports Journal
Uberlândia, the red-black city
Ney bets on the strength of the Minas Gerais fans to help the team beat Paraná at Parque do Sabiá
Thiago Bokel
Coach Ney Franco approves of Parque do Sabiá after yesterday's training session and is betting on a massive presence of local fans at the stadium.
Never has the 979km distance separating the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Uberlândia been so short. Flamengo, the club with the largest fan base in Brazil, will play tomorrow at 20:30 pm against Paraná at the Parque do Sabiá stadium, considered one of the best pitches in Brazil.
The reception for the Red-Blacks, as demonstrated yesterday upon the group's arrival, will be warm. Many fans were present to witness the players' arrival at Uberlândia Airport.
This is precisely the intention of the coaching staff: to make the squad feel at home and beat Paraná.
"In the Brazilian Championship, you can't choose your opponent. Against Paraná, even though we're not in Rio, it counts as if it were at home, and we can't afford to drop any more points when we're playing at home. There's also the fact that wherever Flamengo plays, there are a good number of fans. Uberlândia will be no different," said coach Ney Franco.
Rubro-Negro's opponent hires new coach
Paraná, Flamengo's opponent tomorrow, will suffer a significant loss in the Brasileirão. Coach Pintado, hired at the start of the competition, is leaving the club. His new destination will be Emirates Sport Club, in the United Arab Emirates. In his short tenure with the Paraná club, he won three matches, lost four, and drew four.
Pintado's departure was expected. After receiving an enquiry from an Arab club at the end of June, the coach received a salary raise and remained at Vila Capanema. This time, there was no way out.
Paraná's board acted quickly and announced yesterday the hiring of coach Gilson Kleina, who was at Ipatinga.
Another concern for Paraná's directors is the selection of referee Leonardo Gaciba, who had a controversial performance in the game in which the team was defeated at home by São Paulo 1-0.
Flamengo angry with the sponsor
The relationship between Flamengo and Nike is strained. The American company, a sportswear supplier since 2001, has launched a cheaper model of the club's jersey. The club's marketing department, through one of its directors, Ricardo Hinrichsen Jr., issued an official statement yesterday.
The directors expressed surprise that they hadn't been informed about the promotion. But the relationship had been strained since the beginning of the year, when Nike stopped supplying uniforms for the club's soccer and amateur sports teams.
Some athletes had to take their training clothes home to wash before wearing them during the week. At the time, there was no estimate of when the new uniforms would arrive.
The department hopes that this mistake will not be repeated and also took the opportunity to announce that the launch of the new official shirt should take place on the 27th.
Léo Moura returns to the Fla team in Minas
After not facing São Paulo, left-back Léo Moura undergoes physiotherapy treatment and confirms his presence in the team against Paraná
Flamengo has gained an important reinforcement for tomorrow's match against Paraná. Right-back Leonardo Moura, who sat out the match against São Paulo due to muscle pain in his right leg, has returned to training with the group after a week of treating the injury and confirmed his starting lineup. Now, he wants to prove that the time has come to prove his worth again.
"I'm 100% recovered. I had physical therapy last week, passed the fitness tests, and can play. I'm happy to be back and hope to show in the game that this time off was good for my recovery," said Leonardo Moura.
Tomorrow's opponent is a familiar face for the Red-Blacks. This year, the two teams were in the same group in the Copa Libertadores, and Flamengo prevailed in both, winning by the same score, 1-0. Despite this, the full-back doesn't expect an easy match against the ninth-place team in the Brazilian Championship standings.
"There's no easy match in this competition. It's very evenly matched, with the teams evenly matched. To leave Uberlândia victorious, we'll have to be very united and aware that one mistake could be fatal," the fullback warned.
His strong performances at the beginning of the year earned him much praise, and fans even persistently called for his call-up to the Brazilian national team. Despite being a regular starter, Leonardo Moura's performance dropped after winning the Campeonato Carioca.
In the last game, his replacement, Luizinho, performed well and showed he's capable of competing for a starting spot. But right now, the man in charge on Flamengo's right flank is Leonardo Moura, who's enjoying a strong showing under coach Ney Franco.
Obina: 'I'm looking forward to playing'
Obina is back after 5 months recovering from a left knee injury
Flamengo fans' favorite, Obina, has recovered from the left knee injury that sidelined him and could be available against Paraná this Thursday in Uberlândia. The striker traveled with the delegation and said he was eager to help Flamengo.
"I've waited a long time for this moment; I wanted to be able to travel and be part of the team. I'm feeling very anxious, and I just hope this anxiety doesn't get in my way. We're in a difficult situation, but we know we have the potential to get out of this and put Flamengo where it deserves to be," the player told Rádio Tupi.
The Gávea team sits 18th in the Brazilian Championship and is in the relegation zone, but has only played eight matches. Paraná is ninth with 16 points from 11 games.
Tickets sold out
Demand for tickets in the region has been high. Some ticket outlets are sold out. Futel, the company that manages the stadium, expects at least 40 people to attend the game. The total capacity is 57. If this number is reached, the red-and-black coach will gain another ally in his quest to emerge victorious from the match.
"The ideal is always to earn points, especially when we need good results. Beating Paraná will jump to 11 points, and things will start to improve. We're planning our work well, and one of our goals is a victory over Paraná, although it won't be easy," he said.
Paulinho heading to Israel
One of the key players in this match is defensive midfielder Paulinho, a native of Monte Carmelo, a city near the Triângulo Mineiro region. He could play one of his final games for the club, as he has an offer from an Israeli club. Flamengo's board, at Cristian's presentation on Monday, gave another indication that Paulinho could be on his way out. The number 5 jersey, a characteristic of the midfield, was handed to the new signing.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo ends the season's signing cycle\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The signing of midfielder Cristian, formerly of Atlético-PR, completes Flamengo's transfer cycle for this season. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, now only admits investing if any player from the current squad is sold by the end of August, when the European transfer window closes. "We can't openly say that the transfer cycle is complete because Flamengo is always aware of market movements and even the international transfer window, as we always run the risk of losing players," said Kléber Leite.
From the current squad, the player most likely to leave Gávea at this time is midfielder Paulinho, who is being negotiated with Israeli football by his agent, Eduardo Uram, who hopes to define the athlete's situation by the end of this week.
Flamengo sits 18th in the Brazilian Championship with just eight points and needs to start winning to move away from the relegation zone. Flamengo, however, has only played eight times in the competition, three fewer than most teams.
Obina on the bench against Paraná. Cristian ready.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Good news for Flamengo. Striker Obina is back. He hasn't played since February 25, when he was injured in the 1-1 draw with Vasco in the semifinals of the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the Campeonato Carioca. The player, who underwent surgery on his right knee, surprisingly recovered in such a short time and will be an option on the bench, expected to start during the match against Paraná Clube. "I'm 100% physically and technically, just lacking match fitness, which I'll pick up with the string of matches Flamengo has ahead in this Campeonato Brasileiro. I hope to regain my starting spot over time, but always respecting my teammates on the field," said Obina.
Midfielder Roger, who still needs to regain fitness, and midfielder Ibson and Argentine forward Maximiliano Biancucchi, who will only be able to register for the championship in August, did not even travel with the delegation. The only reinforcement who remained with the group was midfielder Cristian, who is expected to be fit enough to play in next Sunday's match against Grêmio in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul.
"I've been playing normally for Atlético Paranaense and I'm fit to go on the field today. But we know there's a whole legal issue involving documentation, so I have to wait. But as soon as that's resolved, I'll be available to Ney Franco," said the player.
Flamengo set to face Paraná\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo coach Ney Franco named his starting lineup for Thursday's match against Paraná Clube at the Parque do Sabiá Stadium in Uberlândia (MG), in the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship. The game will be played outside of Rio de Janeiro because the Maracanã stadium is being used for the Pan American Games. Recovered from muscle fatigue, right-back Leonardo Moura was confirmed, as were Rodrigo Arroz and Thiago Gosling, who will form the starting central defense because Ronaldo Angelim and Irineu are suspended.
In midfield, Ney Franco has gained a significant boost, as he will have the return of midfielder Renato Augusto, who was reinstated to the squad after playing for the Brazilian U-20 team at the U-XNUMX World Cup. In attack, after being fined by the board for indiscipline, Souza is scheduled to join Leonardo in the midfield.
With his documentation regularized with the CBF, goalkeeper Bruno reappears. Thus, Flamengo's lineup will consist of: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Gosling, and Juan; Paulinho, Léo Medeiros, Jaílton, and Renato Augusto; and Leonardo and Souza.
"I believe we'll be able to take the field with a strong and balanced team. Of course, we can't count on our full strength yet, as two defenders are suspended and the reinforcements who joined us this summer are still unable to play. Despite this, I'm confident we'll be well represented and will achieve a great result," said Ney Franco.
PeléNet
After struggling to readapt, Juan plans to maintain his rise
After a stint in England, the full-back had trouble adapting to Brazil and was almost released by Fluminense in 2005. Now at Flamengo, he plans new twists and turns for the club and his career.
Marcelo Ferreira, special for Pelé.Net
RIO DE JANEIRO - In recent years, transfers of Brazilian soccer players abroad have been as premature as they are fleeting. In 2006, for example, 851 players were exported, but 311 returned. The main reason for this: adaptation issues in other countries. Given this context, the trajectory of left-back Juan is, to say the least, curious. Flamengo's number 6 spent time in England until 2003, but easily assimilated into life in Britain. Upon his return, however, he struggled to find his best form and was even released by Fluminense. The situation only changed drastically after his transfer to Gávea.
Adapted to Flamengo, full-back Juan overcomes his shyness and projects until reaching the national team\ Full name: Juan Maldonado Jaimez Junior\ Born: February 6, 1982, in São Paulo (SP)\ Height: 1.67 m\ Weight: 66 kg\ Position: Left-back\ Clubs: São Paulo (1994 to 2001), Arsenal-ING (2001 to 2003), Milwall-ING (2003), Fluminense (2004 to 2005) and Flamengo (since 2006)\ Titles: FA Cup (2002), Rio de Janeiro State Championship (2005 and 2007), Brazil Cup (2006)\ Individual awards: Best left-back in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, elected by journalists, in 2005 and 2007\ JUAN'S PROFILE\
Juan's first moment of glory at Flamengo was winning last year's Copa do Brasil, in which the red-and-black team defeated Vasco in the final (2-0 and 1-0 victories, both at Maracanã). In the 28th minute of the first half, the full-back picked up a loose ball in the half-moon and hit a low left-footed shot into the left corner of goalkeeper Cássio's net. The winning goal.
"I've imagined this since I was a kid and I'll never forget winning the title the way it happened. It was a dream come true. We always think about it, but scoring a goal in the final isn't something that common for a full-back," Juan said in an exclusive interview with Pelé.Net.
Despite his title-winning goal in 2006, it was this season that Juan's performances truly took off. The full-back was named the best in his position at the Rio de Janeiro State Championship and is already seeing the possibility of a chance with the Brazilian national team.
Wearing the national team jersey may be a lofty goal, but it seems more attainable given Juan's trajectory. After all, the player who is now established at Flamengo was on rival Fluminense's release list until early 2005. To overcome his poor form, he had to readapt to Brazilian football and overcome his shyness, especially off the field.
"On the field, I haven't changed much, but I realized that it's also important to have the friendship of my teammates. I tried to change in that sense," explained Juan, who was warned about introspection by Valdir Espinosa, Fluminense's coach in 2004.
In a short time, Juan experienced a significant change in his career. In fact, yet another one, as the São Paulo-born full-back left the club in 2001—he only made two appearances for the club's senior squad—and transferred to Arsenal at just 19 years old.
Supported by this experience of ups and downs, Juan works to maintain Flamengo's good individual form. And, of course, to keep the red-and-black team out of the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship—currently, despite having three games fewer than most of its rivals, the Gávea team sits in 18th place.
Pelé.Net - Flamengo won the State Championship this year, but is going through a difficult time and is in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship. What can the fans expect from the team in 2007? Juan - You can wait for the situation to change. First, we have to get out of the relegation zone. There's no point in prioritizing the title without first getting out of there. We need to focus on one thing at a time to achieve something bigger. God willing, we can secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores.
Pelé.Net - And individually, what are your next goals? Juan - I'm trying to achieve my objectives with Flamengo and make it to the national team. But I know that to do that I need to have a clear head, strive for my best and play more and more.
Pelé.Net - Talking about the Brazilian national team seems like a lot for someone who was on Fluminense's release list until early 2005. What happened after that? Juan - It was the opportunity I had. It took me a while to adapt because I had just returned from European football. I didn't know I would have so many problems adapting. But I understood that this was my last chance, my last year of my contract, and I gave it my all. I needed to turn things around and make a name for myself, which was my main goal when I returned to the country.
Pelé.Net - What was your time at Arsenal like? You only played two games for the first team. Did you have any contact with the club's stars? Juan - There was a coaching staff for the B team, and we trained away from the others. My beginnings there were difficult because of the language barrier, but after that, everything went well, and I had no trouble adapting. It was very important for me, especially because I played alongside players like [Dutchman Denis] Bergkamp.
Pelé.Net - Do you consider it a mistake to have left Brazil so early? Juan - I was young and wanted to leave. An opportunity arose to play for a big European club, and it was an excellent offer for everyone. São Paulo [the team the full-back played for at the time] must have been very pleased with the money they received. Things didn't work out as I'd hoped, but chances don't come twice, and I wanted to take them.
Pelé.Net - When you returned to Brazil in 2004, Valdir Espinosa told you that you were having problems due to your excessive shyness. Did that really bother you? Did you change after receiving that warning? Juan - On the field, I didn't change much, but I realized that it's also important to have the friendship of your teammates. I tried to change in that sense.
Pelé.Net - Who has been the most important coach in your career so far? Juan - I can't help but mention Abel [Braga, currently without a club]. He was the guy who got me started and gave me confidence. He believed in me at a difficult time in my career, when no one knew me, and I owe him a lot for being here today.
Pelé.Net - Last year, you scored the goal that gave Flamengo the Copa do Brasil title. Did you dream of this moment? What went through your mind? Juan - I've imagined it since I was a kid, and I'll never forget the way the title unfolded. It was a dream come true. We always think about it, but scoring a goal in the final isn't that common for a full-back.
Obina celebrates his early return to Flamengo
On March 1st, after undergoing surgery on his left knee, striker Obina promised to return to the field before the six-month deadline set by Flamengo's doctors. Less than five months later, the player is ready to fulfill his promise. That's why, this Tuesday, he celebrated his early return to the red-and-black team.
Obina celebrates his return to Flamengo after suffering a serious injury to his left knee
"Thank God, the time has come. I'm ready. Now I need to have the confidence to help Flamengo," commented the darling of the red-black fans this morning, in Gávea.
Obina is expected to return next Thursday against Paraná in Uberlândia for the Brazilian Championship. He will be on the bench, but coach Ney Franco has already announced that he intends to bring him on in the second half.
Despite his enormous desire to play a match again, Obina agrees to start on the bench, as he himself admits that he is not yet fit to play 90 minutes.
"It's complicated. I still need to get into the swing of things. It's already going to be difficult to play the whole time. I hope to play as much as I can to help Flamengo. I'll start on the bench, supporting my teammates," he commented.
Obina has not played a match since February 25, when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the classic against Vasco, in the semi-final of the Guanabara Cup - the first round of the Rio State Championship.
The player injured himself shortly after scoring the first goal of the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw. In the penalty shootout, Flamengo overcame their rivals, reached the final, and won the title against Madureira. Thus, they secured a spot in the finals—against Botafogo—and were crowned state champions.
Paulinho admits farewell to Flamengo against Paraná
Next Thursday's Brazilian Championship match against Paraná in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, is expected to mark midfielder Paulinho's farewell to Flamengo. So much so that the player himself admits that this could be his final appearance for Flamengo.
"I'm prepared for anything. If this is my farewell, I hope I can play a good game to help the team come out with the victory," said Paulinho in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Paulinho has been "rehearsing" his farewell to Flamengo since last week, when news leaked that an Israeli club was interested in signing him. Therefore, the Flamengo board sought another defensive midfielder—Cristian, who was introduced last Monday and received the number 5 jersey, which currently belongs to Paulinho.
The player's agent, Eduardo Uram, is in Israel to finalize the details of the transfer, which is expected to be finalized this week. "I don't know anything yet. I'm waiting for Uram to contact me, but I'm thinking about the match against Paraná," the player said.
Paulinho arrived at Flamengo midway through last year. With his relentless marking in midfield and his fierceness in matches, he quickly won over the Flamengo fans.
Paulinho's contract with Flamengo runs until 2009, and includes a $1 million (R$1,9 million) release clause. If the midfielder's transfer is confirmed, the club is entitled to receive R$480, which corresponds to 25% of the fine.
Against Flamengo, Paraná will have a reunion with the referee of the controversial match
On June 3 of this year, Paraná and São Paulo faced each other in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship at Vila Capanema, in Curitiba. Goalkeeper Rogério Ceni scored the goal that gave the São Paulo team a 1-0 victory, but the main character of the match was referee Leonardo Gaciba (FIFA-RS), who will meet the Paraná squad again this Thursday, after 46 days away.
Gaciba will referee the duel between the Curitiba team and Flamengo, at the Parque do Sabiá stadium, in Uberlândia-MG, at 20:30 pm, for the 12th round of the national competition.
In the match against São Paulo, the referee awarded a non-existent penalty to São Paulo striker Aloísio in the 30th minute of the second half. Rogério scored for the visitors from the penalty spot. In the 47th minute of the second half, Paraná equalized with a header from defender Luís Henrique, but the assistant referee incorrectly signaled offside.
The errors in key plays caused the legal department of the Paraná club to register a request to challenge the match with the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice), which was not accepted by the entity.
But beyond the reunion between Gaciba and Paraná, the match in Uberlândia will mark Pintado's farewell to the Vila Capanema team. The coach announced last Monday his transfer to Emirates Sport Club, in the United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East.
The coach will leave the club after a very poor record. He led the team, currently in ninth place with 16 points, for nine matches and achieved only two victories, against Cruzeiro in Belo Horizonte and Sport at home.
In his place, although the Paraná board has not yet confirmed it, the Curitiba press is certain to hire Gilson Kleina from Ipatinga-MG. The coach will coach the Minas Gerais club this Tuesday against Santo André in Série B and is expected to take over the Tricolor immediately after the match against Flamengo.
Globo Sport
Neymar is thrilled with the new options in the squad
The arrival of Ibson and Cristian creates more alternatives for the coach in the Brasileirão\ Rafael Cardoso\
Flamengo coach Ney Franco has more technical alternatives to use
The arrival of Ibson and Cristian practically concludes Flamengo's signing cycle for this season. Vice President of Football Kléber Leite assured that new reinforcements will only be acquired in the most urgent cases. For coach Ney Franco, the squad is already strong enough to advance in the Brazilian Championship.
"This is a time of restructuring for the club, a time to analyze what's wrong. We feel the need for a revamp. A competitive team needs options. Flamengo has a good squad, and now we have more options. With a joint commitment from the coaching staff and players, we can have a good championship. The team is still in the running," the manager confides.
Among these new additions to the Red-Black squad are the two defensive midfielders introduced on Monday. Ibson and Cristian have the approval of Ney Franco and are old acquaintances of the coach.
"When I was Cruzeiro's coach, 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. I've been following Cristian for a long time, also in the youth ranks."
Fans celebrate for Flamengo in Uberlândia
Around 70 fans welcomed the players. Obina was the most thronged.
From news agencies in Uberlândia (MG)
The Flamengo delegation arrived in Uberlândia this Tuesday and was greeted by around 70 fans, who celebrated the entire group, especially Obina, who was able to return to play after surgery on his left knee. Flamengo's arrival in the Minas Gerais city was met with special security measures to prevent disturbances upon arrival.
Unable to use Maracanã due to the Pan American Games, Flamengo will play its game against Paraná, this Thursday, at Parque do Sabiá Stadium.
Bruno can now play against Paraná
The red-black goalkeeper's documentation has already been regularized with the CBF
Flamengo received good news this Tuesday. Goalkeeper Bruno was registered with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and can now play against Paraná on Thursday in Uberlândia. The goalkeeper's contract expired on June 30th and was renewed for another three months, with the possibility of an extension until the end of the year.
The club's board only needed to receive Atlético Mineiro's documentation, which was only provided on Monday. As a result, Bruno was unable to play in the last two matches of the Brazilian Championship, against Atlético Mineiro and São Paulo, and was replaced by Diego.
Renato Augusto: 'We have to row together'
Midfielder teaches Flamengo's path to recovery in the Brasileirão. Unity is the key to success\ Rafael Cardoso\
Renato Augusto at Flamengo training
Flamengo's new signings (Roger, Ibson, and Cristian) haven't even made their debuts yet, but they're already positively influencing the other players' spirits. The confidence that the team will escape the relegation zone is evident in the discourse of all the players and coaching staff members.
Midfielder Renato Augusto shows confidence in the board's new bets, but emphasizes that the group needs to be united and cohesive to escape the poor position in the Brazilian table.
"Flamengo always needs to have good players. A team that wants to reach the top has to rely on big names. With Roger's arrival, the team has everything it needs to grow in the championship. But even so, I'll continue to take responsibility. We're a group, and we're all in this together. If we only row in one direction, the boat won't move. With Renato's departure, we lost momentum, and now is the time to regain it," Renato says.
The midfielder even has a deadline for Mengão to react.
"In four or five games, we'll reach the top spots. Flamengo can never stay in the relegation zone."
Throw
Bruno, from Fla, can now play against Paraná
Goalkeeper was registered with the CBF and is able to return this Thursday, against Tricolor paranaense\ LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo had good news this Tuesday. Goalkeeper Bruno was registered with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and can now play against Paraná, on Thursday, in Uberlândia. The goalkeeper's contract ended on June 30 and was renewed for another three months, with the possibility of extending it until the end of the year.\
The red-black board only needed to receive the documentation from Atlético Mineiro, which was only given on Monday. Therefore, Bruno was unable to play in the last two matches of the Brazilian Championship, against Atlético Mineiro and São Paulo, being replaced by Diego.
Ibson has his first training session with Flamengo this Tuesday
Midfielder ran around the pitch at Gávea and did weight training on his first day at the club
Ibson did his first job at Fla this Tuesday, but will only be able to play in August (Credit: Rafael Ximenes)
Rafael Ximenes\ Midfielder Ibson completed his first training session with Flamengo this Tuesday, at Gávea. The player ran laps around the pitch and did exercises in the weight room.\
The players who did not travel to Uberlândia, such as Irineu and Ronaldo Angelim, who were suspended, did technical work with the juniors.
Back in Rio de Janeiro, the midfielder will only be able to play against Santos, on August 5th, at Vila Belmiro and in the next four matches (Paraná, Grêmio, América-RN and Corinthians) he will have to support his teammates off the field.
- We'll be rooting for our teammates and looking forward to these games - said the player, who is very happy with his return.
"It was great to be back. I'm seeing friends again and working with wonderful people. And to make things even better, an heir is coming at the end of October," added Ibson, who is unsure about his son's name. The player is deciding between Ibson Filho or Ibson Júnior.
Published on 17/7/2007 at 23:18
Ney Franco confirms Flamengo team
The team will have a new defense and the return of Léo Moura and Renato Augusto\ LANCEPRESS!\
Coach Ney Franco confirmed the team that will face Paraná this Thursday at Parque do Sabiá. Without Irineu and Ronaldo Angelim, who are suspended, Rodrigo Arroz and Thiago will start. Two other players are also back in the lineup: Léo Moura, who suffered a right thigh injury, and Renato Augusto, who played for the U-20 national team.
- There will only be changes if a last-minute problem arises - he stated.
Flamengo should enter with: Bruno, Léo Moura, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago and Juan; Jaílton, Paulinho, Léo Medeiros and Renato Augusto; Leonardo and Souza.
Ney asked Fla to play in Uberlândia
Coach expects a full house for the game against Paraná\ LANCEPRESS!\
Coach Ney Franco was already familiar with Parque dos Sabiás from his time in Minas Gerais, working for Cruzeiro and Ipatinga. And the coach confirmed that he was the one who asked Flamengo to play at the stadium against Paraná this Thursday.
- When I heard about the opportunity to play here, I spoke to Kleber Leite and he accepted immediately - said the coach who praised the reception Flamengo received:
"We were very well received. Flamengo has fans here, and I expect the game to be a full house," he added.
By the end of Tuesday, approximately 32 tickets had been sold, out of the 50 available for sale.
The stadium where Fla will play has been approved.
Players like the lawn, but their only complaint is the lighting\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo players approved of Parque dos Sabiás, the stadium where the team will play against Paraná this Thursday. Coach Ney Franco led a training session Tuesday night to familiarize themselves with the pitch, which the players considered to be in good condition. The only drawback they noted was the lighting.
According to goalkeeper coach Roberto Barbosa, the reflectors are located in a lower part and can interfere with goalkeepers.
- The goalkeeper might be completely unaware because of the light in his face - he said.
When leaving, the players took a while to leave the stadium as they were signing autographs for the fans who attended training.
Singer attends Flamengo training session
Flamengo fan, Alexandre Pires goes to Parque do Sabiá to watch the Rubro-Negro training session\ LANCEPRESS!\
Among the more than a thousand fans who attended Flamengo's training session at Parque do Sabiá in Uberlândia, one stood out. Singer Alexandre Pires took advantage of Flamengo's visit to the Minas Gerais city to see his favorite club's players up close.
The singer, who is from Uberlândia, arrived from Puerto Rico this Tuesday and wasted no time:
"I'm a die-hard Flamengo fan. I always go to Maracanã. I arrived today (Tuesday) from my trip and made a point of seeing the team. It will be an honor for Flamengo to play at Parque do Sabiá," he said.