The Globe
Ney Franco regrets forced break
Coach fears worsening standings. Fans complain about Flamengo's campaign.
The CBF's confirmation that the matches against Vasco and Juventude at Maracanã have indeed been postponed didn't please Flamengo's coach one bit. It's not exactly the 17-day break—starting the day after the last match against Inter—that bothers Ney Franco, but rather the fact that the club will remain in the uncomfortable relegation zone during that period.
Part of this discomfort can be attributed to the influx of harsher criticism of his work. Early last night, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, spent about an hour meeting with fan club leaders who protested the team's campaign. The director, however, denied any pressure on Ney Franco:
- It was a friendly conversation. They had questions about some points, but there was no pressure.
The team should train for a few days at Toca da Raposa
Before this meeting, coach Ney Franco, while lamenting the period without games, seemed to foresee the demands.
"Every soccer coach experiences moments of unease, but I'll get through it. As a coach, I'd like my team to play. We'll have to train within this discomfort zone during this time," said Ney Franco, already rehearsing the litany of excuses that will need to be made until the team improves its performance. "Unfortunately, without playing the next two rounds, we won't be able to reverse this situation, which could get worse since we won't score. We'll need to be strong to respond to the criticism, which will come."
Flamengo, which has only six points and is in 17th place, will play Juventude in the 8th round match on August 26th. The derby against Vasco, in the 7th round, has been rescheduled for October 16th. Therefore, the club will not play again in the Brasileirão until July 4th, against Atlético-MG, at Mineirão Stadium. After that, Flamengo will play seven more matches away from Rio, before returning to Maracanã on August 11th, against Náutico. Ney Franco believes that playing so many away games will further complicate the team's progress. Next week, the squad is scheduled to travel to Belo Horizonte, where they will complete a second preseason at Toca da Raposa, Cruzeiro's training center.
Fernando Calazans
I made a mistake too.
I was wrong to criticize coach Ney Franco for subbing Toró in Saturday's game, in which Flamengo and Inter drew 2-2.
Toró was not replaced at Ney Franco's request, but due to an injury, which he had already complained about at half-time.
On the day he was delivering his most confident performance since I've seen him at Flamengo, Toró was unlucky enough to be fielded in a midfield without both Renatos. And, on top of that, he was injured. Therefore, the criticism of Ney Franco in this episode is unfounded.
A brief conversation with Flamengo vice-president Kléber Leite about potential reinforcements didn't leave me excited. This so-called "window" in football is coming, during which Brazilian players come and go in deals with Europe. Or rather: the best go, the worst come.
It's worrying, because with this team, with or without Renatos, Flamengo won't go far in the Brazilian Championship.
Neither Flamengo nor Vasco. Neither has a squad for the Brazilian Championship. Fluminense is the question mark. Botafogo is, initially, the only one with a squad, which doesn't mean they're already the favorite, because we're just getting started.\ But it's promising.\
Renato Mauricio Prado
Flamengo is already in the relegation zone, and it seems increasingly likely that they'll spend the entire championship in this predicament.
By the way: Léo Lima wearing the number 10 jersey, which once belonged to Zico, is more than an affront. It's heresy!
Sports Journal
Flamengo may go to Minas Gerais in search of peace
In the relegation zone, Ney Franco should take the team to Belo Horizonte to escape the pressure from the fans
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima/JS
Escaping from hell — Ney Franco (center) talks with supervisor Isaias Tinoco (L) and vice-president of football Kleber Leite about the possibility of going to Minas Gerais
With Flamengo's entry into the relegation zone and the team's absence from the Brazilian Championship (until July 4th), a new plan is being drawn up in Gávea. To alleviate pressure on the players and create a more relaxed work environment until the derby against Vasco on October 16th, the board is expected to take the Flamengo squad to Belo Horizonte next week. Until then, most training will take place at Ninho do Urubu in Vargem Grande, keeping the players away from fans.
"Next week there's a possibility we'll leave Rio. If the period without games is confirmed, we'll go to Belo Horizonte. This break will be a good time to analyze what we did wrong and improve our team's technical and physical condition," said coach Ney Franco.
Yesterday, in Gávea, discussions began on preparations for this potential training period in Belo Horizonte, which is expected to take place at Toca da Raposa. The players underwent physical tests to measure their lactate levels, a substance produced after prolonged periods of physical exercise that can cause muscle pain, so that specific physical preparation plans can be developed.
Coach Ney Franco also commented on the period without games and, while celebrating the fact that the players currently in the medical department will have time to recover, expressed concern about the club's position in the competition. With the postponement of the matches against Vasco and Juventude, Flamengo will be two players short of the rest of the Brazilian Championship and risks being bottom of the table when they return to action against Atlético at Mineirão.
"We won't play for two rounds, and therefore, we'll remain in the relegation zone. It will be difficult to return to action in this situation. It's a bit frustrating, as we have the team to be in a better position. I'd like to play as soon as possible to avoid being at the bottom of the table," said Ney Franco.
Márcio Braga visits João Havelange Stadium this Thursday
President Márcio Braga will visit the João Havelange Olympic Stadium, better known as Engenhão, next Thursday morning. He will be welcomed by the Municipal Secretary of Public Works and Services, Eider Dantas, and, in addition to inspecting the stadium, he will also assess the conditions for its lease.
Countdown to Obina's return
The striker is in the final stages of recovery from knee surgery and will return to the team next month.
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
Jair Motta/JS
No more homesickness — Obina wants to play again, but he doesn't want to skip some of the recovery stages he's undergoing after surgery on his left knee.
Now it's almost time. After more than three months recovering from surgery to repair the cruciate ligament in his left knee, Obina is in the final stages of preparation for his return to the field. However, he doesn't want to bring his return forward to avoid the risk of being sidelined for even longer.
"I'm excited. I think I'll be back in mid-July. At least that's my expectation. I've been giving my all in this final recovery and I don't want to rush things. That's why it will be difficult to play against Atlético-MG on July 4th, as I'm not 100% physically," said the player.
Obina's last match was in the Guanabara Cup semifinal against Vasco on February 25th. The injury occurred just as the legendary player scored the Rubro-Negro's goal in the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw and was decided on penalties, with Flamengo winning. The play occurred less than five minutes into the match and left the fans very apprehensive, as they constantly booed Souza and Roni, the other forwards in the squad at the time.
Now, with Roni having transferred to Cruzeiro, and Leonardo, who recently returned from injury but hasn't been performing well, coach Ney Franco has been experimenting with young players during matches, such as Paulo Sérgio and Kayke, as well as improvising in attack with Renato Augusto, who is currently with the U-20 national team. With Obina's return, the coach will gain another option for the sector that has been heavily criticized.
"I trust in my teammates' potential; I know they'll be able to get Flamengo moving in the Brazilian league. We need to put the team in the position it truly deserves," explained the striker.
Obina also explained that his fitness, despite being out for a long time, won't be a problem. He's close to his ideal weight and now just needs to get back into playing shape to become a fan favorite once again.
Claiton says he will stay in Gávea until 2008
Nina Lima/ JS
Claiton, former Flamengo captain, has been overlooked by Ney Franco, but warns: “I'll stay at the club until the end”
Midfielder Claiton's situation at Flamengo isn't the most comfortable. After an inconsistent season, where he was benched for a few games, the player was benched by coach Ney Franco last week. Now, in his mind, his only option is to help the club escape the relegation zone.
"I wouldn't have liked to have started the Brazilian Championship so badly, but now all we can do is work hard to get Flamengo out of this difficult situation. The results haven't been coming, but we've already proven our quality and I believe we'll soon be in a better position," said the player.
Before the start of yesterday's training session, Claiton left the club, but ended up returning and taking part in the rest of the activity.
When asked if his time at Flamengo was coming to an end, the player was direct in stating that he does not intend to leave the club at the moment, despite the criticism he has been receiving, including from vice-president of football Kleber Leite.
"I have a two-year contract and intend to see it through to the end. I wouldn't want to rush my departure at this time. I know I had a bad start to the season, but I was recovering. I ended up on the bench due to the coach's decision. Of course, I was sad about this situation, but I believe I have what it takes to return to the starting lineup," said the former captain.
Despite denying any bad blood with the coach, Claiton was overlooked by Ney Franco to replace Paulinho in the match against Internacional. In his place, the red-and-black manager opted to field Toró, who hadn't played in a long time.
Flamengo supporter has swollen foot
Coach Ney Franco had another worry at the end of Saturday's game against Internacional. After Paulinho felt a twinge in his left calf the day before the match and was out of action, Toró, who had replaced him, left the field complaining of severe pain in his right foot, due to a foot injury that left the area severely swollen.
Neither player trained yesterday. Paulinho underwent an MRI that revealed no injury, but he continues to complain of pain. Toró was spared the physical test that the other players underwent, to avoid any impact that could worsen the injury.
The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the player, who came through Fluminense after a long hiatus and was one of the best players on the pitch in the draw with Internacional. By the end of the game, Toró could barely walk due to the pain.
Paulinho's situation is less of a concern, and the defensive midfielder should return to training soon. Toró's injury, however, demonstrates that even those who perform well in the team end up injured when things are going badly. It's unclear when the player will be able to return to training.
Ney Franco says the defense isn't the only one to blame for the goals
Due to Flamengo's forced break due to the postponement of matches at Maracanã, which will be closed until the end of the Pan American Games, coach Ney Franco will have more time to work with the team. The lineup for the match against Atlético on July 4th at Mineirão Stadium, however, is not expected to be decided until next week.
"I'd rather wait a little longer to decide how to play. I'll only know next week who I can count on for this match," explained the coach.
Ney Franco also made a point of saying that, despite the team having the leakiest defense in the competition, conceding 15 goals in six games, the blame can't be placed solely on the defenders. For him, the entire team is responsible when they concede goals.
"At times, we concede goals that aren't in our defense's control. Sometimes, we lose the ball in midfield or up front, giving the opponent the opportunity to score. It's everyone's fault, just as when you win, you deserve it too," explained the red-and-black manager.
Flamengo currently has seven defenders in its squad. In addition to the four regular players—Ronaldo Angelim, Thiago, Moisés, and Irineu—the club also boasts youth academy talent Hélder, Marlon, and Rodrigo Arroz.
Renato Augusto believes the red-black team can turn things around
At a time when players seemingly have less and less love for their clubs' jerseys, homegrown supporter Renato Augusto once again demonstrated his passion for Flamengo. Even though he's away from the team to compete in the U-20 World Cup in Canada, he remains attentive to the club's performance in the Brazilian Championship. Despite expressing concern, he made it clear that he believes in a comeback in the competition.
"I'm sad, because besides being a player, I'm a fan. In any case, I know we have a group to get out of this situation," he said.
The player, who was nearly cut from the Brazilian U-20 squad due to a muscle problem, returned to ball training at Granja Comary in Teresópolis yesterday and is no longer at risk of being cut. He commented on the importance of the World Cup and admitted that, if Brazil performs well, the competition could yield positive results for his career.
"It's a World Cup in which all the players have visibility. We need to seize this opportunity and return to Brazil as champions," said Renato Augusto.
Businessman postpones Renato's renewal with Flamengo
Renato trains at Gávea. Before that, however, he, Kleber Leite, and Cláudio Guadagno, his agent, had lunch to discuss the contract renewal.
Yesterday, vice president of football Kleber Leite met with Renato's agent, Cláudio Guadagno, to try to renew the player's contract. His contract with Flamengo runs until the end of this year, but he can sign a pre-contract with any other club and leave Gávea next year. Therefore, renewing the player's contract is a priority for Flamengo, as Renato has been one of the team's standout performers since his signing in 2005.
"I had lunch with Cláudio today (yesterday) and, as I expected, he has no interest in developing negotiations regarding Renato's renewal at the moment. The player was with us and we have the guarantee that he does not play for any club in Brazil other than Flamengo. However, he prefers to wait a little before opening negotiations," said the director.
Ney Franco regrets postponement of Flamengo matches
Without making as much fuss as Botafogo and Vasco regarding the postponement of matches at Maracanã, which will be closed for the Pan-American Games, Flamengo, currently in 17th place and in the relegation zone, could be the biggest loser with this change.
"Flamengo's situation is a bit frustrating, because in our view, we have the team to be in a better position. And the best way for that to happen is to get back on the field as soon as possible to recover in the standings," said Ney Franco in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.
With the postponement of the derby against Vasco and the match against Juventude, the Rubro-Negro will be sidelined for a long 16 days, until the match against Atlético-MG on July 4th at Mineirão Stadium. Thus, when they return to the field, the Gávea team could be languishing in last place in the championship and will have to play under this pressure to recover in the standings.
“We’re going to have to be patient and train for these 16 days and hope that July 4th arrives soon,” said Ney, resigned.
To avoid a further loss of game rhythm, Flamengo will schedule a friendly for next Saturday, with a team yet to be defined.
O Dia
CBF tears up Brazilian Championship regulations and reschedules new dates for the seventh round
Botafogo and Corinthians will play on August 15th, while Vasco and Flamengo will play on October 16th.
Rio - The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Monday the new dates for the matches between Vasco da Gama and Flamengo, and Botafogo and Corinthians, valid for the seventh round of the Brazilian Championship. Initially, Botafogo and Corinthians were scheduled for this Saturday. Now, due to the closure of the Maracanã stadium for the rehearsal of the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, the match has been moved to August 15th, at 20:30 pm, at the Maracanã stadium.
The classic between Vasco and Flamengo, previously scheduled for next Sunday, the 24th, at 18:10 pm, will now be played on October 16th, at 20:30 pm, also at Maracanã. Interestingly, the CBF requires ten days' notice before the match to change the venue or time; in a shorter period than that, the organization could not override the competition's regulations.
Vasco president Eurico Miranda, in an interview with Rádio Tupi, complained about the decision and warned that he will take legal action against the CBF in both the Common and Sports Courts. The director expressed outrage at not having been officially notified and at Vasco not being allowed to use São Januário Stadium or even Engernhão.
"For a few days now, I've been realizing that the decision wouldn't be officially announced. So far, I've only learned about it through the press. I went to the CBF website and saw that the information had been there since 17 p.m. There's talk of regulations, of the Fan Statute, but what's determined is never enforced. I'll be forced to go to the Sports Court and the Common Court. They ordered tickets and everything, Vasco will suffer a loss. How can the CBF schedule a first-leg match in the second half? It's unacceptable. They can throw the Brazilian Championship regulations in the trash," said Eurico.
Flamengo: Ready to be the last
In the relegation zone, the team could fall even further, as they will not play for 16 days.
Marluci Martins
Rio - Nothing is so bad that it can't get worse. In the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo, in 17th place, is already preparing for the worst: the bottom of the table awaits.
Coach Ney Franco knows that when Flamengo returns to action on July 4th against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium, it may be in last place in the Brasileirão. Its next two games, against Vasco and Juventude, have been postponed to October 16th and August 23rd, respectively, due to preparations at the Maracanã for the Pan-American Games.
"I'd like the team to play today and tomorrow. It's uncomfortable to work with the team in the relegation zone. And only by playing can we get out of this. We're going 16 days without playing. We have to accept any kind of criticism and be strong enough to withstand the pressure," said Ney.
TRAINING IN BH
With no chance of escaping the uncomfortable relegation zone any time soon, Flamengo has scheduled a training match against Madureira for Saturday at Ninho do Urubu. And yesterday, coach Ney Franco met with the soccer leadership to discuss the possibility of the team recharging its batteries outside of Rio. Toca da Raposa, one of Cruzeiro's training grounds in Belo Horizonte, will be selected by the board and coaching staff at Gávea.
“We will try to recover the players who are in the medical department,” the coach recalled.
While Renato recovers from a left thigh injury and Paulinho from a calf injury, Ney Franco is already missing Maracanã. Flamengo won't play at the stadium again until August 12th, against Náutico. By then, they will have played eight away matches.
Obina, the only one to benefit from recess
For a player, Flamengo's break from the Brazilian Championship won't be so bad: Obina is racing against time to return to the team.
Recovering from surgery on his left knee on March 1st, the striker believes he won't be out of action for many rounds.
"I won't be ready for Flamengo's next match on the 4th, but I think I can return to the team by the middle of next month. I want to be 100 percent physically," Obina said, assuring that this time he won't have any weight issues. "I'm comfortable with my weight," he assured.
With the postponement of Flamengo's next two games, Obina will have more time to prepare:
“It was a great joy to have returned to doing the two-touch work with the group last week.”
Outside the team, Obina supports forwards Souza and Leonardo, who are struggling to lead Flamengo to a more comfortable position in the championship: "I've been through more difficult situations than them. And I was booed too."
Sports Gazette
Fla is still waiting for a response from Bruno. Juan may leave.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In a critical situation in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo expects to have news about goalkeeper Bruno this week. The club made an offer to renew the player's contract, but MSI's investors have not yet responded to the club's offer. The company intends to negotiate Bruno with European football. Another player who could leave Flamengo for Europe is left-back Juan, who is being targeted by Espanyol-ESP. But until he receives an official offer, the winger is only thinking about the arrival of reinforcements that could help the Rio de Janeiro team improve its situation. "With all the players available, we have a good group, but reinforcements are always welcome. After all, in a long championship like the Brazilian Championship, it's always good to have a reasonable number of players," the player emphasized.
Off the field, in the coming days, president Márcio Braga is expected to visit Engenhão Stadium, built for the Pan American Games and already of interest to Fluminense and Botafogo. The club's director, however, assures that the visit does not mean Flamengo will abandon its plans to build its own stadium in Gávea.
"Although we are considering this lease, it's worth remembering that Flamengo still has plans to build its own stadium. The Engenhão stadium will be just an alternative option. The Engenhão stadium isn't just a soccer stadium; it's also an Olympic stadium. Therefore, we need to see what conditions the city government will offer us. The important thing is that we will analyze all possibilities to see if Flamengo will enter this competition," Márcio Braga told Jornal dos Sports.
Flamengo has struggled to obtain permission to build a modern arena in Gávea. Some authorities oppose the project, saying the stadium would further complicate traffic in the area.
Claiton denies wanting to leave Flamengo
Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Last week, midfielder Claiton was angered when he learned he would be benched for the match against Internacional. Things heated up at Flamengo, and the player was criticized by vice president of football, Kléber Leite, who urged him to talk less and play more to regain his position. This Monday, two days after Flamengo's draw with Colorado, Claiton confirmed he wasn't happy with being benched, but denied any plans to leave Gávea. "First of all, I really believe in myself and in my football. I know that from what I've shown at other clubs, I have a good market, but right now my focus is on working hard to regain my position," the midfielder commented in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Even without a guaranteed spot on the team, Claiton also expressed dismay at the fact that Flamengo finished the sixth round in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship. The team has only six points in the competition. "It's a difficult time for Flamengo. We wouldn't want to start the competition this way, but we have to work hard to turn this situation around," he said.
Even players who are away from Flamengo are suffering from their poor results. Midfielder Renato Augusto, who has been training with the Brazilian U-20 team at Granja Comary, lamented the fact that Flamengo is in the relegation zone. "We're sad because I'm a fan now too. But we have the team to get out of this situation," commented the player, who only watched the highlights of Flamengo's draw with Internacional. "We had great opportunities to win, especially in the first half. But now we have to fix our mistakes to get out of this situation," he concluded.
PeléNet
Away from Fla for four months, Obina plans to return in July
Marcelo Ferreira
Away from the field since February 25th, when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, striker Obina is already planning his return. In the final stages of his recovery, however, the player doesn't want to rush things and only wants to return once he's fully recovered from his serious injury.
"I hope that by the middle of next month I'll be able to wear the Flamengo jersey again. I'm sticking to a schedule and I can't override it," said Obina, who also assured that he is at his ideal weight. "My weight is normal, I'm taking care of myself, and I won't have any problems when I return to playing," the player revealed.
Without their center forward, Flamengo is experiencing a difficult period regarding its other forwards. Much criticized by fans, Souza, Leonardo, and Paulo Sérgio have not impressed in recent games, and the first two have even been booed a few times for not scoring goals.
"I've been through the same situation they're going through. I was heavily criticized and managed to turn things around. I really believe in their potential and I'm sure they'll bring a lot of joy to the red-and-black fans. Just stay calm and the goals will come again," analyzed Obina.
Ney Franco doesn't celebrate 15-day break without games at Fla
Marcelo Ferreira
With the confirmation of the postponement of the classic against Vasco, previously scheduled for next Sunday, coach Ney Franco will now have 15 days to adjust the Flamengo team, which entered the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship after the sixth round.
The match against the São Januário team was rescheduled this Monday for October 16th, due to the Maracanã stadium being closed for the Pan American Games in Rio. As a result, Flamengo's next opponent in the national competition will be Atlético-MG, on July 3rd, in Belo Horizonte.
"As a coach, I'd like to play soon. After all, the only way to score points in the competition is by playing. My desire was to get on the field as soon as possible to try to get Flamengo out of this uncomfortable relegation zone situation. But we're going to make the most of this break and get our team in shape," said coach Ney Franco after Monday's training session at Gávea.
Despite being in the relegation zone, Flamengo's day consisted solely of physical assessments. Divided into groups of five, the athletes received guidance from fitness coaches and performed exercises and runs on the field.
Still recovering from a left thigh injury, midfielder Renato did not participate in the evaluation, instead performing specific physical training. Also injured, Toró and Paulinho were spared from training.
Paulinho, meanwhile, underwent an MRI scan on Monday, which revealed no calf injury, having complained of pain there for the past week. Toró, meanwhile, is recovering from pain in his right foot, caused by a blow he suffered in last Saturday's match against Inter-RS.
Rio clubs threaten to take legal action against CBF decision
After the CBF announced on its website the rescheduling of the dates of the Botafogo x Corinthians and Vasco x Flamengo games, which were to be played next weekend, the directors of the clubs involved threatened to go to court to keep the matches going ahead as previously announced.
CHANGE IN THE BRAZILIAN \ Botafogo x Corinthians June 23, 18:10 pm August 15, 20:30 pm\ Vasco x Flamengo June 24, 18:10 pm October 16, 20:30 pm,\ GAMES 1ST DATE NEW DATE\
CORINTHIANS CELEBRATES CHANGE OF 2007 BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES According to Vasco's president, Eurico Miranda, the new dates were decided unilaterally by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and this is disrespectful to the institution. He states that he intends for the classic to be held next Sunday - even if it is at São Januário.
"I haven't been officially informed about this decision, only through the press. I will seek wherever I can to seek Vasco's rights, which are being harmed by the rescheduling of this game to the second round of the Brazilian Championship. I will initially go to the sports court and, if necessary, to the ordinary court," the director declared, in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas also criticized the CBF's decision, saying he does not accept the postponement of the match against the São Paulo team and that he also intends to take legal action to maintain the game on Saturday. According to the director, the match could be held at the Edson Passos stadium in Mesquita, Rio de Janeiro, on Saturday.
"Botafogo will not accept this game not being played on Saturday. We will file a request for a court order to guarantee the match, with only the stadium being changed. The club will fight with everything it has the right to," said Bebeto de Freitas.
Coaches also dislike the change in game dates. The coaches of the Rio de Janeiro clubs whose games for next weekend were rescheduled by the CBF also criticized the decision. Brazilian Championship leader, Botafogo coach Cuca, would like the match against the second-place team to be played as soon as possible.
"I wanted to face Corinthians soon because we're in good form and they have some injured players and others in the national team. We'll meet tomorrow [Tuesday] early to decide what we're going to do, as we're going to be two weeks without a game. But I think the main loss is financial for the club," commented Cuca.
Vasco's coach, Celso Roth, also complained about the decision. According to him, the team won't benefit from the period without games, as it entered the competition after a long absence due to elimination from the Rio State Championship and the Copa do Brasil. He asserts that his players need to play.
"I don't think it helps us; we have to play. Mistakes are corrected with changes in training and matches. Vasco came off a period of inactivity, had a surge, and then lost two games, precisely because they lacked rhythm. Working is great, but in football, playing is even better," commented the Vasco manager.
Flamengo was the only club that didn't complain about the CBF's decision. Coach Ney Franco wasn't direct in his criticism either, but he expressed discomfort with this pause precisely when the club is in the relegation zone.
"Now is the time to work smart. At the very least, we won't leave the relegation zone, and then we won't have the Maracanã. But there's no point in lamenting or passing the buck. We have to get results away from home," said the Flamengo manager.
BalloonSport
Obina believes in immediate recovery
Striker says Flamengo's attack will turn things around in the Brazilian Championship
Obina gives strength to his companion Souza
Flamengo's current situation in the Brazilian Championship, currently in 17th place and well above the relegation zone, doesn't worry Obina, who is nearly recovered from his left knee injury. The center forward is confident of a quick recovery in the competition.
"The team is trying to do its best, but the results aren't coming. The championship is just starting, but it's time to fight to put the club in a better position. But I'm not worried about relegation because I trust the group," he says.
The strikers' poor form was also discussed. For Obina, his story of overcoming obstacles at the club should serve as an example for others, as in the Brasileirão only Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio have found the net, and each once.
"The attack isn't scoring many goals, but the team is. Those who are being booed now will have strength and will bounce back, like me. Souza, for example, will still bring a lot of joy to the fans," says Obina, who also assured that he is at his ideal weight.
Ney Franco fears players leaving
Coach hopes foreign clubs don't like the red-and-black players\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Ney Franco hopes Europeans forget about Flamengo's players. Juan is interested in Espanyol. Benfica wants Bruno. Everyone wants Renato Augusto. With each day he reads Flamengo news, coach Ney Franco becomes more anxious. More than signing reinforcements, he's worried about suffering blows to his spine.
"I expect not to lose any players. The European market will open up, and when they want, they can easily take any player from here," the coach declares.
The transfer window opens on Europe's Old World on July 1st. For now, speculation still dominates the news. Coach Ney Franco hopes it stays that way.
- I hope they don't like our players - he says.
Flamengo is considering losing a player during this period. To find a solution, the club is starting to make changes. On Monday, left-back Egídio returned to Gávea after a five-month loan spell with Paraná. Midfielder Vinícius Pacheco, who is still with the Paraná team, also went to Flamengo to see his teammates.
Gerson Magrão stays for another two years
Player had offers, but Ney Franco recommends automatic contract extension\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Gerson Magrão is hopeful about the new phase at Flamengo
Amid Flamengo's low spirits, Gerson Magrão's discreet smile caught everyone's attention. But he has reason to be. After a less-than-expected start to the year, the player is slowly gaining Ney Franco's trust. To make matters worse, he's been informed that his contract, which expires on the 30th, will be automatically extended for another two years.
He had a frank conversation with coach Ney Franco and was pleased with the result.
"I had some offers from Brazilian teams and asked Ney for a position. He said he wouldn't release me and was counting on me. Things are improving," says the athlete, whose new contract will run until June 2009.
Gerson Magrão was playing for Feyenoord-Holland and arrived at Flamengo with high expectations. Ney Franco even said the player had the same potential as Renato Augusto. But a poor debut against Madureira on Carnival Saturday left a negative mark on him.
"They say first impressions are lasting impressions, and that poor performance hurt me. I hadn't played left back in a long time and I didn't adapt," he says.
The following months were spent ostracized and constantly warned of dismissal. But during training, he regained Neymar's trust. In the match against Internacional, Magrão came on in the second half and played a key role in the club's first goal.
"Apart from the game against Friburguense, that was my best performance here. I played as a left-sided midfielder and performed well," says the player, who played six games for Flamengo.
Nélio admits he made a mistake in leaving Fla
Promising member of the red-black youth academy awaits proposals to continue his career\ Eduardo Orgler\
Nélio, from red-and-black promise to oblivion at CFZ, "I earned my place and threw it away." The phrase, spoken with an unmistakable tone of regret, is proof of the recognition that everything could have been different. And how. After all, there are many red-and-black fans who often ask themselves: "And what happened to that Nélio, the revelation of the youth team, what happened to him?"
The youngster who emerged as a great prospect in Flamengo's youth academy in 2001, now 23, is suffering from ostracism, training alone at the Zico Football Center (CFZ), waiting for an offer to return to the game. In May, he spent 21 days on trial at a Portuguese first division club and now hopes to be signed. The player also claims to have been approached by several Brazilian clubs to play in Serie C. However, abroad is where he sees the ideal opportunity for a fresh start:
"Nobody knows me abroad, nobody knows the problems I've had all this time. It's better, because I could start over from scratch. Here, I ended up being labeled as a player who doesn't stay with any club, and that hurt me a lot," the player explains in a telephone interview from Rio de Janeiro with GLOBOESPORTE.COM.
Hasty attitude
But, looking back, Nélio does not hesitate to recognize that he sinned due to inexperience and haste in taking Flamengo to the Labor Court when he was just 19 years old, in 2004.
"At that time, Evaristo (de Macedo, Flamengo's coach at the time) didn't want to work with the younger players. And I already had some good offers from other teams to play professionally. That messed with my head. I ended up rushing and going to court to get my release," says Nélio, an athlete from the same generation as goalkeeper Wilson, who finished runner-up in this year's Copa do Brasil with Figueirense.
By this point, the player had practically agreed to a transfer to Vasco. But, according to him, the São Januário club ultimately backed out of signing him after Flamengo learned of the deal and threatened to invest in players from the Vasco youth academy.
Nélio won his lawsuit against Flamengo, but made a counteroffer to the club. He would return his contract to Flamengo, on the condition that he be loaned to Atlético-PR. The deal was sealed, and the youngster went to Furacão, but not everything went as planned. In fact, nothing at all. He was benched for a few games in the first month, until a serious ankle injury ended his hopes of making it big with the Paraná team.
"Every day a different agent calls me. But for someone who grew up at Flamengo and got used to having the best of everything, it's difficult to deal with certain situations. Sometimes I stop and think: what am I doing here?" Nélio, 23, on the difficulty of continuing his career
Upon returning to Flamengo, he felt there was no longer room for him. Since his contract was still active, he ended up being loaned to Brasiliense in 2004, where he played in a few games during Jacaré's state title campaign.
Farewell to Gávea and high turnover
In 2004, Nélio reached an agreement to terminate his contract with Flamengo, which owed him back wages and labor rights. He played for Paraná, Cruzeiro, and Fortaleza before returning to Brasiliense, where he stayed until September 2006. He left after a disagreement with coach Lula Pereira.
"If I had waited a little longer at Flamengo, I would be in a better situation today. When you rotate too much, things start to go wrong," laments Nélio.
In early 2007, he participated in Cabofriense's entire preseason, but left the club a week before the start of the Campeonato Carioca, claiming that the starting lineup was being selected according to the interests of businessmen. Today, Nélio lives the agonizing wait for an opportunity worth pursuing. His stable financial situation still makes him think twice before accepting any offer.
"A different agent calls me every day. But for someone who grew up at Flamengo and got used to having the best of everything, it's difficult to deal with certain situations. Sometimes I stop and think: what am I doing here?" explains the bitter Nélio, referring to the difficulty of adapting to clubs where the infrastructure leaves much to be desired.
Regarding the possibility of returning to Flamengo one day, the player has no expectations.
"I know that the doors are completely closed to me there these days. Some directors from the time I terminated my contract still have great influence over the club's football. So, there's no chance whatsoever. Who knows, maybe in the future, with a different board.
To unwind, Belo Horizonte is the destination
Ney Franco announces this Tuesday a trip to the capital of Minas Gerais before the game against Galo
Eduardo Peixoto
For a team whose most of its players played in Minas Gerais, there's no better place than the capital to relax and kickstart a run in the Brazilian Championship. Starting next week, Flamengo will hold its preseason training camp in Belo Horizonte.
The coach decided to take the team out of the city and leave them in the city for their next game. The plan is to travel on the 25th. The game against Atlético-MG takes place on July 4th at Mineirão Stadium.
"The tendency is for us to leave Rio. And if we do, it will be for Belo Horizonte," says coach Ney Franco, who will speak with the athletes on Tuesday morning to inform them of the decision.
This week, the Rubro-Negro team will alternate training sessions between Gávea and Ninho do Urubu, in Vargem Grande. With no games this weekend, the coaching staff is working to schedule a practice match on Saturday.
Break puts Ney and players to the test
Fans go to Gávea and demand the departure of the coach, who remains unshakeable\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Leo Moura, Juan and Renato are on the list that fans want
The trend is set to get worse. While Flamengo currently sits 17th in the Brazilian Championship, when it returns to action on July 4th, the club could face a much harsher reality: bottom of the table, despite having played two games less.
The predictions aren't pessimistic, but realistic. Coach Ney Franco himself acknowledges that the forced stoppage caused by the postponement of the games against Vasco and Juventude could have unpleasant psychological consequences.
"I'd like to play soon. It's uncomfortable working in this relegation zone, and we know in advance that we won't get out of it and could end up in a worse situation. We're going to work on the players' mental health," the coach declared.
Requested formula: medallions and homegrown talent
Therefore, until the game against Atlético-MG, the motto is to work on the team's mental health and, why not, Neymar's own. The poor start to the Brazilian Championship has had immediate repercussions. This Monday, about ten fans gathered at Gávea to speak with the board.
They want the coach's immediate departure and demand one condition for fully supporting the team until the end of the competition: maintaining a backbone of experienced players (Bruno, Leo Moura, Juan, Renato, and Obina were mentioned) and completing the team with athletes trained at Gávea. Meanwhile, with wan smiles and heads down, the athletes underwent a physical reassessment. As you can see, the order is to start from scratch and begin a climb to put into practice the well-worn motto that "the last shall be first."
The team only plays in Rio on August 12th
A sequence of eight games away from home is an additional problem for Ney Franco\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Kléber Leite is not bothered by the long streak outside Rio
The situation in the Brazilian Championship is worrying. Stuck in the relegation zone, Flamengo has six points from the same number of rounds, and faces a long period without games in Rio de Janeiro. The next one isn't until August 12th, against Náutico.
There are eight games outside of Rio de Janeiro, six of which are not home games. The exceptions are the matches against Paraná (which Flamengo will host in Uberlândia) and América-RN (scheduled for Juiz de Fora). Not encouraging for a team in need of wins.
"My interpretation of this is that we'll also have a series of games in Rio later on. It's a one-on-one. I don't see any problem with that," downplays Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
Indeed, starting with the match against Náutico, the Red-Blacks will play a series of matches at Maracanã. By the end of September, they will have eight games at the stadium and only three away. However, if the campaign continues to suffer, this advantage could backfire.
Last Saturday, against Internacional, the fans showed a lot of impatience with the team and chanted "donkey" to coach Ney Franco.
Fla's tortuous path outside Rio:
Opponent Day Location\ 03/07 Atlético-MG Mineirão\ 07/07 São Paulo Morumbi\ 19/7 Paraná Sabiá Park (Uberlândia-MG)\ 22/7 Grêmio Olympic\ 25/7 América-RN Mario Helênico (Juiz de Fora-MG)\ 29/7 Corinthians Pacaembu\ 05/08 Santos Vila Belmiro\ 09/08 Atlético-PR Baixada Arena\
Throw
Obina doesn't want to skip steps to return
Striker finds it difficult to play against Atlético Mineiro on July 4th
Obina is close to returning to play (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
Having been out of action since February 25th, when he tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee, Obina is close to returning to action. Flamengo's center forward is eager to return, but rules out playing without being at 100% fitness.
"I'm anxious and dying to get back. I think I'll be back in mid-July, I'm looking forward to it. I'm giving it my all in this final stretch of my recovery, but I can't rush things. It's very difficult to play against Atlético Mineiro, because I want to return to full fitness," said Obina, referring to the July 4th match at Mineirão.
The center forward also guaranteed that he is not choosing a place to play again and that the red-black fans do not need to worry, as he has a good weight.
Ney does not rule out Léo Moura as a supporter
The full-back has been standing out when playing more centrally
After a great run at Flamengo, Léo Moura's form has dipped. However, he's been playing well in recent matches in a different role than usual. It's in midfield that the former right-back has been shining, as in the 2-2 draw against Internacional, when he provided a beautiful pass for Juan to score.
Coach Ney Franco does not rule out using Léo Moura as a midfielder, but emphasizes that he prefers him on the wing.
"Léo has the quality to play in midfield; he's shown he can eventually be used in that position. He could even be a good option, but he's a right-back," commented Ney Franco.
With Renato Augusto, who is with the U-20 national team, absent, the coach has options for midfield: Léo Lima and Gérson Magrão, or he could deploy a striker deeper. Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio would be these options.
Ney Franco decides this Tuesday whether Fla travels
The team can carry out training periods in Minas Gerais, at the Cruzeiro training center
Flamengo could travel next week to Belo Horizonte, where they would train at Cruzeiro's training center, with a view to the match on July 3rd against Atlético Mineiro, at Mineirão.
Coach Ney Franco will decide the team's schedule this Tuesday, but has already said that he intends to use the time without games to adjust the team.
"I'm going to work on tactics and pressure marking, which isn't working, especially at Maracanã. It will also be good for recovering injured players. When I know who will be available, I'll define the formation," said Ney Franco, who plans to play a training match next Saturday.
The coach also commented that the period without games could leave the team in last place, which would be psychologically bad.
"During this period without training, we have to accept criticism and be strong enough to overcome it. Only victories will get us out of this situation," he added.
Ney Franco says he can see an immediate reaction
But he regrets the fact that he will be 16 days without playing in the Brasileirão!
Flamengo is still trying to pick up the pieces and prepare for improvement in the Brazilian Championship. The club has only one win in the competition and suffered two losses, conceding four goals. But that doesn't discourage coach Ney Franco, who still believes in an immediate comeback from the Red-Blacks:
"The important thing is to have a good outlook. The best way to get out of this situation is to come back to the field and do quality work. We hope the players currently in the medical department recover soon so we can build the team. Flamengo has the potential to do better in the table; I can see an immediate reaction. Unfortunately, we won't play in the next two rounds; we have to figure out how to work during the 16 days away from the field," said the manager.
The club will not play any matches for the next two weeks due to the closure of the Maracanã stadium for the Pan American Games. The team will only return on July 4th, against Atlético-MG, in Minas Gerais.
Renato Augusto will not be cut from the U-20 team
Supporter Renato Augusto returned to training with the ball this Monday in Teresópolis
Supporter Renato Augusto returned to training with the ball this Monday at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, where the Brazilian U-20 team is preparing for the World Cup in that category, in Canada.
He has been working on his progression, supervised by physical trainer Paulo Camelo, and should not be at risk of being cut.
Fla does not give up on building a stadium in Gávea
Interest in Engenhão will not rule out an arena project at the club's headquarters
Flamengo will also enter the race to manage Engenhão, the stadium built for the Pan American Games, which will open later this month. But anyone who thinks that club president Marcio Braga has given up on his plans for the stadium-cum-shopping center in Gávea is mistaken. The new arena is seen by the club's president as an alternative for large-scale games, similar to the Maracanã.
"If they announce that the arena project at our headquarters will be shelved, I won't even go to Engenhão. One thing has nothing to do with the other. I haven't even seen the venue yet," said Marcio Braga, who didn't send representatives to the City Hall's last visit to the stadium, which was accompanied by Fluminense, a club that, like Botafogo, is interested in the Engenhão.
Márcio Braga will tour the Engenhão stadium this week. His visit will be scheduled by Rio de Janeiro City Hall's Secretary of Public Works, Eider Dantas. Braga said he will bring a delegation of technicians, engineers, and architects involved in the Gávea stadium project to assess the Engenhão stadium.
"Before I say anything, I need to get to know the venue well. Flamengo is currently interested in considering the Engenhão stadium as an alternative for most games, but we won't give up on the Gávea stadium," he assured.