THE GLOBE
Kleberson: 'Now I want the Brazilian Championship' \ Midfielder Yves, formerly of Vasco, will undergo a trial period at Flamengo \ ADRIANO AND HIS friend Yves leave Gávea after morning training \ Marcos Penido \ Nothing like winning a major title like the Confederations Cup to renew your spirit and determination. A world champion with the Brazilian national team at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and the 2004 Copa América, Kleberson's new dream is to win the Brazilian Championship with Flamengo. \ "Now I want the Brazilian Championship. I'm very motivated and I think it's the best way to get another chance with the national team," said Kleberson. \ Although he has his own personal goal, the midfielder doesn't forget his teammates: \ "There are people here who can be called up. It's not just me. It's a good squad." While he was with the Brazilian national team, the red-and-black team played four times, achieving one win, one draw, and two losses. Kleberson has an explanation: "When I arrived at Flamengo, I hadn't played for almost a year. I struggled to get back into the swing of things and earn a place on the team. The team eventually found its feet. Similarly, when I left, there was a slight imbalance. But the group is strong and will go after the Brazilian title." Cuca will monitor Yves' performance. Midfielder Yves underwent a medical yesterday. Former Vasco player, the player played in the State Championship for Mesquita, which was eventually relegated. He then became unemployed and was training with a private fitness coach. A friend of Adriano's, the player received important support to at least be evaluated at Flamengo. The final decision will be made by coach Cuca. In the game against Fluminense last Sunday, we didn't have any midfielders on the bench. I've seen Yves play well before. I'll watch him and hope he fits in with the group. Yves left Gávea accompanied by Adriano. The striker trained diligently in the morning and afternoon. According to vice president of football, Kleber Leite, at Flamengo, no player recommends another player for a signing: "Football doesn't have a godfather. The guy is either good or he's not." The director continues working to find a way to pay Porto approximately R$11 million to keep Ibson. Otherwise, the player will play his last match for Flamengo against Vitória on Saturday at Engenhão: "I hope to have a definitive word on this matter on Friday." The club presents its new uniform today. Olympikus, the club's new sports equipment supplier, presents the new red-and-black uniforms today at a party in Gávea. For three months, the company will print the "Olympikus Tube" brand on the shirts. With this, the board can work calmly in search of new sponsorships.
Basketball \ Bonfire of vanities burns at Fla \ Areias, former vice president of Olympic Sports, criticizes Márcio Braga's attitudes \ PIVOT OF THE CONTROVERSY: Patrícia Amorim (left) participates in the presentation of the basketball trophy to the red-black team \ Claudio Nogueira \ João Henrique Areias, who resigned on Sunday as vice president of Olympic Sports at Flamengo, stated that he will not accept the invitation from president Márcio Braga to be paid superintendent of the future Fla-Olímpico Institute, which must be approved by the club's board, so that the sports (except football) have their own administration and budget. \ Márcio wants the institute to have former Vice President of Olympic Sports Patrícia Amorim as honorary president and Areias as superintendent. The crisis threatens basketball, a national bi-national, and other sports. Areias said no to the invitation. \ - That would be compensation for me being supposedly jealous of his gesture. I'm not childish - said Areias, who had drawn up the Fla-Olímpico project, at the request of the presidency. - There's zero chance I'll work with Márcio again. I'm not coming back. He doesn't recognize that he made a mistake. \ Patrícia says she doesn't know what the Fla-Olímpico Institute is \ Areias and Márcio collided on Sunday, on the court at the Arena Multiuso, during the awards ceremony for the basketball team, which won the national title twice in its victory over Brasília. The president's gesture of inviting Patrícia Amorim, who had put together the team, to the podium ceremony caused havoc. Areias felt that he and his volunteers - who worked for free in the sport - were neglected. \ - Márcio is disrespecting me. He should have called Patrícia and me or someone from my team, people who worked for free for five months - he declared, who managed to get sponsorships for the basketball team, paid overdue salaries, brought salaries up to date and even made it possible for the team to use the racetrack arena. \ Areias announced that he will take a month off and write a book. Now, he's open to offers even from rival teams in Rio de Janeiro, as he's a marketing professional. He also has an invitation to work for a city in the Northeast (Fortaleza, Natal, Recife or Salvador) that will host games in the 2014 World Cup. \ Márcio resumes the presidency today, after having taken a leave of absence due to health problems: \ - We need to give it time. Resuming the position, I must release a note about the Olympics and Areias. As for Patricia, I'll invite her. Everything will work out in due time. The best person for the superintendent position is Areias, by far. Flamengo is eternal. The rest is all temporary. \ If the president wants Patrícia at the institute, he will have to explain to her what it is about. Patrícia has been working for a few months with 25 former champion athletes in the formation of the Instituto Atleta Rubro-Negro, whose objective is to take care of the youth teams. \ - I don't know the idea of Fla-Olímpico. I had never heard of it. Nobody invited me, and I don't know what to say - she said, honored to have received the basketball trophy. - I assembled the team and faced a lot of resistance at the club. Now, instead of celebrating, we are in this controversy. \ With Areias' departure, Marcos Braz, who had already been working as his assistant, took over as interim. \
FLA VOLLEYBALL \ With a youth team seeking a better future on the court, Flamengo makes its debut in the National Men's Volleyball League today. The competition is worth two spots in the 09/10 Men's Superliga. Flamengo faces Climed/Atibaia (SP) at 16 p.m. in Group A of Group V. Three other Rio teams are in the group: Tijuca Tênis Clube, Voltaço, and Unipli. The matches will take place at the Canto do Rio gymnasium in Niterói.\
Fernando Calazans
Today and tomorrow we'll have parties at Flamengo. Today is lunch at the Gávea headquarters to unveil the new uniform, which the team will debut on Saturday against Vitória. And tomorrow, starting at 19 p.m., at the Livraria da Travessa in the Gávea Shopping Mall, Maquinária Editora will launch the book "Pentatri - The History of Flamengo's Five Three-Time Rio Championships," written by Paschoal Ambrósio Filho. Evaristo, Leandro, Andrade, Petkovic, Fábio Luciano, Kléberson, and Emerson are confirmed to be in attendance.
SPORTS JOURNAL
With a good performance from Zé Roberto, Fla wins training match this Tuesday
After re-presentation, Cuca commanded the reserves against Cardoso Moreira
Rio de Janeiro - After a 0-0 draw against Fluminense last Sunday at the Maracanã, Flamengo returned to action on Tuesday, and coach Cuca led a training match with the reserves against Cardoso Moreira, who will play in the Carioca Second Division in the second half of the year. Flamengo won 2-0 with Zé Roberto scoring the first goal and starting the play for the second, which was scored by Alex Cruz. The new additions were Ronaldo Angelim, who served a suspension against Fluminense, and Kléberson, who returned from South Africa, where he was in the group that won the Confederations Cup. Coach Cuca named the team with: Marcelo Lomba, Everton Silva, Aírton and Ronaldo Angelim; Fierro, Kleberson, Camacho (Bruno Mezenga), Petkovic (Erick Flores) and Jorbison; Zé Roberto and Aleílson (Alex Cruz). The training match lasted about 75 minutes.\ The starting players did a physical training session in the afternoon.\ Coach Cuca gained a reinforcement for the rest of the Brazilian Championship. Midfielder Rômulo returned after a loan spell at Figueirense and did laps of the field.\
Kléberson returns to Fla eager to score goals
Rio de Janeiro - Kléberson is enjoying his best form. Fresh from South Africa after winning the Confederations Cup with Brazil, the midfielder returned to Flamengo this Tuesday, eager to help the Red-Blacks win the Brazilian Championship. "It was a very friendly reunion; I'm happy to be back at Flamengo and be able to help. I have a week to help the team," says the midfielder, who was sidelined for Brazil's national team matches in South Africa. Asked if his return to the Gávea club will change, Kléberson says the only thing that's changed is his desire to play. "The only thing that's changed is my desire to come back and play. I want to be able to train hard so I can help." On a high note, Kléberson could be transferred to other clubs, even international ones. But the midfielder says he's staying with Flamengo. "Speculation will surface now, but I have a contract with Flamengo until 2010, and my goal is to be Brazilian champion. Especially for the fans, who deserve it," he says. Kléberson wants to help Flamengo remain the best team in Rio. The club is in 7th place in the Brazilian Championship table with 11 points.
John Areosa
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Red-black on top areosa@jsports.com.br There are days when inspiration just doesn't strike. Days when words come out with difficulty, painfully, as if they didn't want to be written. A kind of literary strike that leaves the columnist without a father or mother, stumbling over verbs, stepping on pronouns, and kicking adverbs.\ The topics? Well, those run like the devil from the cross and are hard to reach.\ I got lucky today. I was in this fight when I received a helping hand from an old teammate from Leme, the red-and-black José Roberto Rocha, known as Budi, who arrived in my mailbox with a gift that I'm sharing with the reader. It was in Jornal dos Sports this Tuesday, June 23: "Clube de Regatas Flamengo permanently put its name in the history of Maracanã by becoming the first team to reach 1.000 victories, defeating Internacional in the seventh round of the 2009 Brazilian Championship. It took Rubro-Negro 59 years to achieve this historic feat." - In other words, - Budi continues - as if the other indicators of absolute superiority weren't enough, such as five-time Carioca champion, 31 Carioca champion titles, five-time Brazilian champion, world champion in Tokyo, Libertadores champion (Vasco also has that), the only Carioca team that has never played in the second, much less the THIRD DIVISION, the largest fan base (by a landslide 58% against 17% of Vasco), and now this: the first team to reach 1.000 wins and make history at the Maracanã. I admit it's tough to take!\ -Of course, every now and then Flamengo loses,\ - my friend observes, - because that's part of the game. For example, if Flamengo loses in the next Fla-Flu, this doesn't change in any way the superiority expressed in the indicators mentioned above. In other words, thinking a little bigger, not game by game, which is something for fans of small teams, but in light of the indicators over time, in Rio de Janeiro, the only option left for the other teams is to keep watching Flamengo, rooting against them, to have some eventual fleeting compensation in the face of such evident superiority. Because the indicators are indisputable and conclusive; in Rio de Janeiro, it's FLAMENGO and the others.\ Here comes the columnist to say one, see you Wednesday, reader.\ |
THE DAY
Cuca counts on Zé Roberto
Rio - The club's management seemed unwilling to keep Zé Roberto. Kléber Leite said negotiations with Botafogo were still ongoing and admitted that the club could cover part of the midfielder's salary if he joined Botafogo, but Cuca emphasized that he intends to keep the player. "Zé Roberto is important to us. Besides the Brazilian Championship, there's also the Copa Sudamericana. We'll need players in our squad for both competitions. However, if the negotiation goes through, I won't get in the way," said the coach. "Zé Roberto is still in Cuca's plans, yes. He spoke with the coach recently and should be available for Saturday's game," revealed Antônio Garrido, Zé Roberto's agent, who has not yet received an official offer from Botafogo.
Olimpikus will be announced with a party
Rio - Flamengo will present its new sports equipment supplier, Olympikus, today at a luncheon and fashion show featuring the new uniforms for both the home and away teams. Adriano's jersey number is expected to be announced, as well as details on how the majority of the Emperor's salary will be paid, as well as the campaigns that will be run with the striker. Informal polls indicate that number 9 had an advantage over number 10 in the fan vote. New Olympikus signs were already being installed on the Gávea pitch yesterday.
'Cordless phone' causes interference
Recommended by his friend Adriano, midfielder Yves, formerly of Vasco, arrives for trials at the club and causes immense confusion in the inconsistent discourse of the red-black management.
BY JANIR JUNIOR, RIO DE JANEIRO
Adriano plays carrion on the Gávea lawn
Rio - On the Gávea pitch yesterday morning, players performed relaxed exercises, such as jumping jacks. Off the field, Yves caused a sort of "Chicken Claw" situation. Recommended by Adriano, the former Vasco and Mesquita midfielder underwent medical examinations at the club without the knowledge of the football leadership. Cuca said it wasn't the striker's recommendation; shortly after, vice president of football Kléber Leite revealed that the coach had received a request from the Emperor for the player to be monitored, but was unaware that the athlete was already at the club; meanwhile, businessman Paulo Ricart assured Kléber that his client had signed a contract until the end of the year; acting president Delair Dumbrosck called Kléber to find out who the new signing was; that evening, after a meeting, the vice president of football put an end to the information cycle: according to him, Yves will be monitored for two weeks and, if approved, could join the squad.
Do you see any problem with one player recommending another to the team, like Adriano did with Yves at Flamengo?"He's not signed. Cuca told me in the locker room that Adriano asked to observe a player, I assume it's this one. He wore the jersey, but didn't train. He underwent tests, because if an athlete goes on the field and has a heart attack, it's our fault. Delair called me to find out who signed the player. He said only if there was another vice president of football, because I wasn't there. Yves will be observed, just like we did with other players," declared Kléber Leite. This morning, Yves' agent, Paulo Ricart, stated clearly: "He signed a contract until the end of the year." Yves wore a training uniform with the number 13, but perhaps he was hoping for better luck. In recent weeks, the player has attended several training sessions with Adriano, a longtime friend. Yesterday, the two left the club arm in arm and drove away together. Communication between the coaching staff and management seemed to lack direction. "It wasn't Adriano's doing," said Cuca. The coach may not have known that shortly afterward, Kléber Leite would confirm the recommendation. "Yves had been offered, and we had good observations of him. Furthermore, he could be an alternative in the absence of defensive midfielders. I hope he does well enough to fit into the group. For now, he'll be evaluated," Cuca explained. When Yves arrived at the club yesterday morning, football manager Isaías Tinoco informed Cuca about the observation period. In the afternoon, the defensive midfielder returned to Gávea to continue his tests. On Monday, football director Plínio Serpa Pinto said he didn't know the player and that the chance of him being signed was zero. Yesterday, Plínio maintained his position. Oblivious, Yves gave the thumbs-up sign and wore the smile of a child on the day Gávea had carrion and cordless phones.
Former captain visits Gávea
Rio - Former player Fábio Luciano was in Gávea yesterday afternoon to see teammates and talk to managers. The former Flamengo captain is beginning to invest in a career as a player agent. EVOLUTION OF THE GRINGOPetkovic is training hard to regain his match fitness. Cuca believes the foreigner is improving. "He's improving. More than just physical fitness, he needs match fitness," the coach said. FRIEND OFFER\ Relegated by Bayern Munich, defender Lúcio received an informal invitation from the Flamengo midfielder. "I joked with him. I said that if he wants Flamengo, they're available (laughs)," revealed Kléberson.\ DUO WITH EMPERORStriker Dênis Marques, who will be introduced on Monday, is already dreaming of forming a partnership with Emperor Adriano. "Adriano is a great player, it would be great to play with him," said the new signing.
Flamengo wins training match against Cardoso Moreira
Rio - After a strenuous morning training session, Flamengo's squad returned to training this Tuesday afternoon at Gávea Stadium. The coaching staff is preparing the team for their next Brazilian Championship match, Saturday, against Vitória at Engenhão Stadium.
While the starting players worked on their fitness, the rest of the squad participated in a training match against Cardoso Moreira. Flamengo took to the field with: Marcelo Lomba; Everton Silva, Airton, Ronaldo Angelim, and Jorbison; Kleberson, Guilherme Camacho (Bruno Mezenga), Fierro and Petkovic (Erick Flores); Zé Roberto and Aleílson (Alex Cruz). Flamengo won 2-0, with goals from Zé Roberto and Alex Cruz.
Midfielder Rômulo, who was on loan to Figueirense, has been reinstated to the squad. He's been playing laps around the field and is another option for coach Cuca for the Brazilian Championship.
Players do physical training in Gávea
Flamengo's squad returned to training in Gávea on Tuesday morning. Led by fitness coach Alexandre Sanz, the group ran laps of the field and did circuits. Afterwards, the players "turned into kids" and jumped over the carcass. The team will train again in the afternoon.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Conmebol announces South American draw for Friday
Asunción (Paraguay)
CONMEBOL announced on Tuesday that the draw for the Copa Sudamericana will be held next Friday in Asunción, Paraguay. The competition will run from August to December.
Internacional, the champion of last year's tournament, is the first Brazilian team to qualify. Also representing Brazil will be Flamengo, Coritiba, Goiás, Botafogo, Vitória, Atlético-MG, Fluminense, and Atlético-PR. The title leads to the final of the Recopa Sudamericana, against the Libertadores champion.
The other teams guaranteed in the Copa Sudamericana are Boca Juniors and River Plate (Argentina); Unión Española (Chile); La Equidad and Deportivo Cali (Colombia); Cienciano and Alianza Atlético de Sullana (Peru); and Deportivo Anzoátegui (Venezuela).
Leaning against Flamengo, Zé Roberto is once again close to Botafogo
Rio de Janeiro - RJ)
Midfielder Zé Roberto's name returned, and with a vengeance, to Botafogo's transfer list this Tuesday. This is because a contact between Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, and André Silva, who holds the same position at the club, has left the situation well underway.
In the contact, Rubro-negro agreed to pay part of the player's salary, who has not been used by Flamengo coach Cuca.
Conversely, Antônio Garrido, Zé Roberto's attorney, said he wasn't informed of any agreement between the clubs and asserts that the midfielder is also unaware of anything. However, in his speech, the agent makes it clear that the chances of this happening are high if an agreement is reached between the teams.
"I'm hearing about this story through the press, because no one from Botafogo contacted me and I wasn't notified by Flamengo. But this possibility isn't ruled out, because Zé Roberto owes a lot to Botafogo, as it was there that he was voted one of the best midfielders in the 2007 Brazilian Championship, transferring to European football. If there is an agreement between the clubs and the approval of Schalke 04 (owner of the athlete's federation rights) I don't see any problem with that," said Garrido, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Difficulties in closing with reinforcements
Botafogo's board has been working hard to sign reinforcements, but is encountering difficulties in the market, even with the support of an investment fund, which has already raised around R$5 million to invest in the squad.
Furthermore, the possibility of some athletes from the current squad being released to reduce the payroll, thus opening up space for new signings, is not ruled out.
"We are working with all possible scenarios, and Botafogo fans can be sure that quality reinforcements will be signed, as we currently have a structure that allows us to pay on time. The market is challenging, especially at this time. But we know that the Brazilian Championship table doesn't wait. We are constantly evaluating the players in our squad, and if we believe someone needs to be released to pursue another career, that will be done," stated André Silva.
Ibson is far away, but Fla still concentrates its efforts
Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Flamengo's board will focus its efforts on permanently acquiring the federation rights of midfielder Ibson, who is on loan from Porto, from the Gávea club until Saturday. The Portuguese club, who have ruled out any possibility of extending the loan, are seeking around R$12 million to permanently release the midfielder.
Over the past few weeks, Flamengo's football department has held meetings with partners and business groups. However, all these meetings helped the Rio de Janeiro club secure R$4 million by Monday night, about 33% of Porto's asking price for Ibson.
Still on the subject of reinforcements, striker Dennis Marques, who was playing in Japanese football, will only be joining on Monday. The player has given interviews stating that he is in good physical shape and is ready to help the team.
As for the departures from Gávea, Fla is studying the possibility of releasing midfielder Zé Roberto to Botafogo by paying part of his salary, as this would allow him to reduce his payroll a little.
Off the field, this Tuesday marked the Flamengo squad's last training session using Nike sportswear. Starting this Wednesday, under a new contract, the athletes will use equipment from the club's new soccer supplier, Olympikus.
Kléberson returns to Flamengo and is 'scheduled' to face Vitória
Gazeta Press - Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Flamengo's squad returned this Tuesday morning for physical training, and in addition to the addition of Yves, another new addition was the presence of midfielder Kléberson, who was on duty with the Brazilian national team at the Confederations Cup. The player was very excited about the warm welcome from his teammates and is looking forward to participating in next Saturday's match at 18:30 pm (Brasília time) against Vitória at the Engenhão stadium.
"The reunion with the squad was very friendly, with the Flamengo group welcoming me very warmly, as always," celebrated the champion of the tournament in South Africa with Brazil. "The atmosphere here is very good and now I want to be able to work well this week to help the team against Vitória," he said.
Kléberson assured that he is in good physical condition to play against the Bahia team, even though he had few opportunities to play for the Brazilian national team during almost a month of service to the team led by Dunga.
"Physically, I'm in good enough shape to play. The only thing that's changed during this period is my desire to play, which has become even stronger. It's really tough not to play, but I'm very happy to have returned to the national team and I hope I made a good impression on Dunga so I can get another opportunity," added the five-time World Cup winner in 2002.
PELENET
After winning the national title, Kleberson dreams of winning the Brazilian Championship
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Kleberson's return to the Brazilian national team couldn't have gone better. In his first call-up of the 'Dunga Era,' the midfielder, a World Cup winner in 2002, won the Confederations Cup. However, despite his goal of playing in the World Cup in South Africa, he has only one thought at the moment: helping Flamengo win the Brazilian title. "It was great to celebrate another title with the national team, but now I want to be a Brazilian champion with Flamengo. A title like that strengthens me, the team, and the club. I have goals, and the Brazilian Championship and the World Cup are next," the player stated. "We always dream of playing in a World Cup. I played in one when I was 22, and it left a lasting impression on me. When you have the chance to dream again, the motivation is even greater. But it will depend on what I do at the club," he added. After about a month away from Gávea, Kleberson celebrated seeing his teammates again this Tuesday at the squad's reunion. The midfielder admitted he was missing it. "I'm back to continue the work here and live up to expectations to earn a place in 2010. It's always nice to come back like this, after leaving like it was, with everyone cheering for me and coming back with a title. I'm very happy to have represented Flamengo so well. I was missing the people, the atmosphere here," he concluded. In addition to Kléberson, coach Cuca will have the return of defender Ronaldo Angelim, who was suspended, for this Saturday's match against Vitória, at 18:30 p.m., at Engenhão, for the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship. With 11 points, Rubro-Negro is in seventh place.
Cuca still wants Zé Roberto at Flamengo; Yves trains with the group
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Botafogo has been floating the possibility of re-signing Zé Roberto. In fact, reports suggest the midfielder is very close to returning to the club. However, on Tuesday, coach Cuca decided to "water down the ante" and announced that he intends to continue counting on the player at Gávea until the end of the year.
"Zé Roberto is important to us. In addition to the Brazilian Championship, there's also the Copa Sudamericana. We'll need players in our squad for both competitions. However, if negotiations happen, I won't get in the way, but he has a lot to help us here at Flamengo," Cuca emphasized.\ In addition to talking about Zé Roberto, the Flamengo coach also praised the signing of Yves, who was recommended by striker Adriano. The midfielder, formerly of Vasco and who played in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship for Mesquita, trained with his new teammates for the first time this Tuesday. "Yves played well in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, he was offered a role and has been maintaining his form. We'll evaluate him, but I think he can fit within what we need for the group. In the last game, for example, we didn't have a midfielder on the bench. With him playing well, he's an alternative," he concluded. In the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo returns to the field on Saturday to face Vitória, at 18:30 pm, at Engenhão. With 11 points, the Rubro-Negro is in seventh place. Cuca will have the return of defender Ronaldo Angelim, who was suspended, and midfielder Kléberson, who was with the Brazilian national team.
Denis Marques is already aiming for a starting spot at Fla and says he is fulfilling his dream.
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's newest signing, Denis Marques, will report to the training ground next Monday, full of energy and eager to earn a spot in the forward line alongside Adriano. The player has promised to work hard to please coach Cuca and fulfill a childhood dream.
"I'm going to work hard to show my coach that I can play. I've dreamed of shining for Flamengo since I was little, and this is a great opportunity for me," he added. "Adriano is a great player, with a history in Brazil and Europe, no need to say anything. And it would be great to play with him. But we'll see what the coach decides," he added. A reserve at Omiya Ardija in Japan, Denis Marques isn't going through the best of times. Even so, he assures he's in top physical condition and ready to make good on the investment made by the Gávea club. "I know my responsibility and I'll do everything I can to live up to it. I'm in good physical shape and eager to play and help my new teammates," he told Sportv. Before agreeing to his move to Japan, Denis Marques rose to prominence in Brazilian football playing for Atlético-PR, particularly in 2006 and 2007. The 28-year-old forward will be unveiled next Monday at Gávea.
GLOBOESPORTE
Champion on Sunday, Flamengo dominates the NBB's best team awards
Marcelinho is elected the best player and also the fans' favorite
Fernando Poffo São Paulo
Marcelinho, absolute highlight of the awards: winger takes home four awards
Flamengo, champion of the New Basketball Brazil (NBB) last Sunday, was the biggest winner at the closing ceremony of the competition, held this Tuesday, at Clube Pinheiros, in São Paulo. \ The Rio club took home eight awards: four just for Marcelinho (best of the championship, fans' favorite - SporTV, best forward and top scorer), as well as best attack, coach of the year, best center and best sixth man.\
In the championship team, Flamengo included, in addition to Marcelinho, center Baby, coach Paulo Chupeta, and the year's best reserve, the diminutive Fred. The team chosen by journalists and coaches also includes center Murilo (Minas Gerais), forward Alex (Brasília), and point guard Larry (Bauru).
Check out the best images from the red-and-black party at the NBB awards ceremony
An absolute highlight at the awards, Marcelinho said he was living the best moment of his career.
"This excess baggage is everything, it's gold, right? It's the best moment of my career, without a doubt. I dedicate myself a lot to basketball, so this moment is very special to me. Because of the transformation that's happening in basketball. And being a champion with Flamengo is like nothing else. An unprecedented two-time champion, then! The South American championship, also unprecedented..." said Marcelinho, brimming with awards.
Marcelinho, Murilo, Fred, Baby, Alex and Chupeta with the NBB best trophies
Awarded the best pivot of the competition, Baby didn't forget to remember his red-and-black teammates.
"I was surprised by the award, but you have to always remember that individual achievements are only possible because of the collective. And our fans, our sixth or seventh player, deserved a trophy the size of that big one over there," he said, pointing to the championship trophy.
Brasília's star player, runner-up, and a contender for the title of best defender, Alex came away with the title of best defender. The winger hopes the competition will grow in the next edition. "We had a very good season, with many teams having the chance to be champions. From the qualifying round to the final, there was a lot of competition, and we achieved an impressive average attendance. I'm happy because I did well and was able to help my team win an important competition, like the Liga das Américas, and reach the NBB final. I hope this year serves as a lesson for us to improve even more next season," he explained.
See all the night's award winners below:
Best player: Marcelinho (Flamengo)
Shipowner: Larry (Bauru) \ Alas: Alex (Brasília) and Marcelinho (Flamengo)\ Pivots: Baby (Flamengo) and Murilo (Minas)\ Best defender: Alex (Brasilia)\ Best technician: Paulo Chupeta (Flamengo)\ Best sixth man: Fred (Flamengo)\ The star of the crowd- SporTV Trophy: Marcelinho (Flamengo)\ basket: Marcelinho (Flamengo) \ Rebounder: Shilton (Joinville)\ Leader in assistance: Sucatzky (Minas)\ Best attack: Flamengo \ Best defense: Joinville\ Fair-play: Bauru \ Best refereeing trio: Cristiano Maranho, Sergio Pacheco and Carlos Renato dos Santos\
A mirror for his teammates, Kleberson promises to 'always stay on track'
Once again champion with the national team, the midfielder wants to use lessons learned in favor of Flamengo and uses the Brazilian title as a passport to the 2010 World Cup.
Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro
For Kleberson, the Brazilian title would seal his place in the World Cup in South Africa
Wearing shorts and flip-flops, Kleberson returned to Flamengo this Tuesday, the permanent smile on his face evidencing his satisfaction with the turnaround his career had seen in just six months. From a reserve in the fateful Guanabara Cup campaign to a regular starter and scorer of two goals in the State Championship final, the midfielder returned to the Brazilian national team with renewed energy. Normally shy and quiet, he didn't hold back from talking to his teammates about his Confederations Cup experience and has firmly established himself as one of the squad's leaders. With the experience of someone who has won every major title wearing the canarinho jersey (he also lifted the 2002 World Cup and the 2004 Copa América), Kleberson wants to use his story as motivation for the red-and-blacks and uses the decisive match of the competition in South Africa as a first lesson for the rest of the Brasileirão. "I'm 30 years old, and experience is very important. Especially because of what happened in the last Confederations Cup match." We were 2-0 down and managed to turn the game around. It's always nice to see the kids following along day-to-day. I try to treat everyone equally. One day they'll be in that situation, maybe even better. \ Back in Gávea, the player assures he's not thinking about leaving Flamengo anytime soon. Aware of the risks of a move so close to the World Cup, Kleberson reinforced that returning to Africa in 2010 is a goal, which involves winning the Brazilian title.\
"I work my career toward goals. When I returned, all I thought about was representing Flamengo well and, within that, returning to the national team. Thank God, I achieved that. We know that players always shine. In 2002, I was called up in the year of the World Cup. What a player does for the club matters. I will always stay on track. I'm very happy at Flamengo and want to be a Brazilian champion."
While on international duty, the midfielder assured that he hadn't left Rubro-Negro behind, admitting that the team missed him, but celebrating the comeback. "I followed everything and suffered just like the other players. This demonstrates the character of our group, which was developing and managed to hold its own. I'm a little sorry because it took me a while to settle in. The team may have suffered from his absence. But soon after, we returned and beat Inter 4-0." Without Kleberson, Flamengo played four matches and won only one, against Internacional.
Reserves beat Cardoso Moreira in a friendly, and Yves reappears at the club
Zé Roberto and Alex Cruz scored the goals in the 2-0 victory over the Rio de Janeiro team from the second division. The midfielder returned to Gávea for tests.
Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro
After the team's physical training sessions in the morning, Flamengo split the group up for the afternoon training session. While the starters resumed training without the ball, the reserves played a practice match against Cardoso Moreira, who are preparing for the Second Division of the Campeonato Carioca.
Bolstered by starters Aírton, Ronaldo Angelim, and Kleberson, who didn't play against Fluminense, the red-and-blacks won 2-0, with goals from Zé Roberto and Alex Cruz. Cuca fielded Lomba, Everton Silva, Aírton, Ronaldo Angelim, and Jorbson; Kleberson, Fierro, Petkovic, and Guilherme Camacho; and Zé Roberto and Aleílson. Despite the club's lack of knowledge, midfielder Yves, announced by Cuca for a trial period on Tuesday, was at the club to continue his medical. The player, however, never even stepped onto the pitch at Gávea. With 11 points, Flamengo is seventh in the Brazilian Championship and faces Vitória on Saturday at 18:30 p.m. at Engenhão in the ninth round of the competition.
'Zé Roberto is still part of Cuca's plans,' says the player's agent
However, the board is open to negotiations with the attacking midfielder. Kleber Leite doesn't rule out a deal between Flamengo and Botafogo to split the player's salary.
Cahê Mota and Fabrício Costa Rio de Janeiro
Zé Roberto (right) should be used by Cuca next Sunday
A player of interest to Botafogo for the Brazilian Championship, Zé Roberto is divided about his future. Despite not being used at Flamengo, the attacking midfielder had a frank conversation with the Flamengo coach this week. And it was agreed that the player will have other opportunities to prove himself. This is what the player's agent, Antônio Garrido, guarantees. "Zé Roberto is still part of Cuca's plans. He spoke with the coach these days and should be used on Sunday. The player didn't play last match because he asked to sit out. He had just had his wisdom tooth removed and wasn't feeling well," assured Zé Roberto's agent, who has not yet received an official offer from Botafogo.
On the other hand, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, didn't rule out the possibility of the club sharing the attacking midfielder's salary with Glorioso. "For now, nothing's decided. It depends on some negotiations, but it could be," the director said. Meanwhile, director of football, Plínio Serpa Pinto, said the chance of this happening is "zero," but admits that Flamengo could accept a deal involving the player. Zé Roberto has been underutilized by Cuca, who adopted a politically correct tone when commenting on the situation. "If he's not getting the opportunity, soon he'll play one or two good games and gain some respect. We have to be patient. But I'll never oppose a good deal for him or anyone else," the coach stated.
Cuca celebrates Pet and Adriano's progress
According to the coach, Imperador has been participating more in games because he's lighter. As for Denis Marques, he prefers to be cautious.
Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro
Adriano jokes with Ibson during Flamengo training
Having won the jerseys of major clubs both nationally and internationally, Adriano and Petkovic attracted attention upon their arrival at Flamengo more for their physical form than for their performance with the ball. Being overweight, the Emperor raised doubts about his performance, while the foreigner, lean but out of action for six months, faced distrust even from the board and coaching staff. The current situation, however, is different, and Cuca clearly expresses his satisfaction with the duo. For the coach, Adriano's physical development has even been reflected in the player's increased participation during matches. "When a player feels better, he seeks more contact with the ball, which has been stopping much more in front of him. This is crucial. We have the momentum. The tendency is for him to move more."
Petkovic played his second match on his return to Flamengo against Fluminense
As for Pet, Cuca was more cautious. Still, he wasn't shy about praising him. "He's improving, evolving. He needs match fitness to improve his fitness. In this last game, it was for a set piece opportunity. Unfortunately, that opportunity didn't happen again. He's a player who's helping us a lot." While the idols are calm, the same can't be said about new signing Denis Marques. Coming from Japanese football, the striker will be joining next Monday, and Cuca urged calm. "When a player is away, he always needs time to adapt. He comes from a different culture, a different training style... But he won't be able to play until August, and he'll have time to recover and make a good debut." Denis Marques will only be able to take the field in a Flamengo jersey starting in August, when registration for players from abroad reopens.
Directors deny hiring Yves and confirm Adriano's appointment
Kleber Leite and Plínio Serpa Pinto are surprised by the midfielder's presence at Gávea. The football director says he doesn't even know the player.
Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro
Yves in Gávea: leaders didn't know
Yves as Flamengo's new signing? Nobody knows, everyone saw it. The midfielder, a personal friend of Adriano's, went to Gávea on Tuesday morning, donned his uniform, underwent medical and physical tests, and was scheduled to train with the group in the afternoon, but it's best to remain cautious. According to Kleber Leite, no contract has been signed. Caught off guard by the arrival of the player discovered by Vasco da Gama to the club, the vice-president of football revealed that the speech at the Rubro-Negro was not well rehearsed. Contrary to what Cuca said, the director admitted that Adriano asked for Yves and reinforced that the player will only be observed. "Cuca once told me in the locker room that Adriano asked to observe a player, I assume it's this one. I don't know, I'll see about that in the afternoon training session. And the coach has every right to observe him, just as we have with other athletes. But he has no connection with Flamengo." Especially since at the club, the person who approves or rejects the signings is the vice president of football. I know it would be monitored, but not that it would be from today onwards. It was a communication failure.
Football director Plínio Serpa Pinto was also shocked by the news and said he didn't even know the player. "I've never heard of this player. I have no knowledge of this story whatsoever. If I said the chance was zero, it was because there really wasn't one. It was only a decision made by the vice president of football."
PHOTO: Rubro-Negros 'jump over carrion' in training
The cast returns and only does physical work in Gávea, including some 'child's play'
Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro
In true child's play style, the Flamengo squad returned to training this Tuesday in Gávea and completed only one physical training session. Led by trainer Alexandre Sanz, the players ran laps of the field, did circuits, and drew attention with a massive "jumping jack," a traditional children's game where one player jumps over another while crouching. Training this Tuesday is full-time, and the red-and-blacks will return to training in the afternoon.
Without thinking about his heart or Adriano, Denis Marques chooses Fla for the future
A Flamengo fan since childhood and admirer of the Emperor, the striker says he left the emotional side aside before signing with the club.
Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro
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I've always been a Flamengo fan, ever since I was a kid. Everyone who knows me knows that. But I have to think about my future. I analyzed the offer. I received several, and Flamengo's was the best. Did the opportunity to play alongside a player like Adriano also influence your decision?\
To tell you the truth, I didn't even consider that possibility. But of course, Adriano is a player who needs no introduction. Everyone knows that. If I play with him, I'll be very happy. You're coming from Japan to compete for the position with a player who's been successful there, Emerson. Have you heard of him? Are you ready to fight for the Emperor's teammate spot?\
I've heard of Emerson, yes. He made history here in Japan. He's a great player. I'll arrive there wanting to play. I'll work for that. It's up to Cuca to decide whether to play Adriano with me, with Emerson, or all three. Flamengo's attack today features Emperor Adriano and Sheik Emerson. Do you have any nicknames?\
No. Not yet (laughs).
THROW
Kléber Leite denies signing Ives by Fla
Manager says he didn't even know the player, but will observe him
Ives was revealed by Vasco
Cassius Leitão IN RIO DE JANEIRO \ \
Flamengo experienced another of its colorful incidents this Tuesday. Unbeknownst to the board and coach Cuca, midfielder Ives (formerly of Vasco) trained at Gávea and, according to his agent Paulo Ricart, had already signed with the Rubro-Negro. However, the information was vehemently denied by Kléber Leite. The director assured that he barely has any information about this player, but admitted that he will undergo the same observation process that forward Aleílson and midfielder Flamel underwent when they came from Pará: "Flamengo didn't sign anyone. They didn't even know his name. This is a serious club. Ives will undergo a procedure similar to that of the boys from Águia (PA). There's no way to put him on the field without knowing his condition. His signing wasn't even considered. He will be observed for two weeks." Ives' unexpected move to Flamengo has to do with Adriano, who is a childhood friend of the player and used his influence to get him to the club. Cuca even hinted at the possibility of including Ives in the squad, as he doesn't have many options in that area. "He played well for Mesquita in the Carioca. We loaned Thiago Sales, and Aírton is suspended. We'll evaluate him because he's a good option. I've had good feedback. He'd fit in well today," he said. Ives did weight training in the morning and underwent physical tests in the afternoon. While Ives waits, midfielder Rômulo returned to training for Flamengo after a stint with Figueira.
Flamengo reserves win training match in Gávea
Zé Roberto is the star of the show in the 2-0 victory over Cardoso Moreira
Zé Roberto was unbalanced in the training match
LANCEPRESS!
On the day his players returned after the 0-0 draw with Fluminense, coach Cuca led the reserves in a training match on Tuesday afternoon. The opponent was Cardoso Moreira, who will play in the Carioca Second Division in the second half of the year.
The Red-Black team won 2-0. Zé Roberto scored the first goal and initiated the play for the second, scored by Alex Cruz. Defender Ronaldo Angelim, who served a suspension in Sunday's derby, and Kleberson, recently returned from South Africa, where he played for the Brazilian national team in the Confederations Cup, bolstered the substitutes.
Flamengo played a 75-minute training match with: Marcelo Lomba, Everton Silva, Aírton and Ronaldo Angelim; Fierro, Kleberson, Camacho (Bruno Mezenga), Petkovic (Erick Flores) and Jorbison; Zé Roberto and Aleílson (Alex Cruz). In the afternoon, the starters dedicated themselves only to physical training.
Former defender Fábio Luciano appeared at Gávea this Tuesday. Another player who was at the club was midfielder Rômulo. He's back from a loan spell at Figueirense and has been making appearances on the field. He'll be another option for coach Cuca for the remainder of the season.
Decisive week for Ibson at Flamengo
Club raised a third of the amount needed to buy a steering wheel
Ibson could play his last game for Flamengo this Saturday
LANCEPRESS!
Starting this Tuesday, more than ever, Flamengo begins to intensify its efforts to keep Ibson at the club. This could be his last week as a Flamengo player. Aware of this, the football leadership is racing against time to raise the approximately R$12 million needed to make the midfielder's permanent purchase.
LANCENET! has learned that meetings over the past few weeks have yielded approximately R$4 million for the club's fund—a third of the total. New meetings with investors are scheduled to try to reach the final amount. The club is also working on another avenue: a bank loan.
Flamengo's next game will be on Saturday, against Vitória. Ibson's contract with Flamengo expires on Sunday. If the purchase isn't finalized by then, the player would have to report back to Porto next week. As it turns out, this trip won't happen. Only Ibson's father, Laís, has a ticket to Portugal.
With good connections among the Portuguese club's board members, Laís hopes to help with the project. The initiative is viewed favorably by the club's board. For vice president of football Kléber Leite, any help is needed for this type of project.
"We've been working on two fronts for a few weeks now. We're making progress and counting on the support of many people. We've completed the first stage, which was negotiating a new contract with the player. Now we're going all out and making sure our wishes and the player's are fulfilled," he stated.
Another reason for the rush is the competition from European football. Cologne (GER) and CSKA (RUS) have already approached Porto, which will open negotiations if Flamengo delays.