The Globe
Joel prepares Ibson's return to replace the suspended Toró
Flamengo coach is considering Roger facing São Paulo
Out of the team since the loss to Inter, midfielder Ibson is beginning to show in today's training sessions whether he'll be able to return to the Flamengo squad for Thursday's match against leaders São Paulo at Maracanã. Having recovered from a severe blow to his right ankle, Ibson has been training with the ball since last week, but coach Joel Santana wants him to undergo more rigorous testing by Thursday.
The coach's same criteria applies to Roger, who is coming off a week of controversy due to a suspected muscle injury in the back of his left thigh that wasn't confirmed by an MRI. Practically speaking, Joel puts it simply:
"Ibson and Roger have to show in training that they're fit to return to the team. They just need to train well and they'll be selected," says Joel, who is expected to start Ibson in place of the suspended Toró.
Joel considers the match against São Paulo to be extremely important for Flamengo, who reached 37 points with Saturday's victory (1-0) over Atlético-MG, and are in 12th place, approaching the qualification zone for the Copa Sudamericana.
"It's too early to celebrate. The Brazilian league is still very tight. Anyone with 40 points isn't breathing yet," says the coach.
Sports Journal
Roger and Ibson may reappear
The red-black doctor Marcelo Soares talks to Roger in Gávea
After beating Atlético-MG, Flamengo needs to consolidate its good form at Maracanã to finally shake off the specter of the Second Division, which, despite being a little further away, still haunts the club. The team now has two games considered extremely difficult. On Thursday, it faces leaders São Paulo, and on Sunday, it's the derby against Fluminense.
While against the Minas Gerais team, coach Joel Santana was able to celebrate repeating the same formation for two consecutive matches, this time it will be a different story. Midfielder Toró, who had been one of the team's standouts in recent matches, received his third yellow card and will miss the Rubro-Negro match against São Paulo.
Despite the absence, the red-and-black manager could receive two big pieces of news during today's training session at Gávea. Midfielders Roger and Ibson have a good chance of being released for the game. The former was sidelined after the loss to Internacional for physical reconditioning work, and as he was preparing to return, he felt a twinge in his left thigh. The latter suffered a serious right ankle sprain, also against the Gaúchos, and only returned to training with the ball last week.
If the returns are confirmed, Joel will face a dilemma. Should he abandon the three-man defensive midfield scheme that has been working, or should he leave two of his key players on the bench? If the scheme changes, Jaílton is more likely to leave the team.
The new face of Flamengo
Matheus and Leozinho dream of shining in the future with the red and black shirt
Thiago Bokel
Daniel Mozer (L) is following in his famous father's footsteps and is on his way to Benfica. Matheus (center) and Leozinho want to stay at Gávea for much longer.
Flamengo once again emerges ahead of its biggest rivals in Rio. Continuing its tradition of being one of the country's greatest talent scouts, Flamengo is already preparing a new crop of stars for the near future.
Midfielder Matheus Emídio and forward Leozinho, both 15 and with the club for four years, are members of Flamengo's youth team, which is competing in the Rio de Janeiro championship. Last Saturday, the team defeated Americano in Gávea, 1-0, with a goal from Edgar, and moved closer to the top of their group. Matheus, suspended, was unable to play.
The duo's strong performances have already borne fruit. Together, they were called up twice to the Brazilian U-15 national team, which participated in the Mediterranean Tournament in 2006 and the U-15 World Cup in Barcelona this year. Both proved to be lucky players and won both competitions.
"It was unexpected; the tournament was contested by clubs and national teams. In the final, we faced Real Madrid and won. What impressed me most about that trip was the team's preparation in Qatar. The facilities were spectacular; we had every luxury imaginable," explained Matheus, who is from Rio de Janeiro and makes no secret of being a die-hard Flamengo fan since birth and a self-confessed admirer of Barcelona midfielder Deco.
Surprised Parents\ Striker Leozinho has a story common to most soccer players. Born in Petrolina, in the interior of Pernambuco, he joined Flamengo at just 11 years old, leaving behind his family, who never got to see him play live. His call-up to the Brazilian national team, therefore, came as a surprise to his relatives.\
"Since my parents had never seen me play, when I was called up to the national team, it was a surprise. I'll give them the first money I earn. I know I still have a long way to go, but only my work will get me to where I want to be: in the Flamengo professional squad and, who knows, one day, go to Europe," said Leozinho.
The striker, top scorer at the last Macaé Cup with 19 goals in seven appearances, has another interesting fact: when he arrived in Rio, he moved into the São Conrado training camp, sharing a room with midfielder Jônatas, currently at Espanyol in Barcelona. The two became close friends and communicate almost weekly.
As you can see, Flamengo continues to do well at home.
Mozer's son in his father's footsteps
Another standout player on Flamengo's youth team, defender Daniel Mozer, has Flamengo roots. His father, Mozer, currently coaching Inter de Luanda in Angola, was one of the club's greatest heroes.
Born in Marseille, France, Daniel was raised in Portugal and is packing his bags to return to Europe. He has already parted ways with Flamengo and will play for Benfica, the club where his father is revered to this day. He left because he was living with his aunt and uncle and deeply missed his mother, who lives in Portugal. He spent a year in the Flamengo youth ranks and also had a stint with Belenenses.
"Missing my family weighed heavily on my departure. I rarely see my father; the last time I spoke to him was two weeks ago. Being in Portugal will make it easier for us to be together. The good thing about our relationship is that he never asked me to become a soccer player," explained Daniel, who, at 15, proudly says that his idol is about to make his mark on the Angolan club's history, as, after 28 years, Inter de Luanda is close to becoming national champions.
Who knows, maybe one day he'll do the opposite?
O Dia
Flamengo: Souza insults Joel Santana
But the coach accepts the apology and the board will not punish the player.
Rio - The celebration of the hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG on Saturday was almost overshadowed by an argument. After being replaced by Kayke, Souza, disgruntled, slowly walked off the field. He was reprimanded by coach Joel Santana, who angrily gave him a hard time.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, has no intention of punishing the striker for his indiscipline. The manager was in the locker room after the game and said he didn't even notice the discomfort.
"The atmosphere in the locker room was great. There were no problems. Joel Santana didn't complain about anything, and if Souza complained about the substitution, it was nonsense, because he left the game right at the end," said Kléber.
Coach Joel Santana didn't want to add fuel to the controversy. He assured the locker room that everything ended well.
"If he made a mistake, he has to be punished. But that's an internal matter. And in the locker room, he apologized to me," said Joel, ready to forgive the striker, who tends to lose his temper easily.
SUSPENDED TORÓ
Joel has more pressing concerns ahead: Flamengo faces São Paulo on Thursday at the Maracanã. Roger and Íbson should already be fit to take the field against the Brazilian Championship leader.
Roger may return to the team in Toró's place. The midfielder received his third yellow card against Atlético and is serving a suspension.
Toró also suffered a cut on his left eyebrow during Saturday's game, after sliding in on Thiago Feltri. If Joel Santana needed an opening to introduce Roger into the team, he won't have to think too much now.
Sports Gazette
Fla gets Sunday off, but doesn't forget São Paulo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Relieved by the 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG, a result that moved Flamengo further away from the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship, the Flamengo players were given Sunday off and will only return to training on Monday afternoon at Gávea, with their sights set on the match against São Paulo, the league leaders. With Saturday's result, Flamengo not only moved further away from the bottom of the table, but also moved closer to the group of clubs fighting for a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. However, Flamengo's players are avoiding big dreams for now.
"We just have to try to win our games and then see what happens," said defender Fábio Luciano. "We don't have to worry about qualifying for the South American right now. The important thing is to win, like we did against Atlético-MG," he added.
The atmosphere in Gávea is so intense for the match against São Paulo that coach Joel Santana echoed Fábio Luciano's words. "It's going to be a decisive week. We're facing the league leader, and I have to be calm and work with that in mind," he mused.
At the reappearance, coach Joel Santana will evaluate the conditions of midfielders Roger and Ibson, who could return to the team in Thursday's duel against São Paulo, at Maracanã.
Midfielder Cristian, who scored the winning goal against Galo, has also set his sights on the match against Tricolor do Morumbi. For the player, more than ever, the support of the fans will be crucial. "It's going to be a tough game, because it's no surprise that São Paulo is leading. We're counting on the support of the fans, who have been packing our games, and the return of key players like Roger and Ibson to create a strong team and strive for another victory," he declared.
Roger and Ibson, by the way, will be evaluated by Joel when the squad returns, and only then will they know if they can take the field against Muricy Ramalho's men. For now, Flamengo's only absence is midfielder Toró, who, in addition to having left the match against Atlético without a player, received his third yellow card and will have to serve an automatic suspension.
PeléNet
Fla loses Toró, but should have the returns of Ibson and Roger
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After beating Atlético-MG 1-0 last Saturday and breathing a sigh of relief in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo will face leaders São Paulo next Thursday at the Maracanã. For the match, coach Joel Santana will be without midfielder Toró, suspended for a third yellow card, but he should have two key starters back.
"Toró will be missed, but we'll have Ibson and Roger back. Their arrival will strengthen our midfield for this difficult match against São Paulo on Thursday," said midfielder Cristian.
Having recovered from a sprained right ankle, midfielder Ibson is virtually guaranteed to return. Roger, meanwhile, felt a twinge in his left thigh last week but should be fit for the match against São Paulo.
In attack, Joel could give Leonardo (praised by the coach) another opportunity, as Argentine Maxi Biancucchi did not perform well against Atlético-MG, missing clear scoring chances and making poor passes.
"On Monday we'll start to think calmly. We have Ibson returning, Leonardo, who came on very well against Atlético-MG, and the young Kayke, who has also been improving. We have to think about the group," analyzed coach Joel Santana.
BalloonSport
Tricolor will have two absences against Fla
Miranda and Hernanes received their third yellow cards in the victory over Internacional
Hernanes will not be able to play against Fla
São Paulo won the match against Inter 2-1, but also had two players unavailable for the match against Flamengo, which will be played this Thursday at 20:30 pm at Maracanã. Of the seven players suspended, Miranda and Hernanes received their third yellow cards in Sunday afternoon's match at Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.
In addition, Dagoberto and Diego Tardelli also received yellow cards, but did not exceed the limit. Currently, goalkeeper Rogério Ceni, midfielders Souza, Richarlyson, and Jorge Wagner, and forward Leandro have two yellow cards.
Joel demands concentration
Coach doesn't want to see his players relaxing after the victory over Galo\ Coach Joel Santana made a point of highlighting that Flamengo's situation in the Brazilian Championship still requires caution even after the 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG (watch the video with the best moments of the victory in Rio).\
Rubro-Negro has 37 points and is in tenth place, in the Copa Sudamericana qualifying zone. However, Corinthians, the first team in the relegation zone, is only four points behind.
"I'm happy, but it's not time to celebrate yet. The Brazilian league is still very tight. Those who are at 40 are still struggling," reveals the red-and-black coach.
Differences unite red-black talents
Far or close to their family, Leozinho and Matheus try to build a beautiful career at Flamengo
Eduardo Peixoto
Matheus (center) and Leozinho (right) are part of the Brazilian under-15 team
Fifteen years, frequent appearances for Brazil's youth teams, friends and players for Flamengo, the country's most popular club. But the similarities between Matheus Emídio and Leozinho end there.
The two are part of another promising crop of Rubro-Negro players, but from an early age, they've experienced the differences of the football world. Leozinho came from Pernambuco four years ago. He lives at the club's training center, CT Ninho do Urubu, in Vargem Grande. Far from his family, he clings to his religion to keep him going.
"My parents never saw me play. When I was called up to the national team, I called and told them. They couldn't believe it; they were thrilled. But if I'm here, it's by God's will," says the youth team's top scorer.
A midfielder for the Brazilian national team, Matheus lives in Barra, an upper-middle-class neighborhood in Rio, and has his father by his side at all times. While giving interviews, André watched his son with pride. He knew his entire resume by heart.
"We've known from an early age the responsibility of playing for Flamengo. The pressure comes from the youth academy, and so we're getting used to it so that when we reach the professional ranks, the adaptation will be smooth," says Matheus Emídio.
While their life paths are different, the "footballer" style is something they've had since childhood. Imported sneakers, a stylish watch, a trendy shirt, etc.
- From an early age, we look up to professionals - explains Matheus, smiling.
And Leozinho still has a respected godfather: Jônatas. While still playing for Flamengo, the midfielder adopted the boy. They shared a room at the Flamengo training camp in São Conrado and became great friends.
"He calls me from Spain almost every week. Jônatas is like a second father to me," says Leozinho.
Souza's stress doesn't shake Joel
Coach and striker argued at the end of the game against Atlético-MG
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana says Souza is a good kid
At the end of the match against Atlético-MG, a minor disagreement between Souza and Joel Santana caught the attention of those at Maracanã. After being substituted, the Flamengo forward slowly left the field and was reprimanded by the coach.
The response was harsh, with gestures and insults. Despite the act of indiscipline, the coach took the incident in good humor.
"This is a family matter. But if he made a mistake, he'll be punished. But we'll resolve this internally. Afterwards, in the locker room, Souza came to me to apologize. He's a great kid," Joel declares.
Interestingly, last Friday, the center forward commented that he was more "calm" after almost being suspended for 120 days for assaulting Grêmio midfielder Tcheco.
Throw
Flamengo fans innovate with new song
Rubro-Negros rock with a chant that only exalts the club
The red-and-black fans celebrated at Maracanã this Saturday (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
Deni Navarro and Leandro Dias
Popular movements across Brazil are setting the tone for songs in soccer stadiums. In Rio, Vasco's "Guerreiros do Almirante," Fluminense's "Legião Tricolor," and Glorioso's "Locos pelo Botafogo" are enjoying great success. Flamengo, the country's largest fan base, is no slouch. The "Urubuzada" represents this new trend, but what we saw this Saturday at Maracanã was a unique chant from the red-and-black fans.
The exaltation of the club alone is the tone of these fans and the Nação Rubro-Negra innovated with a song that the 47 thousand people present at the 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG sang.
See below the lyrics of the new red-black "anthem":
"Yes, a team of tradition\ Race, love and passion\ To my Mengão\
I\ Will always love you\ Wherever you are, I will be\ with my Mengão"\
Toró's replacement is still unknown
Joel will use midweek training to define the new starter\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo's victory on Saturday over Atlético-MG finally gave coach Joel Santana a peaceful and restful Sunday.
The coach made it clear that he will only decide on a replacement for Toró - who received his third yellow card and will not face São Paulo on Thursday - in training during the week.
"I haven't had many Sundays off. I'll think about that starting Monday," the coach declared.
Cristian highlights the importance of Joel Santana
The red-and-black midfielder remembers the scolding the coach gave him in the locker room\ LANCEPRESS!\
Cristian, who scored the winning goal in Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG on Saturday at Maracanã, recalled the scolding from coach Joel Santana. During halftime, the coach demanded that the players be disciplined, which, in Cristian's opinion, led the team to come out with a different attitude in the second half.
– He told us that we had to show our fans, at Maracanã, the true face of Flamengo – revealed the player.
With the victory, Flamengo is in tenth place with 37 points and a game in hand before the end of the round. In the next round, they face São Paulo at Maracanã.
Flamengo's vice president of football appeals to the arbitration
Concerned about recent controversies, leader calls for discretion
LANCEPRESS!
Despite the 2-0 victory over Atlético-MG, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, went to the press conference after the match to make an appeal to the CBF's director of refereeing, Sérgio Corrêa.
The manager recalled the match between Coritiba and Ipatinga in the Brazilian Serie B – in which a penalty was taken four times – calling the incident a scandal. The memory stemmed from the Rubro-Negro's match against Botafogo, when Souza missed a penalty.
"Max (Botafogo's goalkeeper) also stepped forward, and the penalty wasn't retaken. What's the criteria, anyway?" he complained.
Kléber Leite also took the opportunity to make a suggestion to Sérgio Corrêa.
radio l! – I am making this appeal publicly to demonstrate transparency. The arbitration committee needs to give a lecture or define criteria immediately – said the director. (Click and listen)