THE GLOBE
Fla thinks about Bolognesi, but will prioritize the final
The team is thinking about avoiding injuries and recovering the injured for the decisive games.
In Gávea, the importance of finishing the first stage of the Copa Libertadores in a strong position is recognized. However, it's impossible to deny that, in the week of training that Flamengo will begin tomorrow in Teresópolis, the State Championship final will be the priority.
"Wednesday's game against Bolognesi is very important. We'll have to put our foot down in the tackles, yes. But if it's a very hard tackle, it will be more complicated. I might have to ease up a bit," Souza admitted.
Another concern is Renato Augusto. The player is recovering from a right leg injury and, according to doctors, has a good chance of facing the Peruvians on Wednesday. However, as he walks with difficulty, he may be rested for the State finals and the Copa Libertadores round of 16. In training, Renato Augusto has been replaced by Marcinho, who could start against Bolognesi.
In the juniors, Fla wins Taça Rio and decides title with Flu
With a goal from Paulo Sérgio, Flamengo beat Macaé 1-0 yesterday in Édson Passos, won the Rio Cup and will decide the state junior title with Fluminense, champion of the Guanabara Cup.
SPORTS JOURNAL
It's up to him
Fitness trainer guarantees that Renato Augusto has already recovered from the injury to his right knee.
Nathan De Lima
JS file
Renato Augusto could return to play on Wednesday if he no longer feels pain in his right knee.
Flamengo heads back to the mountains to prepare for the Campeonato Carioca finals and Wednesday's Libertadores match against Coronel Bolognesi. The trip to Teresópolis could have served as a lineup pick, but coach Joel Santana has already confirmed that the team will be at full strength—the same team that faced Cienciano in Cusco and Botafogo last Sunday. However, midfielder Renato Augusto's starting lineup is still in doubt, as he recovers from a right knee injury. Doctor Walter Martins confirmed yesterday that, although the midfielder has already been cleared for physical training, his selection will only be confirmed after tomorrow's training session.
"We've already sent Renato Augusto to physical preparation. Now it's up to Ronaldo Torres. From what I know, if he trains well tomorrow, he'll be able to play normally in Wednesday's game. He'll definitely play on Sunday," assured Walter Martins.
Joel Santana's physical trainer and right-hand man, Ronaldo Torres, warned that Renato Augusto's starting lineup only depends on the player himself, as he is no longer injured and is well prepared physically.
"He worked with the group today, but he still felt a lot of pain. We'll wait a bit to see if he feels any pain. Now it's up to him; he's no longer injured, just sore. He's physically prepared, because despite being injured, he's been working out in the gym," said Ronaldo Torres.
Another lap
Like Renato Augusto, defensive midfielder Jônatas returns to training with the group tomorrow. He is recovering from a left thigh injury suffered in the Taça Rio match against Friburguense. Walter Martins warned that Renato Augusto and Jônatas may not be fit enough to play against Bolognesi, but assured that they will both be available for coach Joel Santana in Sunday's final.
"Jônatas has also recovered and will train with the entire group in Teresópolis on Monday. Like Renato, it will depend on training to see if he'll be fit to play against Bolognesi, but both will be able to play in Sunday's final," he added.
Kleberson warns not to rush
A five-time champion with the Brazilian national team in 2002, defensive midfielder Kleberson, when he arrived at Flamengo last year, brought with him the expectation of creating beautiful plays like those he had in 2001, the year he led Atlético Paranaense to its first Brazilian title. However, the games go by, and he can't even come close to the athlete who surprised everyone by earning a starting spot for the Brazilian national team at the World Cup. Kleberson explained that in 2002 he was at the peak of his physical and technical form, and that this year, besides not being at his best, he still hasn't gotten used to Joel Santana's tactical scheme.
"In 2002 it was different. I was at the peak of my form. Now, I have to step it up little by little so I can show everything I know on the field. Last year, we had a well-rounded team, so Joel decided to keep the same formation this year. But the players have different characteristics," he says.
During last Sunday's loss to Botafogo in the Taça Rio semifinals, Keleberson was booed in the Maracanã stands. Even though some of the fans booed him, he says he'll try to use that to motivate him even more when he takes the field.
"I have to keep working and trust my potential. The pressure from the fans is normal, but it won't shake me. I know what I can do, I'm experienced, and I have to use that to my advantage," Kleberson added.
Vinícius Colombiano returns to the juniors
Player requests return to be able to play
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Colombian returns to Flamengo Juniors
If Flamengo beats Macaé this Saturday in the Rio Junior Cup final, they could have a reinforcement for the championship final against Fluminense. Midfielder Vinícius Colombiano, who has been training with the seniors and is considered a player with great potential at Gávea, has asked the board to return to the youth team, as he hasn't been playing well with the senior team and wants to play.
Flamengo's board accepted the player's request, and Vinícius will now be able to help the Rubro-Negro in the final of the Carioca de Juniores, should Flamengo win the Taça Rio. The last time Vinícius Colombiano took the field was in the 2007 Octávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament, in a match against Sendas. In that match, the 20-year-old midfielder seriously injured his knee and required surgery.
Flamengo plays against Macaé this Saturday, at 15 pm, at Édson Passos, América's stadium.
THE DAY
Fla sets the pace
Going to the Farm will also serve for Joel to smooth things over with the group.
Rio - Flamengo heads to Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, tomorrow, thinking about smoothing over the differences between coach Joel Santana and some of the players in the squad.
According to the coach, psychological work will be the priority at the CBF training center. "We have two matches ahead of us. One is the State Championship, and the other is the Round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. There can't be any problems within the squad. Being isolated makes it easier to talk, including to talk down to some players," said the coach.
During the week, Joel was criticized by Paraguayan Gavilán and striker Diego Tardelli, the hero of the Guanabara Cup title.
Striker Souza emphasized that his time at Granja Comary will be perfect for focusing on his two main objectives: continuing in the Copa Libertadores and winning the state championship for the second time. So much so that the top scorer, who usually acts like a tank in matches, even admits to going easy on his opponents on Wednesday against Coronel Bolognesi at the Maracanã stadium, which will conclude the first stage of the Copa Libertadores.
"No one should go for a tougher tackle. They should really take their foot off the gas, because what matters are the decisions we make after this game," Souza admitted.
Red alert in Fla
Full-back Juan is reported by the TJD Prosecutor's Office for a complaint and could be suspended for four matches, leaving the team out of the second game of the final.
Rodrigo Lima
Rio - Another Flamengo player could end up in the dock. Juan's comments at the end of the Rio Cup semifinal against the refereeing of Péricles Bassols Cortez could prevent the Flamengo full-back from competing in the state championship final on May 4th.
The player was charged by the Sports Justice Court Prosecutor's Office, citing Article 251 (complaining, through gestures or words, against refereeing decisions or disrespecting the referee and his assistants) of the Brazilian Sports Justice Code. The penalty could be up to four games. If convicted, Juan would miss the second leg of the State Championship final, as the initial trial date is set for the 30th of this month.
After the match, Juan said: "He won the game. The free kicks he called near our box were a joke. He didn't blow the whistle for us... The penalty was ridiculous; Toró won with his head and body. His concentration didn't do him any good."
For André Luiz Valentin, a prosecutor with the TJD, the charges against the defender were justified. "Juan said too much; there was no way this could go unnoticed, and that's why he was charged," the prosecutor said.
He also recently filed an appeal against the outcome of the trial of Bruno, Jônatas, Toró and Obina, who were tried due to incidents in Botafogo's 3-2 defeat in the first phase of the championship.
Being first doesn't excite
Joel stated yesterday that he may forgo the fight for first place in the first phase of the Copa Libertadores. To overtake Fluminense and secure the best record, Flamengo needs to beat Coronel Bolognesi on Wednesday by at least five goals. A challenge that doesn't motivate Joel much.
"Suddenly, being first isn't even a big deal. The problem isn't so much the opponent, but where the team will have to travel to play. If we can avoid long distances, it will be much better," said Joel.
Today, the youth team will play the Taça Rio title against Macaé at 15 p.m. in Édson Passos. The winner will face Fluminense in the state final.
Players do their last training session before heading to Teresópolis
Rio - Before boarding for Teresópolis, the Flamengo squad trained this Saturday morning, in Gávea, already preparing for the match against Coronel Bolognesi, on Wednesday, at Maracanã.
The activity was led by physical trainer Ronaldo Torres, who organized a series of intense exercises for the players. The training session lasted about an hour and involved the athletes working on their speed. After the session, captain Fábio Luciano praised the activity.
"It's always good to do physical training. Since we don't have training tomorrow, it'll give you a chance to rest your body. The players always enjoy this activity because it really helps during the game."
SPORTS GAZETTE
At Fla, Joel admits choosing opponents\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Joel Santana believes that being first in the Libertadores may not be a big advantage. He recalled that when he led Vasco in the South American competition in 2001, the São Januário club won all of its first-round matches, only to be eliminated after facing Boca Juniors in the round of 2008. To have the best record in the XNUMX edition of the Libertadores, Flamengo needs to beat Coronel Bolognesi on Wednesday at the Maracanã by at least five goals.
Joel would not like, for example, to face América from Mexico between the two final matches of the State Championship.
For the match against Bolognesi, Conmebol appointed Bolivian referee Ivan Gamboa, with César Nistahuz and Humberto Paz as assistants.
PELENET
Leonardo Moura demands Fla's victory over Bolognesi, Wednesday
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo has already secured its place in the round of 10 of the Copa Libertadores with one match to spare. With 4 points, the team currently leads Group XNUMX and can confirm this position next Wednesday when it faces Coronel Bolognesi-PER at the Maracanã stadium.
Leonardo Moura doesn't want to know about "soft bodies" in front of Colonel Bolognesi-PER
And although the match isn't decisive for the Red-Blacks, the focus at Gávea is on winning. This spirit is highlighted by right-back Leonardo Moura.
"Here at Flamengo, there's no such thing as a luxury friendlies. We always need to win," warned the number 2.
And it's a good thing the full-back's orders are being heeded. If Flamengo beats the Peruvians, they'll qualify among the best teams in the Libertadores. This means they'll have the advantage of playing the second leg at home in the next stage, with the support of their fans.
Juniors: Fla beats Macaé, wins the Rio Cup and faces Flu in the final
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Without playing well, Flamengo beat Macaé, 1-0, this Saturday, in Edson Passos, and was crowned champion of the Junior category of the Taça Rio, second round of the State Championship.
With striker Paulo Sérgio's lone goal in the first half, the Red-Blacks secured their place in the final of the domestic competition. Their opponent will be Fluminense, the winner of the Taça Guanabara.
If there are no changes to the schedule, the two teams will face off on April 27 and May 4. These games are expected to be preliminary matches for the professional derby.
In the "top category." Botafogo and Fluminense face off this Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium in the second-round final. The winner will face Flamengo.
GLOBOESPORTE
Romantic Fla wins U-20 Rio Cup
Paulo Sergio scores the goal against Macaé and the team goes to the Carioca final against Fluminense
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo's Paulo Sergio makes a heart for his girlfriend Blanca
A passionate striker ensured Flamengo maintained its dream of winning an unprecedented fourth Carioca Junior Championship. On Saturday afternoon, Paulo Sergio scored the only goal in Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Macaé in the Taça Rio final. The match took place at Édson Passos Stadium in Mesquita.
The second-round champion, Flamengo, faces Fluminense in the final. Both matches are expected to be preliminary matches for the professional state finals.
Without much excitement, the red-and-black team relied on a precise shot from Paulo Sergio in the first half to secure the trophy. The player imitated Alexandre Pato in his celebration, making a heart with his hands to honor his girlfriend Blanca. It was his 17th goal in 15 tournament appearances.
"I'm in love. I told you that if I scored, I'd make my heart beat to make you happy," says the romantic striker.
Fla manages
Just ten seconds in, Pedro Beda received the ball in the box; goalkeeper Rerysson partially saved it, and the defender blocked Renan's shot from the rebound. Flamengo's pressure continued intensely. In the sixth minute, Aírton passed, and Erick narrowly missed the target.
The team's best football resulted in a goal in the 14th minute. Davidson stepped to the baseline and sent in a low cross. Paulo Sergio, the state championship's top scorer, controlled the ball and fired into the right corner to open the scoring. (Watch the highlights below)
After the goal, the red-and-blacks slowed down. Macaé was harassing on the left with Giovani's advances. But, strictly speaking, the team from the interior didn't create any chances in the first half.
Gunner's temper
Flamengo players celebrate winning the Rio Junior Cup
At the start of the second half, Flamengo pressed again. In the eighth minute, Pedro Beda received the ball in the box and hit the left post. The best player on the pitch, Aírton, watched an opponent pedal the ball, simply blocked the ball, and led a counterattack. In front of the Macaé goalkeeper, the midfielder shot wide.
In the 28th minute, Carlinhos had a chance to decide the match for the Red-Blacks, but he hit the post. Davidson took a shot from the rebound, and the Macaé goalkeeper made a beautiful save.
Macaé went on the attack in the final minutes and nearly scored in the 36th minute. Anderson fired a powerful shot, but Marcelo parried it away. In the 45th minute, Carlinhos received the ball unmarked and, instead of passing it to Paulo Sergio, he instead shot straight into Rerysson's hands. It was enough to make the State Championship's top scorer angry, complain, and shove his teammate, who didn't even look back.
"Only those who are in there know what it's like. That missed goal could have made our lives difficult. But it passed, it stayed on the field," says the striker, avoiding the label "between slaps and kisses."
Lineups\ Flamengo\ Marcelo, Davidson, Anderson Bamba, Wellinton and Leo; Aírton, Antônio, Erick and Renan (Péca); Paulo Sergio and Pedro Beda (Carlinhos). Coach: Adílio.\
Macaé\ Rerysson; Dos Santos, Lucas, Alerrandro and Leanderson; Giovani, Alexandre, Lee (Miranda) and Norton; Anderson and Jhon. Coach: José Carlos Macedo.\
Yellow cards: Dos Santos (M), Alerrandro (M), Wellinton (F), Leanderson (M), Aírton (F), Péca (F) and Paulo Sergio (F)
Aírton on the motto 'let life take me'
A standout among the juniors and praised by Joel, the midfielder is in no rush to move up
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo players celebrate winning the Rio Junior Cup
Aírton didn't score the winning goal. But he left the Édson Passos pitch to a standing ovation from Flamengo fans. A standout player for the youth team in their Taça Rio win this Saturday against Macaé, the midfielder didn't demand a spot in the senior squad.
He participated in the derby against Vasco on April 4th, received a lot of praise from Joel Santana, but returned to the youth team. He received no explanation.
"They didn't tell me anything, but that's okay. I appreciated the opportunity and I'm happy with Joel's words," says the 18-year-old player.
Flamengo is in the finals of the State Championships in both the professional and junior divisions. When asked if he has a preference for which one he prefers to compete in, the Nova Iguaçu native was humble.
"The commitment is the same. I don't feel diminished by staying on the youth team," says Aírton, as he stops to take a photo with fans. It's part of the fame that his brief stint on the professional team has built.
Referees leave Brazilian games
Conmebol selects Paraguayan trio for São Paulo match, and Bolivian for Flamengo match
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has announced the refereeing teams for the Copa Libertadores matches to be played next Tuesday and Wednesday, two of which will feature Brazilian teams. São Paulo and Flamengo will play next Wednesday against Atlético Nacional (COL) and Coronel Blognesi (PER), respectively.
For the São Paulo match at Morumbi Stadium, the referee will be Paraguayan Carlos Torres, assisted by his compatriots Manuel Bernal and Emigdio Ruiz Roa. For the Flamengo match at Maracanã Stadium, Bolivian Ivan Gamboa will officiate, with César Nistahuz and Humberto Paz as assistants.
THROW
Souza feels the drought of headed goals for Fla
The red-black striker has not yet scored this way this season
Souza has yet to score a header in 2008
LANCEPRESS!
A truly good striker scores goals no matter what. The idea makes sense, but it would leave out of the top scorers' list none other than the red-and-black Souza, who has yet to score a single header among the six he's scored this season.
Souza, in fact, takes this drought with good humor. He even cites an example from when he arrived at Flamengo, having been named the top scorer in the 2006 Brazilian Championship and was considered one of the best headers of the game today.
"When I arrived at Flamengo, everyone said I only scored with my head and that I wasn't as good with my feet. I hope to score a header against Coronel Bolognesi to end this drought," said the striker, who stands almost 1,90 m tall.
Promises aside, the striker analyzed that the opponents are acting more closed against Flamengo and that is one of the reasons for the low performance.
"Lately, opponents have been studying Flamengo more. As a result, Léo Moura and Juan are being closely marked. This forces me to move out of the box to create space for those coming from behind."
And Souza will not have an easy time in Flamengo's next match, as Coronel Bolognesi, despite being eliminated early, has, along with Fluminense, the best defense in the Copa Libertadores, with only three goals conceded in five games played.
Gaucho gives advice to Flamengo's current number 9
Specialist in headed goals, former striker teaches striker Souza\ LANCEPRESS!\
Souza's lack of headed goals impressed Gaúcho. In the mid-90s, the center forward was synonymous with deadly headers, as powerful as point-blank shots. For Gaúcho, only with hard work will Flamengo's current number 9 be able to score from aerial plays.
"There's no secret to this, and never has been. Heading has always been synonymous with hard work. Only with a lot of training can a striker become good at this skill," Gaúcho emphasized.
The former player says that after training he never tired of improving his skills:
"Back in my day, when training ended, I'd grab Marcelinho (Carioca) and Paulo Nunes and have them cross the ball. Some days I'd spend more than an hour training. I'd even get a headache, but the results were good, since at my peak, I'd easily score seven goals out of ten crosses."
Fábio Luciano does not choose opponents
Defender is only focused on Flamengo's next match\ LANCEPRESS!\
Having qualified for the next stage of the Copa Libertadores and the final of the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo has its final Libertadores group stage match this Wednesday against Coronel Bolognesi-PER at the Maracanã Stadium. A win will secure Flamengo's place in the top three teams from the first stage, giving them an advantage in the next stage.
Unaware of the Rubro-Negro's comfortable situation, defender Fábio Luciano prefers not to choose an opponent in either the Carioca or the Libertadores. According to the player, the important thing is to focus on the match against Coronel Bolognesi.
"I'm only thinking about Bolognesi. There's no point in thinking about two or three games at the same time. Wednesday's game is very important to determine our standings. We can't choose our opponent. If it's América, no problem. There's no problem traveling. There's no point in thinking about one opponent if everything changes later. We have to wait," he summarized.
Fla wins the Rio Junior Cup
With a goal from Paulo Sérgio, Rubro-Negro wins 1-0 and faces Flu in the final
Flamengo Juniors celebrate winning the second round of the State Championship
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo defeated Macaé 1-0 this Saturday afternoon at Edson Passos Stadium to win the Rio Junior Cup. The goal was scored by striker Paulo Sérgio, who reached his 17th goal in the competition and is the sole top scorer. Now, Flamengo faces Fluminense, champion of the Guanabara Cup, in the final of the Rio Junior Championship. Around two thousand fans attended the game.
The decisive play came in the 14th minute of the first half, when right-back Davidson went to the baseline and passed the ball back to Paulo Sérgio, who controlled it and struck powerfully. In celebration, the striker made a heart in honor of his girlfriend, Blanca.
"That goal was for Blanca, it was very important, and now I'm looking forward to another title. It will be a very important Fla-Flu match," said the striker.
At the very end of the match, the referee ignored a clear penalty in favor of Macaé, when Aírton brought down Anderson inside the area, and practically guaranteed the title for Rubro-Negro, which was no longer threatened after this incident.
If they beat Fluminense in the Carioca final, Flamengo will be four-time state champions in the category for the first time in history.
TECHNICAL SHEET:\ FLAMENGO 1 X 0 MACAÉ\
Stadium: Giulite Coutinho, Mesquita (RJ)\ Date/time: 19/4/2008 - 15:XNUMX p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Estevam da Cunha Trindade\
Yellow cards: Anderson, Wellinton, Aírton, Paulo Sérgio and Péca (FLA) and Dos Santos, Alerrandro and Leanderson (MAC)
GOAL: Paulo Sérgio, 14'/1st half (1-0).
FLAMENGO: Marcelo Valverde, Davidson, Anderson, Wellinton (Raphael, 42'/2nd half) and Léo Ribeiro; Aírton, Antonio, Erick Flores and Renan Silva (Péca, 29'2nd half); Pedro Beda and Paulo Sérgio (Carlinhos, 16'/2nd half). Coach: Adílio.
MACAÉ: Rerysson, Dos Santos, Lucas, Alerrandro and Giovani; Leanderson (Oziel, 48'/2nd half), Lee (Miranda, 28'/2nd half), Alexandre and Nórton; Jhon and Anderson. Coach: José Carlos Macedo
Luxemburgo: 'Flamengo fans are spectacular'
After Romário, the coach is yet another to heap praise on the Nation
Luxembourg is full of praise for the biggest fan base in the world
LANCEPRESS!
Former Flamengo player and avowed Flamengo fan, Vanderlei Luxemburgo is yet another to heap praise on the Red-Black Nation. After Romário declared that Flamengo's fans were the ones who had the most impact on him, Luxemburgo was full of adjectives to describe the fans, who, in his opinion, are the most impressive.
"Flamengo's fans are spectacular. I've worked at Corinthians and other big clubs, but the nation is impressive and thrilling. These days, they're playing alongside the team and protesting less than when I was playing," he told Rádio Tupi.
Flamengo cheers against exhausting trip
Technical committee expects to play against Argentine or Uruguayan
LANCEPRESS!
In addition to the technical level of their upcoming opponent, Flamengo's coaching staff is concerned about the distance the delegation will have to travel in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. After all, this match will be between the two final games of the Campeonato Carioca. Coach Joel Santana makes no secret of the fact that physical strain could make a difference in the decisive stage of the South American competition.
"The coaching staff is monitoring the Libertadores situation and will let us know what we can do to make our decision. It's better to play in Argentina or Uruguay than in Mexico, which requires a more exhausting trip," he said.
On the other hand, as they still don't know who they will face in the next phase, Flamengo's motto is to focus on Coronel Bolognesi.
– To avoid worrying the players about what’s to come, the order is to attack Colonel Bolognesi – guarantees Joel Santana.
Jônatas and Renato Augusto are doubtful for Wednesday
But for the first game of the Rio Cup final, they are free.
LANCEPRESS!\ Jônatas and Renato Augusto are still unknowns for this Wednesday's match against Coronel Bolognesi of Peru, in the final round of the Copa Libertadores group stage. Flamengo doctor Walter Martins prefers to wait for the players' progress before giving an opinion on their physical condition.\
"For Wednesday, it depends on Monday's training. If they train well, there's no problem. They're definitely there for the first game of the final," the doctor revealed.
Jônatas has a muscle problem in his left thigh and Renato Augusto has edema in his right leg.