THE GLOBE
Fla signs Dininho
The defender will stay until at least December. Souza is training and may return.
Flamengo signed defender Dininho from Palmeiras early last night. The player's presentation, scheduled for tomorrow at Gávea, depends solely on the player's contract termination agreement with the São Paulo club.
Flamengo's agreement with Dininho, 32, runs until the end of this season. The club has the option to renew the contract for another year. Yesterday, Dininho, who met with Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, returned to São Paulo to discuss his release with Palmeiras. The player, whose signing was recommended by coach Caio Júnior, was born in Itapagipe, Minas Gerais, and spent eight years with São Caetano, where he was part of the team that finished runner-up in the Brazilian championship in 2000. He also had two stints in Japanese football. Dininho replaces Rodrigo, who recently left Flamengo.
Manager is victim of attempted assault
Speaking of replacements, according to Kleber, the possibility of new signings depends on what happens during the transfer window, in the middle of the year.
Today, at Gávea, Caio Júnior begins preparing the team for next Saturday's match against Internacional. Despite still experiencing Achilles tendon pain, striker Souza is expected to return to the red-and-black team. He trained yesterday at Gávea. It remains to be seen who he would pair up with in attack: Marcinho and Diego Tardelli are competing for the position.
Caio Júnior could consider other changes to the team that drew with Grêmio. One of them would be the departure of midfielder Kleberson, who didn't perform well. Although he trusts the player, Caio believes he needs to react to his current poor form. The coach praised the introduction of Renato Augusto and Cristian in the last match.
Promoted from the youth ranks, midfielder Erick Flores, one of the club's management's big bets, had his first training session with the senior squad yesterday. He worked alongside the players who didn't travel for the match against Grêmio. Erick is still recovering from hand surgery. Another promising youth player, right-back Michel, has attracted interest from Almería in Spain.
Last Sunday night, shortly after arriving from Porto Alegre, Kleber Leite, vice president of football, was the victim of an attempted assault outside a pizzeria in Ipanema. The perpetrator was reportedly a fan of the club who was complaining about the club's elimination from the Copa Libertadores. The incident was registered by the 14th Precinct in Leblon.
Fla crushes Joinville in the semifinals
Marcelinho scores 39 points, grabs 11 rebounds and leads the team to victory
ALÍRIO GETS THE DUNK IN FLÁN'S TRIBUTE TO JOINVILLE
Flamengo took its first step toward the National Men's Basketball Championship finals yesterday. The South American League runner-up easily crushed Ciser/Univille/Joinville (SC) 94-72 in Tijuca, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal.
Once again, Flamengo, three-time state champion, was led by forward Marcelinho, who scored 39 points - including seven three-pointers in ten attempts - and grabbed 11 rebounds, a double double (two digits in two items of the statistic).
The second match is tonight, again in Tijuca
Flamengo is fighting to reach its first national title, as it was runner-up in 2000 (lost to Vasco) and in 2004 (beaten by Uberlândia).
Flamengo and Joinville face off again today in Tijuca at 20 p.m. If Flamengo wins, they'll go 2-0 in the series and be one win away from reaching the final. The third match will be in Joinville on Friday.
Yesterday, contrary to what the final score suggests, the game started evenly. But with Joinville, until then Nacional's best defense, defending poorly and leaving Marcelinho free, Flamengo reached 30-14 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second half, Marcelinho, surprisingly unmarked, showcased his talent, reaching 30 points in the first two quarters. The team took a 54-33 lead with a minute remaining thanks to two free throws by Coloneze. At halftime, Flamengo led 56-36.
In the third quarter, without changing the game's outlook, Flamengo increased their lead to 75-50. Coach Paulo Chupeta, the new coach of the team that will go to the South American Championship, was able to rest the starters and give the reserves a chance, without a drop in pace: 79-55 in the period.
In the final quarter, Marcelinho scored his seventh three-pointer: Flamengo 88-70, with about 2:30 left, before the Rio de Janeiro team closed the score at 94-72.
Marcelinho denied that he found it easy:
"Joinville had the best defense in the league until today. Now, it's us. I had a good performance, but each game is different. Tomorrow (today), if we can make it 2-0 in the series, it will be very important."
Douglas Viegas, from Joinville, claimed fatigue and acknowledged:
"Flamengo was well prepared and destroyed our defense. We didn't score in the first two quarters, when they opened up the lead. But tomorrow (today), we have another game."
Flamengo: Duda (20), Marcelinho (39), Amiel (9), Alírio (2) and Coloneze (11). Fernando Mineiro (9), Hélio, Wagner (4), Maicon and Igor came on. Joinville: Henrique (1), André (7), Williams (22), Olívia (2) and Shilton (5). Espiga (5), Douglas Viegas (10), Thiagão (7), Gustavo (13), Cleiton and Augusto came on.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Kléber Leite attacked in the early hours of Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, was assaulted this morning. The director was at a location in the Ipanema neighborhood when he was approached by a man who insulted and headbutted him. The alleged attacker allegedly insulted Kléber, blaming him for Flamengo's elimination from the Copa Libertadores.
"There was a problem, yes. A weakling, a 'pitboy', found what he was looking for. There are people who don't think. These types of people, because of their size, don't think," Kléber told Rádio Bandeirantes.
The Flamengo leader filed a complaint with the 14th Police Station in Leblon. Chief José Lage declined to speak to the press about the matter.
Caio Júnior confident in a good year for Fla
Flamengo will finally play in front of its fans in the Brazilian Championship. Against Internacional at the Maracanã stadium next Saturday, fans will see the team coached by Caio Júnior for the first time. The coach emphasizes this fact, also highlighting the fact that the team is starting the national competition with a strong record.
"For the first time, we'll have the fans on our side. From what I've seen from Flamengo fans, they'll be really encouraging us. We're at almost 70% of our goals, and if we keep this up, we'll be fighting for the title," Caio told Rádio Globo.
Dininho\ Defender Dininho has a meeting with Flamengo's Vice President of Football, Kléber Leite, this Monday. The deal hasn't been finalized yet, according to the director, but it could happen by tonight. The defender's signing was requested by coach Caio Júnior, who worked with Dininho at Palmeiras.\
Fábio Luciano considers the draw good
With a discreet performance in the draw with Grêmio, defender Fábio Luciano considered the result obtained in Rio Grande do Sul to be beneficial.
For the Flamengo captain, the Rio Grande do Sul team's stadium is one of the most difficult places to play due to the pressure from the fans and the local team's values.
"The Olímpico, for the visitors, is one of the most difficult stadiums due to the pressure from the fans and the quality of Grêmio. A point ended up being very valuable," the defender emphasized.
THE DAY
Dininho is Flamengo's new reinforcement
Genilson Junior
Rio - Flamengo announced this Monday night, through its vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, the signing of defender Dininho, formerly of Palmeiras.
"It's already resolved. Dininho returns to São Paulo, where he will agree to his release from Palmeiras and will be presented next Wednesday," confirmed Kléber.
The 32-year-old defender joins the club on loan until the end of December, with Flamengo having the option to extend his contract for another year. Coach Caio Júnior, who managed the São Paulo club last year, was the one who recommended Dininho's signing for Flamengo.
Caio Jr. is looking forward to meeting the fans
Coach believes that by maintaining his performance he will fight for the sixth
Rio - Nearing two weeks in charge of Flamengo, coach Caio Júnior knows that if he maintains his strong performance in these two rounds, he can win the club's sixth title. The coach is eager to have contact with the red-and-black nation for the first time.
"For the first time, I'll have the fans by my side. From what I've seen of Flamengo's fans, they'll be cheering us on. We're at almost 70% success rate, and if we continue like this, we'll fight for the title," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
"I think I'll only really feel what it's like to coach Flamengo on Saturday, when we play in front of the fans at Maracanã," said Caio, who cannot have the support of the fans, due to a punishment that forced Flamengo to play behind closed doors against Santos, in the first round of the competition.
The coach also commented on his knowledge of the red-black squad and diagnosed a problem in the connection between the midfield and the attack, but hopes to have a solution soon.
"I think I already know Flamengo's squad reasonably well. We have a good squad. We have this issue with the midfield-to-attack link, but this is a problem I want to solve," commented the coach.
Regarding the match against Grêmio, at the Olímpico, Caio Júnior thought the draw was a good result, despite believing that victory was possible.
"I consider the draw with Grêmio a good result, as we now have four points from two games. This means we have a success rate of almost seventy percent. I'm very satisfied. But I think with a little more calm, we could have created more chances," he analyzed.
In the next round, Flamengo faces Internacional, on Saturday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã, and with the fans present, the coach hopes to face one of the best teams in Brazil.
"Inter may have the best squad in Brazil. Let's evaluate their team. Before starting work, I need to know who we're going to face and, based on that, train.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Praised, Bruno asks for good results in the sequence at Maracanã\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Satisfied with the praise for his performance in the goalless draw between Grêmio and Flamengo at the Olímpico, goalkeeper Bruno is now also concerned about the rest of the Brazilian Championship. In the next four rounds, the Rubro-Negro will play at the Maracanã, against Internacional, Fluminense, Figueirense and São Paulo. "We got a good result against Grêmio, because it's always very difficult to play at the Olímpico, where the fans are always pushing. But this point was important and now we have four straight home games, one of them a derby, and these games could be decisive for us," predicted the Rubro-Negro's number 1.
After Monday's day off, the squad will return to training full-time on Tuesday. With no games until Saturday, when they face Internacional, the week off will likely allow the club's doctors to recover striker Souza, who has an Achilles tendon injury, and Obina, who has an ankle problem.
Defender Dininho signs with Flamengo
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's board announced Monday night that it has reached an agreement with Palmeiras defender Dininho. The final contact was made at a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, but it will only be made official after the defender leaves the São Paulo state champions. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, was also present at the meeting, as was coach Caio Júnior, who recommended the player. The Gávea club intends to sign Dininho to a contract that will last until the end of the season, with the option of a one-year extension.
The 32-year-old player was already seeing the end of his contract with Palmeiras approaching, where he was not being used by coach Wanderley Luxemburgo.
Recovered, Souza returns to training\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While the players who faced Grêmio the previous day enjoyed Monday off, other Flamengo players took the day off and trained at Gávea. This was the case with striker Souza, who showed he had recovered from an Achilles tendon injury and participated in a mini-training session. Striker Obina, still complaining of ankle discomfort, only performed physical exercises, besides running around the field. Obina was joined by young midfielder Erick Flores, who joined the professional squad on Monday.
This Tuesday, the entire Flamengo squad will gather for full-time training at Gávea Stadium. The red-and-black team won't play again until Saturday, when it faces Internacional at Maracanã Stadium in the third round of the Brazilian Championship.
PELENET
As expected, Dininho signs with Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The "courtship" was recent, and the agreement was quick. After a meeting with Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, defender Dininho confirmed his transfer to the Gávea club. His contract runs until the end of this year with the option to extend for another year.
With no space at Palmeiras, Dininho will defend the Rio de Janeiro team until the end of the year
In addition to the Flamengo director, the athlete's agent and coach Caio Júnior, who was responsible for suggesting the former Palmeiras player to Flamengo, were present at the meeting.
Alviverde's management had already made it clear that they weren't counting on Dininho playing for the remainder of this season. Therefore, Kleber Leite believes the player won't have any major problems leaving the São Paulo club, with whom he has a contract until mid-year.
"This Tuesday, Dininho will settle his situation with Palmeiras and I hope everything goes well. We expect to present the player to the fans on Wednesday," said the director.
Irondino Ferreira Neto, 32, known as Dininho, arrives in Gávea with the "mission" of replacing fellow defender Rodrigo, who was signed to take over as the team's starting player. However, due to a series of injuries, the defender hasn't had many opportunities at Flamengo.
Erick Flores is the new face of Flamengo this Monday
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo will have, quite literally, a new face at Monday afternoon's training session in Gávea. Erick Flores, 19, will officially join the professional squad. The young midfielder was promoted at the request of new coach Caio Júnior.
Despite being a regular starter for the youth team and considered the club's brightest prospect, Erick is feeling nervous. However, he intends not to let this opportunity slip away.
"I'm very happy. Of course, it gives me butterflies in my stomach, but I've been waiting for this for a long time and I can't miss out on this great opportunity," said the player, who is inspired by an old friend.
"I trained with Renato Augusto for a long time and I hope to follow in his footsteps. He went to the professionals and earned his place," he emphasized.
Erick is considered a highly skilled midfielder who can get into the box easily. However, he assures that he's not limited to creating plays.
"I learned to mark. And I became a more complete player. I know how to disarm well, I like to help in the marking. And, besides that, I can get to the attack strong," he explained.
Souza could return to the Fla team in the match against Internacional
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo striker Souza, who was experiencing pain in the Achilles heel of his right foot, returned to ball training on Monday. The discomfort prevented the Flamengo player from participating in the team's 0-0 draw against Grêmio last Sunday in Porto Alegre in the Brazilian Championship.
"I worked on Monday and felt a little pain. I'm at our coach's disposal (Caio Júnior), but I'm a little worried because I've had this type of injury before. But it's nothing to worry about," said the striker.
Therefore, the forward should participate as a full member of the Red-Black team's team against Internacional, on Saturday at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã. In the player's opinion, a victory will help the team put behind it the distrust that exists among the fans.
"I'm working with the doctors and physiotherapists to play a good game. Flamengo needs to win, because I'm sure we'll be held accountable," said the striker, remembering that this weekend, Flamengo will begin a run of four consecutive home games (Fluminense, Figueirense and São Paulo are the other opponents).
"We need to bring the fans back to our side in these four home games. We need to have joy again," he concluded.
GLOBOESPORTE
Zico: 'The last thing I want in the world is to be Flamengo's coach'
Galinho doesn't want to risk tarnishing his image with the fans.
Thiago Lavinas From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Zico is on vacation in Brazil. After a successful stint at Fenerbahçe (leading the club to the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time), he still hasn't decided where he'll work next season. He's in negotiations with the Turkish club, but seems pessimistic. And amid so many doubts, "Galinho" is certain of only one thing: he doesn't want to coach Flamengo. He has nothing against the club that idolizes him. He simply prefers not to risk tarnishing his image with the fans.
"The last thing in the world I want is to be Flamengo's coach. My relationship as a player went beyond anything. I would collaborate with Flamengo in any capacity, except as a coach," he said.
Zico hopes to continue working in Europe. Initially, he would turn down offers from Brazilian clubs, and even national teams. "Galinho" just wants to get his life sorted out. He gave Fenerbahçe's directors a deadline. It expires this coming weekend.
"I'm very upset because they left everything to be resolved in the last three rounds. I've been there long enough for them to analyze and decide whether they want to keep me or not. And the way things are going, the negotiations aren't going very well. I've been approached by a lot of people. For now, I'm still negotiating with Fenerbahçe, but I think that will only last another week. I want to continue working at a club. I'm not saying no to the national team, but at a club you get into a routine of working every day. With the national team, you spend a lot of time doing nothing," said the Japan coach at the 2006 World Cup.
The coach was approached by representatives of Inter Milan, who won their third Italian title on Sunday. Despite the title, coach Roberto Mancini will step down.
Happy with life, Zico doesn't rule out retirement or a "longer vacation" if a good offer doesn't come along.
- My grandson is here now (laughs). Retirement might also happen. I'm not rushing to get there. I enjoyed the work, and I think I can still go through a lot. But if I have to quit now, I'll quit now. It's no problem.
This season, Zico led Fenerbahçe to the Champions League quarterfinals. But he didn't win any titles. He played 57 matches, winning 36, drawing 13, and losing eight.
Galinho launches the 1st Zico Cup
Competition for amateur teams will have its final at Maracanã in July
Thiago Lavinas GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
The launch of the Zico Cup will be attended by Vasco officials, including President Eurico Miranda. The club's greatest idol launched the 1st Zico Cup this Monday at the CFZ, a competition for schools and amateur teams with youth teams up to 17 years old. There is also a category for women up to 20 years old.
The tournament will be played from July 22nd to 28th, and one of the main prizes will be playing the final on the Maracanã pitch. Each team can register a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 20 players. The teams will be divided into groups. During the first phase, all teams will face each other, guaranteeing a minimum of three matches per team in the competition. Matches will take place at the CFZ between 9:17 am and 28:XNUMX pm. The finals will be on June XNUMXth at the Maracanã stadium, with coverage on SporTV.
No federated players will be allowed in the competition for field football.
The expected number of teams per category is 12. However, there is currently no limit on the number of entries. During the launch, Zico explained the decision to create the competition.
"It's for any team. If a kid has a team around the corner, they can sign up. It's for amateurs. Registered players don't participate. New talent can always emerge, but that's not the goal. For kids up to 13, it's more about having fun. After that, it's more about seeing if they have what it takes to play in a club's youth division," said Zico.
Teams from several Brazilian states are expected. During the press conference, Zico lamented the fact that public soccer fields are increasingly rare in large Brazilian cities.
"There's no space to play pickup games these days. It's hard to find a field. Most are in condominiums. That's why it's important to have competitions like this. It's a chance for kids to show off, too. There must be plenty of scouts in the stands. Nowadays, most places have artificial turf. When I was a kid, I played soccer all day Saturday and Sunday, but that's no longer the case."
There will be six categories:
Under-9: athletes born between 1999 and 2000
Under-11: athletes born between 1997 and 1998
Under-13: athletes born between 1995 and 1996
Under-15: athletes born between 1993 and 1994
Under-17: athletes born between 1991 and 1992
Under-20: athletes born up to 1988 (women only)
For more information on registration, visit the Zico Football Center, call (21) 2490-2431 and 2490-2432, or visit www.ziconarede.com.br/copazico. The registration fee is R$1.500 per team.
Fla signs defender Dininho
The player was recommended by coach Caio Júnior and has signed a one-year contract. The presentation is expected to take place on Wednesday.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Agency/Diário de S.Paulo\ Dininho didn't get many chances with Luxemburgo and transferred to Flamengo\ A meeting early Monday evening secured Flamengo's signing of Dininho. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, met with the player in Rio de Janeiro and finalized the details of the deal, which is valid for one year and can be extended for another season.\
At 32, the defender was playing for Palmeiras, but Vandelei Luxemburgo rarely used him in the Campeonato Paulista. His contract was due to expire in July, and the São Paulo club agreed to release him a little early.
- If everything goes well, he will be presented on Wednesday - says Fla's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite.
Dininho's arrival was requested by Caio Júnior. The coach had been in charge of him since 2007 and appointed him to replace Rodrigo, who recently asked to leave the club.
Technical sheet
Name: Irondido Ferreira Neto\ Position: Defender\ Age: 32 years old (23/7/1975)\ Place of birth: Itapagipe (MG)\ Height: 1,83m\ Weight: 77kg\ Clubs: Mirassol-SP, Matsubara-PR, Presidente Prudente-SP, Mogi Mirim, América-SP, Tokyo Verdy Kawasaki, São Caetano, Sanfreece Hiroshima and Palmeiras\
Flamengo's hope, Erick has his first day as a professional
The player arrives smiling, talks to Obina and gives up the number 10 shirt: 'I prefer number 8, Adílio's'
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Erick Flores has Zé Roberto as his idol
The release clause is a hefty sum, exceeding R$30 million. The smile, however, is still boyish. Erick Flores had his first training session with Flamengo's professional team this Monday afternoon and didn't hide his excitement.
The initial experience felt like a grand rehearsal. Most of the players were off. Only those who didn't travel to Porto Alegre had a quick training session. Not even coach Caio Júnior showed up at Gávea. Erick himself isn't ready to play yet. He's recovering from a fracture in his right hand, which required eight pins and a titanium plate. He's expected to return in 15 days.
To get used to the new environment, Flamengo's biggest prospect in recent years walked around the field and received advice from Obina.
"When a player rises, he has to be careful. Vanity is the biggest obstacle, and it can't go to his head. I've carried the burden of being Flamengo's greatest hope since I was a youth player, and so far it hasn't hindered me. I have a good head on my shoulders," says 19-year-old Erick.
A Rio native from Valqueire, the player wears diamond earrings in both ears. His sneakers are also "boleirão" style. But his humility and easy smile are his most prominent personality traits. Not even Zico's number 10 jersey wins him over. He prefers to follow in the footsteps of Adílio, the coach who taught him in the youth team.
"I prefer to keep the number 8, which belonged to Adílio. I'm a very skilled player, but I learned to mark from him," he says.
His contract with Flamengo ends in 2012. But his history with the red-and-black jersey was almost interrupted two years ago. He received an invitation from Zaragoza, in Spain, for a trial period.
Because he's a minor, bureaucracy stalled the negotiations. It's better that way. Now, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Renato Augusto, with whom he played in the lower divisions.
"Renato was the only one who stepped up and established himself. I'm here to stay, too. I don't want to live in that seesaw between the youth and professional ranks," says Erick Flores, who hasn't yet been able to wear the personalized training uniform bearing his name. This Monday, he borrowed the jersey that belongs to Vinícius Pacheco. Nothing that time and good performances can't change.
Technical information:\ Name: Erick Flores Bonfim\ Age: 19 years old\ Height: 1,70m\ Weight: 65 kg\ Position: Supporter\ Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Idol: Zé Roberto (Bayern Munich)\
Souza: 'I've never gone through such a long goal drought'
The player hasn't scored in eight games, but he's not shaken and says the situation will improve in the next few games.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Souza can't remember ever going so long without scoring a goal. It's been 57 days and eight games without a goal. Some even say it's a Botafogo fan's curse, still upset with Souza's debauchery throughout the Campeonato Carioca. Recovered from a right foot problem and ready to return to Flamengo for Saturday's game against Internacional, the striker isn't despairing.
The top scorer in the 2006 Brazilian Championship, he doesn't remember going so many games without scoring. But in 2007, a similar period bothered him. Between May 6th and July 27th, Souza didn't celebrate a single goal. During that period, he appeared in seven of the 12 games the Red-Blacks played. In the remaining games, he served a suspension for assaulting Grêmio's Tcheco.
"I don't think it's a Botafogo curse. I've never experienced such a long goal drought. But it'll get better soon," he declares.
Souza recalls that he usually plays outside the box and helps his teammates with marking and setting up plays. However, he doesn't complain about the fans' dissatisfaction, nor will he complain about his role to coach Caio Júnior.
"The fans are right to demand it. I'll play the way the coach asks. I like to dribble and sprint because I know how to do that too. The road to the Brazilian championship is long, and things will change."
THROW
Defender Dininho signs with Flamengo
After being recommended by coach Caio Júnior, the defender agrees to a loan until the end of the year
Defender signs with Flamengo
LANCEPRESS!\ Palmeiras defender Dininho was announced this Monday as Flamengo's new signing. Vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, met with the player and his agent, as well as coach Caio Júnior.\
Dininho arrives to fill the void left by fellow defender Rodrigo. The player was recommended by coach Caio Júnior, with whom he worked at Palmeiras last year. The athlete's contract with the São Paulo club runs until July, but since Luxemburgo hasn't been using him, he's already considering joining Flamengo. The contract runs until December 2008, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
"I had a great impression of him. This Tuesday, he'll resolve his release with Palmeiras, and if all goes well, we hope to introduce him on Wednesday," said Kléber Leite, vice president of football.
TECHNICAL DATA:\ Name: Irondino Ferreira Neto\ Date of birth: July 23, 1975 (32 years old)\ Place of birth: Itapagipe - Minas Gerais\ Height: 1,83m\ Weight: 77 kg\ Performances: São Caetano; Sanfrecce Hiroshima; Palmeiras\
Dininho travels to leave Palmeiras
Defender expected to report to Flamengo this Wednesday\ LANCEPRESS!\ After agreeing to sign with Flamengo, defender Dininho flew to São Paulo on Monday night to resolve his release from Palmeiras.\
On Tuesday, the player is expected to meet with the São Paulo club's executives to formalize the loan. According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, Dininho will return to Rio this Wednesday for his official presentation.
The athlete was recommended by coach Caio Júnior and was already considering playing for Flamengo, as Luxemburgo was not playing well at Palmeiras. His contract with Flamengo runs until the end of 2008 and can be renewed for another year.
Zico rules out coaching Flamengo someday
Galinho also says that negotiations with Fenerbahçe are difficult
LANCEPRESS!
While on vacation in Brazil, Zico gave a press conference on Monday and stated, among other things, that he would not accept a potential invitation to coach Flamengo. Currently managing Fenerbahçe in Turkey, the Galinho stated that he would collaborate in other areas of the club, but as a coach...
"The last thing in the world I want is to be Flamengo's coach. My relationship with him as a player has gone beyond anything," declared the greatest idol in the history of the Rio de Janeiro club.
Regarding his situation at Fenerbahçe, Zico isn't optimistic. The club reached the Champions League quarterfinals but lost the Turkish title to rival Galatasaray:
"I've been there long enough for them to consider whether they want to stay or not. I'm still negotiating, but things aren't looking good. I've been approached by a lot of people," revealed Zico, who expressed his desire to continue in European football.
Caio says: 'We're going to fight for the title'
After a win and a draw away from home, Rubro-Negro wants to stay at the top of the Brasileirão
Caio trusts in the sixth
LANCEPRESS!
With only two rounds played and still unbeaten, coach Caio Junior believes Flamengo will have a strong run in the Brasileirão. The team still hasn't had the fans, their biggest ally in 2007, at the Maracanã, as the match against Santos was behind closed doors.
"For the first time, I'll have the fans by my side. From what I've seen of Flamengo's fans, they'll be cheering us on. We're at almost 70% success rate, and if we keep it up, we'll be fighting for the title," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Regarding next Saturday's match against Internacional, in the third round of the Brasileirão, the coach expects a tough one. He considers Abel Braga's team to be one of the best in the country.
Colorado, however, is going through a difficult time in the season, as they lost 2-1 to Palmeiras last Sunday in the Brazilian Championship and were eliminated by Sport from the Copa do Brasil.
"Inter might have the best squad in Brazil. Let's evaluate their team. Before I start work, I need to know who we're going to face and, based on that, train accordingly."