The Globe
Defeat to Palmeiras doesn't dampen mood or create apprehension in Gávea
Joel seeks the formula for success. For the team, everything is normal.
Since football has become a hotbed of clichés, especially in the face of defeats, Flamengo's coaching staff and players had little trouble explaining why the red-and-black team lost 2-1 to Palmeiras on Sunday. Since he has no time to whine, coach Joel Santana didn't look for blame, preferring to look ahead. While superficially analyzing the failure at Parque Antártica, he attacked Cazuza.
"We have to find an ideology to win. We have to convey optimism to the fans, despite the turbulence and pressure we're experiencing. Against Juventude, our responsibility is 100%," said Joel.
For the players, although the coach has reaffirmed that the defense can't afford the silly goals it's been conceding, the band is playing at a much slower pace. In a Baby do Brasil kind of mood, like "everything is blue, Adam and Eve, and paradise." There are lots of smiles in Gávea, as if everything really is blue, giving the impression that the situation is normal and under control.
"The defense has made few mistakes," argues defender Fábio Luciano, recently signed as a sheriff and tasked with improving the defense. "We'll improve in training, and we need to learn to live with our mistakes. If they had been right in Bruno's face seven or eight times, it would have been abnormal. But I think the problems we're facing in games are normal in football."
Club signs Maxi's brother, just 10 years old
Flamengo will return to the match against Juventude at Maracanã on Thursday, with Leonardo Moura, Juan, Roger, and Souza, who were suspended on Sunday. Renato Augusto, meanwhile, has recovered from a right thigh injury but hasn't yet trained with the ball, and is unlikely to be available until Sunday's match against Goiás.
Yesterday, after a relaxation session in the pool for those who played and a light training session on the field for those who didn't face Palmeiras, the players headed to Teresópolis, where they will train today and tomorrow at Granja Comary for Thursday's match.
"I still want to feel the impact of the loss to Palmeiras. I'll talk to them at Granja. But from what I observed in the locker room after the game, no one was down or upset," said Joel, who didn't give up on his permanent training regime. "The war continues. We can't relax."
Excited by the performance of Argentine Maxi, the club's directors announced yesterday the signing of his brother, Bruno, just ten years old.
Renato Mauricio Prado
I would like to understand the tortuous reasoning that led Joel Santana to start Léo Lima against Palmeiras.
Slow, distracted and indolent, Léo Lima did (once again!) absolutely nothing, except fail to mark Gustavo, in the second goal.
It took him a while to even leave the field, when, finally, he was substituted, as if it was in Fla's interest (already at a disadvantage) to waste time.
Apparently, Joel enjoyed playing with one less...
Fla-Flu day and the tricolor fans, to provoke the Blond Devil, shouted in chorus every time he touched the ball:
- Chincheiro, chincheiro, chincheiro!
It was an allusion to the player's reputation for being fond of certain "prohibited substances", including marijuana, which was widespread in the famous "Dunas do Barato" (Cheap Dunes) on Ipanema beach, where Doval hung out every day.
Once the classic was over, with a red-black victory and a great performance by Doval, a radio "persecutor" provoked him:
- What did you think of the fans' screams?
And the foreigner responded straight away, with his convoluted Portunhol and a subtle, good-natured irony.
- I didn't understand anything! I ate the ball and everyone in the stadium was just shouting for Tinteiro!!!
In time: Tinteiro was a modest left-back for Fla...
Sports Journal
Souza returns to Fla against Juventude
Nina Lima
Souza has only scored one goal in this Brazilian Championship so far
After serving a five-game suspension for assaulting midfielder Tcheco, striker Souza is confirmed in Flamengo's starting lineup for the match against Juventude. The match will be extremely important for Flamengo, as Juventude is a direct rival in the relegation battle. Coach Joel Santana is counting on the center forward's goal-scoring instinct to ward off the specter of relegation.
The coach also highlighted the return of five starters who were suspended in the last match, against Palmeiras, to seek victory at Maracanã, next Sunday.
"It will be a game that we are 100% responsible for, as Flamengo has to do their homework. We are more hopeful about this match because, with the return of some starters, the team will be stronger," Natalino declared.
The other players returning this round are: Renato Augusto, Roger, Juan and Leo Moura.
Fla with full strength against the gauchos
Joel will have Léo Moura, Juan, Roger and Souza for Flamengo's game against Juventude
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima
After being sent off in a childish manner in the Fla-Flu match, Roger returns against Juventude to organize the plays in the red-black midfield
Flamengo will play its next five games at Maracanã. In addition to the support of its passionate fans, coach Joel Santana will have at his disposal four of the five players who missed the 2-1 loss to Palmeiras last Sunday at Palestra Itália. Léo Moura, Roger, and Juan are returning from automatic suspensions, as are striker Souza, who will be eligible to play after serving a five-match ban for assaulting Grêmio supporter Tcheco. Supporter Renato Augusto has not yet been cleared by the club's medical department and is doubtful for Thursday's match against Juventude.
While he hasn't confirmed the starting lineup, Joel Santana hinted that Souza will likely form the starting attacking duo against the Gauchos alongside the fans' new favorite, Argentine Maxi Biancucci. The team heads to Granja Comary in Teresópolis today.
"We'll take advantage of the work in Teresópolis to define the team. I think it's unlikely Renato Augusto will return now, but he'll be cleared for Sunday's match. I haven't defined the attack yet, Obina is recovering and Paulo Sérgio felt pain in his leg," said Joel.
Defender Fábio Luciano, who was a standout player for the team in the last match, celebrated the return of his teammates and emphasized the importance of playing well at home.
"Our group is important, and everyone here is capable of playing for Flamengo. It's good to have options, like Souza, who is returning after a long absence. We'll play in front of our fans, and that's always important. We felt that in the game against Palmeiras and in the two matches we won here at home," said Fábio Luciano.
With Souza's return, coach Joel Santana has a serious headache when it comes to determining Flamengo's attacking lineup. Souza promised to fight hard to establish himself as a starter and said he learned from his time away from the field.
"It's a healthy fight, I want to play and that's why I'm going to work hard. I learned from my mistakes, but I won't lose my characteristic of always playing with passion," said Souza, who hopes to count on the passes of Roger and Ibson to get back on the scoresheet in the Brasileirão:
"Roger is a resourceful player and will help us a lot. Like Ibson, he gets into attack well," he concluded.
Nilmar, a dream reborn at Fla
A long-held dream may be coming to fruition in Gávea. Striker Nilmar, who secured his release from Corinthians, the club with which he had a contract until the end of the year, is open to negotiations. Given the possibility of signing the player, vice president of football Kleber Leite admitted that there's a chance Flamengo will pursue him again.
"Nilmar has been a long-standing desire of ours. As soon as we receive confirmation that he no longer has any ties to Corinthians, we will contact him the following day," the director stated.
The saga surrounding Flamengo's signing of the striker has been dragging on since the end of last year. At the time, Kleber Leite even said that everything had already been agreed between the player and Flamengo, but because Corinthians made the deal difficult, negotiations stalled.
Many Brazilian clubs, such as Fluminense, Palmeiras, Santos, and Internacional, expressed interest in signing the player, but the closest to signing him was Benfica of Portugal, which had already scheduled a meeting between Nilmar, his agent Orlando da Hora, and the club's president. However, the goalscorer's fate was to remain with the São Paulo club. With the striker's release, Flamengo becomes a strong candidate to be Nilmar's new home.
Joel Santana says Fla has to know how to do its homework
Coach Joel Santana celebrates the sequence of games at Maracanã, but remembers that the team will have to know how to do its homework and adapt to the opponents.
"You have to know how to do your homework. There's no point in having five games and not knowing how to play at home. Each opponent demands a different style of play. Against Juventude, we'll play one way, and against Goiás, another," the coach explained to Rádio Tupi.
Joel recalled the classics against Botafogo and stated that the psychological aspect will be fundamental to the team's reaction in the championship.
"We still have derbies against Botafogo and Vasco coming up soon. Right now, we need to maintain emotional balance. It's a tough, difficult time, but it's not the first time we've been through this. We need to give the fans optimism, and we'll get through this," said the hopeful coach.
O Dia
Flamengo: Maxi's brother is the hot topic
Kléber Leite wants to bring Bruno, 10, to play at Flamengo's academy
Marluci Martins
Rio - Maxi Biancucchi's football has so captivated Flamengo vice-president Kléber Leite that he's already thinking about bringing another family member to the club: 10-year-old Bruno. The striker's younger brother, Bruno, according to Maxi, is one of the standout players at the Renato Cesarini School, affiliated with Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. In a recent championship, he scored 13 goals in five games.
Bruno would join the youth team. Interest in the youngest player arose as soon as Maxi was signed. Upon learning about Bruno, Kléber Leite expressed interest. Today, the chances of a deal are said to be 95%. To make the signing possible, Flamengo would cover the cost of keeping the players' families in Rio.
In addition to Maxi's information, Bruno has the approval of a scout Flamengo sent to Buenos Aires. The scout liked the youngster's performance and approved the signing.
But it's not just among Flamengo fans and executives that Maxi has been making waves. His football is beginning to spread across the continent, and while it was already featured in the Argentine newspaper 'Olé,' yesterday it made two pages in Spain's 'Sport.'
Maxi told the newspaper, which specializes in coverage of Barcelona, where his cousin Lionel Messi plays, that he will soon receive a visit from his famous relative in Rio. According to him, Messi promised to come to Brazil to watch a Flamengo game.
Maxi grew up playing with Messi. They left Rosario in 2001. Maxi went to San Lorenzo. Messi, at 13, joined Barcelona's youth academy. "He was smaller, but he always played against the bigger players. Leo (Lionel Messi's nickname) has always been strong and knows how to protect himself. That's one of his strengths," said Maxi.
Flamengo: Joel demands home wins
Coach says team must take advantage of five-game streak at Maracanã
Marluci Martins
Rio - The 2-1 defeat to Palmeiras only didn't cause greater trauma in Gávea for one reason: Flamengo's next five games will be at Maracanã, which keeps the team hopeful of recovering in the championship, with the strength of the fans, who have supported the team.
"But there's no point in us having five matches in Rio and not knowing how to perform at home. And we still have Botafogo and Vasco to face. We'll need emotional balance. I hope we do our homework very well, with good grades," said 'professor' Joel Santana.
Even at home, Flamengo's record is below average: 44,5%. But what really worries Joel is another negative statistic: the team has conceded 30 goals in the Brazilian Championship. This, according to the coach, has been compromising their performance in the competition.
"We didn't have a disastrous performance in the loss to Palmeiras. It was solid. But we made mistakes, and it's time to fix what's wrong. Just when the team starts to react, they concede a goal," complained Joel, seemingly dissatisfied with the defensive lapses.
For defender Fábio Luciano, who barely arrived at the club and has already established himself as a leader, Flamengo's defense makes mistakes, but they don't affect the team's performance. "The mistakes that happen at the back are normal. The team's marking has improved.
"If our opponents had six or seven scoring chances, it would be alarming. But the shots are from long range. We still have some things to fix. We have to know when to kick the ball and when to play ugly," he said.
After yesterday's training in Gávea, the group headed to Teresópolis, where they will train today and tomorrow for Thursday night's game against Juventude.
Messi comes to Brazil to support his cousin Maxi Biancucchi
Rio - Flamengo fans, pay attention: Messi is coming. But don't worry, the Argentine striker, who plays for Barcelona in Spain, has promised to come to Rio de Janeiro to watch one of his cousin Maxi Biancucchi's performances in the red and black jersey at the Maracanã. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper "Sport," Maxi revealed that his most illustrious relative promised him he would travel to Brazil to see him play. According to Maxi, Messi was delighted to learn that his cousin had managed to sign with Flamengo.
After scoring the winning goal in the derby against Fluminense last Thursday, Biancucchi earned two featured pages in "Sport," which covers Barcelona. In the interview, Biancucchi discussed his career and his relationship with Messi.
Sports Gazette
Joel should not field Renato Augusto against Juventude\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - During Flamengo's squad presentation on Monday afternoon, coach Joel Santana made it clear that he does not intend to use midfielder Renato Augusto in Thursday's match against Juventude at Maracanã. Having recovered from a muscle injury, the player has been cleared by doctors, but the coach prefers to wait a little longer before bringing him back. Even without Renato Augusto, Flamengo begins a streak of five consecutive matches at Maracanã against Juventude. Joel Santana is counting on this to keep the Rio de Janeiro team out of the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship.
"We have to do our homework. There's no point in playing five home games and not knowing how to play. Now is the time for us to find emotional balance to get through this difficult time," he said.
Flamengo will have reinforcements to seek rehabilitation\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After two consecutive victories, Flamengo saw its comeback in the Brazilian Championship halted by Palmeiras, who won last Sunday's game 2-1. Next Thursday, the Rio de Janeiro club will try to find its footing against Juventude at the Maracanã in a postponed match from the eighth round. Coach Joel Santana can celebrate the return of some of his key players for this match. Full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan, midfielder Roger, and forward Souza are available after serving suspensions. Of these, only Souza is not guaranteed a starting spot.
Another player who could be released for Thursday's match is midfielder Renato Augusto. Recovering from a muscle problem that has sidelined him for the last two games, he has been undergoing intensive treatment to be able to play. Still in the relegation zone, Flamengo is maintaining its training regime and will train at Granja Comary until Wednesday, the day before the match against Juventude. "The agreement was that we would continue this sacrifice while we were in such an uncomfortable situation. We haven't left the relegation zone yet," explained Joel Santana.
The days in Teresópolis will be crucial for Joel Santana in deciding which team he'll field against Juventude. Despite scoring a goal against Palmeiras, young Paulo Sérgio knows he could lose his place with the return of some players. "I'll keep working to show my potential and let Joel choose. Even if I'm on the bench, I'll be happy, because the most important thing is for Flamengo to get a win and put this situation behind them," commented the striker.
The match against Juventude will be a direct clash in the relegation battle. Rubro-Negro is in eighteenth place and has 18 points, just one more than Juventude, who drew with Corinthians on Sunday.
While the seniors are keeping an eye on Juventude, Flamengo's youth team returns this week from Malaysia, where they finished third in an international tournament featuring major clubs from around the world. In the bronze medal match last Sunday, the Rio de Janeiro club defeated Milan 3-1. Flamengo's goals were scored by Vander, Wellington, and Kaike.
PeléNet
Flamengo's defense improves, but Joel Santana still worries
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The modest improvement in Flamengo's defense doesn't fool coach Joel Santana. On Monday, the coach expressed considerable concern about the defense's performance and admitted that the Flamengo defense needs significant improvement to escape the relegation zone in this Brazilian Championship.
"Our goal is to earn points, but to do that, we need to correct some mistakes within the team. The team can't concede 30 goals," commented Joel Santana.
Flamengo's 30 goals conceded came in 17 matches. This leaves the team with the fourth-worst defense in the Brazilian Championship, both in absolute terms and on average—1,76 goals conceded per match.
However, if we only count the goals conceded by the team after Joel Santana's return, this average drops to 1,6—eight in five matches. The percentage drops even further (to one) if we count the goals conceded by the team after the arrival of defender Fábio Luciano—three in the last three matches.
According to the experienced 32-year-old, the red-and-black defense's marking has improved. "The opponents are having few chances. They score once or twice per game, not eight or nine. Most of their chances come from shots outside the box. The marking has improved a lot," commented the athlete, who, on the other hand, admits that the defense still needs improvement.
"We have to correct some positioning and know when to kick the ball. Our team has a lot of quality and sometimes we forget to play simple," he analyzed.
Flamengo coach rules out Renato Augusto's return
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Despite recovering from a left thigh strain, midfielder Renato Augusto is unlikely to return to Flamengo's lineup for next Thursday's match against Juventude at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. On Monday, coach Joel Santana ruled out the player's inclusion.
"We're going to hold him back a little longer. Maybe he'll be back for the weekend game [against Goiás, at Maracanã]," said the coach, who prefers to be cautious when promoting the athlete's return to the red-black team.
Renato Augusto suffered a left thigh injury during the match against Náutico. He was replaced in the second half by Argentine Maxi Biancucchi.
In fact, the cousin of Barcelona star Lionel Messi also replaced Renato Augusto in the following two matches, against Fluminense and Palmeiras. Incidentally, Maxi made the most of the opportunity, performing well in all three matches.
Against Náutico, the Argentine's entry improved Flamengo's team, which came back to win 2-1. In the classic against Fluminense, he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory. Against Palmeiras, Maxi provided the assist for the team's only goal - which they lost 2-1 -, scored by Paulo Sérgio.
Therefore, Maxi should remain in the lineup. While Renato Augusto remains out, four other starters return against Juventude after serving suspensions: Leonardo Moura, Juan, Roger, and Souza.
Flamengo sees salvation in 'homegrown' sequence in the Brazilian Championship
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Second-to-last in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo needs a strong winning streak to escape the relegation zone and move away from the relegation zone. Although the team hasn't yet achieved such momentum, the red-and-blacks see a silver lining in their standings, as they will play five consecutive home matches starting next round.
Flamengo opens the series next Thursday against Juventude at Maracanã. For striker Souza, this is the best time for the team to begin its push to escape the bottom four.
"Now is the time to turn things around. Maracanã is our trapdoor, where the fans support us and we feel at home," commented the striker, who is now available to coach Joel Santana after serving a five-game suspension for his sending off against Grêmio.
Defender and captain Fábio Luciano agrees. So much so that he's even making a prediction about when Flamengo might finally be able to move away from the relegation zone in this Brazilian Championship.
"It's important. We'll count on the support of our fans. We saw that in our home games; their presence [the fans] was crucial. I hope we can get out of this situation in the next three games," said the defender, who calls for an immediate reaction.
"Maracanã is our home, a special place. We have to make the most of it. We can't wait too long. We have examples of teams in the past that thought they would get through in the end, but didn't. It gets more difficult in the end," warned the experienced 32-year-old player.
More restrained, coach Joel Santana avoids showing excitement about the series of home matches. After all, for the coach, the sequence of games at Maracanã alone doesn't guarantee Flamengo the momentum needed to pull the team out of the relegation zone.
"We have to know how to do our homework. There's no point in playing five games in a row at home if we don't know how to play," commented the coach, who, however, preaches optimism.
"It's a difficult time, but we've been through this before," recalled Joel, who saved himself from relegation with Flamengo in 2005 with an unlikely comeback: after the coach's arrival, the team won six games, drew three and avoided relegation in the penultimate round.
BalloonSport
Mengão wants another member of Messi's family
Bruno Biancucchi, Maxi's brother, would come to the red-black pre-youth team
Eduardo Peixoto
Bruno Biancucchi, Maxi's brother and Messi's cousin, is Flamengo's target
Flamengo vs. Messi is coming. After bringing in (and liking) the Argentine star's cousin, Flamengo intends to continue investing in the family. Their current target is Bruno Biancucchi, Maxi's brother.
However, if it comes to fruition, the bet is on the future. The explanation is: the other member of the Messi clan is only ten years old and would come to play for the pre-youth team. Bruno currently plays for the Renato Cesario academy, affiliated with Newell's Old Boys and which has already developed, for example, Javier Mascherano.
In a recent championship, Messi's little cousin scored 13 times in just five games. Interest in the youngest Biancucchi son arose as soon as Maxi was signed. Upon learning of Bruno's presence, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, took an interest.
The conversation gained momentum, and according to people in the Flamengo football department, the chances of a deal are 95%. Flamengo contacted a scout in Buenos Aires and received excellent information. The club will bring Brunito's parents to Rio, and this will be the only cost to the Flamengo coffers.
Souza is thrilled with the end of his punishment
Striker served a five-game suspension for assault and returns to Fla against Juventude
Eduardo Peixoto
Souza's last game for Flamengo was on July 29th, against Corinthians. After being handed a four-game suspension by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) (he had already served one), the striker had plenty of time to reflect on the assault on Tcheco that led to his suspension (watch the video of the player's trial below). The threat of contract termination frightened him, and the games he watched made him realize that being a fan is even more complicated. So, the time for redemption has arrived. Cleared to play this Thursday against Juventude, he assures that he has changed.
"I'm really looking forward to coming back soon. It's hard to concentrate with my teammates and not be able to play. I've learned from my mistakes and I'm feeling more at ease," says the "new" Souza.
For now, Joel Santana hasn't yet secured the player's starting spot. However, it's very likely he'll form a strike partnership with Argentine Maxi.
- He's a fast player and I think our style can fit in - he says.
Fábio Luciano praises Fla's marking
Defender says opponents are not getting enough shots on goal, but calls for more "long shots"
Eduardo Peixoto
Thirty goals conceded in 17 Brazilian Championship matches. Flamengo's defensive problems are nothing new, and the lapses reappeared against Palmeiras (watch the video below). However, for those who insist on calling the Flamengo defense a sieve, defender Fábio Luciano has arguments to defend his side.
"The guys are getting few chances. They score once or twice a game, not eight or nine. Most of the opponents' chances come from shots outside the box. The marking has improved a lot," says the sheriff.
He played in three games, and the team conceded three goals (one against Náutico and two against Palmeiras). Despite seeing progress, the defender agrees that improvements are needed.
"We have to correct some positioning and know when to kick the ball. Our team has a lot of quality and sometimes we forget to play simple," he says.
Players go to the Gávea pool
The day after the defeat to Palmeiras, the team does light work and travels to Terê
Eduardo Peixoto
The Flamengo players who participated in the 2-1 loss to Palmeiras trained in the Gávea pool on Monday afternoon for just over an hour. Meanwhile, the others performed a light two-touch workout under Andrade's guidance.
In the early evening, the players head up the mountain. The Rubro-Negro team will train Tuesday and Wednesday at Granja Comary in Teresópolis. Coach Joel Santana wants to talk to the group to gauge their spirits after the latest negative result.
"In the locker room, they were complaining a lot, putting a lot of pressure on each other. This indignation is positive," says the coach.
Flamengo is in 18th place in the Brazilian Championship, with 18 points and returns to the field next Thursday, against Juventude, at Maracanã.
Red-black holidays remain suspended
The team heads up the mountain at night and trains at Granja Comary until Wednesday.
Flamengo's players had the morning off this Monday after their 2-1 loss to Palmeiras. But that was it. The team will return to Teresópolis that evening.
The Rubro-Negro will train at 15:30 p.m. in Gávea and then head to the mountain town, where they will train at Granja Comary on Tuesday and Wednesday. The team returns to Rio on Thursday to face Juventude at 20:30 p.m. at Maracanã, in a postponed match from the eighth round of the Brasileirão.
After the game, the team returns to Teresópolis on Friday afternoon. The training sessions in the mountains are part of the full training camp plan adopted by the board after the loss to Atlético-PR. The training camp will only end when the team escapes the relegation zone.
Flamengo is currently in 18th place in the competition with 18 points from 17 matches.
Five starters return to the team on Thursday
Leo Moura, Juan, Roger, Souza and Renato Augusto face Juventude at Maraca
Renato Augusto and Leonardo Moura are back in the Flamengo team
The patchwork Flamengo team that faced Palmeiras on Sunday was left behind. Against Juventude on Thursday at Maracanã, coach Joel Santana will have five players available, theoretically starting players.
Leo Moura, Juan, Roger, and Souza served suspensions, while Renato Augusto recovered from a left thigh injury. The first four will replace Luizinho, Egídio, Leo Lima, and Paulo Sergio, respectively.
Regarding Renato Augusto, Joel will have trouble fitting him into the team. With Maxi Biancucchi's ascendancy, it's unlikely the Argentine will leave the team.
Therefore, the option would be to take off Rômulo and move Ibson back to the second midfield role. However, the coach is unlikely to keep the young homegrown player out, who is considered a "worker."
Throw
Joel: 'They have Marcão and Fábio Baiano'
Coach thinks Fla needs to be careful with the team from Rio Grande do Sul
Flamengo coach Joel Santana made a point of highlighting the strengths of their upcoming opponent, Juventude, on Monday. According to the coach, even though they're playing at Maracanã, the red-and-black team needs to be careful this Thursday.
"Juventude is a direct opponent; it will be a six-point game. Here in Rio, it's always difficult to face them because they play irresponsibly. Plus, they have Marcão and Fábio Baiano. But we'll count on the support of our fans," he stated.
Flamengo is in 18th place in the Brazilian league, with 18 points, while Juventude is in 19th place, with 17 points. However, Joel's team has two games in hand over the Gauchos.
Joel Santana to face new trial
Coach may still be convicted for ordering Fla to beat
Joel will face a new trial
Deni Navarro and Edgard Maciel de Sá
Marcelo Jucá, a prosecutor for the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), filed an appeal on Monday requesting the suspension of coach Joel Santana for his actions during the match against Santos on August 5, when the coach ordered his players to "beat up." The red-and-black coach will return to the court and face charges under Article 279 for inciting the offense, which could lead to a sentence of one to two years.
If the STJD Plenary Court finds the punishment too harsh, it may downgrade the punishment to Article 278 (threatening someone with words) or 277 (illegal coercion). Suspensions under these articles range from 30 to 120 days.
- The trial has not yet been scheduled, but it should take place on August 30th - said Marcelo Jucá
In this new trial, there will be nine auditors. In the first, when there were five auditors, Joel Santana was unanimously acquitted.
Messi promises to see Biancucchi at Maracanã
Flamengo player revealed the desire of his cousin who plays for Barcelona
Maxi is even popular with his cousin Messi (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
Maxi Biancucchi's success with Flamengo could bring a big surprise to Flamengo fans. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper 'Sport,' the striker assured that his cousin Messi wants to see him play at Maracanã.
The Barcelona star was reportedly flattered when he learned that Maxi would be transferring to Flamengo, one of the clubs with the biggest fan base in the world, according to him.
The new red-black idol also revealed that he is a fan of Romário, a striker who scored 204 goals wearing the red-black shirt.
For Maxi, Messi is one of the best in the world today, alongside Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Henry. Coincidentally, all three play for Barcelona.
Souza is confirmed in Flamengo's attack
Striker served five-game suspension for elbow
Souza will face Juventude (Credit: Paulo Sergio)
Striker Souza will return to Flamengo's starting lineup against Juventude this Thursday at Maracanã, after being suspended for five games for elbowing Grêmio's Tcheco. Coach Joel Santana approves the player's return, as Juventude is a direct rival of the red-and-black team in the relegation battle.
"It will be a game that we are 100% responsible for, as Flamengo has to do their homework. We are more hopeful about this match because, with the return of some starters, the team will be stronger," the coach revealed.
In addition to Souza, full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan and midfielder Roger served suspensions and return to the red-black team.
Confusion among Flamengo's organized supporters
Fans clashed over space to put up banners
Flamengo factions fight for space in São Paulo (Credit: Eduardo Viana)
This Sunday's match between Palmeiras and Flamengo was marked by several clashes among fans at Parque Antarctica. The worst of these clashes occurred between two Flamengo factions, who clashed over space to hang banners. The police had to intervene and arrested two members.
According to Major Tadeu, responsible for local policing, there was also a clash between fans in the city center.
– We knew the atmosphere was tense and we sent an escort to Rio, but two buses escaped from the escort to cause trouble – he said.
Young Fla could be out of Maraca until 2008
Faction involved in fight in the game against Palmeiras, this Sunday
Flamengo Youth Fans will turn 40 in 2007 (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
Rafael Ximenes and Victor Carvalho
Flamengo's oldest active organized faction, Jovem Fla, could be out of Maracanã until the end of the year due to a huge mess in the Rubro-Negro's 2-1 defeat against Palmeiras, this Sunday, in São Paulo.
Major Marcelo Pessoa, commander of the Special Stadium Policing Group (Gepe), will forward a request to suspend the organized group to Judge Marcelo Rubioli, of the Special Criminal Court (Jecrim).
"We will study the case, and the young woman should be punished. This could mean she'll be sidelined for the rest of the season. She caused the trouble in São Paulo, as she fled with four police escort buses and burned a Raça flag (Raça Rubro-Negra, Flamengo's largest fan faction)," the commander said.
If he fails to secure punishment, Major Marcelo explains how he intends to curb violence in Thursday's match against Juventude, at 20:30 pm, at Maracanã:
- We will reinforce policing and return to creating a police line between the two fan bases - he added.