THE GLOBE
To evolve, Renato Augusto dreams of a sequence in his position
Ibson, with muscle pain, is doubtful for Flamengo's game against Inter
Since joining Flamengo's first team, Renato Augusto has always been diplomatic when asked about his preference between attack or midfield, his original position. After two years of constant changes and being used mostly as a striker, he made it clear yesterday that his expectation, with the arrival of Caio Júnior, is to fight to establish himself as a midfielder.
Renato Augusto stated that, if needed, he would play attack. However, he believes his development has been hindered.
"In almost two years, I haven't learned anything about my position. I haven't evolved in my actual role. Playing three months straight as a midfielder in the professional ranks was a lot. There was even a positive side, because I learned to play as a striker. And of course, at the end of a game, when needed, you can make a difference. But I want to evolve as a midfielder. I think the time has come to play my position," said the player. "I talked to Caio Júnior and told him how I prefer to play. But it's up to him to decide."
Included on Dunga's shortlist, Brazil's national team coach, for the Olympic Games, Renato Augusto sees little chance of going to Beijing:
- The injury on my face really hampered me. It's difficult, but I have this dream.
Dininho performs this afternoon in Gávea
On the other hand, midfielder Gavilán, although still far from being a starter, said he is breathing new air at Gávea.
"Today, those who were left out are used in training in the same way. I accepted the type of contract I signed, subjected myself to difficult things for a player with a track record, like training with the youth team. All because I want to play for Flamengo," he said, having signed a new three-month contract and, yesterday, had a long conversation with Júlio César Camargo, Caio Júnior's assistant. "I like to learn from everyone. You can become a coach, an assistant."
Gavilán has been helpful in conversations with young people.
"When I was young, if I wasn't playing, all I thought about was kicking the bucket. Today, I have a family behind me. A career is short, and complaining makes it even shorter," said the player, who admitted he's waiting for offers from abroad to decide his future.
With adductor muscle pain, midfielders Ibson and Kleberson didn't train yesterday. Of the two, Ibson is the one who's most worried about the match against Internacional on Saturday at Maracanã. Kleberson is expected to return to ball training tomorrow. During training, there was a heated argument between Jônatas and Tiago Sales.
Defender Dininho, who yesterday agreed to terminate his contract with Palmeiras, will be presented today.
LOSS OF FIELD
Following a ruling by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), the CBF announced yesterday that teams that lose home-field advantage will have to play their matches at least 100 kilometers from their home stadium, with regular ticket sales. Last week, the court annulled two articles of the CBF's General Competition Regulations. These articles mandated that matches between teams that lost home-field advantage be played behind closed doors, without spectators.
Fla is one step away from the final
Rubro-negro suffers, but beats Joinville in extra time and makes it 2-0 in the series
Point guard Marcelinho makes the shot to score two more of his 37 points in the victory over Joinville, in Tijuca
It wasn't a comfortable victory like Monday's. Quite the opposite. In a dramatic game decided in overtime, Flamengo defeated Ciser/Univille/Joinville (SC) again last night at the Tijuca gymnasium, this time 120-113 (100-100 in regulation). With this result, the red-and-black team opened up a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series and now needs only one more victory to reach the final of the National Men's Basketball Championship for the third time in its history. The next match will take place on Friday in Joinville.
- It was the most difficult and most exciting victory, because we were in the semifinal - said Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta.
- We will definitely win 2-2 at home and take the series to a fifth game - promised Alberto Bial, coach of Joinville, from Rio de Janeiro.
Runner-up in 2000 and 2004, Flamengo is getting closer and closer to its first title. Last Monday, the Rio de Janeiro team comfortably defeated Joinville, 94-72 (56-36). Yesterday, Flamengo's Marcelinho was again the game's top scorer, with 37 points.
The call for the national teams comes out today
In the first quarter, Joinville marked Marcelinho, making Flamengo's chances difficult. The Santa Catarina team took a 15-8 lead with a Shilton dunk. They held the lead until 23-16, when Flamengo began a comeback with Fernando Mineiro on the court. The Rio de Janeiro team turned the game around to 32-25.
In the second quarter, with only one center on the court, Coloneze, the red-black team didn't find its feet and let the opponent close the first half with 52 to 51. In the stands, the fans complained about the choice of Cristiano Maranho from Santa Catarina, from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), as one of the three referees on the court.
The second half started evenly, with Flamengo regaining the lead. The fans were thrilled, and the team took a 74-66 lead, but allowed a comeback. But Marcelinho's accurate hand allowed the team from Gávea to close the half at 79-74.
Encouraged by the home crowd, Flamengo opened up an early lead in the fourth quarter, reaching 85-76. But, once again, they let Joinville come back, with an 85-85 lead. The teams with the two best defenses in Nacional struggled to score, and the game became tense. A three-pointer by Fernando Mineiro momentarily saved Flamengo, making it 96-93. With five seconds remaining, Joinville tied the score at 100-100, and Duda only found the rim late on.
In overtime, Duda redeemed himself with a three-pointer that lifted the crowd and put Flamengo up 113-106, without being threatened again until securing the 120-113 victory.
Flamengo: Duda (27), Marcelinho (37), Amiel (10), Alírio (7) and Coloneze (7). Fernando (17), Wagner (2) and Hélio (13) came on. Joinville: Espiga (7), Viegas (15), WIlliams (35), Shilton (18) and Olívia (11). Gustavo (8), Thiagão, Jimmy, Cleiton, Augusto, André (5) and Henrique (14) came on.
In the other semifinal, the series is tied at 1-1. Pitágoras/Minas, who had won the first match 98-78 on Monday in Belo Horizonte, was defeated at home yesterday by Universo/BRB/Converse (DF) 99-93.
Today at 16 p.m., the Brazilian Basketball Confederation (CBB) will release the list of players selected for the two Brazilian men's national teams. The main team, led by Spaniard Moncho Monsalve, will attempt to qualify for the Beijing Games in the World Pre-Olympic Championship, from July 14 to 20 in Athens, Greece. The B team, coached by Flamengo's Paulo Chupeta, will attempt to win the title at the 43rd South American Championship, from July 1 to 6 in Chile.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Renato Augusto asks to play in midfield
Nina Lima/JS
Midfielder Renato Augusto is expected to start against Internacional next Saturday. He has largely recovered from a left knee injury and even came on during the match against Grêmio last Sunday.
Renato stated that he feels almost no pain anymore and that he will use this week to prepare. Flamengo's number 10 revealed that he had a conversation with coach Caio Júnior where he made it clear that he wants to play in midfield, not as a second striker.
"I felt much better. I still have some pain, but very little. Now I have another week to work and we'll see if I'm okay. I'm ready to play, and he'll decide. I've already told him the position I like to play and we'll see what he'll do. In my entire professional life, if I played three months in midfield, that was a lot. That's my real position," said Renato Augusto.
The amount invested does not worry Kleber
Ursula Nery/JS Archive
Kleberson: investment that has not yet been justified
High investment and low productivity. As JORNAL DOS SPORTS described in yesterday's edition, most of Flamengo's reinforcements for this season have disappointed. So far, the US$4 million invested hasn't had the expected impact on the field. Despite this, Vice President of Football Kleber Leite says the Board doesn't sign players based on whether they'll be starters and explains that the important thing for Flamengo, right now, is to build a strong squad with a large number of quality players.
"What people need to understand is that the coach is the one who selects the team. Neither I nor anyone else on the board has anything to do with it. We're concerned about the strength of our squad, and it's yielding good results. Just look at our performance this year, which is very good. Or will anyone complain about it? We've invested in having a strong and competitive group of players. Who plays or not is the sole decision of the coach and his coaching staff," explains Kleber Leite.
The problem is that with the professional squad so full, some youth players end up having to be sold or loaned out, lacking the opportunity to showcase the same football that captivated fans during their youth careers. An example of what's been happening at the club lately is the sale of striker Pedro Beda to a group of agents. Besides him, it's quite possible that other players will soon leave Gávea without even making their first-team debut.
Dininho will be presented today in Gávea
Dininho will be presented today in Gávea. This information was released yesterday afternoon by Vice President of Football Kleber Leite. The director declined to elaborate on how the presentation would be conducted, likely to avoid any potential fuss. The defender is expected to be presented after training.
"Dininho arrives tomorrow (today) and will be introduced, but I still don't know exactly what time. I'll look into that later, he might be introduced during training," said Kleber Leite.
Tickets for Saturday's 18:10 p.m. game against Internacional at Maracanã stadium go on sale today. A total of 67.542 tickets are available. Green and yellow stands cost R$30, white stands R$40, special seats R$120, and regular seats R$20. Students pay half price. Tickets will be sold at the Gávea, Olaria, Fluminense, Maracanã ticket offices, and at the Hilton Santos building (Av. Rui Barbosa 170, in Flamengo), from 11 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Ibson feels muscle and becomes doubtful
Coach Caio Júnior may have a big problem when choosing the team that will face Internacional, Saturday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã: Ibson felt the adductor muscle in his left thigh.
Doctor Walter Martins explained that Ibson is still in a lot of pain and was therefore spared even yesterday afternoon's training session. "Ibson has been feeling this discomfort in his adductor, and that's why it's a doubt. He's feeling more sensitive and we decided to spare him in the afternoon's training session," explained Walter Martins.
Same\ Another player that concerns the Coaching Committee is Kleberson. He suffered the same problem as Ibson. However, it's very likely that he'll be on the field next Saturday.\
"Kleberson's problem is the same as Ibson's, only in the other leg. He is in a more advanced stage and should play. In addition to doing physiotherapy today (yesterday), he worked out at the gym," the doctor added.
If Ibson really doesn't play against Internacional, it's quite possible that midfielder Cristian will replace him.
Departure of new players is regretted
The greatest player in Flamengo's history did not hold back in his criticism of the current CBF administration.
Having emerged from Flamengo, Zico understands the importance of the club in developing a player. For this reason, he harshly criticized the current board's policy of getting rid of young talent, as is currently happening. In the now-coach's view, this is because clubs no longer have the right to keep their players, as they end up being lured away by rivals.
"I prefer to believe that this kind of attitude is favorable to Flamengo, but I don't agree with it. The management currently takes a heavy hand over the players. It's discouraging. I'm in favor of freedom of movement above all else, but it's a reality when contracts can only be signed with players after the age of 16. The training club, which invests in the youth academy, needs to be compensated in some way. But ethics have been lost, and so has respect," he lamented.
Another point heavily criticized by Zico was the CBF's dissatisfaction with the refusal to release Kaká for the Beijing Olympics in August. According to him, the attempt to turn the athlete against his club is unacceptable.
"In my time, the CBF was responsible for paying the player's salary while he was on national team duty. Sometimes I was left out of the squad because of this. Kaká is already a player for the senior national team, not the Olympic team. I wanted to see if the CBF would pay his R$1 million salary when he was on the national team for a month. There's no such thing as the player not wanting to play for the national team. What they're doing is placing the blame on the players, trying to pit them against their clubs," commented Zico.
Lots of criticism of 'Daddy Joel'
Players overlooked by the former coach demand more opportunities at Flamengo
Eduardo Lacombe, Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Ursula Nery, Wallace Teixeira/JS
Renato Augusto demands more opportunities in midfield; Jônatas wasn't even named on the bench; Diego Tardelli never settled for being a reserve in attack
While Joel Santana was at Flamengo, it was common to hear countless praises for Papa Joel from all the players. It wasn't until the coach left the club to manage the South African national team that those who so highly praised the Santana family began to change their tune. Renato Augusto, the former coach's number 10, expressed his discontent with Caio Júnior's predecessors yesterday after training at Gávea.
"I've already said it, and everyone knows how I like to play. Since I started playing professionally at the club, I haven't been able to develop much in my original position. I've been here for two years, and if I played three months as a midfielder, that was a lot. I can even play striker as a stopgap, but I've been playing that role for six months. Everything has its pros and cons. I may have gained more experience in a new position, but I haven't improved in mine," said Renato Augusto.
In addition to the midfielder, striker Diego Tardelli and defensive midfielder Jônatas have also recently expressed dissatisfaction with the former coach. Both complain about the lack of opportunities to demonstrate their potential as starters.
Another player who complained a lot yesterday was defensive midfielder Gavilan. He had already criticized Joel for giving him few opportunities. This time, he went further, saying that under the former coach, those who didn't play regularly were dropped:
"With the arrival of the new coach, everything has changed a lot. I respect the opinion of the professional who was here before, but I can agree or disagree with it. Now, whoever is playing or not has work to do. In the past, those who weren't playing had a different rhythm than those who were," Gavilan accused.
But the lack of opportunities continues to irritate Jônatas. Yesterday afternoon, he—who was once again playing among the reserves, even with Ibson and Kleberson rested—argued loudly with defender Thiago Sales. The altercation stemmed from a positioning error in the reserves' squad, but it didn't escalate further.
Interestingly, when Joel Santana took over, many players criticized his predecessor, Ney Franco, precisely for favoring those who earned the nickname "Republic of Cheese Bread."
Argument at Fla's training session
Midfielder Jônatas and defender Thiago Sales got into a heated argument during training on Tuesday at Gávea. The altercation was caused by the reserve team's positioning, which had little impact on the rest of the session. The players continued with their training.
Coach Caio Júnior, known for his diverse approach, fielded two teams with 11 outfield players in training. The starting lineup consisted of: Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, Juan, Jaílton, Cristian, Toró, Renato Augusto, Marcinho, Diego Tardelli, and Souza.
Victory in the race and in extra time
Rubro-Negro defeats Joinville again and opens 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal series
Pedro Ivo Almeida Eduardo Vieira
Nina Lima/JS
Winger Duda breaks free from his marker to attempt a shot in yesterday's match at the Tijuca gymnasium
Flamengo, driven by grit and passion, defeated Joinville 120-113 in overtime, after a 100-100 draw in regulation time, yesterday in a match held at the Tijuca Tennis Club gymnasium. With the result, the Red-Blacks opened up a 2-0 lead in the series and are one win away from the final of the National Men's Basketball Championship, which would be their third in history.
The next match will be on Friday, at 18 pm, in Santa Catarina.
Unlike the first match, Flamengo didn't have it easy and faced a very well-positioned Joinville team. The fans had to push the red-and-black team, which still trailed after the second quarter: 51-52.
In the third quarter, Flamengo launched a blistering comeback and managed to open up a healthy lead. When they reached six points (72-66), the fans erupted in celebration. However, the Santa Catarina team didn't give up and remained in the game. Such a tight match could only result in a 100-100 tie and overtime.
Flamengo came back with determination and had broad dominance, ending the game at 120 to 113. The period was a duel between top scorers Marcelinho (37 points), from Flamengo, and Williams (35), from Joinville. But the Santa Catarina native ended up coming off with the fifth foul and from then on, the Rubro-Negro had broad dominance.
Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta was thrilled: "The fans made the difference in today's (yesterday's) match, because the match wasn't good, and the fans put on a lot of pressure. Playing there, I expect a match as difficult as this one. But Flamengo has the advantage of having three chances to secure a place in the final, something they don't have."
In the other series, Universo/BRB/Converse (DF) defeated Pitágoras/Minas (MG) by 99 to 93 (47 to 42), at the Minas TC gymnasium, in Belo Horizonte, and tied the series at 1 to 1.
Flamengo: Marcelinho (37), Duda (27), Amiel (10), Coloneze (14) and Alírio (12). Entered: Hélio (13) and Wagner (2).\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\
Joinville: Viegas (15), Shilton (18), Espiga (7), Olívia (11) and Williams (35). Entered: Gustavo (8), Henrique (14) and André (5).\ Coach: Alberto Bial\
Location: Tijuca Gymnasium
THE DAY
Renato Augusto wants to play in midfield
Rio - Since joining Flamengo's first team, Renato Augusto has played in various positions for the club. Now, under coach Caio Júnior, he hopes to establish himself in his original position, midfield.
"I told Caio Júnior to act as mayor. If I played three months in my position, that was a lot. I still haven't been able to develop in my position since I became a professional two years ago. I've played in this role before, connecting the midfield with the attack.
I then played other positions, gaining experience, but I think after two years as a professional, it's time to establish myself where I like to play. I've been playing forward for six months. It will take some time to readjust, but I hope to perform well in my real position."
At just 20 years old, Renato Augusto is hoping for a chance to join the Brazilian Olympic Team, which will compete in the games in China.
"I think it's difficult to be remembered for the Olympics, especially since I haven't played much this year. But I hope to be able to help Brazil in China."
Ibson and Kleberson may miss Flamengo's match against Inter
Rio - Flamengo may have two players missing for next Saturday's match against Internacional at Maracanã. Midfielders Ibson and Kleberson, both with thigh pain, were rested from Tuesday's training session and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday.
According to the club's doctor, Walter Martins, Ibson is of greater concern, while Kleberson, who is already undergoing physiotherapy, should return to activities first.
Dininho approves reunion with Caio Júnior
Rio - Defender Dininho, who has agreed to transfer to Flamengo, is pleased to be working again with Caio Júnior, the coach who managed him at Palmeiras and recommended his signing.
"It was a very good thing that happened to me. Working with Caio Junior again is always great and I hope I can stay at Flamengo for a long time," the former Palmeiras player told Rádio Jovem Pan.
The defender, who had not been used by Vanderlei Luxemburgo at Palmeiras and arrives at Gávea to replace Rodrigo, was surprised by the news that he could transfer to the red-black team.
"It was a surprise. Every player wants to play for Flamengo. It was one of my goals since the beginning of my career and it has been a moment of great joy for me," added the player, who said he holds no hard feelings about his time with the São Paulo team.
"I'm not leaving upset, no. I just want to thank the board for their friendship and understanding during this period. They can be sure that I'll be rooting for them even from afar," assured Dininho, who admitted to having lost his place in the team, where he received a high salary - which, it is speculated, would have been one of the reasons for his release.
Dininho, however, assured that the Palmeiras board never commented on the matter. "I'm not saying that. The board never called me to talk about it. I saw the press saying that was the main reason, but I can say that I earn what I deserve," concluded the new Flamengo signing.
SPORTS GAZETTE
With muscle pain, Ibson may be out on Saturday\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Absent from Flamengo's full-time activities on Tuesday, midfielder Ibson could be out of action on Saturday for the match against Internacional in the third round of the Brazilian Championship. The player has been complaining of muscle pain in his right thigh.\ Ibson has been closely monitored by doctor Walter Martins, who admitted the possibility of the midfielder being out of the game against Colorado.\
Ibson's absence could be filled by Renato Augusto, who reaffirmed this Tuesday his desire to play in midfield, the position in which he began his career.
Zico rules out possible chance to coach Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Zico is facing difficulties in renewing his contract with Fenerbahce, where he has worked since 2006. However, a possible departure of the "Galinho de Quintino" from the Turkish club is unlikely to excite Flamengo fans, who have virtually no chance of seeing their idol on the team's bench again. Zico has personally ruled out the possibility of coaching the Rubro-Negro someday. However, the club's biggest name in history hasn't ruled out a possible move to Gávea in the future, as long as it's to take on another role at Flamengo.
"The last thing I want is to be Flamengo's coach. My relationship as a Flamengo player has transcended everything else. I wouldn't want to mix things up. I would return in any other role, but not as a coach," Zico stated.
Wearing the Flamengo jersey, Zico scored more than 500 goals and led the club to its most important titles: the Copa Libertadores and the 1981 World Cup. As a coach, the former player also coached Kashima Antlers-JAP and the Japanese national team.
Flamengo reappears and may change against Inter\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - This Tuesday morning, Flamengo's starting players returned to Gávea to perform physical exercises. Eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, the team is preparing for its next Brazilian Championship match – this Saturday, against Internacional at Marcanã. However, coach Caio Júnior may be forced to make changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Grêmio on Sunday. Forward Obina, who has recovered from an ankle problem, participated normally in training with the squad. Midfielders Ibson and Kléberson, suffering from muscle pain, exercised in the pool. Defender Fábio Luciano was excused from the morning training session due to personal issues and remained in São Paulo.
Meanwhile, a youngster could soon get a chance in Flamengo's creative department. Joined the professional squad this week, midfielder Erick Flores doesn't hide his joy, but dismisses any kind of dazzlement.
"It's a huge leap from the professional ranks to the junior ranks, but Flamengo's youth academy is very good at this transition. Besides, I have a very good head on my shoulders and won't let fame go to my head," Erick said.
Renato Augusto vents: he wants to play in the middle\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Having recovered from the injuries that kept him in Flamengo's medical department for a long time at the beginning of the year, Renato Augusto is now fighting to regain a starting spot. Under coaches Joel Santana and Ney Franco, the player was usually deployed as a striker; however, with Caio Júnior in charge of the Rubro-Negro, Renato Augusto hopes to be used in his original position, as a playmaker. "He'll be the one to decide what position I'll play. I talked to him and told him where I like to play, but it's up to him to decide. If I've played in midfield for three months since I joined the professional team, that's a lot. I want to develop in my original position, because I haven't yet developed as a midfielder since I joined the professional team. I've evolved as a professional player, but not in my position," Renato vented this Tuesday morning, speaking to the press.
Last Sunday, Renato Augusto came on in the second half of the match against Grêmio, gaining his first experience under Caio Júnior. The player admits he still needs more rhythm. "It was good to come on, the pain is practically gone, it doesn't bother me as much anymore," he commented.
But while Renato Augusto seeks an opportunity in his original position, another Flamengo player wants his place back in the Flamengo attack. Recovered from an Achilles tendon injury, Souza has already returned to training with his teammates and hopes to be selected against Internacional next Saturday at Maracanã.
It will be another opportunity for the player to break a goal drought that has lasted since March. "In the match against Grêmio, I suffered a lot cheering on television. I want to help again against Inter. And I don't think I've ever gone so long without scoring a goal," said Souza, who has been criticized by Flamengo fans.
Grateful to Palmeiras, Dininho wants to establish himself at Fla
São Paulo (SP) - Confirmed as Flamengo's new signing on Monday night, defender Dininho holds no grudges against Palmeiras, where he was being underutilized by coach Wanderley Luxemburgo, and says he is delighted to have the chance to play for the Rio de Janeiro club. "It was great to have reached an agreement with Flamengo and to have the chance to work with Caio Júnior again. I expect to have a good championship," the defender told Jovem Pan radio. Caio, who managed Dininho at Verdão last year, recommended the defender's signing to Flamengo's board.
Satisfied, Dininho admitted he was surprised by the chance to play for the Rio de Janeiro team. "Every player has wanted to play for Flamengo since the beginning of their career. I've achieved this now, at 32, and even though I'm in good shape, it was a surprise for me," he acknowledged.
After starting the year as a starter, Dininho was injured and, after recovering, had few opportunities with Luxemburgo at Verdão. Even so, he guarantees he won't let the team down and even wishes Palmeiras luck—except when they face his new team.
"I thank the Palmeiras board for the opportunity to play for the club, where I made great friends. I miss it and I hope the team succeeds, except against Flamengo," joked Fla's new defender.
PELENET
Jônatas argues with Thiago Sales during Flamengo training
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Things aren't looking good for defensive midfielder Jônatas. During Tuesday's training session at Gávea, the midfielder had a heated argument with defender Thiago Sales. The two exchanged insults over a positioning error by the reserve team.
Midfielder Jônatas argued with young defender Thiago Sales this Tuesday
After the red-black board fought tooth and nail to repatriate the midfielder, who was not being used by Espanyol-ESP, Jônatas had few chances in Flamengo's starting team and fell into disgrace.
A clear indication of this lack of prestige is the fact that the player was not even named in the main team this Tuesday, despite the absences of Ibson and Kleberson, both injured.
Ibson is experiencing pain in his left thigh. Kleberson has been complaining of the same problem, but in his other leg. If they are unable to participate in the match, Diego Tardelli and Cristian should be considered.
In third place, with four points, Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday, against Internacional, at Maracanã, for the third round of the Brazilian Championship.
Renato Augusto speaks out and says he hopes to evolve in his position
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Renato Augusto, with extreme sincerity, stated that he hopes to develop not only in football, but also within his field. The player revealed his intention to be used in the position where he feels most comfortable to help Flamengo's team in the remainder of this season.
AFP
Supporter Renato Augusto hopes to have a chance in midfield with coach Caio Júnior
Much used by former coach Joel Santana as a striker, Renato Augusto hopes for a new life with the Flamengo shirt under the tutelage of coach Caio Júnior.
"In two years as a professional, I haven't evolved much in my position. My hope is, of course, to play as a midfielder. Since I became a professional, if I've played three months in my original position, that's a lot," he said.
Recovering from a knee problem, Renato Augusto reappeared more effectively in the red-black team in the 0-0 draw with Grêmio, on Sunday, at the Olímpico, for the Brazilian Championship.
Therefore, the midfielder could be included in the team that will face Internacional, on Saturday, at Maracanã, in the third round of the national competition.
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.
Flamengo players trained this morning in Gávea
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo athletes participated in training on Tuesday morning, in Gávea, aiming for Saturday's match against Internacional, at Maracanã, for the third round of the Brazilian Championship.
The only absence from the training session was captain Fábio Luciano, who is in São Paulo accompanying his father, who has been experiencing a health issue. The defender is expected to participate in this afternoon's training session later on Tuesday.
This morning, Obina and Souza participated in training as usual and are available for coach Caio Júnior. Despite his goal drought and the difficult time facing Flamengo fans, the latter is expected to form the front line alongside Marcinho.
GLOBOESPORTE
Fla prepares for reunion with fans after 'tragedy'
Renato Augusto acknowledges that fans are disappointed. Marcinho calls for a repeat of the unity that helped the Red-Blacks in 2007.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Marcinho (left) wants a repeat of 2007
The wounds haven't healed yet. But football doesn't allow for postponements. So, 17 days after the traumatic elimination from the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo's fans and team have a new meeting scheduled: Saturday at the Maracanã.
In the first round of the Brazilian Championship, the red-and-black team played Santos in a closed stadium due to a STJD penalty. The next challenge was against Grêmio at the Olímpico Stadium. The next page of their journey has a huge question mark.
How will the fans welcome the players? The squad knows they're not immune to pressure.
"Of course the fans are disappointed, just as we are. We have to bring them back to our side," says Renato Augusto.
In the match against the Mexicans, Souza was one of the most booed. He's expected to start against Internacional and is urging his teammates to remain calm so that any potential impatience in the stands doesn't hamper their performance.
"The fans will demand it. We'll be held accountable to win and secure the Brazilian title. But we can't give in to the pressure," warns the center forward, who hasn't scored in eight games.
Remember 2007
In the last Brazilian Championship, the unity between team and fans was crucial to the surge that lifted Flamengo from second-to-last place to third. Marcinho wasn't at Gávea during that period. Even so, he calls for a repeat of the success story.
"We'll have the opportunity to play in front of the fans again. I hope they come and support us, like last year. There will be four decisive games at Maracanã," says Marcinho.
After Inter, Flamengo will have three more matches against the red-and-blacks against Fluminense, São Paulo, and Figueirense. This is a golden opportunity to improve its image.
Gavilán says athletes 'abandoned' by Joel Santana are more motivated
Flamengo midfielder says he went through difficult situations at Flamengo, such as watching training from the side of the field
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Gavilán says Caio's arrival 'changed Flamengo a lot'
Gavilán continues to wait for a chance at Flamengo. After venting his frustrations last week, the Paraguayan once again commented on his situation at Gávea. This time, the midfielder praised Caio Júnior's arrival and took the opportunity to indirectly criticize Joel Santana.
"It's changed a lot. I'm training better, paying more attention than before. The "left-behind" players, who weren't previously selected, are feeling more motivated and working to be ready when needed," he says.
Gavilán reiterated that he doesn't know what his future will be at Flamengo. With a contract until July 23, the Paraguayan hopes to play and remain with the club.
"Whether I stay or not depends on an offer. Flamengo weighs heavily when making an offer, and it's only worth leaving if it's to somewhere at least similar. I've been through a lot here, like watching training from the sidelines and training with the youth team. I've done all of that and I'm still waiting for an opportunity," he declares.
Criticism of Joel Santana's management of the squad has become frequent since the coach's departure. Diego Tardelli acknowledged that the former coach favored the players who were at the club in 2007. Striker Éder surprised everyone by claiming he had never spoken to Joel.
Out of the starting lineup, Jônatas clashes with Thiago Sales during training
Caio Júnior has an 11-man lineup, but that doesn't even include the defensive midfielder. Ibson could miss Flamengo's match on Saturday.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Jônatas is going through a difficult time at Fla
Jônatas's poor form at Flamengo was reflected in the midfielder's mood this Tuesday. During tactical training, the midfielder loudly argued with Thiago Sales. The argument stemmed from positioning in the reserve team and didn't escalate further.
The midfielder's stress has a lot to do with the lack of opportunities within the team. After suffering a muscle injury in the match against Friburguense on March 26, he has not played again.
This Tuesday, another demonstration of the player's declining prestige. Without Ibson and Kleberson, who were injured, Caio Júnior fielded 11 players and still didn't include Jônatas in the first team.
The overcrowded midfield featured Cristian, Toró, Jaílton, Renato Augusto, and Diego Tardelli. Up front, Souza and Marcinho. The defense featured Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan.
According to doctor Walter Martins, Ibson is a concern for Saturday's match against Internacional. He's experiencing pain in the adductor muscle of his left thigh. Kleberson has the same complaint, but in the other leg.
"Ibson is more sensitive and was inactive this afternoon. Kleberson, on the other hand, is in a better state and has been doing physical therapy and working out at the gym," he says.
The squad gives Fla the status of favorite for the Brazilian title, in Marcinho's opinion
The player says it won't be a surprise if the team wins the championship. He praises the quality of his attacking teammates.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Last week, Ronaldo Angelim stated that Flamengo had the team to win the Copa Libertadores. But the elimination to América-MEX made that dream impossible. This Tuesday, it was another player's turn to give the team a positive review. In Marcinho's opinion, due to its deep roster, Flamengo is the favorite to win the Brazilian title.
"This isn't news or a surprise to anyone. Flamengo, due to the quality of its players and not just its starting lineup, is one of the big favorites," he says.
In two rounds, Flamengo has four points and now faces a sequence of four matches at Maracanã to stay at the top of the table.
Marcinho, a starter in both games, watched his attacking partner change. Souza, with pain in his right foot, missed the match against Grêmio and was replaced by Diego Tardelli. Obina is also recovering from an ankle problem.
The variety of options and the quality of his colleagues excite Marcinho.
Obina, Souza, and Tardelli have different characteristics, and we have everything we need to help our attack score goals. Tardelli is quick and provides options on the counterattack. Obina and Souza are more stationary in the box, and I like to create and finish, but Caio Júnior is the one who decides. Everyone is capable of playing," he assures.
Flamengo returns to action next Saturday at the Maracanã against Internacional. The next round of matches at the stadium will be against Fluminense, São Paulo, and Figueirense.
Renato Augusto: 'In almost two years, I haven't learned anything about my position'
Since his promotion to Flamengo's first team, the player has been deployed as a makeshift striker. Caio Júnior intends to use him in midfield.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
That Renato Augusto is a supporter and prefers to play as such is nothing new. But on Tuesday morning, the player expressed his frustration at having received few opportunities in his original position in nearly two years as a Flamengo professional.
Since his debut in July 2006, when Ney Franco was the coach, he's found himself constantly improvising in attack. Joel Santana was no different. But it seems things are finally changing. Caio Júnior has stated several times that he intends to use the player to create plays. The theory doesn't excite Renato, at least not yet. In his speech, he seems skeptical and wants to see the changes in practice.
"In two years with Flamengo's first team, if I played three months in my position, that was a lot. I haven't learned anything about my role, which is a midfielder, since I was promoted. It's one thing to just help out, but it's another to always play striker. I was disadvantaged, even though I learned to play other positions," says the player.
Starter again?
The Flamengo player had a difficult start to this season. First, a serious facial fracture kept him out of action for over 50 days. Subsequently, persistent knee pain sidelined him for over a month. Now that the problem is gone, he has a chance of starting in Saturday's match against Internacional. And as a supporting player.
"I'm ready to play. Caio will decide what the role will be," he says.
The lack of a string of games also caused Renato Augusto to practically withdraw from the Beijing Olympics. At 20, he is on Dunga's shortlist for the Games.
"It's difficult because I haven't played much. But I still have hope," he says, without much conviction.
Training
On Tuesday morning, Flamengo performed a fitness workout under the blazing sun in Gávea. The players who faced Grêmio on Sunday, however, trained in the pool.
THROW
Flamengo's promising start to the Brazilian Championship
Flamengo is looking for the best start to the points-based era and hopes for the sixth title are beginning to emerge.
Flamengo excited
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's campaign at the start of the Brasileirão has excited fans and coach Caio Junior himself, who declared that the team will fight for the title.
If they don't lose to Internacional at Maracanã on Saturday, the team will have a streak of three unbeaten games, a feat that has only happened once since the start of the championship based on points, in 2003 - this year the team went four games without losing.
But memories of 2003 aren't as good as one might imagine. At the end of the competition, the team finished eighth, missing out on a Libertadores berth, a dream of the current squad. In the opening round of that year's Brasileirão, Flamengo drew with Coritiba, beat Bahia and Fluminense, and tied again with São Caetano. The first loss came against Santos, 2-1.
Another coincidence between 2003 and 2008: in the first five rounds of both seasons, the Red-Blacks faced Santos and Fluminense. This year, the match against Fluminense will be in the fourth round. Santos was already defeated in the first game of the Brasileirão, 3-1.
Flamengo's longest unbeaten streak was in 1974. The team, which featured Zico, achieved an incredible 15-game unbeaten streak. In the late 70s and early 80s, Flamengo maintained a strong record. During those years, the club won three national championships (80, 82, 83).
Gavilán takes a dig at Joel and waits for a chance
Paraguayan says 'forgotten' players are getting more attention\ LANCEPRESS!\
Gavilán continues to wait for a chance at Flamengo. After venting his feelings last week, the Paraguayan once again commented on his situation at Gávea. This time, the midfielder praised Caio Júnior's arrival and took the opportunity to criticize Joel Santana.
"It's changed a lot. I'm training better, paying more attention than before. The players who were "left out," who weren't in the squad, are getting more motivated and working to be ready when needed," he said.
Gavilán reiterated that he doesn't know what his future will be at Flamengo. With a contract until July 23, the Paraguayan hopes to play and remain with the club.
"Whether I stay or not depends on an offer. Flamengo weighs heavily when making an offer, and it's only worth leaving if it's to somewhere at least similar. I've been through a lot here, like watching training from the sidelines and training with the youth team. I've done all of that and I'm still waiting for an opportunity," he said.