THE GLOBE

Joel will leave Flamengo to manage South Africa in the 2010 World Cup

The coach will only stay at the club until the end of the state final against Botafogo

Photo caption: JOEL SANTANA, in Teresópolis: "There are things in a professional's life that only happen once"

Photo caption: FÁBIO LUCIANO tries to restrain Juan, who threatens to abandon training

Carlos Eduardo Mansur

TERESÓPOLIS. The news was seen as fuel for the team's quest for the title in the State Championship. For the Libertadores, it could be a major blow. On May 5th, the day after the decisive second leg against Botafogo, Flamengo will have a new coach. Joel Santana will be flying to South Africa to lead the local national team. On the same date, according to vice president of football Kleber Leite, a new coach will be introduced and will have two days to field the team for the second leg of the Libertadores Round of XNUMX.

Besides the financial offer, Joel was also attracted by the fact that he had been nominated by Carlos Alberto Parreira, who is leaving his position, as well as a historic opportunity: he would coach the host country of the next World Cup, as well as participate in the first World Cup match on the African continent. Before training, Joel and Kleber gathered the players in the center of the field to announce the news.

"It happened yesterday (Sunday). I didn't sleep last night. There are things in a professional's life that only happen once. I'm not a child anymore, and anyone in my position would accept the offer. I'm leaving with a broken heart. Leaving Flamengo is difficult. But I wanted to pass it on to the players quickly. I'm loyal to them, as they've always been to me," said Joel. "I'm with them until the end of the Carioca. After that, I leave a well-formed team that knows how to play."

Leonardo Moura and Juan disagree during training

When communicating the fact to the board, Joel explained that he would have the chance to go to the first World Cup.

"It's irreversible, and there was nothing we could do. He explained that, in addition to going to the World Cup, he could earn in 30 months what he hadn't earned in his 30-year career. If he has any influence on the State Championship decision, it will be positive. The players will want to give Joel a spectacular exit," said Kleber, who received a phone call from Parreira and then from Joel himself.

Flamengo immediately began searching for a replacement, which should be finalized by the end of next week at the latest. After all, the new coach will have to take over two days before the second leg of the round of 16. Kleber admitted that, at this time of year, Flamengo would be unlikely to turn away from a coach who already has a job. He assures that he hasn't extended an invitation yet and says the idea is to bring in someone with a similar profile to Joel. Examples include Abel Braga and Geninho.

Joel spoke to the players in a tone of gratitude.

"I said they were to blame. If they hadn't worked so hard, the invitation wouldn't have come. Then they asked me to leave 10% for them," said Joel, who will bring along fitness coach Ronaldo Torres.

In 2005, when he revived a Flamengo side condemned to relegation from the Brazilian Championship, Joel accepted an offer from Japanese football. In 2007, after another recovery, he decided to stay at the club in December, despite being harassed. Now, he couldn't resist.

- We recovered the group, got them into the Libertadores and now I'm leaving with everything ready - said the coach.

In one of his final training sessions as Flamengo manager, Joel had his hands full. The training session was marked by problems. The first was a heated argument between Leonardo Moura and Juan. After stealing the ball, the left-back attempted a dribble and was reprimanded by his teammate. Irritated, Juan walked toward the sideline, as if he were about to leave the training session. It was up to Fábio Luciano to restrain him.

- Leave it, there are no more children here, no - shouted Leonardo Moura.

Then, the red-black right-back explained the case:

"Juan is my friend. He lived at my house when he came to Rio. We're just talking so this mistake doesn't happen in the game. It's normal."

Another issue in the training session, which ended goalless, was Ibson's muscle injury. He left the field with pain in his left thigh, will be re-evaluated today, and is now doubtful for tomorrow's match against Coronel Bolognesi. Jaílton replaced him in the training session. Goalkeeper Bruno, suffering from back pain, also left training early, but his condition is not a major concern. Renato Augusto, recovered from a leg injury, underwent physical training and has little chance of playing tomorrow. Marcinho is expected to replace him.

Challenge for giants

Fla relies on pivots to beat Corrientes and maintain its chances in the South American League

Photo caption: ALÍRIO, MAICON, Coloneze and Wagner: the pivots are coach Paulo Chupeta's bet, from Flamengo, for the indispensable victory, today, over Corrientes, from Argentina

Photo caption: AFTER HAVING served his suspension, star Marcelinho will be back on the court

Claudio Nogueira

For big challenges, big men need big men. Or rather, tall men, over 2'19" tall, who can climb to the basket, grab rebounds, freeze opponents, and score baskets. With this in mind, Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta hopes his centers will help Flamengo beat Regatas Corrientes today at XNUMX p.m. at Maracanãzinho in the third game of the best-of-five South American Basketball League finals.

For Flamengo, the challenge is as big as it is simple: win or lose, because Corrientes is 2-0 in the series. If Corrientes wins again today, they'll make it 3-0 and become League champions for the first time. Flamengo only needs to win today to trigger a fourth game tomorrow at 17 p.m. at Maracanãzinho. Then, they'll have to win again and force a fifth game on the 29th or 30th at Corrientes' home ground, still undefeated. There, the Argentine team won 95-72 and 63-56.

"Corrientes plays more on the perimeter (behind the three-point line). Their centers (Robinson and Lopez) don't score as much. When we took away their three-pointers (in the second game), we took the lead. Our centers are more skilled and strong. We want to undermine their paint and have chances with our outside men (point guards and forwards)," said Chupeta.

Marcelinho returns after suspension

The coach believes that the Argentine team, accustomed to playing in a gymnasium with a capacity of two thousand people, will find Maracanãzinho, with a capacity of 12 thousand, unfamiliar.

"We're driven by challenges, and we have to face one, or sometimes two, lions every day. Our fans are mobilized for victory. Rio embraced Flamengo," added Chupeta, who doesn't know whether to field Hélio or Fred in the midfield and Amiel or Duda on the wing. Marcelinho, Alírio, and Coloneze complete the team.

The pivots Coloneze, Alírio, Maicon and Wagner believe in the comeback.

"We have to be calm and play our game without getting desperate. And we also have to use the court factor with the referees, like they did," said Coloneze, who is 2,07m tall.

Alírio, 2,08m tall, recalled that the rival's pivots are not that tall:

- Let's try to force the game under the basket.

Wagner returns to the team after two weeks with dengue fever.

- We can turn it around, because we turned it around against Boca, who are better at five-on-five (collective play) than them and have more decision-making players - said the 2,01m pivot.

The tallest player in the squad, at 2,11m, Maicon noted that Corrientes is strong in three-point shooting, but lets the opposing centers play:

- The outside men don't help their pivots much.

Today, Flamengo will have winger Marcelinho, who was sent off in the first game in Corrientes and served a suspension in the following match. For today, they're asking for a strong defense to keep opponents out of their ideal shooting positions:

- Technically, they're inferior to Boca, but they play better collectively. If we play a strong defense, they'll feel it.

Today, at the training camp, the cast will watch excerpts from the film "Facing the Giants," about an American football team that goes into a decisive series at a disadvantage.

- I show something uplifting, that leads to victory - explains the Vice President of Olympic Sports, Patrícia Amorim, who has already shown excerpts from "Gladiator", "Braveheart" and "300".

At Corrientes, point guard Montecchia boasts a gold-letter item on his resume: Olympic champion for Argentina in Athens 2004.

"We're ready. We'll try to decide in Rio," he said.

BROADCAST: ESPN Brazil

Fernando Calazans

Date set

The red-and-blacks needn't be concerned about Joel Santana's departure, at least not regarding the Rio de Janeiro State Championship final against Botafogo. The premature announcement of his transfer to South Africa isn't a reason to upset the players, who will have the coach by their side until the final game of the final. And no one's mind is beyond the final day.

Nor in the Brazilian Championship, because the next coach, whoever he may be, will already be on the sidelines, in the very first game of the competition.

The problem, then, is the Copa Libertadores, because that's already underway, and the new coach will arrive on the eve of a likely crucial match. It won't be a joke, if necessary, to introduce a new philosophy, perhaps even a new lineup, in the midst of the competition that is considered the club's biggest challenge this year.

The most curious thing about the news that emerged yesterday in Gávea was the statement by vice-president Kleber Leite that the new coach will take over the day after Joel's departure, therefore on May 5th (the Rio Championship ends on the 4th).

It's curious because, to guarantee that the future coach will be at the club on a specific date, negotiations with that coach have already begun. It's necessary to know that this coach can show up on that day. Or is it?

Who will it be? Or even more curious: where will Flamengo's new coach come from?

SPORTS JOURNAL

Joel: 'Anyone in my place would accept it'

Joel's farewell will be in the second match of the State final, on the 4th

After training this afternoon at Granja Comary, coach Joel Santana came out publicly to explain the news that he will leave Flamengo after the State Championship final against Botafogo on the 4th. The coach expressed his sadness at leaving the club in the middle of a job once again, as in 2005, but that the offer made by the South African National Team directors was financially irresistible.

Check out the main points of Joel Santana's interview in Teresópolis below.

About the feeling of having done a great job once again in Gávea.

"This is my fifth time working here. Last time, the team was in a disappointing situation, and we got them out of that situation. This time, I came back with the team in last place, second-to-last in the championship, and we put the team back in a good position. Today, the group is ready, armed. Now it's time to put the team on the field and play."

An irresistible financial and professional proposal made by the Africans.

"I received a very good invitation. I'm going to play in a World Cup and I'm a professional, I'm not a kid anymore. Anyone in my shoes would accept. It's time to think about family."

Joel revealed that the group was aware of the proposal and that he leaves the club heartbroken.

"It's always difficult to leave Flamengo. I passed it on to the players because we're a family, and it wouldn't be nice not to open up to them. I wasn't going to let this happen and then say something. That's how we earn the respect of a club, of a group. I leave with a broken heart."

The coach made it clear to the Africans that he would stay at least until the end of the Carioca Championship. The group accepted and accepted the coach's departure with good humor.

"I'm with them until the end. I told them (the players) that it's their fault for this invitation because we're in the final of the Campeonato Carioca, qualified for the Libertadores. They joked with me and asked me to leave 10% (laughs)."

Joel Santana said that if asked, he would provide a list of possible replacements, but that he does not believe this is necessary.

"If the club president wants, I could even suggest five names. Parreira suggested ten names. But I think Kléber Leite and Marcio Braga probably already have a name in mind. They know what to do."

The recognition for his work makes Joel very proud.

"Thank God I'm recognized at Flamengo and I'm being recognized abroad. This shows that my work isn't that bad. I have my soldiers and I'm leaving my group very well armed."

Winning the State title in his farewell would have been a special experience, according to Joel.

"I have no doubt that winning the state title would have a special flavor. I slept very badly last night. I asked for advice from people close to me and they all gave me support."

Dollars take Joel Santana out of FlaThe Vice President of Football, Kleber Leite, communicates to the players

Coach will earn in South Africa, in 30 months, what he didn't earn in 30 years of career

Fabio Lacerda, Nathan de Lima, Pedro Chiaverini

Vice President of Football, Kleber Leite, informs the players that Joel Santana will leave Flamengo on the 4th

The most successful team in the Campeonato Carioca will be preoccupied in the coming days, not only with the State Championship final, but also with packing his bags for South Africa. Joel Santana was nominated by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira to take over as head coach of the host nation's national team for the upcoming World Cup. And he accepted.

The news was announced by Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite. According to him, Joel Santana will travel on the 5th, one day after the second decisive game of the Campeonato Carioca, against Botafogo.

"Unfortunately, Joel's departure is irreversible. He's staying until the end of the State Championship. He told me that he'll receive, in 30 months, what he hasn't received in his 30-year career. Here, we work with transparency, and that's why we've already communicated this to the players.

We've started considering some names, but for now, we won't reveal the ones we've analyzed. It's a shame to have to change coaches at a time when Flamengo is involved in decision-making," lamented Kléber Leite.

Coach responsible for one of the most brilliant starts in the history of the Brazilian Championship, Joel Santana took over Flamengo when the team was among the four relegated clubs and raised the morale and technical quality of his players, finishing the competition in third place, which guaranteed one of the spots in the Copa Libertadores.

"Our life in football is like that of a gypsy. Things happen overnight. When I heard about their interest, I couldn't believe it, but I received an offer I couldn't refuse and immediately informed the board and the players. I slept very badly, worried about it, since I didn't want to leave. This is a very good place to work because of the structure and the squad. Before, no one wanted to work at Flamengo. I'm leaving the group well-assembled, and whoever takes over will find a good squad to work with. I told the players that they are to blame for my departure, since they deliver, and their work is automatically being recognized," said Joel.

Toró and Leo Moura regret Joel's departure

File/JS

Toró established himself at Fla after the arrival of Joel Santana

Joel Santana's departure isn't news to Flamengo's players, who learned of the offer the coach received from South African officials a few days ago. However, the players were deeply saddened by the loss of their manager. Toró, Joel's favorite during his last stint at Gávea and who made it to the national team thanks to the coach's trust, explains what's going through his mind right now.

"Joel is like a father to me and I'm sad about his departure. On the other hand, I'm happy because he's going to play in a World Cup. He needs to move on with his life. We're letting a great father go, but we're going to try to win for him, give our lives for him, and give our lives for him in the Libertadores," said Toró.

Another person who spoke about Joel Santana's departure was Leonardo Moura. The right-back also lamented the loss, but believes Flamengo won't lose any quality for the remainder of the Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship.

"We're sad. I feel like I'm losing someone from home. As if someone had gone abroad. I'm happy for what he's going to achieve. We can't let the quality drop after Joel's departure. It's normal for the group to feel his departure a little," said Leo Moura.

Mengão goes for all or nothing

Rubro-Negro counts on the fans to overcome Regatas and maintain the dream of winning the League

Eduardo Vieira

Public Relations

Winger Marcelinho asks for the fans' support for Flamengo to beat Regatas and continue in the fight to win the South American League title

With no other option, Flamengo must defeat Argentina's Regatas Corrientes at Maracanãzinho today, starting at 19 p.m. It's their only option to maintain their dream of winning the South American League title. The Argentines lead 2-0 in the best-of-five series and need just a win to secure the title.

The Red-Blacks must win to force a fourth game tomorrow and then a fifth in Argentina. To transform Maracanãzinho into a cauldron, the board has run a promotion: those who show up wearing a Flamengo jersey or showing a student ID will pay just R$5 for a ticket.

Acquitted in the trial for his expulsion in the first match, winger Marcelinho Machado is Flamengo's main hope:

"We've had a few days to think about Corrientes, to focus on this game, and we need to win. Despite the disadvantage, we have to focus on this first game because it's crucial; we need to win to maintain our chances of winning the title. There's no point thinking about three games; we have to play our lives in this match. A lot happened in Argentina, but that won't change the team's attitude or determination," he stated.

The confidence of the star and all the Flamengo players comes from the strength of the Red-Black Nation.

"We were Rio de Janeiro champions with the fans behind us, we're leading the National Championship with the support of our fans, and we turned the series around against Boca Juniors with our fans pushing the team. Now, we need it even more, because it's a final and the fans are joining us on the court, turning the tables. I'd like to see the stands packed, for the red-and-black 'Nation' to come out and cheer, in peace, and push our team to victory," commented Marcelinho.

The main highlight of the Argentine team is the point guard Montechia, Olympic champion with Argentina in 2004. So far he has not suffered defeat in the competition and will try to win the League title with 100%.

Coach Paulo Chupeta, a strategist, has set up a defensive system to prevent Montechia's dangerous infiltrations, in addition to trying to reduce their play volume.

Sergio Du Bocage

Here's What You Wanted

No revenge

Sergio du Bocage bocage@jsports.com.br

And here we go again for another Flamengo vs. Botafogo match. Interestingly, after several Flamengo vs. Vasco matches, it's now that this classic has consistently decided a title. Even more curious is the fact that the Fla-Flu duo, the biggest winner of state titles, hasn't decided a championship in some time—the last one was in 95, with Renato Gaúcho's belly goal.

This will be the sixth final between Flamengo and Botafogo since 91. In the last five, Flamengo has lifted the trophy – a Brazilian Championship (92), a State Championship (2007), two Guanabara Cups (95 and 2008), and a Rio Cup (91). Does this mean Flamengo has an advantage? Absolutely not. Just remember that this year, Flamengo had gone 15 games without losing to Botafogo, and that streak has been broken.

Neither team is better than the other, but if we analyze the situation surrounding both matches, Flamengo has the advantage in the first leg, while Botafogo, at least for now, has the advantage in the second. Next Sunday, the black and white team will have at least two confirmed absences, the main one being Jorge Henrique, and could also lose Castillo and Triguinho due to injuries. In the second leg, Flamengo will be exhausted from an international trip to Mexico for the Copa Libertadores.

Therefore, I believe that if Flamengo wants to be champion, they will need to decide in the first match. Botafogo, on the other hand, will have to be careful to take this decision to the second match. That's what's shaping up at the moment.

What should absolutely not be carried onto the field is the spirit of revenge. Of course, it's difficult to avoid, but fans should understand that a victory will never make up for a defeat, as each one happens differently. Flamengo may lose the title, but that won't make up for the defeat suffered by Botafogo in 2007, which sparked the crying episode in the locker room. And no Flamengo victory will erase the mark of the defeat in '89, when the black and white team broke a 21-year drought.

Starting Sunday, Flamengo will have its third chance in the 21st century to equal Fluminense in total state titles. I believe Botafogo has gained a significant boost in its fan base with the championship.

THE DAY

Players want to dedicate Rio de Janeiro title to Joel Santana

Genilson Junior and Janir Junior

Rio - The news of Joel Santana's departure shook Granja Comary this Monday. The coach, who will leave Flamengo to take over the South African national team, replacing Parreira, spoke about the new challenge in his career.

"I'm a professional and I dream of playing in a World Cup. I'm leaving Flamengo with a broken heart. The offer was irresistible," he commented.

Some Flamengo players stated that the coach's departure won't affect the group for Sunday's final. Toró, Joel's favorite, believes the players will give their all on the field to dedicate the title to their coach.

"While we're sad, we're also happy. It's a huge challenge for Joel. I don't think this news will affect Sunday's decision; quite the opposite. The players will give their lives to dedicate the Rio title to him," he analyzed.

Full-back Léo Moura, who joined the Brazilian national team under Joel's guidance at Fla, also congratulated the coach.

"Joel is competent. Now we're going to try to give him the Rio title as a gift. Here at Flamengo, it's like that. Everything happens from one moment to the next."

Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, announced that he is already searching for a new coach. Speculation has already begun, and Geninho, currently at Atlético-MG, was the first name to be considered.

Ney Franco is first on the list

Rio - Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, announced that he has already begun making contacts to hire a new coach. Abel Braga, from Internacional—who has a similar profile to Joel—and Geninho, from Atlético-MG, are strong candidates to take over the team, but Ney Franco, currently at Atlético-PR, would be the first on the list. A quick solution is needed, as the team will compete in the round of 30 of the Copa Libertadores on April 7th and May XNUMXth, when Joel Santana will no longer be in charge.

Kléber, who approached Vanderlei Luxemburgo at the end of last year, admitted that the new coach could start his job while Joel is still at the club. "We're already starting from scratch. We're considering some names; God just needs to help," the director stated, revealing that the new coach is employed. He denied that Parreira could take over the team.

Juan and Léo Moura argue at Granja Comary

Rio - On the first day of training at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, full-backs Juan and Léo Moura argued harshly during the activity.

The red-and-black number 2 complained about a misplaced pass from the left-back, and the game closed in. Captain Fábio Luciano tried unsuccessfully to calm things down. Profanity could be heard on the field. Soon after, coach Joel Santana, in midfield, had a quick chat with Juan.

Léo Moura downplays the argument with Juan

Right-back Léo Moura downplayed the argument he had during training this Monday, at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis, with his teammate Juan.

"Juan is like a brother to me. When he left Fluminense and came to Flamengo, we even lived together. What happened was more about getting things right," he explained.

SPORTS GAZETTE

Seduced, Joel swaps Gávea for South Africa\ Pedro Araújo and Felipe Held\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After accepting Carlos Aberto Parreira's resignation, South Africa announced on Monday afternoon the name of his replacement: Joel Santana, who will leave Flamengo's command after the last match of the Campeonato Carioca, on May 4th.\ In a telephone conversation with Gazeta Esportiva.Net, Kléber Leite, vice-president of football at Rubro-negro, the contact came about on Sunday night and was promptly accepted by Joel Santana, who in addition to receiving a considerable salary increase, will also have the prestige of playing in a World Cup.\

"He told me he'll earn in thirty months what he didn't earn in thirty years of his career," Leite confirmed. "It's a situation we have no solution for. Now he'll stay until the last Carioca game and leave for South Africa on the 5th," the Flamengo director continued.

With Joel on the bench for another two weeks, the Rubro-Negro team will have time to search for a new replacement to lead the team in the Brazilian Championship and the second phase of the Copa Libertadores da América. "This was a new development, which came to light last night. Now we're going to work on finding a new coach," he added, but not before praising the coach's time at Gávea.

"His trajectory here has been highly positive. This was the fifth time I've worked with him here, whether as president or director, and each time has been very successful," said the executive, who hired Joel on July 30, 2007, to take over the position previously held by Ney Franco.

"Joel was directly responsible for the club's rise last year and for assembling the current team, which is in the best possible condition," praised the director, who was instrumental in hiring the coach when Flamengo was second-to-last in the Brazilian Championship. "The doors are definitely open to him," he concluded.

Apart from the two decisive matches in the State Championship, Joel will still command the red-black team next Wednesday, when they will face Coronel Bolognesi, at Maracanã, in the last round of the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.

South African proposal was irresistible, says Joel\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Shortly after Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that Joel Santana will take over the South African national team after the Campeonato Carioca final, the coach also spoke out and explained why he hadn't previously admitted the deal with the South Africans. "Our lives are like gypsies, and things happen overnight. Things changed from yesterday (Sunday) to today (Monday), and I made a point of communicating everything to the board," Joel stated. "I don't know if there will be another offer like this, an irresistible one. It wasn't what I wanted, but that's life," the coach commented.

Joel Santana took the opportunity to dismiss any possibility of the team being shaken by the coach's imminent departure. "They won't be left orphaned. At a time like this, you have to be mature and have your head on straight. There are no children here," he declared.

"The other times I took over, the club was demoralized, and we managed to save it from relegation," Joel continued. "In the past, no one wanted to work at Flamengo, and now it's different. I said they (the players) are to blame for this, because they're doing a great job," he concluded.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes at Flamengo, Geninho's name – currently at Atlético-MG – was the first to be considered to replace Joel Santana.

Léo Moura and Juan discuss in a collective at Granja

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - During training this afternoon at Granja do Comary, where Flamengo is preparing for the match against Coronel Bolognesi, from Peru, players Leonardo Moura and Juan exchanged barbs after a disagreement during the training session.\ In the activity, which ended in a 0-0 draw, the right-back complained that Juan should have passed the ball to midfielder Toró, who would have been better positioned.\

Juan allegedly attempted a dribble and lost the ball, which angered Léo Moura, who sparred with insults toward his teammate. Even defender Fábio Luciano had to intervene to break up the ensuing brawl.

Juan threatened to abandon training, but was convinced by the team captain to continue.

After the incident, Leonardo Moura downplayed the argument. "It was just a normal argument that needs to happen. Juan is almost like a brother to me. He lived in my house when he arrived from Fluminense in 2006. I have nothing against him. I spoke that way so we could settle the deal," he stated.

Before the final, Joel wants total concentration on the Libertadores\ Gazeta Press\

Teresópolis (RJ) - Six days before the start of the Campeonato Carioca final against Botafogo, coach Joel Santana reminded his players of the team's next match, on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores da América, against Coronel Bolognesi, from Peru.\ Needing a victory over Coronel Bolognesi at the Maracanã to confirm a place in the round of 16 among the top-placed teams, the coach preferred to change the focus of his statements, leaving the State Championship decision for Thursday's agenda.\

"For me, Botafogo is only a topic of conversation after the game against Coronel Bolognesi," Joel summarized. "We're competing in two competitions at the same time, and that's a huge complication. The best way to deal with this situation is to focus on one game at a time, and right now we have to focus on the Libertadores," he added.

The Rubro-Negro squad will hold its final training session at Granja Comary in Teresópolis this Monday. Flamengo will return to Rio de Janeiro only on Tuesday, when Joel Santana is expected to bring forward his starting eleven for the match against Bolognesi.

PELENET

Joel will swap Flamengo for South Africa after the State Championship

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Joel Santana will leave Flamengo after the second final game of the State Championship against Botafogo on May 4th. The coach will manage the South African national team, which had been managed by Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Coach Joel Santana will lead South Africa for a million-dollar fee

"He told me that he will earn in thirty months what he didn't earn in thirty years of his career. It's a situation for which we have no solution. It's a financial situation," announced the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite.

"Joel's dream is to manage a team in the World Cup. We can't do anything. I've already talked to the players about this. Then we'll look for an alternative," he said.

In addition to the two decisive matches of the State Championship, Joel will command the team on Wednesday, at Maracanã, against Coronel Bolognesi-PER, in the final round of the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.

Joel Santana is in his fourth stint with Flamengo and arrived during last year's Brazilian Championship. Under suspicion, he started poorly, with a 3-0 loss to Santos at Vila Belmiro. However, he gradually put the team back together and transformed the Rubro-Negro from a relegation candidate to third-place in the National Championship, securing a spot in the Libertadores.

In 2008, the coach led the team to the Guanabara Cup title after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Botafogo. In the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo is having a great campaign. With 10 points, they lead Group 4 and secured their place in the Round of XNUMX in advance.

Joel: "I'll never get a proposal like that"

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Coach Joel Santana confirmed what Flamengo vice-president Kleber Leite announced. The main reason for his departure from the club to join the South African national team is financial. According to the manager, the salary would be very generous.

"Our life is like that of a gypsy. Things change overnight. I've already told my players and spoken to Kleber (Leite) and Márcio Braga (Rubro-Negro president), because I'm not a child. But I'm not going to accept another offer like that. I have to take advantage of it," he explained, visibly shaken.

"The same thing happened in 2005. I was doing well here and I received an offer from the Japanese club (Vegalta Sendai). The group is mature and professional and will understand this decision. If our best players received exceptional offers, for example, it wouldn't be possible to hinder anyone's life," he added.

Before leaving the position, however, Joel will lead the team in the finals of the State Championship against Botafogo, on April 27th and May 4th, and also in the match against Coronel Bolognesi-PER, on Wednesday, at Maracanã, in the final round of the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.

The coach is in his fourth stint at Gávea and arrived at the club during last year's Brazilian Championship. Under suspicion, he started poorly, with a 3-0 loss to Santos at Vila Belmiro. However, he gradually got the team back on track and transformed the Rubro-Negro from a relegation candidate to third-place in the National Championship, securing a spot in the Libertadores.

In 2008, Joel led the team to the Taça Guanabara title after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Botafogo. In the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo is having a great campaign. With 10 points, they lead Group 8 and secured their place in the Round of XNUMX in advance.

Leo Moura and Juan exchange insults during Flamengo training

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

The weather closed in on Flamengo's training session this afternoon at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, ahead of their match against Coronel Bolognesi-PER in the final round of Group 4 of the Copa Libertadores. During the training session, which lasted about 50 minutes, Leonardo Moura argued with Juan, and the two players exchanged insults.

Annoyed with Leo Moura, full-back Juan threatened to leave training this Monday

In the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw, the right-back complained to the left-back because, in his opinion, Juan should have passed the ball to midfielder Toró, who was better positioned. Instead, he preferred to dribble and ended up being dispossessed. As a result, the two athletes argued furiously, and defender Fábio Luciano had to break it up.

Juan threatened to abandon training, but the team captain persuaded him to continue. Leonardo Moura downplayed the incident, saying it was merely an argument to avoid his teammate's mistake during the game.

"It was just a normal demand that needs to happen. Juan is almost like a brother to me. He lived in my house when he arrived from Fluminense in 2006. I have nothing against him. I spoke that way so we could agree on the deal," said the right-back.

The player denied that tensions were high due to the announcement of coach Joel Santana's departure after the end of the State Championship. The coach will coach the South African national team in place of Carlos Alberto Parreira, who resigned and appointed the red-and-black manager.

"I was sad. Joel always respected me a lot and made me feel at ease. He's going to fulfill his wish. I'll be rooting for him even from afar," the full-back assured.

Ibson and Bruno complain of pain, but should play

After the training session, midfielder Ibson and goalkeeper Bruno complained of pain. The former felt pain in his thigh and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. The latter complained of a back problem, but it shouldn't be a problem for Wednesday's game. Midfielder Renato Augusto, on the other hand, was rested, citing muscle discomfort.

Therefore, coach Joel Santana should field the team to face Coronel Bolognesi with the following formation: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan, Cristian, Kleberson, Ibson and Toro; Souza and Marcinho.

GLOBOESPORTE

Tardelli apologizes: 'Joel is like a father'

Striker laments coach's departure and explains outburst in Rio Cup semifinal

Joanna de Assis From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in São Paulo

Flamengo's Diego Tardelli at his daughter's birthday party

The news of coach Joel Santana's departure took Flamengo's players by surprise. Diego Tardelli, who had been released by the coach to celebrate his daughter Pietra's first birthday in São Paulo, was quite upset.

"He's a great coach, a real father figure. If he says he's going to leave with his heart broken, we'll be too," says the player, who will catch the first flight this Tuesday to make it to the Rubro-Negro's training session, which will take place at 10 a.m. at Granja Comary, in Teresópolis.

Joel Santana announced his departure from Flamengo this Monday. The coach will take charge of the South African national team, which was previously under Carlos Alberto Parreira's leadership. The coach is expected to leave as soon as the Campeonato Carioca concludes. Tardelli lamented the coach's departure and fears that the change in leadership could jeopardize Flamengo's progress in the Copa Libertadores da América.

"The group was already used to him, and our team is having a good time. It's a shame. I'm sad," adds the player, who took the opportunity to publicly apologize to the coach for his outburst in the last game against Botafogo. At the time, Flamengo was losing 3-0 with only 15 minutes remaining when Joel decided to bring the striker on. Unhappy with only coming on late in the game, when asked by a reporter if there was still time to do anything, Tardelli was categorical: "I'm not a savior of the nation." For the incident, the striker apologized and explained that he was nervous.

"I hadn't been playing. I hadn't started in three games, and I only came on with five or ten minutes left. I wanted to help the team, but not in the final minutes. Besides, I was going through some personal issues. I had already apologized to Joel that same day, but I'm taking this opportunity to apologize publicly. He's like a father to me. I've never had a coach I could talk to the way I do with him, and he even gave me permission to throw my daughter's birthday party. I've never seen a coach like him. He will be missed by all of us," he concludes.

Joel has problems climbing the Fla

Renato Augusto, Ibson and Bruno, injured, may not play against Coronel Bolognesi

Marcio Iannacca

Joel has trouble choosing the Fla team for the game against Colonel Bolognesi

Coach Joel Santana has three issues when selecting his team for the Copa Libertadores match against Peru's Coronel Bolognesi. Renato Augusto, Ibson, and Bruno are at risk of missing next Wednesday.

Renato Augusto's case is the most complicated. The player took a blow to his right leg in the Taça Rio semifinal match against Botafogo and has not yet recovered. This Monday, he walked laps on the Granja Comary pitch.

Midfielder Ibson and goalkeeper Bruno experienced issues during training at Granja Comary. The former left training with muscle pain in his left thigh. The number 1, meanwhile, experienced back pain and was rested. Both will be re-evaluated by the club's medical department on Tuesday.

Joel swaps Fla for South Africa after the final

Coach will replace Parreira and will only stay until the second game against Bota, on the 4th

Marcio Iannacca

After the Campeonato Carioca final, Flamengo will have to find a new coach for the final stretch of the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Brasileiro. Joel Santana accepted the offer to coach the South African national team in Carlos Alberto Parreira's place and will leave Gávea after the decisive second leg of the state championship against Botafogo on May 4th. He will not lead the team in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of XNUMX, the new coach's debut match.

Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, announced the coach's departure to the players this Monday at Granja Comary (Teresópolis), where the club is preparing for the Carioca final.

The director stated that he was informed of the coach's decision this Sunday, but that he had already been warned by Parreira that the South African Football Association would make an offer to the red-black coach that he could not refuse.

"Joel told me he would earn in 30 months what he hadn't earned in his 30-year career. It's a situation we have no solution for. It's a financial situation for Joel. And he dreams of managing a national team in a World Cup. I told the squad that he's staying until the end of the Carioca. And we'll look for an alternative from then on."

The possibility of Joel replacing Parreira as South Africa's coach was revealed on the 16th by Rede Globo's "Globo Esporte." The former Brazilian national team coach had also nominated Joel for the position. Following the news, Flamengo's coach denied the possibility.

"They want to distract me. On the eve of the Guanabara Cup final, they said I was going to European football. I'm not going to feed that story simply because it's pointless," Joel said last Wednesday, showing irritation.

Players mourn Joel's departure

Leo Moura and Toró want to give the state title in honor of the current commander

Marcio Iannacca

Toró running at Flamengo training

Flamengo players learned of coach Joel Santana's departure on Monday afternoon at Granja Comary in Teresópolis. During the meeting in the center of the CBF training center field, the players joked about the coach's salary and asked for a 10% commission for helping him secure the South African invitation. Joel took it all in good humor, as he steps down on the 5th, after the Campeonato Carioca final.

In 2005, Joel left Flamengo to earn more at Vegalta Sendai in Japan. Now, a tempting offer comes from South Africa. Midfielder Toró believes the coach is certain to accept the challenge.

"Joel is like a father to me, and I'm sad about his departure. On the other hand, I'm happy he's going to play in a World Cup. He needs to move on with his life. We're letting a great father go, but we're going to try to win for him, give our lives for him, and give our lives for him in the Libertadores," says Toró.

For right-back Leonardo Moura, the team needs to maintain the same approach for the rest of the season.

"We're sad. I feel like I'm losing someone from home. Like someone has gone abroad. I'm happy for what he's going to achieve. We can't let the quality drop after Joel's departure. It's normal for the group to feel his departure a little," says Leo Moura.

Geninho and Abel: favorites for Joel's vacancy

Kléber Leite states that contacts have already begun. And that names are being used.

Marcio Iannacca

With the announcement of coach Joel Santana's departure, Flamengo's board is beginning to move toward hiring a coach to lead the team starting May 5th, the day after the Carioca final against Botafogo. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that contacts are already underway (watch the director's interview in the video below). However, the future coach is employed, and Flamengo will wait until the end of the State Championships. This could result in the team being led by an interim coach for the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of XNUMX.

Geninho, currently at Atlético-MG, and Abel Braga, from Internacional, are the board's favorites. The former is a friend of supervisor Isaías Tinoco and Kléber Leite. The latter is a dream of president Marcio Braga, who really likes the Colorado manager's name.

"We're not at square one. We have some interesting alternatives. With a little bit of skill, we can move quickly. Flamengo has a good structure and a quality squad. We have a profile in mind, and he will fit our work pace," says the Flamengo director.

When asked about the name of Carlos Alberto Parreira, who left South Africa precisely for Joel's arrival, Kléber Leite ruled it out and explained why.

"Parreira will dedicate himself entirely to his family this year. He should be a permanent fixture. We have a few options, and if God helps, everything will work out," said the director.

Joel Santana: 'I leave with a broken heart'

Coach says he couldn't refuse the offer to take over South Africa\ Márcio Iannacca\

Coach Joel Santana spoke to the press this Monday at Granja Comary in Teresópolis and confirmed his departure from Flamengo to take over the South African national team. Happy with the opportunity, but sad to be leaving the Red-Blacks, the coach spoke about the chance to lead a team in a World Cup, his farewell to Gávea, and the jokes he heard from the group when he announced his departure, shortly after the match on the 4th, in the final of the Campeonato Carioca.

FAREWELL TO FLAMENGO

"This is my fifth time working here. Last time, the team was in a disappointing situation, and we got them out of that situation. Now, I'm back with the team in the last, second-to-last position in the championship, and we've put the team back in a good position. Today, the group is ready, armed. Now it's time to put the team on the field and play."

AFRICAN PROPOSAL

"I received a very good invitation. I'm going to play in a World Cup and I'm a professional, I'm not a kid anymore. Anyone in my shoes would accept. It's time to think about family."

TALK WITH THE GROUP

"It's always difficult to leave Flamengo. I passed it on to the players because we're a family, and it wouldn't be nice not to open up to them. I wasn't going to let this happen and then say something. That's how we earn the respect of a club, of a group. I leave with a broken heart."

FINAL OF THE CARIOCA CHAMPIONSHIP

"I'm with them until the end. I told them (the players) that it's their fault for this invitation because we're in the final of the Campeonato Carioca, qualified for the Libertadores. They joked with me and asked me to leave 10% (laughs)."

NAME INDICATION

"If the club president wants, I could even suggest five names. Parreira suggested ten names. But I think Kléber Leite and Marcio Braga probably already have a name in mind. They know what to do."

RECOGNITION

"Thank God I'm recognized at Flamengo and I'm being recognized abroad. This shows that my work isn't that bad. I have my soldiers and I'm leaving my group very well armed."

SLEEPLESS NIGHT

"I have no doubt that winning the state title would have a special flavor. I slept very badly last night. I asked for advice from people close to me and they all gave me support."

André Luis: 'Flamengo is scary'

Defender is full of praise for his rival and says Botafogo needs to assert itself

André Luis says facing Flamengo is scary, but he gives the recipe for winning

After a fiery celebration following their Taça Rio triumph last Sunday, Botafogo shifts its focus to Flamengo, their rival in the Campeonato Carioca final. In an interview with Rádio Lance, defender Andre Luis revealed his fear of facing the Red-Blacks in the final.

"Flamengo is definitely scary, because they have a great fan base and are a great club. We know their capabilities. We have to respect them. But we have to go out on the field and assert ourselves. We have the talent to play against them. It's scary, but if we put our hearts into it, with grit and determination, we have everything we need to compete on equal terms against Flamengo," says the defender.

André Luis also assured that the “crying” after the defeat in the Guanabara Cup final is a thing of the past.

"We're going to show that we're not being pushed to any other club and that we're fighting for the title. No one here is going to be pushed," he assures.

Fla goes for all-or-nothing in the League

Rubro-Negro needs a victory to force a fourth game in the decisive series in the South American

Marcelinho stretches before training in Gávea, Rio de Janeiro

Needing a win at all costs, Flamengo takes to the court at Maracanãzinho against Regatas Corrientes of Argentina this Tuesday at 19 p.m. The team has lost the first two matches of the decisive best-of-five series of the South American League and must win the third to qualify for the fourth game.

Sent off after the chaos in the first match, winger Marcelinho was punished with just a one-game suspension (already served) and could be on the court to help the team try to take the first step towards turning the series around.

"We've had a few days to think about Corrientes and focus on this game. Despite the disadvantage, we have to focus on this first game because it's crucial. We need to win to maintain our chances of winning the title. We have to play our lives in this match. A lot happened in Argentina, but that won't change the team's attitude or determination," the player said through a press office.

For Marcelinho, the presence of the red-black fans will be fundamental for the team to leave the court victorious.

"We were Rio de Janeiro champions with the fans behind us, we're leading the National Championship with the support of our fans, and we turned the series around against Boca Juniors with our fans pushing the team. Now, we need it even more, because it's a final and the fans are joining us on the court, turning the tables. I'd love to see the stands packed. May the red-and-black "nation" come out to cheer, in peace, and push our team to achieve this victory."

In Corrientes, the Argentine team won twice: 95-72 and 63-56. If they win, Flamengo will be forced to play a fourth game on Wednesday the 23rd, also at Maracanãzinho. If they win again and tie the series, the fifth and decisive game will be played in Argentina on the 29th or 30th.

THROW

Joel will be in the finals and will go to South Africa

Kléber Leite announces departure of coach after State Championship decision

Joel will leave Fla after the State Championship

LANCEPRESS!

Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, announced Monday afternoon that coach Joel Santana is leaving Gávea. He accepted the offer from the South African national team and will leave the club after the final two games of the Campeonato Carioca.

Joel will replace coach Carlos Alberto Parreira as host of the 2010 World Cup team. Flamengo's new coach has not yet been named.

Joel Santana's farewell will be on May 4th, in the second leg of the Carioca final against Botafogo. Therefore, the Natalino will not be in charge of Flamengo in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores round of XNUMX.

Joel spoke with visible sadness about his departure from Gávea and thanked the players for their dedication, which expanded his market share. However, he argues that opportunities like this don't come around often.

"It's the kind of thing that only happens once in a lifetime. Every departure from here is difficult. I leave with a broken heart, but I'm a professional. They won't be left orphaned. I'm with them until the end. I even joked with the players, saying they're to blame for this. This transfer was only possible because of the team's good performance. If the title comes, it will have a different flavor," said Joel, who said the players joked about asking for 10% of the transfer fee.

Collective ends in concern for Fla

Ibson and Bruno complain of pain and abandon activity in Teresópolis

Goalkeeper Bruno left the activity with back pain

LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo held a collective training session this afternoon that ended in a 0-0 draw, in Teresópolis, on its first day at Granja Comary where the team is preparing.\

Renato Augusto and Jônatas, who are injured, only ran around the field. The former has edema in his right leg. The midfielder is still recovering from a muscle problem in his left thigh.

However, the training session raised further concerns for the club's doctors. Midfielder Ibson felt pain in his left thigh and left the training session. Goalkeeper Bruno also felt back pain and was another player to withdraw from the session.

With Ibson's departure, Jaílton trained with the club's starting midfielders.

The delegation will return to Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday night and will go straight to the training ground at the Windsor Hotel in Barra da Tijuca, as on Wednesday, Rubro-Negro will face Coronel Bolognesi in the Copa Libertadores.

On Sunday, the opponent is Botafogo, in the first match of the Campeonato Carioca final.

Cast minimizes player discussion

Disagreement between Léo Moura and Juan caught everyone's attention

Fabio Luciano holds Juan in the argument

LANCEPRESS!

The argument between full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan on Monday doesn't appear to have shaken Flamengo's foundations. Despite the heated disagreement, the Flamengo squad maintains that the incident at Granja Comary is now in the past.

"There has to be pressure. He's like a brother to me. He even lived in my house, and I have nothing against him. What I said was more about fixing things, so there are no mistakes in the games," said Léo Moura.

As calm as the right-back, coach Joel Santana treated the confusion as a mere argument between two children.

"We'll talk later. This happens. Anyone who's played pickup soccer knows this. Juan is a good kid, as is Léo Moura. I'll fix this situation soon. This is okay, and everything will work out," he declared.

Even Toró joined the conversation and assured that the discussion is normal.

"It was a good discussion, which has to happen. This happens in any family," said Joel Santana's favorite.

Confusion aside, Flamengo, with Joel Santana, Léo Moura, Juan, and Toró, returns to Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday to face Coronel Bolognesi in the Copa Libertadores. After the match, the players are expected to return to Teresópolis, where Flamengo will regroup to face Botafogo in the first leg of the Campeonato Carioca final.

Agreement with Nike is a veiled issue in Gávea

Olympikus/Reebok has already offered 20 million to be the red-black sports supplier\ LANCEPRESS!\

Flamengo will file a lawsuit with the Arbitration Court (a form of private court) within 15 days. Therefore, the dispute with its current sportswear supplier, Nike, is a secret issue in Gávea. An amicable termination, however, has not yet been ruled out by the Flamengo board.

It's worth noting that Olympikus/Reebok has already offered Flamengo R$20 million annually and ten stores across Brazil. However, a group of club advisors believes it would be more profitable to receive R$3 million less to reach an agreement with Adidas.

Toró will miss his 'daddy' Joel Santana

Supporter gained space at Flamengo when the coach arrived at Gávea\ LANCEPRESS!\

Joel Santana's departure will be a turning point for some players at Gávea. A prime example of this is midfielder Toró, who began receiving opportunities at the club after the coach's arrival in August 2007.

The player doesn't hide the importance Joel had in his professional career and expresses the mixed feelings he feels about the coach's departure. Toró thanked Joel and promised to support him in South Africa.

"I'm sad and happy. Sad about his departure and happy for his professional side. He will be missed. He's a great father who's leaving. Now we'll work, succeed, and give our lives for him. But if he leaves us the 10% we asked for, that's fine. I was very happy with what he did for me," he declared.

Kléber Leite regrets Joel Santana's departure

Manager guarantees that the coach will stay until the final of the State Championship

Kleber Leite regretted Joel Santana's departure

LANCEPRESS!

The announcement that Joel Santana will leave Flamengo to take charge of the South African national team did not take Kleber Leite by surprise.

According to the Rubro-Negro's vice-president of football, in addition to Joel, Parreira also got in touch to state that Joel Santana's decision was irreversible since the economic aspect weighed heavily in the negotiation.

"Joel said that in 30 months he will earn more than he did in the 30 years he spent in the world of football. We had no choice, as it was something beyond our control," said Kleber Leite.

The manager also made a point of highlighting the coach's continued presence in the State final.

"He'll stay with us until May 5th, the day he leaves the club. That way, he'll stay until the championship final," he concluded.

Márcio Braga analyzes the reasons for Joel's departure

Flamengo's director believes the news could affect the team's performance in upcoming games.

Flamengo president Márcio Braga commented on the departure of coach Joel Santana from the Gávea club. The coach will replace Parreira as coach of the South African national team, and according to the Flamengo executive, Joel received a tempting offer to lead the 2010 World Cup host team.

"Joel received a great offer. According to him, he'll earn in 30 months what he wouldn't have earned at Flamengo in 30 years. Plus, he'll be able to participate in a World Cup, which will be very good for his career," he told Rádio Manchete.

Márcio Braga also stated that the news could affect the team's performance in upcoming matches.

"Without a doubt, the news of Joel's departure is very bad and affects everyone a bit. But we'll try to manage it so that the situation doesn't shake the group."