The Globe

A pilot for Fla to go down the mountain packed

In search of speed in attack against Juventude, Joel chooses between Souza and Obina

Márcio Tavares

TERESÓPOLIS. The players may not agree, but coach Joel Santana is ecstatic. Working at Granja Comary is everything he wanted, to achieve what every Flamengo fan dreams of: seeing the offense work and the defense not give up, so Flamengo can take off in this Brazilian Championship. Concerned about a certain stagnation and complacency he's observed, Joel gave the group a scolding, urging more commitment and more speed. According to Joel, Flamengo needs to step up.

While working at the national team's home is stimulating, because according to him, Granja smells of titles, the coach lacks decisiveness when it comes to attack. Joel knows Flamengo is slowing down, but he's dubious about choosing the driver for this surge.

One eye on the Libertadores and the other on relegation

In yesterday afternoon's training session, played in intense cold and fog, Joel started with Obina. The Bahia native scored two goals, but that didn't guarantee his starting spot against Juventude tomorrow at Maracanã. Later, Joel brought on Souza, who scored a goal—the same number he's scored in this Brazilian Championship. The final decision ended up being postponed until today:

"Tomorrow (today), I'll switch. I want to talk to the physical trainers and doctors to decide. The choice will be based on physical fitness and refined technique."

Since Obina's situation has become taboo, since no one talks about weight and body fat percentage anymore, the impression, based on the fitness perspective, is that Joel is leaning toward Souza, more complete than the Bahian. Regarding Obina, who has decided not to give interviews anytime soon, a very vague observation.

- Obina is very close to ideal. His body fat percentage has dropped significantly...

If the percentage is decreasing, Joel wants the players' awareness of everyone's commitment to the club's traditions to increase. He demanded greater determination and dedication.

"It's not that we lacked spirit on Sunday. But the important thing is that the players understand what they have to do, and the fans have to understand that we have attitude. I don't want a lukewarm team, letting time run out, passing the ball back," he said, torn between the success and failure that the team faces. "They have to understand the philosophy of the championship, the importance of reaching the Libertadores and the disgrace of being relegated to the Second Division. We can't let the rope tighten around our necks at the end. We have to step up now to avoid problems up front."

While Joel calls for more speed, Roger, who is guaranteed to return tomorrow, doesn't think he needs to step on it so hard. Indicted by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), accused of simulation in the Fla-Flu match, he admitted that he was exaggerating.

"I need to slow down. In the Fla-Flu match, I overdid it, got sent off, and left the team with two fewer. And when I left the field, I tried to take someone with me. It was the last chance to avoid a total loss."

Sports Journal

Joel wants Fla-Flu's determination to beat Juventude

The match against Juventude will be of utmost importance for Flamengo. The Rio Grande do Sul team is a direct competitor in the relegation battle, and at Maracanã, Flamengo will have the obligation to seek a result, but without neglecting its defense. To overcome this challenge, coach Joel Santana will look to the Fla-Flu derby for inspiration on how to achieve a positive result. He wants the last game, against Palmeiras, to be forgotten by the players.

"Just like we beat Fluminense and maintained our emotional balance. We made mistakes against Palmeiras, and you can't make mistakes in a Brazilian derby. We've already conceded thirty goals, and I'm sure we can improve in this regard," said Joel Santana in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.

Red-black concentration of São Conrado reformed

This Tuesday, at 18 p.m., an exhibition will open at the former training ground Flamengo used during its Interclub World Cup triumph. The facility, located in São Conrado, has been completely renovated as a result of an agreement between the club and the company Morar Mais.

A number 9 shirt for two

Obina and Souza train well and Joel Santana postpones the definition of Flamengo's attack

Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel

Two top scorers and one question. Who will wear the number nine jersey? This is the puzzle coach Joel Santana will have to solve. With Argentine Maxi Biancucci already guaranteed a starting spot, deciding between striker Souza, who returns after serving a suspension, or the favorite Obina, who is now in better physical condition, is the only remaining dilemma for tomorrow's 20:30 PM match against Juventude at Maracanã.

And during yesterday's training session, the uncertainty surrounding the starting attacking duo became even more evident. At the beginning of training, Obina started in the starting lineup, performed well, and even scored two goals. The first came from a penalty kick with flair, and the second, dribbling past goalkeeper Diego before slotting home.

However, after some time, he was replaced by Souza, who also showed good movement in the collective and even scored the third goal for the starters in the 3-0 victory. Because of the good performance of both teams, the question remained: who will wear the number nine shirt? Joel Santana speaks.

"I'll only decide at the last minute. I spoke with Obina, I'll speak with Souza, and whoever is best prepared for this type of game should start. They both trained well, but I'll still evaluate their physical condition and technical skills before deciding which of them will start," he said.

However, despite having to decide between the two attackers, the coach assured that both will certainly participate in the game.\ "It doesn't matter who starts, as both will end up being used," said Joel.\

Supporter Roger also spoke about the healthy competition for the number nine shirt, preferring to be cautious when asked whether he would prefer Souza or Obina.

"I'll never put myself in that position. I'm an employee of the club and I don't have a say in the matter. It's the coach's problem, and I'm available to play with either of them," he said evasively.

Everyone at Fla preaches respect for Juventude

Juventude, Flamengo's opponent tomorrow at Maracanã, is on coach Joel Santana's mind, not only because they're a strong contender in the fight to escape the relegation zone, but also because of their style of play, which, in the coach's view, could harm the red-and-black team. "They should try to play hardball. It's going to be a tight match, with them committing a lot of fouls, which should make things difficult for us. Juventude's main characteristic is being a defensive team," analyzed the coach.

Supporter Roger, who is returning from suspension, also agrees with Joel. He believes Flamengo can't even consider dropping points to the Gauchos.

"They are direct rivals, and if we can maintain the speed Joel is asking for, we have everything we need to win. We can't rush into attacking and forget about defense, because we could end up conceding a goal on a counterattack that could decide the final result. This attention will be crucial to avoid dropping points at home," he advised.

The concern about Juventude is justified: in nine matches in Rio, for the Brasileiros, the championship has been completely even. Each team has won four and drawn one.

Roger may be suspended for simulation

Roger pretended to have been attacked in the Fla-Flu match and could face a suspension from the STJD

Flamengo has been in the crosshairs of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (SJTD) for some time. Since striker Souza was sent off in the match against Grêmio, in which he assaulted supporter Tcheco, the club's squad and coaching staff have been facing court appearances.

After being acquitted in the first instance for ordering his players to hit in the match against Santos at Vila Belmiro, coach Joel Santana is expected to face a new trial. In addition, supporter Roger, for simulating being attacked by Luiz Alberto after being sent off in the derby against Fluminense last Wednesday, will also be charged by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). He is expected to be charged under Article 258 (which concerns simulation).

After yesterday's training session, the player admitted his mistake and explained the reasons why he made it.

"I think it's a shame to be judged for this reason. It was a last-chance situation to take someone with me. A classic is a classic. Nerves are on edge and I tried somehow not to hurt my teammates too much. Sometimes you do things that don't match your personality," said the supporter.

Coach Joel Santana was surprised by the news and commented on the situation, reacting, as is his characteristic, in a very good-humored way.

"I don't want to be tried again. They say it's a lie. I didn't even know about it. I went there, gave my statement and already proved my innocence," said the coach, jokingly, before saying that he would have no problem going through a new trial. "If Marcelo Jucá (prosecutor of the STJD) thinks it's necessary, I will go without any problems," he stated.

Pacifier bets on Mengão's new basketball team

Coach believes the team was assembled to shine in the basketball season

Bianca Reis

Coach Paulo Chupeta eagerly awaits the definition of the opponents for the State Championship dispute

Maintaining its tradition as a winning club since it began its winning streak in basketball in 1919, when it won its first title, Flamengo is promising to have a great State Championship this year.

According to coach Chupeta, who was very excited about the State Championship that should start on September 21st, the current group was assembled especially for the Championship.

"This Flamengo squad was handpicked when it was assembled. We prioritized players who are light but strong defensively and incredibly creative in attack. I hope it works out because they're very intelligent players. Some have played for the Brazilian national team. Those who didn't play for the senior team were at least in the youth team. It's a generation that isn't at the level of Nenê and Anderson Varejão, but is in that intermediate range to get there," explained Chupeta.

Regarding the signings the Club made for the Championship, Chupeta admitted that Duda, brother of the Rio 2007 Pan American Games gold medalist, Marcelinho Machado, is one of the team's big names, but not the only one.

"Duda was a player who recently joined Flamengo and was South American champion last year. And despite arriving with prominent status, he knows that in his shadow are many important players, like Hélio, Fernando Menezes, and Amiel, the Cuban who was also brought in to compete in the championship," he said.

Although Flamengo has assembled a strong team, he admitted that this won't be enough to make the sport a top choice for basketball fans again. According to him, the presence of the four major Rio clubs—Vasco, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo—here in Rio is essential to attracting a large audience.

"A Flamengo and Vasco match at Maracanãzinho, with all due respect to elite teams like Telemar, is different. Because those other teams don't have the appeal. We made it to two finals last year, when we were two-time champions. One was against Telemar and the other against the Rio-Pan, and there were only Flamengo fans in the stadiums. So, the Rio de Janeiro public loves basketball. But all the big clubs need to have strong teams again so we can have basketball-loving fans back on the courts," said Chupeta.

O Dia

Flamengo: Who wins?

Souza or Obina? That's Joel's only doubt for the match against Juventude.

TERESÓPOLIS - Coach Joel Santana's head is more or less the same as it was yesterday during Flamengo's training session, under heavy fog: foggy. The coach has practically decided his lineup for tomorrow's game against Juventude at Maracanã, with only one question mark: between Obina and Souza.

In the first half of yesterday's training session at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, Obina played alongside Argentine Maxi Biancucchi and scored two goals, including one from the penalty spot. He was then replaced by Souza, who also made his mark, cementing the starters' 3-0 victory over the reserves. Today, Joel Santana will begin training with Souza.

"I'm sure of one thing: they'll play in the match. I'll talk to the medical department and assess their physical condition. They both trained well. The choice will be based on their physical conditioning and refined technique," said Joel, who finished training early due to the fog.

Suspended for assaulting Tcheco in the match against Grêmio, Souza last played in the 2-2 draw on July 29th at Morumbi Stadium. And Obina last started in the 2-0 loss to Atlético-PR on August 2nd.

Joel Sanatana is pleased with the efforts of Obina, the fans' favorite, in the fight against the scales:

"There's a drop in body fat percentage. It's acceptable, though not yet at the level we want. Obina is pushing hard, and his movement has improved. If he's not at the desired level, he's very close."

Joel Santana isn't just expecting more from Obina. He wants the entire team to commit to the Flamengo jersey. And, in a tough conversation with the players, he urged grit.

"I don't know if there are people who haven't learned yet. I think we always need to understand more. We can't let the rope tighten around our necks," he emphasized. "Let's speed it up a bit," Joel added.

Yesterday's team trained with Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Rômulo, Cristian, Ibson and Roger; Maxi Biancucchi and Obina (Souza).

Despite not playing for Vasco, Obina is using the gag constantly implanted at São Januário. Since being removed from the team by coach Joel Santana because he needed to lose weight, he has literally shut his mouth.

Joel Santana will be tried again by the STJD

Rio - Coach Joel Santana is still not completely free from punishment for his remarks during the Brazilian Championship match against Santos at Vila Belmiro. Caught on television, the Flamengo manager was caught ordering that if the Santos players attempted any trick plays, "they should really beat them down."

In the first trial held by the Fourth Disciplinary Committee of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), he ended up being unanimously acquitted of the charge of inciting violence.

However, Superior Court of Justice (STJD) prosecutor Marcelo Jucá filed an appeal this past Monday requesting that the coach be suspended because of the controversial statement. Joel will return to court and answer under Article 279, potentially facing a suspension of one to two years.

In addition to coach Joel Santana, striker Souza and midfielder Roger will be tried again. The midfielder could face a suspension of one to ten games for simulating an attack on defender Luiz Alberto during the Fla-Flu match. Superior Court of Justice (STJD) Attorney General Paulo Shmitt explained that he will be charged under Article 10 for simulating an elbow strike that did not occur.

Renato Augusto remains out of the team

Rio - Coach Joel Santana will not be able to count on Renato Augusto for next Thursday's match against Juventude at Maracanã. The player has recovered from a strain and is cleared, but the coach still prefers he train a little more. On the other hand, full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan, as well as midfielder Roger, who served suspensions in the match against Palmeiras, will return to the team.

Sports Gazette

Game against Juventude is labeled a decision in Gávea\ Gazeta Press\

Teresópolis (RJ) - Although Flamengo has five games ahead of it at the Maracanã, everyone at the Rubro-Negro seems convinced that this Thursday's match against Juventude, a postponed match from the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship, is the most important of them all. Besides boosting the Rio de Janeiro team's morale, the match will mark a clash against an opponent also fighting to escape the relegation zone. "Juventude is a team that is also at the bottom of the table and badly needs a good result. We have to respect our opponent, but know that we have 100% responsibility to win this match. We'll be playing at the Maracanã and we need to play intelligently to make the most of home advantage," said coach Joel Santana.

To fine-tune his team, Joel Santana has been keeping the Flamengo squad at Granja Comary in Teresópolis since last Monday. The return to Rio de Janeiro is scheduled for late Wednesday afternoon, the day before the match against the Gauchos. In the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo is looking to escape the pressure of daily life in Gávea.

One of the most experienced members of the group and team captain, defender Fábio Luciano echoes Joel Santana's sentiments. "Maracanã is our home, and we have to take advantage of playing there to react in this Brazilian Championship," he commented.

Joel Santana gains reinforcements for the defensive sector\ Gazeta Press\

Teresópolis (RJ) - Newly hired to improve Flamengo's defense before the start of the second half of the Brazilian Championship, defender Fabio Luciano replaced his criticisms of the team after the Palmeiras game with softer words on Tuesday. Furthermore, the team will welcome back two key players. "We have to learn to live with mistakes, but the defense has made few mistakes, and we're improving in training. I think the problems we're facing in games are normal in football," declared the Flamengo defender.

To improve the seventh-worst defense in the Brasileirão, Flamengo coach Joel Santana is counting on the return of full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan, who missed the Palmeiras match due to suspension. As a result, Luisinho and Egídio are back on the bench.

In attacking midfield, midfielder Léo Lima leaves the starting lineup. He makes way for the return of playmaker Roger, who was sent off in a childish manner in the delayed derby against Fluminense.

Off the field, Flamengo continues to monitor the legal battle between striker Nilmar and Corinthians. Flamengo officials admit to investing in the player if he can permanently free himself from his contract with the São Paulo club.

Obina takes the lead for a spot in attack\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - On Thursday, Flamengo faces Juventude in a postponed match from the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship. Coach Joel Santana has only one question mark for this match: Maximiliano Biancucchi's attacking partner. In Tuesday's training session at Granja Comary, Obina was tested most of the time in the starting lineup and scored two goals. The other contender for the spot is Souza, who came on in the final part of training and scored a goal. The coach's doubts should be resolved after Wednesday's training session, the last before the match against the Gauchos.

Before training this Tuesday, Joel Santana gathered his group for a conversation, in which he asked for more attention so that the mistakes made against Palmeiras are not repeated next Thursday.

PeléNet

After being away to 'dry out', Obina could regain his place at Fla

After being temporarily removed from the squad to regain his physical fitness, striker Obina could regain his starting place for Flamengo in next Thursday's match against Juventude, at Maracanã, for the Brazilian Championship.

In collective training this Tuesday, at Granja Comary - the Brazilian national team's training center -, in Teresópolis, the player started the activity with the main team and even scored two goals.

If Obina's selection is confirmed, he will return to the starting lineup after three games. After the 2-0 loss to Atlético-PR, the athlete began training separately to lose weight, as he was five kilos overweight. He returned to action last Thursday against Fluminense, coming on as a second-half substitute.

Souza is also in contention for a spot. However, Obina's return isn't yet guaranteed. In the second half of Tuesday's training session, coach Joel Santana replaced the fans' favorite with striker Souza, who scored a goal. The top scorer in the last Brazilian Championship hasn't played since July 29 against Corinthians. He then served a four-match suspension for his red card against Grêmio.

Thus, the coach shows that he has only one doubt in the attack for the match against Juventude. The one who remains guaranteed a spot in the attack is Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, retained in place of Renato Augusto, who recently recovered from a left thigh strain.

The team that trained this Tuesday and should take to the field on Thursday was lined up with Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Rômulo, Cristian, Ibson and Roger; Maxi and Obina (Souza).

Flamengo seeks victory to accelerate 'escape' from concentration

Flamengo's players have extra motivation to seek victory over Juventude next Thursday at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. If they secure all three points, the team will be closer to finally escaping the relegation zone, and thus will accelerate their attempt to escape the uncomfortable concentration regime.

After the 2-0 defeat to Atlético-PR, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, announced that the squad would only leave confinement when the team left the group of the four last placed teams that will be relegated to the second division at the end of the competition.

Since then, the red-and-blacks have only had one day off – the day after their 2-1 victory over Náutico. After that, the squad stayed in Teresópolis until last Tuesday, continued their training in Rio and São Paulo for the matches against Fluminense (Thursday) and Palmeiras (Sunday), and returned to Granja Comary on Monday.

"We have to make certain sacrifices given the worrying situation we find ourselves in. It's a sacrifice that can help us. The faster we get out of this situation, the faster we can get back and be close to our families," midfielder Roger commented in an interview with Rádio Globo.

With 18 points from 17 matches—three fewer than most of their opponents—if they beat Juventude, Flamengo will reach 21 and surpass Náutico (17th), who have 20 and only play this weekend. However, they will still fall behind Atlético-PR, the first team outside the relegation zone, which has 23.

Therefore, the group doesn't hide their eagerness for victory to accelerate their "escape" from concentration. "There are some advantages to staying focused, especially for those who are overweight or coming back from injuries. It's also good for us to train more and focus on what we set out to do. But there are also negatives, like being away from family," Roger stated.

BalloonSport

Fog interrupts training for the red-black team

Joel Santana had to interrupt his activity because of the traditional red

Eduardo Peixoto

Training at Granja Comary is being planned based on weather conditions. This isn't new information, and Flamengo was able to confirm it this Tuesday. Due to the traditional red winds of the Fluminense mountains, coach Joel Santana ended the training session early.

"I wanted to do something extra after the activity, but I couldn't because of the fog. And the rain also made the field very soft," he says.

Lasting about an hour, the collective ended with the starters winning 3-0, with goals from Obina (2) and Souza.

Joel frames group at Granja Comary

Coach gathers squad before training and asks for more enthusiasm on the field

Eduardo Peixoto

Six points out of a possible 15. Joel Santana's stats at Flamengo so far aren't the best. And the coach knows it. That's why, early Tuesday afternoon, he gathered the squad at Granja Comary and spoke harshly.

In his analysis, some players still don't understand the importance of playing for Rubro-negro.

"They need to understand Flamengo better. The team needs to step up a bit. It's still far from where it should be. After all, out of 15 points, we only got six. It's clearly not good," says Joel.

One of the most experienced members of the group, supporter Roger agrees that it's time for the team to step on the gas. But slowly, so as not to "blow up the engine."

"We have to shift gears according to what the car demands. But a quick nudge is useful when things aren't working," says Roger.

Mountain cold bothers players

Gloves and hats are gaining ground. Joel thinks Granja Comary has the 'scent of victory'

Eduardo Peixoto

The daytime temperature in Teresópolis hovers around 10°C. The biting wind, light rain, and the usual fog bother the Flamengo team, accustomed to the calmer climate of Rio de Janeiro. When they head down to practice, many opt for hats and gloves.

During activity, with the body warm, the situation improves. But after bathing, the complaints return with a vengeance.

"It's so cold! It's actually pleasant during training, but afterwards, what we want most is to get into a hot tub," says Roger, stretching out the sleeve of his red-and-black coat.

Going against the grain is coach Joel Santana. He's a fan of Granja Comary. He even called the Brazilian national team's headquarters the "best place in the world."

"I love Granja because every time we come here we achieve our goals. The atmosphere is wonderful, and here we smell the scent of victory," says the coach, acting like a philosopher.

This Wednesday, Flamengo will hold a collective training session at Granja, starting at 15 p.m. After training, the delegation returns to Rio de Janeiro and will be based at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca. Flamengo will take the field on Thursday at 20:30 p.m. at Maracanã, against Juventude.

Souza or Obina? Joel's dilemma

Coach tests both attackers and says he will keep it a secret until game time

Eduardo Peixoto

Will the starting striker be Souza (left) or Obina? Joel keeps it a secret

Flamengo has ten starters in its lineup for Thursday's match against Juventude at Maracanã. Souza and Obina are fiercely contesting the remaining starting spot. During Tuesday's training session at Granja Comary, both players were tested (and praised) by Joel Santana.

Obina is still undergoing physical reconditioning work. Even so, he started the training session among the starters. He scored two goals in the first half (one of them a penalty) and showed reasonable movement.

In the final stages, Souza got his chance. Out of the team for five games (four due to suspension and one due to injury), the current top scorer in the Brazilian Championship scored the third goal for the starters, finding the bottom left corner of Diego's net.

In Wednesday's training session, Joel will reverse the order. Obina will start among the reserves, and Souza will have the opportunity to start. The final decision won't be made until the locker room, moments before the match against Juventude. But the Flamengo coach clarified the criteria.

"Both trained well and will play. However, one will start on the bench. The starting lineup will be chosen based on physical conditioning and refined technique. I'll talk to the medical department and the coaches to make a decision," says Joel Santana.

However, Souza is likely to be chosen. Flamengo is expected to field the following lineup: Bruno; Leo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Fábio Luciano, and Juan; Rômulo, Cristian, Ibson, and Roger; Maxi and Souza.

Roger: 'I didn't attack anyone'

Calm, midfielder declares himself innocent and justifies his actions by saying that 'it's just football'

Eduardo Peixoto

Tricolor fans complain to Roger after the controversial play in Fla-Flu

Roger, a midfielder for Rubro-negro, will be reported by the Superior Court of Sports Justice for simulating an elbow from the tricolor defender Luiz Alberto last Thursday, during the Fla-Flu classic.

The STJD will report the player under article 258, which concerns simulated aggression.

The midfielder was not surprised by the news of the complaint, he already knew about the STJD's decision and appeared calm when talking about the matter.

"I think it's a shame because it was just a last-chance move to try and bring a Fluminense player along. In a derby, blood runs hot, and I tried, in some way, to lessen the suffering of my teammates who remained on the field," the Flamengo player declared.

Roger believes it to be innocence, but he still apologized for his actions.

"I didn't attack anyone, that's football. I apologize, but I also know I didn't do anything wrong," the red-and-black concluded.

Roger will be reported by the STJD

The Flamengo midfielder pretended to have been attacked by defender Luiz Alberto during the Fla-Flu match.

Marcel Rizzo

STJD Attorney General Paulo Shmitt declared this Tuesday that Flamengo midfielder Roger will be charged for simulating an assault on defender Luiz Alberto during the Fla-Flu match on Thursday the 16th.

"Roger will be charged in the same article as Vampeta (258). He faked it. The image shows that the opposing player's elbow didn't happen. He threw himself to the ground, the referee didn't fall for it, and he had to get up and leave the field. And the image is on your website (GLOBOESPORTE.COM)," the prosecutor said.

Roger's case is similar to that of Vampeta, who faked an injury while being substituted in the match between Corinthians and Botafogo. Schmitt believed the player might be faking an injury to buy Corinthians time (watch the video below).

The Flamengo midfielder, therefore, runs the risk of being suspended for one or even ten matches in the Brazilian Championship, as does the São Paulo team's midfielder.

To return to Rio, the team offers victory

The team wants to beat Juventude to try to avoid a training period in Teresópolis.

Eduardo Peixoto

Flamengo's players know that this is a time for total concentration and dedication to keep the team out of the relegation zone. But they're seeking a compromise: if they beat Juventude on Thursday at Maracanã, they'll try to convince the board to cancel another training session in Teresópolis.

The delegation is based at Granja Comary, the Brazilian national team's training center. The team will train there in the afternoon on Tuesday and Wednesday, before returning to Rio in the evening. Management plans suggest the team will return to Teresópolis on Friday and train there until Saturday.

The cold and the distance from family are the arguments used by athletes to continue training for the Brasileirão in Rio de Janeiro.

Throw

Fla launches Gávea revitalization project

Club counts on its fans to build a new stadium

This is what Flamengo's new stadium will look like (Credit: Reproduction)

Flamengo launched a website on Tuesday (www.flamengo.com.br/revitalizacao) about the construction of its new stadium in Gávea, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Known as the Gávea Revitalization Program, the website features images and information, and allows club members and fans to sign the "I Want!" manifesto in favor of the project.

The plan comprises four projects: the construction of Flamengo's stadium, new Olympic sports facilities, the expansion and completion of the clubhouse, and the construction of the Rowing Center of Excellence on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Integrated with the stadium would also be a shopping, entertainment, and community area open to the public, which would make the project, budgeted at $75 million (approximately R$150 million), economically viable.

Roger accepts concentration regime

Flamengo midfielder Roger praised the team's concentration regime in recent Brazilian Championship matches. For the player, despite being away from family and friends, this measure is important because the Rubro-Negro has been growing every day in the national competition.

radio l! - Of course, the most enjoyable thing is always being at home, but the sacrifice is worth it. There are always some fans who ask us to be somewhere after the games, and these situations can be avoided - he says.

Maxi Biancucchi's family is expected to come to Brazil

Bruno, who is the brother of the red-black striker and cousin of Messi, could play for Flamengo

Maxi's brother may come to Brazil. Messi wants to watch his cousin play at the Maracanã.

Rafael Ximenes

The brother of Argentine striker Maxi Biancuchi, ten-year-old Bruno, may be on his way to Brazil to play for Flamengo. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, explained the situation on Tuesday.

"I met with Maxi's attorney, and his father would like to live with his family in Brazil to be with his son. Obviously, if the boy wants, he'll train at Flamengo. But the idea is to keep the family together and provide well-being for Maxi," the director said.

When he arrived in Brazil, Maxi Biancucchi revealed that he was enchanted with the country and that his father had already expressed an interest in leaving Argentina.

The youngster plays in the youth ranks of Newell's Old Boys and, if he comes to Brazil, would join Flamengo's youth team. Bruno Binacucchi has football in his blood, and if he takes after his relatives—his cousin Messi, from Barcelona, ​​and his brother Maxi, who is starting to shine at Flamengo—he has everything he needs to succeed.

Still on the subject of family, Catalan newspaper Jornal Sport reported that soccer star Lionel Messi would be coming to Brazil to watch his cousin Maxi play at the Maracanã. Kléber Leite commented on the matter:

"We would welcome him warmly and roll out the red and black carpet for him. Who knows, he might like it," Kléber joked.

Nilmar is once again part of Flamengo's plans

Striker left Corinthians this Monday

Flamengo directors try to bring Nilmar (Credit: Ari Ferreira)

Informed by LANCE! that striker Nilmar left Corinthians this Monday by a Labor Court ruling, vice president of football Kléber Leite said he will contact the São Paulo club's management to find out the player's status. Nilmar has long been a dream of the club, but legal issues have hampered the signing.

"I will contact Corinthians' executives to discuss how we can resolve this issue. Before hiring Nilmar, I need to know that he truly no longer has any ties to the club," Kléber stated.

The director had even offered Flamengo's facilities to the striker to use while he recovered from knee surgery. Nilmar's lawyer, André Ribeiro, said in São Paulo that his client won't be without a club for long. Flamengo's board has been announcing the player's signing for six months, but there's always some obstacle delaying the striker's deal.

This time Kléber doesn't want to rush into making decisions about the player.

Nilmar was granted his release following a ruling by Judge Marco Antônio Santos of the 81st Labor Court in São Paulo. Despite the club's interest, lawyer André Ribeiro said yesterday that some European clubs are expected to enter the fray to sign the coveted player.

Kléber Leite will have to race against time to resolve this case as quickly as possible, which has been dragging on for months.

Flamengo believes in the strength of Maracanã

Stadium performance is encouraging, but the team will need more to avoid relegation

Fla will fight for 15 points in the next five rounds of the Brazilian Championship at Maracanã (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)

Bernardo Besouchet and Marlos Bittencourt

To escape the dreaded relegation zone, it's not enough to just pray, as Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno usually does before games. The recipe is simple: you have to dedicate yourself on the field to get a positive result, and for that, there's nothing better than a five-game streak at the Maracanã.

And playing at the stadium this year has been a pleasant experience for the Flamengo players. It was there that Flamengo won the Campeonato Carioca. Of the 21 matches played at Maracanã this year, they won 11, lost four, and lost six, with a 62% success rate.

However, repeating the 62% success rate in the next five matches will not completely eliminate the risk of relegation for the club.

If this performance is repeated, Flamengo will only obtain nine of the 15 points that will be disputed, which will take them to just 27.

To achieve this, the players will need to do more to save the club from the specter of relegation. And Souza hopes the Maracanã will breathe new life into the Rubro-Negro.

"The Maracanã is our cauldron. Playing at the stadium, with our fans cheering us on, is already one step closer to beating our opponents," he said.

Joel Santana said he's hopeful the red-and-black team will bounce back, given the string of home games. He believes their performance will improve.

– We're going to try to beat our opponents one by one to get out of the relegation zone and improve our team's numbers in the table – said Joel, who compared the sequence of games to a war: – We're going to enter a war and it will continue game after game that we face – he concluded.

Renato Augusto and Leonardo strive to return

Players did physical training during training at Granja

While Flamengo's starters beat the reserves 3-0 in the training session held this Tuesday, at Granja Comary, midfielder Renato Augusto and striker Leonardo were struggling to be available to coach Joel Santana for the match against Juventude, this Thursday, at Maracanã.

The two did separate physical training. While Renato Augusto recovers from a left thigh strain, Leonardo suffers from pain in his right ankle.

Obina scores two goals in a training match at Granja Comary

The striker played among the starters and had good movement

Flamengo's starting players defeated the reserves 3-0 in a training session held this Tuesday at Granka Comary in Teresópolis. Obina returned to the first team and scored twice, including one from the penalty spot. Souza, who replaced him, rounded out the scoring. As is common in the region, fog and cold weather marked the match.

Joel Santana's team demonstrated excellent movement, with Maxi and Roger taking turns creating plays on the left. Before the training session, all the players ran for about 15 minutes.