The Globe
Senate gives 'gift' to small clubs by changing Timemania
Modification causes the number of beneficiaries to jump from 104 to 600
Alan Gripp
BRASILIA. Just when the Timemania saga seemed to be nearing its end, the creation of the sports lottery, heralded as a lifeline for Brazilian soccer's elite clubs, gained new chapters—and a gravy train feel. The Senate approved changes to the bill last night, including a controversial amendment that expands the number of clubs benefiting from the debt renegotiation rules from 104 to over 600. With that, the proposal returns to the Chamber of Deputies, which must ratify the modifications, where it will enter the voting queue.
Before reaching the Senate, the Timemania bill granted clubs in Brazilian soccer's A (20 teams), B (20 teams), and C (64 teams) series the right to pay their debts to the INSS (National Institute of Social Security), Federal Revenue Service, and FGTS (Fund for Severance Indemnity Fund) over a period of up to 240 months. With the approval of Senator Sérgio Zambiasi's (PTB-RS) amendment, the benefit was extended to all clubs affiliated with state federations and competing in regional championships for at least two years. However, they remain excluded from the lottery. In Rio alone, 64 clubs will benefit.
Small clubs would have 10% of the debts
According to the senator's calculations, small teams collectively owe 10% of all Brazilian clubs' debt to the government. Currently, arrears can be paid in installments of up to 60 months.
- They deserve to have the same conditions because they employ thousands of people, train athletes and are a reference for the communities where they operate - argues Zambiasi.
When the bill passed through the Chamber of Deputies, representatives had already made changes, including extending the deadline for paying overdue debts from 180 to 240 months and automatically forgiving half of fines on taxes owed. The senators left the representatives' changes unchanged, but added others.
The changes free clubs from an uncomfortable rule. To qualify for the benefits, they will no longer be required to drop administrative and legal actions against the state. Zambiasi considers the change fair:
- The problem is that many actions are close to the end and, if they were to give up on them, the clubs would have too many losses.
In addition to extending the renegotiation benefits to small clubs, the approved amendments added physical rehabilitation organizations for people with disabilities to the Timemania fund, within the 3% quota of funds raised allocated to Santa Casa de Misericórdia and non-profit hospitals. When contacted by O GLOBO, the Federal Revenue Service did not comment.
Timemania is expected to raise approximately R$500 million annually, according to a forecast from Caixa Econômica Federal last year. The money will go to several different recipients. Football clubs in Series A, B, and C will receive 22%, while 46% will go to the prizes of the new lottery's winners.
Performance against Inter puts Toró on the rise at Fla
During his visit to Engenhão yesterday, a stadium he considered attractive but of no proven use to Flamengo, president Márcio Braga, in a good mood and somewhat boastful, said that the red-and-black team will be Brazilian champions and that the poor position in the standings is temporary, a consequence of the absences. And it is precisely these absences that have given coach Ney Franco the chance to test new alternatives.
With Paulinho sidelined, Toró is Neymar's new investment. It's still too early for the coach to guarantee Toró's starting spot against Atlético-MG on the 4th at Mineirão Stadium, but based on his performance in the draw with Inter and yesterday's training session, he has everything he needs to secure a spot.
"I was the one who changed Toró's position, starting him on the right wing, and I liked his performance against Inter. He needed to play, and if he keeps training well, he could play against Atlético-MG," said Ney Franco.
Renato Mauricio Prado
Red-black mantra of the moment: not all is lost, Obina is coming!
Sports Journal
Red-black youth
Trained at Gávea, Paulo Sérgio and Kayke want to follow the example of Zico, the club's greatest idol
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
File/JS
Paulo Sérgio carries the ball at the club's training center and should be guaranteed a place in the starting lineup for the match on July 4th.
After hearing from Flamengo's former generation that the way out of the hole was to value the youth teams, with the aim of developing stars and not just becoming junior champions, two of the biggest promises for the Rubro-Negro's near future, Kayke and Paulo Sérgio, thanked their idols, Júnior and Zico, for their trust.
"I think it's important to have the support of important people like them, who have meant a lot to the club. We think that's excellent, but despite that, I think there should also be a mix, signing more experienced players," said Kayke, who has scored over 200 goals in Flamengo's youth ranks and made his debut for the team in last Saturday's game against Internacional at the Maracanã.
Another promising prospect, treated like a gem at Gávea, is striker Paulo Sérgio, who has been on the professional roster for just over two months and has been performing consistently, whether in the starting lineup or as a substitute. He believes the fans need to be patient and support the younger players.
"Now they're prioritizing the youth academy, giving more opportunities to those who were trained at Flamengo. Fans need to be patient, because at the beginning of a career, it's normal to not have consistency, to play good matches and some bad ones. The work I've been doing is serious, I know I still have to mature, but I'm learning a lot every day," explained Paulo Sérgio, who is expected to start again in the July 4th game against Atlético at Mineirão.
One of the keys to this new generation's success is their friendship. Both Kayke and Paulo Sérgio, however, made a point of reaffirming that the support they've received from their teammates has been crucial in helping them adapt to the professional team as quickly as possible.
"It's a very good relationship, like friends, we're always in touch. We have a goal when we move up to the professional team. We want to stay at the club for a long time," said Paulo Sérgio. "We've been together for over ten years, our relationship is the best possible," Kayke added.
With the strength of youth, the key to Rubro-Negro getting out of this bad moment already has a name: the base.
Ney claims to have Flamengo selected
Yesterday afternoon, coach Ney Franco led a training session between the seniors and the juniors, fielding the starters for a while and the reserves for the remainder. Despite the lack of goals in the training session, which ended 0-0, the coach stated that he will likely field the same formation that started the training session, with Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros, and Renato in midfield and only two defenders.
"If we had a game now, I would say there's a good chance we'd field this team. We'll probably make some small changes, but the lineup shouldn't be significantly altered from what was tested," said Ney Franco.
Despite praising the quality of the group he has in his hands, the red-black coach does not rule out signing reinforcements.
"I work with all possible signings, but not hypotheticals, things that are speculated by the press. The current market doesn't offer great players. However, I think we have a good squad that deserves to be in a better situation. I prefer to value whoever is here at the moment," said the coach.
The player expected to lose his starting spot is defensive midfielder Paulinho, who, like Claiton, trained with the reserve team. Long questioned by fans, it may be time for him to be an option for the second half.
Toró emerges from oblivion and pleases the red-black coach
Young Toró seems to have finally regained his prestige with coach Ney Franco. After arriving at Gávea as a star player, in a deal that cost the club over a million, he failed to put together a string of strong performances and gradually lost ground at Flamengo, to the point where he wasn't even included in some games. However, in the last round of the Brazilian Championship, against Internacional, he started and seemed to please the coach, who named him in the starting lineup for yesterday's training session against the youth team.
"I never lost confidence in him. When I arrived at Flamengo, I switched him to another position because I think he can perform better in midfield. He was important in the Copa do Brasil finals and performed very well in the last game, performing well both technically and tactically. He knew how to take advantage of the opportunity he had," the coach stated.
With the arrival of Ney Franco at the club in 2006, Toró was moved back to midfield and, despite playing in the Copa do Brasil finals that year against Vasco, he lost his place in the group and only had another chance to show his football in the last game, against Internacional, at Maracanã.
Engenhão, the new home of the red-blacks
Marcio Braga approves the stadium and wants a partnership with Bebeto de Freitas to manage it
Sergio Mello
Field reconnaissance — Architect Carlos Porto (with open arms), creator of Engenhão, explains to president Marcio Braga (right) that the venue was designed along the lines of Benfica's Estádio da Luz in Portugal
The João Havelange Olympic Stadium, also known as Engenhão, is attracting interest from three of Rio de Janeiro's top clubs. Botafogo and Fluminense, backed by their sponsors, are expected to compete for the stadium's management through a bidding process. Flamengo, represented by president Marcio Braga, visited Engenhão yesterday to tour its modern facilities.
Even with a debt of R$230 million and insolvency, according to Marcio Braga, Flamengo appears to have edged out Botafogo and Fluminense to participate in the stadium's management. Mayor Cesar Maia, whose administration built the Engenhão stadium, believes that Flamengo, representing the majority of Rio fans, should partner with either the black and white or the tricolor: whoever wins the bid will have to share the stadium with the red and blacks.
Marcio Braga, upon visiting the Engenhão, said he was delighted with the modern facilities, which, according to him, are on par with European stadiums. "I feel at home! The people of Rio will have an excellent arena, offering all the conditions for major events. I went to Europe and visited the stadiums of Sporting, Benfica, and Porto, and then I went to England. I haven't seen anything better than the Engenhão," he said.
Secretary makes appeal to fans
Rio's Municipal Public Works Secretary, Eider Dantas, confirmed that the Engenhão stadium will be reopened next Monday and also urged Fluminense and Botafogo fans to travel to the stadium for the Clássico Vovô by train or bus. He urged them to avoid driving, as construction work around the venue is not yet complete.
"We'll hand over the Engenhão stadium on Sunday, and it will be available for play by Fluminense and Botafogo on Monday. The pitch will be opened on June 28th. For the derby, I'd like to ask fans not to drive to avoid traffic jams, as we're completing construction around the stadium," the secretary requested.
Confirmation that the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ) will participate in the bidding was met with indifference by Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas. "The term 'logic' doesn't exist in the Federation. The city government is the one who issues the bid. The important thing is that we are prepared to compete," the director stated.
For Marcio Braga, the ideal scenario would be for the Engenhão stadium to remain with Ferj, but the organization's lack of credibility, he says, makes that impossible. "If we had a reliable Federation, the stadium could remain with the organization. But we know that's not quite the case," Braga quipped.
One surprise appearance was Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas, who spoke privately with Marcio Braga. The red-and-black club reportedly proposed a partnership to manage the stadium, which Braga showed little interest in. "There was no discussion about a partnership, so I can't comment on anything. I can assure you that the Engenhão stadium is 'top of the line' and that we are prepared for the bidding process," Bebeto said.
Marcio Braga revealed that he spoke with the club's president and suggested a partnership to lease the stadium. "We were discussing this proposal with Botafogo. But it's a matter that takes time to finalize. Regarding the possibility of bidding alone, we'll meet and discuss the issues to evaluate and decide whether or not it's worth competing," he commented.
Despite the interest in Engenhão, Marcio assured that the project to revitalize Gávea will continue, and next month, a bidding process is expected to be launched to select the company that will carry out the renovations. "We're not giving up on Gávea. We'll build the center of excellence, with a stadium capacity of 30, a water park, and gymnasiums. We received the land in 1932 and will complete our plans," Marcio stated.
Espanyol eyeing Juan from Fla
Ursula Nery/JS
Juan prefers to remain silent about the Spanish club's interest in signing him. He has been one of the team's few standout players.
Yesterday, Espanyol, the Barcelona club where former Flamengo player Jônatas plays, revealed its interest in left-back Juan, who has recently been one of Flamengo's best players. Although he is an alternative option if the Spanish club's negotiations with Boca Juniors full-back Clemente Rodríguez, who recently won the Copa Libertadores, fail, the club's sporting director, Paco Herrera, confirmed its interest in the Brazilian player.
"We need a left-back. Clemente Rodríguez is our first option, but we consider him and Juan to be on equal terms. The point is, we've been negotiating with Boca Juniors for over a month. I have a meeting next Monday to discuss Clemente's options. If the deal doesn't go through, we'll try Juan," the director said in an interview with Radio Brasil.
And although the Flamengo full-back, who played in Europe for Arsenal and Millwall, both in England, between 2001 and 2003, claims he has no desire to leave the country, a possible move by the Spanish club could end up taking him away from Gávea. During the week, left-back Egídio, who was on loan at Paraná and returned to Flamengo, even said he had returned to the club due to Juan's likely departure.
O Dia
Flamengo: No goals and almost not playing
Top scorer in the Brasileirão last year, Souza knows he still owes money to Gávea
Marluci Martins
Rio - For someone who was the top scorer in the Brazilian Championship last year, the 2007 season fell far short of expectations. Signed by Flamengo to be their top scorer, Souza managed to play in only two of the team's six Brasileirão matches. And he didn't score a single goal.
Souza arrived at Gávea with a résumé that would make anyone envious: for Goiás, he scored 17 goals in the 2006 Brazilian Championship, a feat that earned him the competition's top scorer award. This year, however, the player hasn't even managed to get a run of games in the championship, a problem the club's management hadn't anticipated. So far, Souza has only faced Goiás and Figueirense.
Sent off against Figueirense for a reckless kick on defender Vinícius, the striker served a suspension in the following game against Internacional. Just when he thought he'd served his punishment, he suffered another blow: the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) sentenced him to a two-game suspension, meaning he won't be able to face Atlético-MG on the 4th.
"I'm very disappointed. I went to the trial, rewatched the incident, and I'm certain it wasn't an assault. I was treated unfairly," complained the player, who only plays on the 7th against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium.
UNEXPECTED VISIT
Rodrigo Mendes, the hero of the 99 state title win, made a surprise visit to Flamengo yesterday while the players were participating in a physical training session. Recovering from an injury, the midfielder is undergoing treatment in Brazil, and his contract with Al-Gharafa of Qatar, which expires at the end of this month, will not be renewed. However, Rodrigo Mendes is not considering returning to Brazil. He plans to remain abroad.
Espanyol director says Juan is the club's second choice
Rio - In an interview with Rádio Brasil, Espanyol director Paco Herrera confirmed the club's interest in signing Flamengo full-back Juan, but revealed that he is the second option. "Our first interest is in Clemente Rodriguez from Boca Juniors. We should finalize this signing on Monday. If no agreement is reached, Juan is on the table," the director said.
Márcio Braga admits that Flamengo could enter the competition for Engenhão
Manager dreams big and says he will be Brazilian champion
Rio - Flamengo president Márcio Braga visited João Havelange Stadium, Engenhão, on Thursday afternoon and admitted that the Rio de Janeiro club could participate in the competition alongside Fluminense and Botafogo to manage the venue.
According to him, the team will bounce back in the Brazilian championship and compete for the title. "The team is playing with a shortage of players. The championship ends in December. I think we'll be Brasileirão champions. We'll strengthen the team."
Márcio Braga declined to make any major assessments about the team. "Flamengo is the best, but losing is the worst. The coaches and coaching staff are the ones who should know how the team is doing."
Sports Gazette
Léo Moura complains of muscle pain and doesn't train\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - On Thursday afternoon, coach Ney Franco led another Flamengo training session at the Vargem Grande Training Center. In addition to midfielder Paulinho, who had been rested in recent days, the coach was also without Leonardo Moura, who complained of muscle pain in his left thigh. In place of the right-back, the Flamengo manager fielded reserve Luizinho. In midfield, Toró replaced Paulinho. Aware that Souza, suspended, will not be able to face Atlético Mineiro on July 4th, Ney Franco fielded Leonardo and Paulo Sérgio in his attack.
Striker Obina was left out of the training session against the youth team. Recovering from a serious knee injury, he participated in training with Flamengo's youth squad.
99 state champion, Rodrigo Mendes visits Fla\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Former Flamengo player and scorer of the goal that gave the club the state title in 1999, Rodrigo Mendes was in Gávea on Thursday morning, visiting some old teammates. The athlete also took the opportunity to rule out any possibility of a return.\ Although his contract with Al-Garrafa, from Qatar, has ended, Rodrigo stated that he is not considering returning to Brazilian football at the moment. "I still have plenty of time to play abroad. I'm just on vacation in Brazil. My son lives with me and missing him isn't a problem," assured the attacking midfielder.\
In addition to the Rio de Janeiro Red-Black, where he emerged into Brazilian football, Rodrigo Mendes also had a good spell at Grêmio.
Espanyol confirms interest in Juan\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Left-back Juan may indeed leave Flamengo soon. This Thursday morning, Espanyol's board confirmed that the player is one of the options to strengthen the club for the next European season, should the club fail to reach an agreement to sign Clemente Rodríguez, who won the Copa Libertadores with Boca Juniors last Wednesday. "Our first option is Clemente Rodríguez, and we've been negotiating with him for some time. We hope to have a definitive answer by Monday. But Juan is also a player who interests us," Espanyol's director of football, Paco Herrera, told Rádio Brasil.
Cautious about running out of options on the left, the Red-Black team reinstated full-back Egídio to its squad this week. The player had been on loan to Paraná since the beginning of the year.
Besides Juan's possible departure, the coaching staff and board have other issues to resolve. Midfielder Léo Lima's contract expires at the end of the month, and his future remains uncertain. "He'll certainly want some kind of improvement to renew his contract, and we'll evaluate all of this very carefully. And the coaching staff also needs to make a decisive statement," stated vice president of football Kléber Leite.
On the field, coach Ney Franco's biggest concern is Flamengo's number of misplaced passes in the Brazilian Championship. The break in the standings has been beneficial in trying to address this issue. "Apart from the Goiás game, our team has a high rate of misplaced passes, so we've been practicing this fundamental these days. We conceded goals when we were attacking and misplaced the pass, giving the opponent the counterattack," he explained.
This Thursday morning, the club's president, Márcio Braga, visited João Havelange Stadium (Engenhão). In the coming days, the board will decide whether to enter the bidding process to take over the stadium after the Pan American Games.
Márcio, however, reaffirmed that the project to build a modern arena in Gávea is still being pursued by Flamengo's leadership. "This will be for Flamengo and construction will begin in the near future. The Engenhão stadium is for everyone. We won't give up on Gávea. This is ours, it belongs to Flamengo. This will be Flamengo's Social and Sports Center, with a stadium capacity of 30," he commented.
In a good mood, the director assured that he is confident that Flamengo will improve its performance with the continuation of the National Championship. "There's no crisis here. Everything is fine. We started poorly in the Brazilian Championship because we had injured players and others on the U-20 team. But I think things will gradually return to normal, and I think Flamengo will be Brazilian champions," he analyzed.
Another optimistic prospect for the Rio de Janeiro club in the Brazilian Championship is striker Obina, who is expected to return to the team next month after recovering from a serious right knee injury. "We have to win games to reach the top of the table as quickly as possible. The championship is just beginning, and my focus is on winning the competition," the center forward emphasized this Thursday morning after physical training at Gávea.
PeléNet
Toró should be kept among Flamengo's starters
Flamengo will only return to action on July 4th, as their next two Brazilian Championship matches were postponed due to the Maracanã stadium being closed for the Pan American Games in Rio. However, despite the match still being two weeks away, coach Ney Franco has already begun to develop his starting lineup, keeping Toró in the starting lineup.
The midfielder, after some time on the sidelines and little used at the beginning of the season, had already started against Internacional, in the last round, and his performance pleased the coach, who should keep him against Atlético-MG, at Mineirão.
"I like Toró's style of play. He made the most of his opportunity," said the club's manager, who moved the player out of his attacking midfield role and into a defensive midfielder.
In training this past Thursday afternoon, Ney Franco lined up the midfield with Jailton, Leo Medeiros, Toró, and Renato. Paulinho is therefore sidelined and will likely be on the bench.
Up front, Paulo Sérgio and Leonardo formed the duo, having previously played in the 2-2 draw against Internacional. Both will be Ney Franco's choice for the match against Atlético-MG, as Souza is suspended and Obina is not yet fit to play.
Márcio Braga says Flamengo will be Brazilian champion
Despite Flamengo's poor start to the Brazilian Championship, club president Marcio Braga categorically stated that he is betting on the national title remaining in Flamengo's hands. He downplayed the team's current position, 17th with six points and in the relegation zone:
"When does the Brasileirão end, isn't it in December? Then, I think we will be Brazilian champions," said the director, who also added:
"I'm the one in charge here. The president has the final say, and I think everything is going very well. We were Rio de Janeiro champions, but I admit we didn't have a good start to the Brazilian Championship. We're just missing a lot of players. We have injured players and one on the U-20 team [Renato Augusto]. When we're complete, we'll be strong."
The president lamented Flamengo's financial situation, but expressed great confidence in the club's success in the national competition. Marcio Braga said that there are challenges, but that he is working to overcome them:
"We manage an institution that owes R$230 million. Getting out of this unpleasant and perverse situation is difficult. Until that happens, we will have difficulties. But we were Rio de Janeiro champions and I'm betting on the Brazilian title."
Flamengo will only be able to seek rehabilitation in the Brasileirão on July 4th, when they face Atlético-MG, at 16 pm, at Mineirão.
BalloonSport
Defender Juan guarantees R$800 to Flamengo
The red-and-black club is entitled to 5% of the athlete's transfer to Roma
Reuters\ Juan leaves Bayer and goes to Roma. Flamengo's luck\
Juan left Flamengo in 2002. But five years later, the defender, who emerged at Gávea, continues to generate profits. His transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Roma for R$16 million will bring direct benefits. Flamengo is expected to receive around R$800, equivalent to 5% of the deal.
According to FIFA legislation, the training club is entitled to this amount. However, the money doesn't automatically go into the account. It's expected that the funds will take a few months to reach the club.
As soon as Juan is officially signed to Roma, Flamengo automatically files a letter with FIFA and sends another notification to the Spanish club requesting the percentage it is entitled to. The amounts are determined, and after a while, the deposit is made into the club's account.
More to come? Another player who came through the ranks at Gávea is tipped to transfer at the opening of the European transfer window: striker Adriano. The Red-Black coffers would be grateful.
Engenhão impresses Marcio Braga
But Flamengo's president is waiting for the stadium's public notice to take a position.
Engenhão received a visit from representatives of Fla this Thursday
Flamengo president Márcio Braga's visit to João Havelange Stadium on Thursday afternoon left him impressed. However, despite approving of the Engenhão stadium, the director avoided projecting a future for the Red-Black team there.
"It all depends on the announcement. But of course the stadium is beautiful," says Braga, who was joined by other Flamengo officials.
The concession notice will only be released after the Pan-American Games. Botafogo and Fluminense are in the running. Even if he does decide to enter the fray for the Engenhão, Márcio Braga won't give up on the Gávea revitalization project.
"One thing doesn't exclude the other. We still want to modernize our headquarters and build a stadium with a capacity of 22 people," he says.
Ney confirms Paulinho's ban
Goalkeeper Diego and Leonardo Moura are spared from training this Thursday\ Eduardo Peixoto\
This week's first training session at Ninho do Urubu confirmed a trend that coach Ney Franco had been missing in recent days. Midfielder Paulinho, who missed the match against Internacional due to injury, is expected to be on the Flamengo bench. The trio of Jaílton, Toró, and Leo Medeiros were confirmed, and thus Claiton also remains out.
Another new addition to the starting lineup was goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba. Bruno trained with the youth team, as his contract expires on June 30th and his next match isn't until July 3rd, against Atlético-MG. Diego, the immediate reserve for the number 1 jersey, felt pain in his right hand and was rested this Thursday, as was Leonardo Moura, who has a twinge in his left thigh.
The good news was that Renato is recovered and trained normally in the match against the youth team, which the seniors won 1-0, with a goal by Ronaldo Angelim. The starting lineup was: Marcelo Lomba; Luizinho, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Leo Medeiros, and Renato; Paulo Sérgio and Leonardo.
Suspension angers striker Souza
Player will not face Atlético-MG on July 4th
The light kick he took on a Figueirense player cost striker Souza dearly (watch the video of the incident below). He was sent off and sentenced to a two-game suspension by the Superior Court of Sports Justice. And he wasn't happy about it one bit. "I'm very upset. I went to the trial, rewatched the incident, and I'm certain it wasn't an assault. It was unfair," the player declared.
The top scorer in the 2006 Brazilian Championship, Souza has struggled with a lack of regular season action this year. In six rounds played, he has played only two (against Goiás and Figueirense) and has yet to score. He will also now be unable to face Atlético-MG on the 4th.
Fla doesn't want to throw Leo Lima to the beasts
The Flamengo executive defends the player's permanence. But, of course, without a salary increase. Eduardo Peixoto
Léo Lima, performs at Flamengo
The avalanche against Leo Lima hasn't affected Flamengo's board. The midfielder's contract ends on the 30th, and the situation is currently uncertain. Coach Ney Franco is reticent to discuss the matter.
"We'll resolve this soon," he says. About a month ago, he assured the player that the contract would be renewed. Now, he's on the fence.
Regardless, the management wants to keep him. There's a consensus that the fans don't like Leo. However, everyone agrees that, with patience, he can be useful.
"I'm not going to throw the kid to the wolves just because the fans want it. We can't act like that. He's good; he did well at Santos and Grêmio. I'm in favor of Leo Lima staying," says Marcos Braz, with only one caveat.
- But only if he doesn't want a pay raise. Otherwise, it'll get complicated.
Another factor that makes Leo Lima well-regarded at Gávea is his good relationship with the cast.
Visit\ This Thursday, while the Flamengo squad was training, Rodrigo Mendes was at the club. The hero of the 1999 state title is in Brazil recovering from an injury.\
His contract with Qatar's Al-Gharafa expires at the end of this month and will not be renewed. However, he ruled out a return to Gávea.
Throw
'If the game were today, this would be the team' says Ney
Depleted, Fla would have Marcelo Lomba and Luizinho in the starting team
Flamengo's right-back Léo Moura didn't train this Thursday due to pain in his left thigh, and backup goalkeeper Diego also missed training with pain in his left ring finger. Meanwhile, starter Bruno played for the youth team in the training session against the senior team. Coach Ney Franco told Rádio Tupi about the Rubro-Negro's lineup:
"The starting lineup today isn't definitive, but if the game were today, the possibility would be high. I'm afraid of losing players to the European market, which is normal for Brazilian teams. I'd rather support those who are here than talk about reinforcements. The reality is what we have, and for now we must work on it; the market is difficult. My job is to get the team technically and tactically right, because we're physically healthy. The first step to escaping the relegation zone is recovery. The squad is good; we could be better placed in the Brazilian Championship, fighting for the top of the table," said the coach.
The main team, from the collective at Ninho do Urubu, was: Marcelo Lombra, Luizinho, Irinei, Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros, Renato; Paulo Sérgio and Leonardo. The other players did physical training.
Márcio Braga is considering a partnership with Botafogo for Engenhão
Flamengo president is quite impressed with the new arena
Engenhão attracts big clubs from Rio (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
Flamengo president Márcio Braga visited the new João Havelange Stadium this Thursday. Quite impressed with what he saw, the director stated that he made a proposal to Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas, who was also visiting the new arena, to form a partnership in the bidding process for the new stadium.
"The stadium is wonderful. But it's not something that can be decided immediately. Maybe it's not something that just one club can do," Márcio Braga revealed.
Fluminense had already expressed interest in taking over the stadium's administration.
Claiton fights for more space at Fla
Claiton isn't bothered by his loss of role at Flamengo. The player avoided discussing a possible relationship issue with coach Ney Franco, explaining that he always got along well with his previous coaches, including Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Emerson Leão.
Regardless of his connection with Ney, the midfielder intends to regain his place at Rubro-Negro with determination and good football.
Ney Franco intensifies training at Fla
Flamengo coach Ney Franco has increased the pace of the team's training sessions. According to the coach, this measure was due to the team's high average passing errors in the Brazilian Championship.
"I started this work focusing on the players' tactics and physical fitness. Our training is being done on smaller pitches to improve players' reflexes and correct passing errors," he says.
Toró has the confidence of coach Ney Franco
The red-black coach says the player made the most of the opportunity
!\ Midfielder Rafael Ferreira, known as Toró, arrived at Flamengo with star status. But since his debut in 2006, he hasn't been able to show the style of football he became famous for. However, coach Ney Franco believes in the player's potential.\
Under his command, Toró was on the field in the Copa do Brasil final and in several games, such as last Sunday, against Internacional.
"I never lost confidence in him. When I arrived at Flamengo, I switched him around because I think he can perform better in midfield. He was important in the Copa do Brasil finals and performed very well in the last game, performing well technically and tactically. He made the most of his opportunity," said Ney.
Souza gives the recipe for Fla to recover
According to the striker, two victories would ease the situation
BERNARDO GLEIZER
Although the Brazilian Championship is just beginning, Flamengo's situation is already starting to worry its fans. Sitting 17th in the standings and unable to play in the next two rounds due to the Maracanã stadium closure, the Red-Blacks could end up bottom of the table by July.
But striker Souza isn't all that worried. He warns about the proximity of the other clubs in the standings. Given the balance of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo has six points but is only three behind seventh place.
"The situation is complicated, everyone knows that. We could be even lower in the standings on July 4th, but the teams are very close to us, one or two points ahead. If we can get two wins, we'll make a big leap. The team is doing well," Souza said, giving the recipe.
Paulo Sérgio should get another chance
With Souza suspended, the youngster should start playing against Galo
BERNARDO GLEIZER
Young striker Paulo Sérgio is expected to get another chance as a starter for Flamengo. With Souza's suspension by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), the 18-year-old is expected to be Ney Franco's first choice for the match against Atlético-MG on the 4th at Mineirão Stadium. He assures he's ready.
"I've been training hard so that when the opportunities arise, I'll be in good shape. I'm happy, even though the team isn't going through a great time. But we're working hard to get Flamengo out of this situation," explained the striker, who has already scored a goal in this Brazilian Championship and denies that he'll feel the pressure of being a starter at such a turbulent time.
"The pressure is increasing because we're in a bad position in the table, but I'm prepared to seize the opportunity if it comes. The fans will demand it, but that's normal, especially at Flamengo. Neymar also demands a lot from us, and each player has to demand the same from the other on the field. The group is working together to get a positive result," he assured.
Paulo Sérgio also complained about the lack of opportunities for the attackers, claiming that the balls are not reaching the front.
"There's no crisis in the attack because the forwards aren't scoring. Strikers thrive on opportunities, and right now, they're not coming. As soon as more opportunities arise, we'll start scoring again," he said.
Léo Moura and Diego out of Flamengo training
The full-back feels pain in his left thigh and the goalkeeper in his left ring finger
During Thursday's training session at Ninho do Urubu, Flamengo right-back Léo Moura missed the session due to pain in his left thigh. Goalkeeper Diego was also absent from the team due to pain in a finger on his left hand. The two worked separately.
Meanwhile, striker Obina trained with the youth team, and next door, on a reduced field, the juniors, with Bruno in goal, played a training session against the main team, made up of: Marcelo Lombra, Luizinho, Irinei, Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros, Renato; Paulo Sérgio, and Leonardo. The remaining players only did physical training.