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Samba of a star
Júnior puts former rivals and judge in the citizenship circle
Photo caption: FROM LEFT to right, Nena, Júnior's brother, on the tambourine; Bebeto, Claudio Cerdeira, Luiz Carlos da Vila, Júnior and Roberto Dinamite: stars of the samba circles and the pitch gathered around the charity project of the former Flamengo and Brazilian national team star
João Pimentel
A red-and-black hero of the 1992 Brazilian title and a star player on the national team that had enchanted the world ten years earlier, Júnior struggles with the marking, having lost the position of conductor to his friend Alceu Maia, a top-notch cavaquinho player. Vasco's eternal rival Roberto Dinamite and Bebeto, who wore both jerseys, watch closely as the team progresses, which is bolstered by some individual performances but, above all, by the team. The atmosphere heats up, and the voices rise. Then former referee Cláudio Cerdeira is called in to coordinate the chaos. Without cards or whistle, he grabs the microphone and gets everyone speaking the same language: samba. The unusual scene took place on a Monday at Bom Sujeito, a club in Barra, where Júnior leads the Samba da Sopa.
More than just a samba circle bringing together former players and top-notch samba artists like Luiz Carlos da Vila and Arlindo Cruz, and whoever else shows up, the event, which takes place every other week, is a lesson in citizenship in a city marked by neglect. And, coming from Júnior, a native of Paraíba and raised in Copacabana, in the most Carioca way possible.
"I received an invitation through Maurício, the venue's programmer, which was one day at the pagode we've been playing for years in Copacabana. At first, I was hesitant because we're not professionals. So I said I'd talk to Alceu Maia and Luiz Louchard, bassist for Zeca Pagodinho, who are my friends and professional musicians," says Júnior. "They agreed, but we thought it would only be worth it if we did something without any financial commitment."
The solution was to take half of the cover charge allocated to the musicians, buy ingredients for soup, and distribute it to charities. He got a discount on food from a friend, and things started moving forward. Last Monday, for example, one hundred food baskets were distributed.
Júnior, who became famous during the 1982 World Cup with the song "Povo feliz", which became known for the chorus "Voa canarinho, voa", a collaboration with Alceu Maia, also recorded an album about Flamengo's centenary in 1995 and even toured Japan:
- I taught at the school in the morning and, at night, I performed with a group that had musicians like (bassist) Luisão Maia.
Example of an athlete who knew how to enjoy life
Raised in a musical family—his great-grandfather was a violin maker and his uncle Vavá organized samba circles on Rua Domingos Ferreira in Copacabana—Leovegildo Lins da Gama Júnior grew up surrounded by beach soccer and music, a combination he never abandoned even when he chose the life of an athlete. Júnior, in fact, is an example that it is possible to combine sports with life's pleasures.
"I've always been into samba. I used to go out with the piranhas' group in Madureira, with Alcir Portela and Moisés. When João Nogueira took the Samba Club to Flamengo's headquarters in Morro da Viúva, everyone would show up there—Chico Buarque and Roberto Ribeiro," he recalls. "But I never let anything get in the way of my professional life. If you know how to live your life, you can go out and enjoy it without compromising your career."
Roberto Dinamite, a reveler who is always present at Beija-Flor in Nilópolis, agrees with Júnior, saying that the relationship between samba and football is accepted because they are two landmarks in our mass culture, but he remembers that, while in his professional days he went out to perform his sambas, on the other hand, he didn't have the harmony he has today with his rivals, the red-and-blacks:
"We weren't friends when we played. Zico, Júnior, and I embodied the spirit of our teams. When I entered the field to face Flamengo and Zico smiled, I thought he was making fun of me," he says good-naturedly.
And it was through samba, years after they stopped playing, that the stars sealed a great friendship.
- We were in different boxes. So I went to meet Zico and Júnior. We talked about our mutual admiration and realized that was nonsense.
Luiz Carlos da Vila, after singing some of his gems like "Kizomba", "Além da razão" and "O show tem que manter", praises the initiative:
- Thanks, Junior. It's another great goal.
The former player responds:
- Okay, but you're not leaving without singing one more. Put some more gasoline in his glass.
And so, between a beer here, a samba by Zeca Pagodinho there, the night flows. Roberto Serrão, from Mangueira, sings about his school and Júnior's; Biro, from Galocantô, announces the group's new pagode; and Nuno Neto, at the request of Júnior's wife, Heloísa, plays "Papel marché."
- Someone's missing. Hey Armando Marques, oops, Cerdeira, come chat, jokes Alceu Maia.
- If Ana Paula can pose naked, Cerdeira can sing pagode - says Júnior.
Shy, enjoying a whiskey, Cerdeira, who before refereeing attended samba school rehearsals and Bola Preta, says at ease:
"I've been booed at Flamengo and Vasco by over a hundred thousand people. If I sing and 500 boo me, I'm already out of luck. That's 99.500 fewer," he jokes.
This Monday, the gang will be back together for another game of football, filled with beer and solidarity.
Léo Lima gets his last chance at Fla: in attack
Board of Directors raises suspicions about arbitration in Caxias do Sul
While seeking the best way to face Juventude tomorrow in Caxias do Sul, where Flamengo hasn't won since 1997, adopting a serious, disciplined, and determined approach, coach Joel Santana is seeking solutions to another problem: the shortage of forwards due to injuries, such as those of Renato Augusto and Paulo Sérgio, and suspensions, such as Obina's. Now, Joel plans to move Léo Lima from midfield to attack.
Tall and with some skill (a virtue often underutilized for a player earning R$60 per month), Léo Lima would play further forward, closer to the center forward. Like Maxi and Renato Augusto, and he himself has played for Grêmio and Santos, where he scored a few goals.
The decision was made the day before yesterday, in a long conversation with Léo Lima, who, perhaps realizing this might be his last chance to make his mark at Gávea, agreed to give up Sunday off. He didn't travel to the South yesterday with the delegation to train (including tomorrow) to prepare for his new role. He will practice shooting on goal, heading shots, and other situations a center forward faces in a game.
The coach overlooked the controversial selection of Paraná native Evandro Rogério Roman for a match that's important to clubs in the South. Besides complaining about Roman, the board found it odd to field Carlos Eugênio Simon in the Paraná derby, the outcome of which also involves teams from the region in the relegation zone.
Sports Panorama
Carlinhos, nicknamed "Violino" in the 60s for his refined touch and considered one of the most technical players in Flamengo's history, never resorted to violence to disarm an opponent. His attack was always on the ball. Today, he doesn't hide his concern about young Kerlon, who, when executing the seal dribble, exposes himself too much:
- The problem is that the defender always feels he is being demoralized and his reaction is invariably very strong - he said.
He fears Kerlon will be hit in the head by a defender and seriously injured. Carlinhos explained to the column the smartest way to end Kerlon's play.
"Just stop in front of him and the play is over. No one gets hurt. And if it's inside the box, no penalty is awarded. Obstruction is an indirect kick."
ON THE BEACH: Fla's training session on Tuesday in Ipanema had an illustrious observer: Zanata, an idol in the 70s.
Sports Journal
Joel doesn't see Fla in a better situation than Juventude
File/JS
Joel thinks Fla is still at risk of being relegated
Despite already escaping the relegation zone, Flamengo still hasn't completely eliminated the risk of relegation to Serie B of the Brazilian Championship. The team sits in 13th place, just two points ahead of Paraná, the first team in the relegation zone. Juventude, meanwhile, is second-to-last with just 26 points. Even so, Joel Santana sees both teams in similar situations.
"We're in the same situation as Juventude. We're thinking about our need to win right now. We have to play serious, decisive, and disciplined football. We have to be serious for the full 90 minutes; otherwise, we won't win," Joel stated.
The Rubro-negro commander also spoke about the difficulty of Rio de Janeiro teams in playing against the Gaucho teams, which stand out for their physical strength and desire on the field.
"It's always been like this against teams from the south; Rio clubs suffer from this situation. Rio players are sometimes embarrassed to kick the ball long, and this is a game plan they may be forced to do. Sometimes the player has to kick it to the sideline, risk a dribble, and then end up in the grave," he concluded.
Kléber Leite says controversy will demand more from Roman
Flamengo's board of directors is unhappy with the appointment of Paraná referee Evandro Rogério Roman to officiate the team's match against Juventude this Sunday in Caxias do Sul. Flamengo officials claim that there are two teams from Paraná in the relegation zone.
"Every time Gaciba and Simon referee, I feel more at ease. But the director of referees knows what he's doing," said Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.
On the other hand, the controversy will require more attention from the judge, according to Kléber Leite.
“Everyone will be watching the referee and he knows he can’t make a mistake,” he said.
Joel Santana wants seriousness in Caxias do Sul
Coach Joel Santana acknowledges that defeating Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium in Caxias do Sul is no easy task. This is especially true given that Flamengo has only won one away match in this Brazilian Championship: on May 20th, 3-1 over Goiás at the Serra Dourada stadium. For the Flamengo manager, the team from Gávea's seriousness will be crucial to securing the three points in the Serra Gaúcha stadium.
"We're in the same situation as Juventude. We're in the thick of things. Now I'm thinking about my needs. Flamengo has to go out there and be serious for the full 90 minutes. If they don't, they won't win," Joel told Rádio Bandeirantes.
Aware of the strong marking imposed by Juventude, the coach warned of the need for Rio de Janeiro football to adapt to Rio Grande do Sul football.
"It's going to be a tight, tight game. We already know all of that. It's up to us to adapt to this kind of situation. There's no point in just talking; we have to go out there and do it," he concluded.
O Dia
Fla: Toró feels pain, but guarantees he will play against Juventude
Marluci Martins
Rio - Unable to count on Roger, Renato Augusto, Íbson and Obina in Caxias do Sul, coach Joel Santana had a scare during yesterday's training session in Gávea: Toró felt pain in the back of his left thigh and had to be replaced by Léo Medeiros.
Doctor José Luiz Runco, however, assured that the player will be fit to face Juventude tomorrow. "Toró said he was feeling it, and it was a surprise to me," he said.
The midfielder traveled with the team still complaining of pain, but assured that, if necessary, he will play with sacrifice: "I took a penny, but I have to go to war. No one can abandon ship now," he said.
After missing six games due to a right thigh injury, Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi secured his place in yesterday's training session. However, he was rested and replaced by Leonardo.
Flamengo's team is defined by Joel Santana and starts with Bruno; Léo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Fábio Luciano and Juan; Rômulo, Jaílton, Cristian and Toró; Maxi and Souza.
Joel tells the team that there's no harm in playing ugly. For him, the important thing is to win.
After ordering his team to beat up Santos players for clowning around, Flamengo coach Joel Santana changed the target. Instead of hitting someone's shin, the order is to hit the ball, any way you can, even if it means kicking it in the air.
"Sometimes, players are embarrassed to kick the ball. But sometimes, the game forces them to do so," said Joel, unhappy that so far his team has won only once away from home, in the Brazilian Championship (3-1 over Goiás, at Serra Dourada, in Goiânia, on May 20).
Concerned about tomorrow's match against Juventude in Caxias do Sul, Joel expects his team to be more determined. Experienced, he has no doubt that winning in Rio Grande do Sul is very difficult.
"It's always been like this in games against Grêmio or Internacional. Rio de Janeiro clubs have a harder time adapting to their opponent's field than São Paulo clubs," said Joel Santana, defending the tactic of kicking the ball where the nose points in some circumstances.
If, with 33 points and one game less, Flamengo cannot be reached by the team from Caxias do Sul, second to last, Joel still demands a victory away from home, so that Flamengo can breathe, without allowing Goiás and Corinthians, clubs with the same number of points, to open up a gap in the classification table.
"I don't want to talk about Juventude, no. We're in the same situation as them. We could fall into the abyss again. Flamengo has to go out there and be serious for the full 90 minutes," the coach emphasized.
When he talks about a lack of seriousness, Joel refers to the 3-0 loss to Internacional in Porto Alegre: "I knew what would happen against Inter and warned them. That's why I was very upset with the result. Rio de Janeiro players are embarrassed to take a long shot and sometimes risk a dribble that sends the team to the grave."
Flamengo's board of directors was unhappy with the selection of Evandro Rogério Roman as referee for tomorrow's game. Flamengo has lost six matches and drawn two matches under the referee's direction.
Joel wants Flamengo to kick the ball up high
Rio - Coach Joel Santana already knows what Flamengo's team is lacking in this Brazilian Championship: a lack of long balls. According to the coach, the team needs to learn that at certain times, it's necessary to play ugly to avoid embarrassing themselves in a national competition. Joel criticizes the team, saying that some players' egos are detrimental on the field, as in their attempts to look good, they end up hurting the entire team.
"I knew what would happen against Inter and warned them. That's why I was very upset with the result. We have to go there and play serious football for the full 90 minutes. Rio players are embarrassed to take a long shot and sometimes risk a dribble that sends the team to the grave," said Joel Santana, who points out that Rio de Janeiro hasn't won a Brazilian Championship because the teams haven't yet met in the competition's style of play.
"A Rio de Janeiro club hasn't won a Brazilian championship in seven years. Why? Because they haven't adapted. They get to the South, to São Paulo, and they have a lot of difficulty. You can't play at Gávea as if you were at Aterro do Flamengo. The style of play needs to adapt to the field," he observed.
Sports Gazette
Toró gives a scare, but plays on Sunday\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - On Friday morning, coach Joel Santana led another Flamengo training session, in which he practically decided the team that will face Juventude on Sunday at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. During the training session, midfielder Toró felt pain in his thigh and was removed from training as a precaution. After being re-evaluated by Flamengo's doctors, the player will not be a problem against the Rio Grande do Sul team. "Toró told me he felt pain, and I took him out of training. But if he doesn't feel anything, the team will be the same as the one that started training," commented Joel, who will lead Flamengo's final training session before the match this Saturday morning at the Caxias-RS field.
Now that he's getting the chance to establish himself as a starter, Toró himself doesn't consider the possibility of missing Flamengo. "Nothing will stop us from playing on Sunday. It's a bearable pain," the midfielder assured.
With the team defined, Flamengo celebrates the return of Maxi\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Joel Santana has all but decided on Flamengo's starting lineup this Sunday against Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium. In the match, Flamengo will be looking to break a four-month winless streak outside of Rio de Janeiro, and will have Maxi Biancucchi back to do so. Souza, who is also back after serving a suspension, celebrates the Argentine's return. "Maxi is a player who completes me; he's intelligent and fast. I hope we can gel well on Sunday and help Flamengo," commented the striker, who acknowledges that Flamengo is under pressure due to a lack of good results away from Maracanã.
"We can't go all out, like we do at Maracanã, as we need to be cautious, playing at our opponent's home ground. But we're going there to look for a win," Souza assures.
Joel Santana hopes that Flamengo can play seriously at Alfredo Jaconi, where, according to the coach, Rio teams often struggle to achieve good results.
"All Rio teams struggle when they go there. Here, we play and let them play. There, they don't play and don't let us play. We have to play by the book. We have to adapt to their style," urged the coach, who also offered another recipe for Flamengo's success on Sunday. "Playing well away from home is fundamentally about balance. We lost to Internacional and Palmeiras mainly due to our own mistakes."
In Caxias do Sul, coach Joel Santana should take the following formation to the field on Sunday: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Rômulo, Cristian, Jaílton and Toró; Maximiliano Biancucchi and Souza.
Absences - Flamengo faces Juventude with four players missing. One of them is forward Obina, who is still awaiting a ruling on his appeal, which is expected in October. Suspended for 120 days by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) after elbowing Internacional's Índio, the Flamengo player trained with the reserves this Friday but showed great commitment.
Midfielder Roger remains sidelined to improve his fitness. While the Red-Black squad held training sessions, the player worked separately with trainer Ronaldo Torres. Roger is expected to return in the match against Atlético-MG on the 29th at Maracanã.
Besides Roger, other key players also missed the trip to Caxias do Sul. Midfielders Ibson and Renato Augusto are both recovering from injuries. The former could also reappear against Galo, while Renato Augusto will likely wait a little longer to be available for Joel Santana.
Joel Santana avoids lamenting absences\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Still in a worrying situation in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo prepares for another match against a team also fighting relegation this Sunday, when they face Juventude in Caxias do Sul. Despite several absences for the Rubro-Negro, coach Joel Santana prefers to highlight the return of some key players such as attacking midfielder Maximiliano Biancucchi and top scorer Souza, as well as the good form of full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan. "I can't count on Roger, Renato Augusto, and Ibson yet, but there's no point in lamenting. We're going with the best we have at the moment. The full-backs have been performing well in attack, and I need to protect them. Up front, the Souza-Maxi duo has performed best under my command," commented Joel Santana.
In the south of the country, Joel Santana will be looking for his first away win since taking over Flamengo. The coach has lost all four of his previous matches.
PeléNet'
Concerned about Flamengo's defense, Joel backs three defensive midfielders
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Joel Santana believes that Flamengo's main problem is defense. Because of this, and the fact that he plays with two attacking wingers, he has opted to field three defensive midfielders, saying this is simply a logical consequence of the team's performance in the Brazilian Championship.
"Football is mathematical; you can't invent it. My defense is one of the leakiest in the competition and concedes a lot of goals when it leaves Rio de Janeiro. So I need to play in a way that at least protects the two wingers, Leonardo Moura and Juan, who are aggressive and score goals," explained the red-and-black coach.
The defensive midfielders selected for the Gávea team are Rômulo, Cristian, and Jaílton (Íbson, the starter, is injured). The Flamengo manager's concern is justified by the numbers: Flamengo has the eighth-worst defense in the competition, alongside Atlético-MG and Goiás, having conceded 39 goals and a goal difference of zero.
Last month, the Rio de Janeiro club released three defenders—Irineu, Thiago, and Moisés—all recommended by the then-former coach, Ney Franco. To bolster its defense, it signed Fábio Luciano, who was named in the starting eleven upon his arrival and was named team captain.
For coach Joel Santana, the main way to solve the defensive problems is to act seriously. According to him, the match against Juventude, next Sunday at 16 p.m. in Caxias do Sul, is decisive for the Flamengo, and the mistakes made in previous away matches (Flamengo has won only once outside of Rio de Janeiro in the Brazilian Championship) cannot be repeated.
"The team has to be disciplined on the field. We'll draw up the game plan and try to execute what we've implemented. This will be a match that could decide a lot," demanded the coach of the Rio de Janeiro club, currently in 13th place in the championship - the Gaucho team, in turn, is in 18th place.
Joel Santana wants Flamengo to face Juventude
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo faces Juventude, next Sunday, at 16 pm, in Caxias do Sul, for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship with a terrible record - of the 11 games they played outside of Rio de Janeiro, they won only one, precisely the first of them, against Goiás, in the second round of the competition.
To break the streak of ten games without victories - there were four draws and six defeats -, coach Joel Santana, who made his debut in charge of the red-black team in a match against Santos, in São Paulo, on August 5th - lost 3-0 -, and has suffered, since then, three defeats in the three matches in which he played in this situation (visitor), wants his athletes to change their way of playing, especially in the South of the country.
"Flamengo can't want to play there like they do in Rio de Janeiro. I'll give you this example: you can't play here in Gávea [the team's training ground] as if we were at Aterro do Flamengo [a traditional soccer venue in the state capital]. Each place has its own style of play, and you have to set a different pace. We have to adapt to that. The football there is tighter, harder, and that has to be taken into account," said the coach of the Rio de Janeiro club.
In addition to this current record, Flamengo players haven't won against Juventude in Rio Grande do Sul for almost ten years. During this time, the teams have played eight matches in the Brazilian Championship, with four draws and four wins for the home team. According to the Flamengo coach, the way to overcome the opponent is to copy their style of play, to outperform them in terms of quality.
"They mark hard, they're very aggressive, they commit fouls, they kick the ball high. So, we have to play a game more or less similar to theirs, because the difference will come from the technical aspect, and then we should have some advantage due to the skill of our players. They also have good players, but in this case, we'll get closer to the way we like to play," said Joel Santana.
To reinforce his observations, the coach commented that he had already warned his players about the mistakes they made against Palmeiras, in the 2-1 loss, and that these mistakes were repeated in the match against Internacional, in the 3-0 defeat in Porto Alegre - "we conceded two goals in São Paulo and two in Porto Alegre. I hope they [the players] have learned from this." He added that the difficulties of playing in the south of the country are common to Rio de Janeiro clubs.
"Will Juventude let us play? No. Will they let Flamengo play the ball the way they like? Of course not. Players who play in Rio de Janeiro are sometimes embarrassed to kick the ball. It's not about playing badly, but playing according to the rules. São Paulo, for example, when they have to play, they play, but when they have to defend, they defend. And the teams here have gone seven years without a Brazilian title," analyzed coach Joel Santana.
Flamengo at 'war' to get back from the brink of the abyss in the Brazilian Championship
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo is not in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship, but with 33 points, it is only two away from it. After spending 13 consecutive rounds in that position, a situation it overcame with a 26-3 victory over Goiás on August 1, the club hovers between the bottom four and the bottom of the standings.
"Given the current situation in the competition, we are indeed at war. Against Juventude, it's another battle, and I'm only thinking about winning to get the club out of this situation as quickly as possible," said midfielder Toró, who, with Renato Augusto's injury during the derby against Vasco last Sunday, has become the Rio de Janeiro team's main creative player.
In 13th place in the Brazilian Championship, the red-and-black club, on the other hand, is just two places away from qualifying for the next Copa Sudamericana. For Flamengo coach Joel Santana, however, the time is right for his team to focus on moving away from the relegation zone, which also includes their next opponent in the national competition, the second-to-last team from Rio Grande do Sul.
"We're in the same situation as Juventude. We're on the edge of the abyss. If we go one way, we'll be safe; if we go the other, we'll fall into the abyss again. We have to face them with serious, decisive, determined football. Flamengo has to be serious for the entire 90 minutes, otherwise, we won't win," said the coach of the Gávea club.
The two teams face off next Sunday at 16 p.m. in Caxias do Sul. The home team, with 26 points, lost their two most recent Brazilian Championship matches, both away from home: 1-0 against Santos and 4-1 against Figueirense. However, they won their last match at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, 1-0 against Cruzeiro.
The visitors are coming off a win and a draw, against Cruzeiro and Vasco, respectively - but they lost the previous match, which they played outside Rio de Janeiro, in Rio Grande do Sul, against Internacional, by 3-0.
BalloonSport
Fla takes Ju to erase bad impression
Cariocas go to Caxias do Sul to face their rivals, ready to win the 2nd away from home
Argentine Maxi is one of the hopes of the Flamengo team
Flamengo wants to end its reputation as a dead dog when visiting opponents in the Brazilian Championship. This Sunday, at 16 p.m., the red-and-black team will face Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium in Caxias do Sul. In 11 games away from Rio de Janeiro, Joel Santana's team has won just one, a feat for the club with the largest fan base in Brazil. Besides this, the Rio de Janeiro team hasn't won at the stadium since October 1997. Since then, Juventude has won five games and drawn four.
The red-and-black team sits in 13th place with 33 points. The Gauchos are in second-to-last place with 26. On one side, Flamengo wants to further distance itself from the relegation zone. On the other, Juventude desperately wants to escape the group that, for now, will compete in Série B in 2008. Follow the match in real time on GLOBOESPORTE.COM and live on TV Globo and Premiere.
Joel counts on Maxi and Souza in attack
At Flamengo, coach Joel Santana will be without midfielders Roger, who has been handed over to the physical trainers to improve his conditioning, Renato Augusto, who will be out of the team for two weeks due to a strained right thigh, and Ibson, recovering from a problem with his left ankle, and striker Obina, suspended by the STJD for elbowing Internacional defender Índio (watch the video above with Flamengo's absences).
With this, the coach maintained the core of the last few matches, especially in defense and midfield. The defense, in addition to goalkeeper Bruno, will feature Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan. To protect the center-backs, Joel Santana opted to field three defensive midfielders again: Rômulo, Cristian, and Jaílton. Toró will be tasked with providing the attack, formed by Souza and Maxi, who return to the team after suspension and injury, respectively.
The attack, in fact, is the coach's greatest asset in securing the three points. Maxi returns to the team after nearly a month away from the field. The Argentine has recovered from a muscle problem in his left thigh. Souza returns after serving another one-match suspension. The derby against Vasco was the ninth game in the Brasileirão that the player has missed.
"The duo that got together was Maxi and Souza. Let's see if they both perform well again this weekend," says Joel Santana.
Throw
Fábio Baiano will meet Fla again in this Sunday's game, in Caxias do Sul
Ju full of absences
Coach Beto Almeida, like Joel Santana on the red-and-black side, is facing a number of difficulties when it comes to selecting his team. The coach will be without Lauro, Barão, and Zé Rodolpho, all suspended for receiving their third yellow card. Furthermore, he risks being without four other players, who are still recovering from injuries: defenders Wescley and Régis, defensive midfielder Vanzini, and midfielder Fábio Baiano.
Fábio Baiano, for example, once played for Flamengo. The player lived a life of debauchery at the red-and-black club, where he had both good and bad performances. The midfielder played for the team from 1992 to 2000 and then from 2002 to 2004, scoring 40 goals. Now, however, the athlete's intention is to topple the Rio de Janeiro team and pull Juventude out of the relegation zone.
Midfielder Marcão, formerly of Fluminense, is another standout player for the Rio Grande do Sul team. He's a longtime Flamengo player, having played for Laranjeiras from 1999 to 2006.
Fla complains about Paraná referee
Evandro Rogério Roman is seen with restrictions in Gávea. He refereed the Fla-Flu match.
Marcio Iannacca
Eduardo Peixoto
The selection of referee Evandro Rogério Roman to officiate Juventude vs. Flamengo on Sunday displeased Rio de Janeiro residents. This Friday, via its press office, the club expressed "surprise" that a referee from Paraná was appointed to the match.
Close to the relegation zone, Fla has two Paraná clubs as direct rivals: Atlético-PR and Paraná.
"I wouldn't pick him, but whoever's there has the right to do so. But it's good to let you know we're keeping our eyes wide open," says vice president of football Kléber Leite.
As if that weren't enough, Flamengo is complaining about Roman's performance in the derby against Fluminense. Despite a 1-0 victory, Flamengo had two players sent off (Juan and Roger). Their history of confrontations with the referee includes six losses, two draws, and four wins.
Toró overcomes the scales and distrust
Player loses weight, gains space at Flamengo and receives praise from the coaching staff
Eduardo Peixoto
Toró (red) at Flamengo training. He's in great physical shape.
Being included in the list of players called up for a match was a rare occurrence for Toró. That was until Joel Santana arrived. Upon taking over as Flamengo's coach, he had a serious conversation with the player.
He asked where the athlete who had excelled in Fluminense's youth academy was. Toró understood the message. He lost weight, dedicated himself to training, and received the opportunity he wanted.
"That's Joel and Ronaldo Torres' (fitness coach) fault." They gave me confidence, and I became more professional," he says.
'He is flying'
This professionalism came in many forms. The supporter got married, left behind his life in steakhouses, and started training hard. Really hard.
"He had a body fat percentage of 14%. But he received guidance from us and Silvia Ferreira (Flamengo's nutritionist) and improved significantly. Now he's at 10,7%, and you can see the results: Toró is dominating the field. The important thing is that the player wants to improve, and he did," declares Ronaldo Torres.
On Friday, with pain in his left thigh, the midfielder left the field before the end of training. Part of the blame lies with overexertion.
"He's flying so much it's even worrying. He needs to slow down," warns the red-and-black fitness trainer.
Happy, Toró just wants to capitalize on his ascendancy at Gávea. Since joining the club in 2006, he even started in the Copa do Brasil final. But even then, he wasn't as highly valued.
"Not all players are ready to go straight to the professional ranks. There are a lot of changes. He took his time. But he was always talented and now he's matured. Life itself taught him that," says "motivator" Joel Santana.
Roger and Obina's training session is marked by commitment
Midfielder works out to return to the team. Anjo Negro competes in the reserve team
Marcio Iannacca
Roger trains hard to return to the team
Despite missing Sunday's match against Juventude, midfielder Roger and forward Obina worked hard this Friday at Gávea. While the former did physical training separately from the group, the Black Angel participated regularly in the training session led by coach Joel Santana. The Bahia native, however, completed the reserve squad.
Roger returns to training with the group on Monday and could play on the 26th against Atlético-MG at Maracanã. Obina, meanwhile, was suspended by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) for 120 days for elbowing Internacional defender Índio.
Without the two and midfielder Ibson, recovering from a blow to his right ankle, Joel Santana will field Flamengo with the following formation: Bruno, Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Rômulo, Cristian, Jaílton and Toró; Maxi and Souza.
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Souza wants Fla to play like at Maracanã
Even away from home, the striker asks the team to go after Juventude
Souza has already scored at Alfredo Jaconi (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
Flamengo's task of beating Juventude in Caxias do Sul is a daunting one. But striker Souza doesn't want to hear about the problems clubs face when playing at Alfredo Jaconi. For the striker, the team needs to forget they're playing outside of Rio.
"Even though it's away from home, we have to go all out. Even with their fans nearby, we have to play the same way we do at Maracanã. But of course, we need to be a little cautious," he stated.
Last year, playing for Goiás, Souza scored a goal in a 1-1 draw against Juventude, in Caxias do Sul.
Joel Santana: 'I liked the team until Toró left'
Midfielder felt pain from a blow suffered in the Milhões classic
Toró left the team in pain but is not in doubt for Sunday (Credit: Paulo Sergio)
!\ Toró is on a roll at Flamengo; the midfielder was praised by coach Joel Santana after training this Friday. The coach emphasized the importance of the player, who left the training session due to discomfort in his left thigh, caused by a tostão he received in the derby against Vasco. But he is not a doubt to face Juventude, this Sunday at 16 pm, at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium.\
- The team that started playing was making me bigger until Toró left - said Joel.
Despite the pain, the red-and-black player guarantees that he will seize the opportunities given to him by the coach.
"I felt the injury I suffered in Sunday's battle against Vasco, but it won't keep me out of the game. Because the pain is bearable, I'll be on the field. It's time to seize the opportunity, because those who are out want to get in, and those who are in don't want to leave," he concluded.
Flamengo looking for a free kick taker
Without scoring a goal in the fundamentals since May, even Bruno practices penalties
Bruno took a risk with free kicks (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
After training this Friday, Juan, Léo Medeiros, Colace, and Cristian practiced free kicks. Flamengo, the only team that hasn't scored a goal from a free kick in the Brazilian Championship, lacks an official free kick taker. And they've gained another candidate.
Bruno took a few shots and showed some skill, despite his free kicks being blocked by no goalkeeper. The goalkeeper even trained a few times, but never took a shot in a match.
Flamengo's form in this area is very poor. Since Renato left for the United Arab Emirates, the Red-Black team hasn't scored a goal from a free kick. The last one was in May, against Defensor-URU, still in the Copa Libertadores.
Roger continues with specific training at Fla
Until next Monday, the supporter continues with physical work
Roger could play against Atlético-MG (Credit: Cleber Mendes)
Out of the match against Juventude this Sunday in Caxias do Sul, Roger will continue with specific training to regain his fitness. This Friday, the midfielder experienced muscle pain again, and fitness coach Ronaldo Torres had to reduce his workload.
"He's been working out a bit, as he's been having some muscle pain. This Saturday, Roger will do some physical training, along with an organic evaluation," Ronaldo said.
Roger will have Sunday off and will return to physical training on Monday morning. In the afternoon, he will work in the pool, while the other players are off. And, according to Ronaldo Torres, he will be able to return to training with the group.
- Next week he will be released to Joel (Santana). Everything is going according to plan and Roger is responding very well - he said.
Souza declares that Maxi completes him on the field
Flamengo striker comments that the Argentine is fast and expects to be served
Souza waits to be served by Maxi in the game against Juventude (Credit: Paulo Sergio)
Souza praised Maxi Biancucchi, his teammate for Sunday's match against Juventude, explaining the Argentine's qualities on the field. The attacking duo hasn't been used much due to Souza's suspensions and Maxi's injuries, but the player believes it will work well.
"Maxi completes me; he's got a lot of quality. He comes out of the box a lot and gives me options. He's fast, and I hope he can serve me well on Sunday," he said.
Coach Joel Santana agrees with the striker and says:
- Of all the pairs I tested, this was the pair that complemented each other best. But they need a sequel.
Toró: 'Every sacrifice is valid'
Flamengo supporter Toró, who is scheduled to play against Juventude this Sunday in Caxias do Sul, assures he's ready for the match. He left complaining of leg pain, but said the problem wasn't serious. Toró made it clear that this isn't a time for absence, but rather for sacrifice.
radio l! - I took a little hit in the leg at the end of training, but it wasn't serious. I'm sure I'm ready and will play anyway. At this point, we shouldn't give up, but rather make the sacrifice," he says. (Click and listen)
Joel Santana explains the use of three steering wheels
Coach believes Fla can surpass Juventude in technique
The fact that Flamengo is conceding a lot of goals away from home is highlighted by coach Joel Santana as the explanation for fielding three defensive midfielders for the match against Juventude, which will be held next Sunday at Alfredo Jaconi, in Serra Gaúcha.
"We concede a lot of goals away from home, so I play with three defensive midfielders, especially since our two full-backs are aggressive both in Rio and on the road. We need balance, because we can't play away from home the same way we do in Rio. We have to play the game the way it's supposed to," Joel explained.
The red-and-black coach believes that if he can get the team from Gávea to perform in the same way as their rivals from Caxias do Sul, the technical aspect could favor the Rio de Janeiro team, even though he sees good players at Juventude.