The Globe
On a dream day for Ney, Bruno's situation at Fla becomes a nightmare
Coach completes one year at Gávea threatened with losing goalkeeper Bruno
From the top of Corcovado Mountain, at the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue, Gávea seemed like a dream come true for Ney Franco. After all, the coach who traded tiny Ipatinga for Rio is living a magical moment: today marks one year leading the team with the largest fan base in Brazil. In addition, he was helping a squad from Minas Gerais who joined the campaign to make Christ one of the new seven wonders of the world. But upon stepping into the Gávea of his everyday life, the magical moment suddenly turned into a worry. Call Bruno.
The goalkeeper, whose contract with Flamengo runs until June 20th, is practically packing his bags for Europe. Ney has been observing, without much say, the efforts the board is making to try to keep the player, who is of interest to clubs like Atlético Madrid in Spain and Benfica in Portugal.
Fla waves a proposal capable of tempting Bruno
Bruno's rights belong to a group of investors led by Israeli businessman Pini Zahavi, who had already warned the board of directors since mid-April about the goalkeeper's likely departure. Faced with the imminent loss of a player of Bruno's caliber, Kleber Leite, vice president of football, is taking action.
But Bruno himself, who adopted a politically correct discourse, is suspicious:
"Nobody's foolish. I'm happy at Flamengo, my family has adapted to Rio, but no Brazilian club can compete with an offer from abroad."
Kleber Leite, known for his financial engineering that led Flamengo to win matches considered impossible, disagrees and maintains that Bruno's permanence is perfectly viable.
"I had lunch with Eduardo Uram (Bruno's agent), and we made a proposal that would be hard for any mid-sized club in Europe to match. If Milan or Real Madrid come with a truckload of money, that's a different story. He wants to stay, and that's important. The second step is to convince the investors, and for that, we have interesting proposals," says Kleber.
For Kleber, Bruno is not the only impossible battle.
"We also have Renato, who doesn't have an offer, but one could come at any time," says Kleber. "But this is also moving along well, with a five-year extension."
Given this scenario, Ney Franco recognizes that his achievement, staying a year at Flamengo, is truly heroic. With three trophies (Copa do Brasil, Taça Guanabara, and State), in 64 games he won 32, lost 20, and drew 12. And he celebrates:
"It's a professional victory. I've gained experience in handling pressure and passion. I can say I'm at the peak of my career."
Fernando Calazans
In the GLOBO newsroom, which almost shut down because of him, Caetano Veloso clears up a doubt for me, I who, I don't know why, always thought he was a Vasco fan.
- No - he corrects immediately - I'm Flamengo.
A friend reminds me that Caetano isn't much of a soccer fan; only Chico Buarque is a soccer fan. He corrects me again:
- It's not like that... I like it too. But the best one is my son Tom, who is crazy about soccer and plays a lot. He plays amazingly.
Caetano thinks Tom plays better than Chico, but that's none of my business. Caetano said it.
Sports Journal
Kleber Leite opens the safe to hold Bruno
Manager makes offer to goalkeeper and says only Real Madrid or Milan have the money to match it
Thiago Bokel
Nina Lima/JS
The red-and-black wall — Bruno says he's happy at Gávea, but he's expected to give an answer today about whether he'll stay at the club. He says he has other offers.
Flamengo took an important step late yesterday afternoon to retain its star player. Goalkeeper Bruno, whose contract runs until June 30th, received a proposal yesterday from vice president of football Kleber Leite to renew his contract for as long as he wishes. According to the director, the offer is so good that any mid-sized club in Europe wouldn't be able to pry the number 1 from Gávea.
"We submitted a suitable offer to the best goalkeeper in Brazil. This way, we were able to eliminate a good number of European competitors. Of course, if it's a club as big as Milan or Real Madrid, for example, it will be difficult to secure. It makes no sense for Bruno to leave the team with the biggest fan base in Brazil for a mid-tier European club. It's a huge sacrifice for Flamengo, but one they deserve," said the director.
Despite the club's vice president's optimism, negotiations are expected to be lengthy. Bruno met last night with his agent, Eduardo Uram, to discuss Flamengo's offer. The player has made no secret of his intention to stay at the club, but he also hasn't ruled out a future move to Europe. Barcelona and another Spanish club are reportedly interested in signing the goalkeeper.
"Nobody here at Flamengo is stupid, no Brazilian club can match a good offer from Europe, but you can be sure that if it's almost the same amount, I'll stay at Gávea for a long time. I'll only leave if they offer something very advantageous for me and for Flamengo," the goalkeeper revealed.
Bruno admitted that he feels a great deal of affection for Flamengo and owes a debt of gratitude to the club, which welcomed him when he was going through the most difficult period of his career, after being signed by MSI. At that time, Leão, then Corinthians' coach, preferred to leave him as a third option. The goalkeeper's stint with the São Paulo club lasted less than a month, when, in August 2006, he transferred to the Rubro-Negro. At least until June, the wall at Gávea will remain.
Ney Franco visits Christ the Redeemer
Coach Ney Franco did not participate in Tuesday's training session in Gávea. He visited Corcovado Mountain accompanied by Minas Gerais Governor Aécio Neves and other Minas Gerais residents in Rio de Janeiro. In the afternoon, the coach led a regular physical training session followed by a recreational session.
The visit to the tourist spot is related to the Minas Gerais government's support for the "Vote for Christ" campaign to elect him one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The coach revealed that he's also expected to field the same team that defeated Goiás for the derby against Botafogo on Sunday. He even said he's not rooting against the opponent in Wednesday's Copa do Brasil semifinal match. The coach doesn't care about the result.
Ney Franco completes one year at Gávea
File/JS
Ney Franco completes one year at the helm of Flamengo today, but says it's still not enough for the club's greatness.
A Minas Gerais native eating away at the edges. Thus, coach Ney Franco, without much fanfare, completes one year in charge of Flamengo today. In his 365 days at the helm, he won the 2006 Copa do Brasil and this year's Campeonato Carioca. In the coaching space on the bench, without hysterical shouts or exaggerated gestures, he maintains discretion. But he never loses his firm hand or control over his team.
Ney Franco, despite remaining at a club that in 2006 had a new coach every two months, didn't seem very excited. "The record is interesting, but it's still too short to be considered significant. At any club that wants to be solid, the coaching staff should stay for at least three to four years," the coach stated.
He was introduced on May 23rd and, the following day, made his debut with a 2-2 draw with Santos at Maracanã. Since then, Ney has led the team in 65 games, winning 33, drawing 12, and losing 20: the team scored 97 goals and conceded 86. The team's points record is 57%.
Flamengo has had 141 permanent and interim coaches since its founding, but only 21 have stayed for at least a year. To give you an idea, Telê Santana, one of the greatest coaches in Brazilian football, led the club for 10 months and 24 days (between October 1988 and September 1989).
Coach Flávio Costa spent four stints at Gávea, totaling 14 years and seven months. Paraguayan coach Fleitas Solich, "The Wizard," also spent four stints between 1953 and 1971, totaling eight years with the Rubro-Negro.
Renato thanks a Rio citizen for his tribute
As JORNAL DOS SPORTS reported yesterday, supporter Renato will soon receive the title of citizen of Rio de Janeiro. The player was humbled by the honor and, despite being born in São Paulo, doesn't hide his affection for the city that welcomed him with open arms.
"I'm very honored and proud. I'll never forget my São Paulo roots, but coming to Rio de Janeiro and receiving all this recognition is very gratifying. I'd like to dedicate this to the management, my coworkers, the coaching staff, and, most importantly, the Flamengo fans, who have made me so loved by the locals. I feel completely at home in this city," said the Flamengo captain.
The midfielder is in the best form of his career. He's been one of the team's standout performers this year, and vice president of football Kleber Leite has already begun negotiations to renew his contract, which expires at the end of the year.
Ibson arrives in Rio and receives proposals from Santos and Fla
Supporter Ibson arrived in Rio this Tuesday to see his family and pregnant wife. The player said that salary issues would not be a determining factor in his return to Brazilian football.
"I was projected at Flamengo. I have the club in my heart, and the salary issue doesn't weigh as much. Of course, I'm a worker and I want to earn my salary at the end of the month, but I can sit down and talk," explained Ibson.
The midfielder, who emerged for the red-and-black team in 2004 and was one of the standouts of the team that won the Rio de Janeiro championship, didn't just receive an offer from Flamengo. Santos is keeping an eye on the young player, which makes him proud.
“I’m very happy that a big club like Santos is interested in my football,” said the supporter.
One factor that could hinder Santos and Flamengo's ambitions is the potential use of Ibson by the Portuguese team coached by Jesualdo Ferreira. However, the player hasn't ruled anything out and is willing to talk to the clubs and listen to their offers.
"I'll study the proposals. I prefer to leave it in the hands of my agents, who know what to do. I have a contract until 2009, but if it's good for both parties...", the player told Radio Globo.
Cabo Frio beats Flamengo and reaches the Carioca futsal final
Team from the Lagos Region defeats Flamengo and takes on Teresópolis
Rafael Oliveira
Wallace Teixeira/JS
The Battle — Diego Panázio protects the ball despite strong marking from Cabo Frio winger Daniel. The semifinal was evenly matched.
Cabo Frio, RJ — Cabo Frio defeated Flamengo 2-1 and qualified for the final of the Rio de Janeiro Futsal Championship. Goals were scored by Regufe and Éric for the home team, and Diego Machado for the Rio de Janeiro team. Now all eyes will be on the match between Teresópolis and Cabo Frio. The two best teams in the competition will battle it out for the title in two matches: the first will be on Friday in the Lagos Region. The second and decisive match will be held on Sunday in Teresópolis.
"It was a very tough game. Flamengo really valued this qualification. They made the loss a dear purchase. But our team deserves congratulations. They are young players, most of whom are competing in their first or second Campeonato Carioca. They matured during the tournament, and today (yesterday) they were able to handle the pressure of playing in a packed stadium where everyone was demanding a win. It was a worthy performance," praised coach Sávio Badini.
The match began with the home team scoring a goal just one minute into the match. It was enough to lift the fans in attendance, excited by the prospect of another rout. But the Red-Blacks didn't let themselves be discouraged. The defense found the best positioning, and the attack began its search for the equalizer, which only arrived five minutes into the second half. With the score tied, the Rio de Janeiro team pushed forward but ended up giving their opponents space. And it was through this failure that the hosts scored the winning goal.
Despite the defeat, the Flamengo team left the court with their heads held high. "As soon as the match ended, president Marcio Braga asked me to congratulate the entire coaching staff and players. What they did throughout this championship was heroic," said Ruy Machado, Flamengo's futsal director.
Djan is appointed new Secretary of the Ministry of Sports
Nina Lima/JS
Djan Madruga visiting JS in March, alongside Minister Orlando Silva (L) and JS Executive Director Wellington Rocha
One of the greatest names in the history of Brazilian swimming, Djan Madruga, was appointed yesterday to the position of National Secretary of High-Performance Sports at the Ministry of Sports. The swimmer and sports entrepreneur holds a master's degree in physical education from Indiana University (USA) and is the founder and two-time president of the Brazilian Association of Gyms.
"It's an honor to lead the National Secretariat of High-Performance Sports and to join Minister Orlando Silva's team, which is doing spectacular work, unprecedented in the Ministry of Sports. This is a position thousands of athletes would love to have, and it was a dream I also had as a teenager, and it has come true 30 years later. I believe God gave me this opportunity at the right time, as today I have the maturity and professional experience necessary to help structure and advance competitive sports in the country," said Djan.
In the pool, Djan shone brightly, winning the bronze medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. He still holds the record for medals at the same Pan American Games (six, in Puerto Rico) and remains active, competing and winning events in world and national masters competitions.
Your administrative experience can contribute to realizing the dream of transforming Brazil into an Olympic powerhouse, without sacrificing the role of sport as a driver of social inclusion for the entire population.
The Pan CPI was approved.
Rio de Janeiro City Council members approved yesterday the request to establish a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) to investigate alleged irregularities in the construction of sports facilities, equipment, and contracts signed by Rio City Hall for the Pan American Games. The CPI members are expected to be appointed in the coming days by party leaders and various party blocs.
The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) was opened by Councilman Eliomar Coelho, of the PSOL party. "Mayor Cesar Maia is spending far more than anticipated. The Engenhão project, for example, has already received more than 20 amendments. A budget of R$166 million was expected, but around R$400 million has already been used," commented Coelho, adding:
If the PAN was already planned since 2002, why are the projects being carried out without bidding at the last minute? Everything should have been planned and done in advance to comply with Law 8666, which governs the public sector.
According to the councilors, another irregularity was the delay in completing the construction, which hampered the training of Brazilian athletes. The facilities will not even be tested before the games.
"Many projects are being carried out without competitive bidding. There are also an excessive number of contract addendums, indicating a lack of oversight and a distance from the figures presented in the budget," the councilman added.
O Dia
Obina, the hot topic
The red-black star will be interviewed today (noon) on TV O DIA ONLINE
Martha Esteves
Every day, Obina is surrounded in Gávea to talk about his recovery. Today, at noon, fans will be able to ask the player anything directly, as he will be interviewed live on O DIA ONLINE TV. "It's going to be fun," the striker says.
His physical condition is getting better. His spirit is being cared for with prayers to Our Lady of Aparecida. And his mind will receive special treatment to contain the euphoria of returning to the team in July. Obina, who practiced finishing (kicks and headers) yesterday, will have the assistance of psychologist Paulo Ribeiro before his return.
Ribeiro will perform body relaxation exercises, during which Obina will be in a state of near-sleep to watch the DVD, which will be prepared with footage of his best moments at the club. "With his energy levels low, he's more likely to process information," explains the psychologist, who will conduct five sessions with the striker.
This work was done when Obina was going through a rough patch at the club, and according to the player himself, it paid off. "I've become more confident. I know I'll feel a little nervous about some situations, and I want to stay calm," says Obina.
The player knows the emotions will run high when he hears the fans chant his name once again. "I go crazy when I hear the tributes. My heart will race," he predicts.
Íbson arrives in Brazil, but still doesn't know if he'll be able to return to Flamengo
Player has been harassed by Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Rio - After winning his second Portuguese championship with Porto, Íbson arrived in Brazil to enjoy his vacation. This Tuesday, the player arrived in Rio de Janeiro and discussed the possibility of returning to play for Flamengo during the Brazilian Championship. Initially, Portuguese officials are against Íbson's transfer, but the agents responsible for the player's interests believe he would be more valued and closer to the Brazilian national team playing in Brazil.
For now, Íbson is cautious about the possibility. However, Flamengo's intentions may be hampered by Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo's insistence on signing the player. Reportedly, the coach has been calling Íbson every day in an attempt to convince him.
"I arrived for the holidays, but we'll see what happens. I've heard some speculation," said the player in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Bruno has already received the renewal proposal from Flamengo
The goalkeeper has a contract with the club until June 20th.
Rio - After having to dodge speculation about interest from Barcelona, Porto, and Liverpool, goalkeeper Bruno has already received a contract renewal offer from Flamengo. According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, the offer is very good. He also says few European clubs will be able to match the offer. Bruno's contract runs until June 20th.
"The proposal is made. We have two fundamental points, and one of them is in our favor, because Bruno wants to stay. The other is more complicated, because it has to do with the investors who hold his rights," said Kléber.
Ney Franco completes 1 year at Flamengo and visits Christ the Redeemer
Rio - Ney Franco completed one year in charge of Flamengo this Tuesday. To celebrate the milestone, the coach visited Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) this Tuesday morning. He was invited by the governor of Minas Gerais, Aécio Neves.
In 1 year at Gávea, Ney led the team for 64 games and had 32 wins, 12 draws and 20 losses.
Renato says he is at home and has no intention of leaving Flamengo
Rio - Flamengo's top scorer this season, midfielder Renato Abreu, has a contract with the club until the end of the year. At this time, the player prefers to remain silent about his situation. "I'm in a good place. My second daughter was born. I'm happy with what I'm doing on the field, and I'll leave any renewals up to the club. I like working where I feel comfortable, and I'm at home here. I have no reason to leave," the player told Rádio Brasil.
According to him, the atmosphere at Gávea is calm. "The atmosphere is peaceful. The victory against Goiás erased the bad impression we had against Palmeiras. We can't swallow that defeat," Renato stated.
Sports Gazette
Bruno denies contact from Barça and guarantees concentration at Fla\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - One of Flamengo's most highly valued players at the moment, goalkeeper Bruno may be leaving Gávea. With his federation rights tied up with a group of agents, Bruno's contract with the club runs until June 20th and his name is already being considered for a possible move to Europe. One of the interested clubs is reportedly the powerful Barcelona, but the goalkeeper denies having been approached by the Catalans. "Barcelona? I don't know anything about that. I have a contract with Flamengo and I've made it clear that I'm happy here, focused on my work. There's a lot to do before my contract ends, a lot of games ahead, a lot to happen," Bruno commented on Tuesday morning.
Until an offer from a major European club arrives, Bruno is truly hoping for a chance with the Brazilian national team. At 22, however, the player prefers to overcome his anxiety with extensive training. "You have to let things happen naturally. Every player has to chart a path to avoid becoming complacent. It's a goal, and I'll pursue it, but in the meantime, I'll continue doing my job here at Flamengo," the goalkeeper stated.
Bruno currently assures that his thoughts are focused on Sunday's derby against Botafogo. Flamengo has three points in the Brazilian Championship, and the goalkeeper is banking on a strong campaign. "It's a tough championship, and we lost in the opening match, getting hammered by Palmeiras. We bounced back afterward against Goiás, and Flamengo has the ability to improve. We have a derby ahead of us, so we need to look for another win."
Like Bruno, another highly valued player at Flamengo is midfielder Renato, who has a contract with the club until the end of the year. Like the goalkeeper, Renato also says he's not considering a deal at the moment.
"I'm having a good time, not only professionally, but also because of the birth of my family. I'm also very pleased with what I've been doing here at Flamengo and the titles we've won. We leave renewal to the club. I like working where I feel comfortable, and I feel comfortable here; everyone treats me well," said Renato.
Flamengo presents proposal to renew with Bruno\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Concerned about the European pressure on Bruno, Flamengo is gearing up to try to keep the player, whose loan ends on June 20th. This Tuesday, vice president of football, Kléber Leite, spoke with the goalkeeper and confirmed that he has already submitted a renewal proposal to agent Eduardo Uram. "I'm very happy to see the board making an effort to try to keep me. I'm very happy at the club," the athlete declared.
Bruno participated normally in Tuesday afternoon's training session at Gávea. Along with Souza and Claiton, who had already been ruled out of the morning session, midfielder Renato Augusto was rested due to muscle pain. All three are expected to return to training with the ball on Wednesday.
Ney Franco expects Flamengo to be alert against Botafogo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Earlier this month, Flamengo won the Campeonato Carioca. But in both final matches against Botafogo, as well as in the match against their rival in the Taça Guanabara, Flamengo had to, at some point, overturn a losing score. To avoid a repeat of this in next Sunday's derby against Botafogo, coach Ney Franco hopes to see his team more alert from the referee's whistle. "Falling behind requires much greater physical and mental effort. Taking the lead is very important, even to have a more relaxed halftime. It's easier and better for passing on instructions. Hopefully, this Sunday we can have the same ability we showed against Goiás," commented Ney Franco, who completed a year in charge of Flamengo this Tuesday. During this time, the coach has achieved.
Last Sunday, shortly after his Flamengo team beat Goiás, Ney Franco watched Romário score the 1,000th goal of his career. The Flamengo coach made a point of congratulating the striker from arch-rival Vasco. "Romário is a player who deserves everything that's happening. As a coach, I was very happy to see another Brazilian achieve this milestone," Ney stated.
On Tuesday morning, the coach did not attend Flamengo's return, as he participated in a ceremony at Christ the Redeemer alongside the Governor of Minas Gerais, Aécio Neves, who was in Rio de Janeiro and invited Ney Franco to the event.
Midfielder Claiton was at Gávea this Tuesday but did not train. He is still undergoing treatment for a strained left thigh and is not guaranteed to play against Botafogo. This Wednesday, Claiton is expected to undergo a field test to determine his recovery from the injury. Forward Souza, who complained of muscle pain, was rested but is not a doubt for the derby.
PeléNet
At Flamengo, injured players are not a concern for the classic\ Guilherme Toscano\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Preparing the Flamengo team for the game against Botafogo, valid for the third round of the Brazilian Championship, coach Ney Franco did not have three athletes in training this Tuesday: Claiton, Renato Augusto and Souza. However, none of the three players are expected to miss the Rio derby.\
Midfielder Claiton, who strained his left thigh at the end of Flamengo's match against Goiás last Sunday, is undergoing treatment in the Flamengo medical department and is recovering well. The club expects the player to return to training next Thursday.
Midfielder Renato Augusto also complained of pain in his left thigh and was spared from Tuesday's training session, as was striker Souza, who had problems with his right thigh. However, the injuries are not serious, and both should be available for the match against Botafogo.
The match between Flamengo and Botafogo will take place next Sunday at 18:10 p.m. at the Maracanã Stadium. While the Gávea club has three points in the Brazilian Championship (after a loss and a win), the black and white team has six, having won both games in the competition.
Globo Sport
Eto'o says he's a Flamengo fan and causes surprise\ Obina dreams of a partnership with the Cameroonian, and Kléber Leite is already starting to make plans\ Fred Huber\
Montage on photo of the Globe
MONTAGE - Obina and Eto'o: from songs in the stands to Flamengo's attack?\ Is Eto'o a Flamengo fan? After Arsenal striker Henry said he likes Vasco, it was the Cameroonian star's turn to reveal his preference for the Rio de Janeiro club. Immortalized by Flamengo fans with the song in honor of Bahian Obina ("Obina is better than Eto'o"), Ronaldinho Gaúcho's teammate at Barcelona seems to have become another member of the nation.\
The article was written by "Revista Placar" and brought to you by GLOBOESPORTE.COM columnist Lédio Carmona. In the interview, the player said: "Flamengo is a team I've really liked for some time. I really like them."
Obina was caught off guard by the news. The striker didn't expect the Cameroonian to be following the Red-Blacks and hearing the Flamengo fans' greetings. The Bahia native even dreams of a partnership that would generate buzz.
"I'm very surprised by this news. It's good to know that Flamengo's fan base is even bigger. To be better than Eto'o, you have to work hard. It would be amazing if I could one day partner him in attack here at Flamengo," he says.
The Flamengo player recalled that the chant "Obina is better than Eto'o" would have to be modified if Barcelona's top scorer played alongside him.
"The fans wouldn't be able to chant 'Obina is better than Eto'o,' it would be weird. They'd have to shout that Eto'o is better than any other player. I'd just keep quiet. I really root for him; he's a great player," he says excitedly.
Another person who took a while to absorb the news was the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite. He revealed that he intends to develop a strategy that involves Flamengo's newest player. (Watch the video of Obina training at Gávea Stadium).
"I was surprised by this news; he's a great athlete. I still need to think about it more calmly and discuss what we can do about it. This news certainly encourages us greatly," he says.
Ney predicts another battle against Bota\ Coach says the tendency is for the team to be the same one that defeated Goiás\ Fred Huber\
Cléber Leite talks to Ney Franco at Flamengo training. Botafogo is up against them again. This Sunday at Maracanã, it will be Flamengo's fourth match against the black and white team this season. The match is part of the third round of the Brazilian Championship. Coach Ney Franco believes it will be another tight contest.
"It'll be another tough game. It's our fourth game against Botafogo this year. We drew all three, but we were more competent on penalty kicks and came out champions," he says, referring to the Carioca title.
The coach stated, on Tuesday, after training, that it is likely that the team that beat Goiás, at Serra Dourada, will be maintained.
- The tendency is to go in with the same team, but I will only really decide on the day of the game - he says.
One of Neymar's concerns for the remainder of the competition is the potential loss of players to transfers, especially Bruno, his trusted man in the No. 1 jersey.
"We know about the European market window. I hope no offers for Bruno arrive," he says.
Ney happy with the milestone achieved\ Coach completes one year in charge of Rubro-negro this Wednesday\ Fred Huber\
O Globo\ Ney Franco says coaching Flamengo is the pinnacle of his career\ Coach Ney Franco completes one year at the helm of Flamengo this Wednesday. By Brazilian standards, the milestone is impressive. At Gávea, for example, the last coach to stay this long was Zagallo, who led the team to its third state championship in 2001. Ney says he hopes to have even more time to showcase his work.\
"It's an interesting milestone; it represents a lot within Brazilian football culture, but it's too short a timeframe to celebrate. I think three to four years would be ideal for developing the work," he says.
The coach believes that his experience managing Flamengo makes him capable of facing any challenge in his career.
"As a professional, I'm at the peak of my career. The day I leave Flamengo, I'll be able to manage any club in Brazil," he says.
In 64 matches, Ney Franco recorded 32 wins, 12 draws, and 20 losses, a 56,25% success rate. During this period, he won the Copa do Brasil, the Taça Guanabara, and the Campeonato Carioca.
"The numbers are good given the circumstances under which I took over the team, mid-season. I think I can improve them from now on," he declares.
Ney Franco also highlighted his role in the revelation of a great red-black promise: midfielder Renato Augusto.
Santos' interest makes Ibson happy\ The midfielder is also wanted by Flamengo, but he avoids talking about his future\
Underused at Porto (POR), midfielder Ibson still doesn't know which club he'll play for in the second half of the year. A former Flamengo player, he arrived in Rio de Janeiro this Tuesday, where he'll spend his vacation with his wife, and revealed that Santos is trying to sign him.
"It's true. I'm happy that a big club is interested in my football, but I'll study it carefully before deciding. We'll see what happens," Ibson said in an interview with "Rádio Globo."
The midfielder also didn't rule out a possible return to the Red-Blacks and said that the issue of unpaid salaries wouldn't be an obstacle. However, as his contract with Porto runs until 2009, he emphasizes that he'll only move if the offer is good for him and the club.
Fortaleza is keeping an eye on Bruno Mezenga\ Vice President of Football Kléber Leite confirmed that the young striker is close to a deal\ Fred Huber\
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Mezenga was the 2007 state champion in the junior category against Vasco\ Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, revealed this Tuesday that 18-year-old striker Bruno Menzenga is close to an agreement with Fortaleza, which plays in the Brazilian Championship's Serie B. The club's idea is to give experience to the player, who has few opportunities to play for the Rubro-negro's first team.\
The attacker, however, says he is unaware of the existence of the negotiation.
- I don't think it's time to leave Fla. I think it's difficult for the business to leave - he says
The Ceará team already has other Fla players: goalkeeper Getúlio Vargas, defender Thiago Campos and midfielder Rodrigo.
Bruno receives renewal proposal\ Vice President of Football, Kléber Leite, says the goalkeeper will stay at the red-black club as long as he wants\ Fred Huber\
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Bruno has only been at the club for a short time, but many identify with the Flamengo jersey. Goalkeeper Bruno has already received Flamengo's offer for his contract renewal. The amount is unknown, but according to vice president of football Kléber Leite, few European clubs would be able to offer such a lucrative deal. The player's current contract runs until June 20th.\
"We've taken an important step, as the proposal has been made. We have two fundamental points, and one of them is in our favor, as Bruno wants to stay. The other is more complicated, as it has to do with the investors who hold his rights, but we have excellent proposals," says the director.
Kléber, once again, got straight to the point and wasn't afraid to say what he thought about the deal with the young goalkeeper.
"Bruno stays at Flamengo as long as he wants. It doesn't make sense for him to leave Brazil's biggest club for a mid-sized club in Europe."
Three players are spared\ Claiton, Souza and Renato Augusto feel muscle pain, but it is not a concern\
O Globo\ Renato Augusto gains time to recover from a left thigh injury\ Three Flamengo players were rested from Tuesday afternoon's training session at Gávea. Defensive midfielder Claiton and midfielder Renato Augusto are experiencing pain in their left thighs. Forward Souza has a right thigh injury.\
The three did not participate in the technical training led by Ney Franco, but they do not worry the medical department for the classic against Botafogo, this Sunday, at Maracanã, for the third round of the Brazilian Championship.
The red-black team has three points in two games, with a defeat to Palmeiras, in Rio, and a victory against Goiás, in Goiânia.
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Bruno says he wants to stay at Gávea\ Flamengo goalkeeper talks about the difficulties Brazilian clubs have in meeting offers from Europe\ Rodrigo Mandarini\
Flamengo is trying hard to keep goalkeeper Bruno at Gávea. But his contract ends on June 20th, and foreign teams are eyeing the Flamengo's defense. If it's up to Bruno, he'll stay in Brazil. But the player's willingness doesn't necessarily mean he's ruling out a deal.
"I don't think anyone here is stupid. Everyone knows that no club in Brazil can match salaries abroad. There's no way to compete. If an opportunity arises that's beneficial to everyone, there's no way around it," he admitted.
But if the offer from abroad is the same as Flamengo's, Bruno won't even think about which one he'll choose.
"If the numbers stay the same, I'll stay in Gávea for much longer. I want to stay here because I feel good and my family has adapted to Rio de Janeiro. I'm happy to know that the board is working hard to keep me, and I want to stay," said the red-and-black Paredão.
Renato wants Botafogo to start against Fla\ Supporter hopes to have the same luck as in the State final\
Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo fan Renato expects Botafogo to face the first team next Sunday in the third round of the Brasileirão. According to Renato, if coach Cuca opts to play the reserves to rest the starters for a potential Copa do Brasil final, the decision would be worse for the red-and-black team.
"I think it would be bad to play against the reserves. Whoever comes on always wants to show off their talent on the field. And in a derby, there are no favorites, regardless of who plays," Renato says.
In the repeat of the Carioca final, Renato hopes that on Sunday there will be a repeat of the team that left happy after the decision.
"I hope we're happy again. We respect Botafogo, who have a very good team, a very strong squad. But we're looking for consistency and we need this victory," said Renato.
Claiton's injury doesn't worry Flamengo doctors\ The midfielder suffered a strain, but should train on Wednesday\ RODRIGO MANDARINI\
Midfielder Claiton suffered a left thigh strain in the victory over Goiás last Sunday, but Flamengo's doctors are optimistic. The player is not initially a concern for the derby against Botafogo in the third round of the Brazilian Championship.
The medical department didn't even perform an imaging test on the player, as they didn't deem it necessary. Coach Ney Franco is counting on Claiton's presence. The midfielder has been undergoing full-time treatment since Monday and should be cleared to train with his teammates on Wednesday.