THE GLOBE
Protagonist, Jônatas re-releases 'to be happy'
The team takes Cardoso Moreira and the club rushes to regularize Bruno until minutes before the game
Jonatas trains in Gávea to face Cardoso Moreira today
X-RAY OF RENATO AUGUSTO: The scan shows the marks of the 11 pins and three titanium plates placed during the midfielder's surgery, which resulted in a sunken cheekbone. He was discharged from the hospital yesterday.
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
When he takes the field in a Flamengo jersey to face Cardoso Moreira today at 19:30 p.m. at Maracanã, Jônatas will no longer be the homegrown talent with a promising future. Reunited with the fans, almost a year and a half after leaving Gávea for Espanyol, the midfielder faces a new reality: he is expected to maintain his marking prowess and add creativity to the team.
"The debut gives me butterflies. Returning to Flamengo is what I wanted. I came back to be happy again," said Jônatas, who doesn't put himself in a different light. "I've always had responsibility. Maybe today I appreciate it more. I left on a high note, with the Copa do Brasil title. There, I saw that Flamengo winning is a beautiful thing."
He says how he imagines the return:
"I think about playing well and winning. I hope to live up to their expectations. The club has valued me, and I'm very grateful."
Club files appeal with FIFA against games at altitude
Upon his return, he takes Cristian's place. Joel Santana will also field Marcinho in attack, replacing Renato Augusto.
"Jônatas has great quality. Everyone will have a chance. If the team does well, great. If not, we'll go back to the way things were before."
Joel asked the fans for patience. He expects close matches at the start of the season. He uses the same patience to find a free-kick taker. Since May 2007, when Renato scored his last free-kick goal before leaving the club, Flamengo has scored only one goal this way. The scorer, Roger, has already left Gávea. Yesterday, Leonardo Moura, Ibson, Cristian, Léo Medeiros, and even goalkeeper Bruno trained until Joel interrupted them, fearing excessive fatigue.
"Let's find the batsman. As for Bruno, it's best to stay calm because that's become a trend. What if the ball doesn't go in? But if he shows more quality than the others, he'll have a chance."
After purchasing 75% of Bruno's economic rights from investors, Flamengo is waiting for Atlético-MG, with whom the goalkeeper had a contract, to finalize the transfer. The Minas Gerais club is demanding a document from the investors, promised today, acknowledging their rights to 15% of Bruno's rights. Flamengo intends to field the player against Cardoso Moreira. The Federation's daily bulletin is published around 19:30 p.m., the time of the game. If Bruno doesn't play, Diego remains on the team.
Flamengo will appeal to FIFA against Conmebol's decision to hold Libertadores games in cities with altitudes above 2.750m.
Flamengo: Bruno (Diego), Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Jonathan, Ibson and Toro; Marcinho and Souza. Cardoso Moreira: Macula, Caboclo, Paulo Roberto and Ernanes; Neném, Indio, Rincón, Bruno and Germano; Jordan and Leo Santos. Referee: Leonardo Garcia Cavalheiro.
BROADCAST: Premiere and Rádios Globo and CBN
NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
The Brazilian Basketball Confederation postponed the match between Flamengo, undefeated leader of the Men's National Championship, with five wins in the same number of games, and Iguaçu from Friday to Sunday, at 11 am, in Gávea.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Jônatas: the return of the repentant son
Player makes his Flamengo debut after a quiet stint at Espanyol. Marcinho will also start.
Thiago Bokel
Wallace Teixeira/JS
After a long 18 months apart, finally today Jônatas and the Flamengo fans will meet again at Maracanã
Like the prodigal son who, regretting leaving home, has returned, defensive midfielder Jônatas makes his Flamengo debut today at 19:30 p.m. against Cardoso Moreira at the Maracanã. His father, or rather, the Flamengo fans, await him with open arms, hoping to see again the player who was the standout in the 2006 Copa do Brasil victory. But besides the former captain, Flamengo will have another new addition: midfielder Marcinho will start playing for the first time in the Flamengo jersey.
The longing was intense; after all, ever since that cloudy Saturday, August 5, 2006, when Flamengo defeated Goiás 1-0 with Obina's goal in the 44th minute of the second half, the Flamengo fans had been missing their maestro. Eighteen months after his departure, Jônatas returns to the club that gave him prominence. Despite his low-key stint at Espanyol, the player's style remains the same: little talk and a lot of work.
Despite barring Cristian, coach Joel Santana made a point of consoling the player, and even took the opportunity to praise the new starter.
"They're two players with similar qualities. Jônatas comes out well and knows how to lead the team like no one else. Cristian, on the other hand, is coming out with credit, not because he performed poorly against Boavista. I want to see how Jônatas performs. I'm changing players according to each player's characteristics, but without changing the team's style of play," explained the coach.
Marcinho enters the team with his impressive performance in the victory over Boavista, when he replaced Renato Augusto, who suffered a facial fracture, and made the play that led to Flamengo's first goal, scored by Souza. Now, the player hopes to maintain that same level of form to firmly establish himself in the starting lineup.
"Of course, I didn't want to join the team like this, replacing a friend who suffered a serious injury. But since the opportunity has arisen, I have to strive to live up to the trust Joel has placed in me. When you join a quality team like Flamengo, you can't choose your position; I even play as a defender. I'll try to play simply and try to please," Marcinho said.
Furthermore, Flamengo fans will be traveling back in time when they enter Maracanã today. That's because Cardoso Moreira's coach is former player Charles Guerreiro, who played for Flamengo for approximately five years.
Bruno's presence is not certain
Goalkeeper Bruno is still not guaranteed a spot in tonight's match. After a lengthy negotiation that saw 75% of the number 1's economic rights acquired from an investment fund, another obstacle has now emerged.
The investors sent the goalkeeper's release letter to Atlético-MG yesterday, but the club, through its lawyer, Luis Fernando, informed that it still owns 15% of the player's economic rights. To release the necessary documentation for Flamengo to register him with the CBF, it requires a document proving this right to Atlético-MG. The investor fund promises to send the documentation today, so Bruno can play.
Yesterday, Paraguayan Gavilán was featured in the CBF's Daily Newsletter. Attorney Michel Assef Filho will file an appeal with the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) to try to reduce the player's sentence, but he knows it will be difficult, as the court has been strict in similar cases. He also said that Diego Tardelli should be regularized today, but the striker will not be on the bench, as he is still out of shape.
Scheme with Jônatas does not worry
During last Tuesday's training session, coach Joel Santana tested a formation with Obina and Souza up front. As a result, the coach removed Jaílton and moved Jônatas back to serve as the third center-back. Despite already being in sync with the former Ipatinga player, the two defenders didn't seem concerned about a possible lack of chemistry if Joel opts for this formation today.
"I don't believe that, especially because I've played with Jônatas. It depends on the moment; sometimes, depending on the result of the game, you have to take risks to get the win," explained Angelim.
Captain Fábio Luciano even admits that there may be a lack of chemistry, after all, he never played with Jônatas, but he sees a positive point in this new formation, which could even be used during the season.
"We'll only get better at it as the games go on. When you change a player, it obviously makes a difference, but we can overcome this on the field. Jõnatas has a lot of quality and will adapt to our system easily," predicted the red-and-black captain.
Conmebol supports games at altitude
Flamengo suffered a severe blow in its fight against altitude. The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), through its general secretary, Eduardo de Luca, supported Bolivia in matches played above 2.750 meters above sea level, a measure prohibited by FIFA. The leaders met on Tuesday at the organization's headquarters in Santiago and agreed that this measure would only be used in matches during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in South Africa.
"We can't resolve this issue in the qualifiers, but we will stand in solidarity with Bolivia and look for ways to ask the FIFA Executive Committee to reconsider the decision. We will bring sound arguments, supported by a medical-scientific commission, to discuss and try to keep the games at altitude," said Eduardo de Luca.
Flamengo has already sent a letter to President Lula and the CBF expressing its opposition to playing at altitude. The club's medical department prepared a report on the fatigue suffered by the players last year when they faced Real Potosí at an altitude of 4.000 meters.
Joel Santana demands Bruno's call-up
Despite being of Olympic age, goalkeeper Bruno was not called up to the Brazilian national team by coach Dunga. Flamengo's number 1 was being considered for the yellow jersey, but it hasn't happened this time.
Coach Joel Santana expressed his disappointment that Bruno had once again not been called up by Dunga. The Flamengo coach highlighted the goalkeeper's development, both technically and psychologically, in 2007.
"Bruno is at national team level, everyone knows that. He's grown a lot in the last year. Not only in technique but also in his behavior, which has been exemplary," Joel told Rádio Bandeirantes.
THE DAY
In the Gávea Elite Squad, no one is irreplaceable. Even Renato Augusto
Janir Junior
Rio - Shocked by the massive swelling on his face, Renato Augusto left the hospital yesterday via a strategic exit and in a car with tinted windows, so as not to be photographed. The player's facial X-ray revealed the complex surgery to correct the fractures; and the X-ray performed by the coaching staff regarding the problem reveals one conclusion: the drama won't be used to motivate the group; rather, it will serve to demonstrate that no one is irreplaceable and that Marcinho is fully capable of taking his place.
Still, the idea is to offer Renato Augusto a victory today, over Cardoso Moreira, at 19:30 pm, at Maracanã. "This is common in cases like this. But, given the analogy we made with the film, calling the group 'Tropa de Elite Rubro-Negra,' we show that we lost a soldier, but we have another who is equal. The chain loses a link, but rebuilds with another," explains psychologist Paulo Ribeiro.
Coach Joel Santana has even used the same speech in his training sessions this week. He'll use it before tonight's game as well.
Yesterday, after his mother, Salete, requested that photos and interviews be avoided, Renato Augusto quickly left in a car with tinted windows. The player will remain on complete rest until Tuesday, when he will go to Dr. Augusto César Lima's clinic for a reevaluation. During this time, Renato Augusto will maintain a diet of liquids and soft foods.
According to the doctor, the antibiotics and anti-inflammatories prescribed to the player pose no risk of doping. Renato Augusto's expected return to the field remains seven to eight weeks. "The swelling is normal, the edema is significant due to the type of surgery, but everything is fine," said the doctor.
Starting today, the team will have to show that Renato Augusto isn't irreplaceable. After his strong debut, Marcinho will be tested to prove he's capable of starting.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Joel confirms Jônatas and Marcinho at Flamengo
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After a recreational training session at the Gávea field on Wednesday morning, coach Joel Santana confirmed the same lineup that played in the previous day's training session. In other words, Jônatas and Marcinho are among the starting 11 who will face Cardoso Moreira at Maracanã this Thursday.\ Although he removed the player from the starting lineup for midfielder Jônatas' return, Joel made a point of emphasizing that Cristian leaves with credit. Marcinho replaces Renato Augusto, who suffered a serious facial injury during the Carioca opening match last Sunday, and forms a strike duo alongside Souza.\
In this Wednesday's recreational game, the match ended in a 4-4 draw with goals from Nilton, Kléberson (2) and Rodrigo for the green team, and Fábio Luciano, Angelim, Souza and Obina for the yellow team. Left-back Juan and midfielder Ibson played as goalkeepers.
After two days in hospital, Renato Augusto leaves the hospital\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Two days after undergoing surgery to repair a deformed cheekbone, midfielder Renato Augusto was discharged this Wednesday from the hospital where he was being treated in the northern part of Rio de Janeiro.\ According to the doctors treating Renato Augusto, the player will be unable to play for at least 45 days and will be out for Flamengo for a good part of the Campeonato Carioca and the first phase of the Copa Libertadores.\
Without Renato Augusto, coach Joel Santana confirmed on Wednesday that Marcinho will be his replacement in the match against Cardoso Moreira this Thursday at Maracanã. Midfielder Jônatas has taken Cristian's place.
Flamengo waiting to regularize Bruno\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - One of Flamengo's key players in 2007, goalkeeper Bruno has been having trouble getting on the field this year. This is because the club has not yet managed to regularize the player's situation with the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). This Wednesday, Flamengo's board confirmed that it has already made the payment of 700 euros, corresponding to the first installment of the purchase of 75% of Bruno's economic rights. The remaining 25% is now divided between MSI (10%) and Atlético-MG (15%).
To clear the transfer to Flamengo, Atlético-MG is demanding that MSI's investor group submit a written document guaranteeing Galo's right to 15% of Bruno's economic rights. MSI promises to resolve the matter by this Thursday, when Bruno's ordeal will be brought to an end.
Without Renato Augusto, Flamengo tries for the second victory\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Trying to put aside the sadness of midfielder Renato Augusto's injury, Flamengo is looking for its second victory in the Campeonato Carioca. This Thursday, in the closing match of the second round, the Rubro-Negro faces Cardoso Moreira at 19:30 pm (Brasília time). The team from Gávea debuted with a 2-0 victory over Boavista, the same score as Cardoso's loss last weekend to Fluminense. Coach Joel Santana took advantage of this week's training session to try to get Flamengo ready without Renato Augusto. In Thursday's match, the coach will opt for Marcinho, a midfielder by trade, but who will form a strike partnership with Souza.
"Of course, Renato will be missed, but we'll try to fill his absence as best we can," Joel commented. Marcinho assures that playing out of position won't hinder him. "Regardless of position, I want to be on the field. In a squad of Flamengo's quality, we can't just pick and choose positions."
Starting for the first time since arriving from Atlético-MG, Marcinho quietly celebrates the opportunity to establish himself at Flamengo. 'Of course, no one likes to come into the team like this, with a teammate getting injured. But I've been working hard to show Joel that I can be useful for Flamengo,' said Marcinho, who stood out on his debut by coming on in the second half and providing the assist for Souza's goal.
Another new development for Flamengo is the return of defensive midfielder Jônatas. Signed on loan from Espanyol-ESP, the player has had his documentation regularized and takes Cristian's place.
After seeing Flamengo struggle to win in the first round, in which the team only scored its goals in the second half, defender Fábio Luciano admits that their conditioning isn't yet ideal, which could lead to further complications against Cardoso Moreira. "At the beginning of the season, you can't apply pressure. We'll have some difficulties against these teams with lower investment," he emphasized.
At Cardoso Moreira, one of the most excited about Thursday's game won't be on the field, but on the bench. After spending five years of his playing career defending Flamengo's colors, current coach Charles Guerreiro is eagerly anticipating a reunion with the red-and-black fans.
"It will be immensely satisfying to arrive at Maracanã and see these wonderful Flamengo fans, who move the player on the field. With a crowd like that, a player has the obligation to leave the field with his shirt weighing four kilos of sweat."
The coach confirmed that he will maintain his team's 3-5-2 formation for the second match of the Carioca Championship. Charles Guerreiro said he was pleased with his players' performance in the loss to Fluminense.
"Regardless of the negative result, I liked the team in this match against Fluminense, and we overcame the anxiety of the debut. The team felt it a bit, but still performed well," commented Charles.
PELENET
Waiting for Bruno and with Jônatas, Fla takes Cardoso Moreira
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Considered one of the favorites to win the State Championship, Flamengo will face debutant Cardoso Moreira, this Thursday, at 19:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in the second round of Group A of the competition.
While Rubro-Negro beat Boavista 2-0 last Sunday, the team led by coach Charles Guerreiro will try to recover, as they lost by the same score to Fluminense, at Maracanã.
For this match, coach Joel Santana still doesn't know if he'll be able to count on goalkeeper Bruno, who still has irregular documentation. However, the Rubro-Negro has until 18 p.m. this Thursday to resolve the player's situation. If the starter is unable to play, Diego will be retained.
On the other hand, Flamengo was successful in signing Jônatas, and the midfielder will be able to make his debut for the red-and-black team. He will take Cristian's place and will form a defensive midfield with Jaílton, Toró, and Ibson.
Another new development is coach Joel Santana's decision to bring in midfielder Marcinho in place of Renato Augusto, who suffered a bruised cheekbone in last Sunday's match and will only return to the pitch in 45 days.
The red-black commander hopes that even after the defeat in the competition's debut, Cardoso Moreira will not go on the attack in this Thursday's match.
"They should play well at the back, with three defenders and three defensive midfielders, with very strong marking and going on counterattacks. We have to be intelligent and not force individual plays through the middle, something we did against Boavista. I want a team that knows how to define the game at the right time," he said.
Not satisfied with the team's offensive performance in its Serie A debut, Charles Guerreiro will make changes to the attack. He took off Jordan and brought in Vagner Carioca to share the scoring duties with Léo Santos.
The Cardoso Moreira team's manager won't accept any other result than a victory against the club he holds dear. "I really like Flamengo, and everyone knows that, but I'm in charge of Cardoso Moreira, and we're going to go for the win," he emphasized.
Flamengo to appeal altitude to FIFA court
Bruno Rousso\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo did not "silently" accept the decision made this Tuesday by CONMEBOL, which unanimously ruled in favor of holding games above the altitude considered healthy by the red-and-blacks, 2.750 meters. The Gávea club's legal department will file an appeal with the FIFA Court of Arbitration in Zurich, Switzerland.
In last year's Copa Libertadores, Flamengo's team suffered at altitude in Potosí
"FIFA did what it could and stood by us. But that was up to CONMEBOL, which didn't support us. So we're going to appeal to this court, which is the one appointed by FIFA. That wasn't the intention, but it's what we had left," said the club's president, Márcio Braga.
Last Thursday, Flamengo's lawyers filed a representation with FIFA requesting the support of the governing body. The previous day (Wednesday, the 16th), Márcio Braga had already ordered a letter sent to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) asking the body to take a stand in defense of the health of Brazilian athletes.
Despite all the movement against playing games at high altitudes, the Rubro-Negro team still hasn't confirmed whether it will play any Libertadores matches in such conditions. This will depend, in fact, on the match between Cienciano-PER and Wanderers-URU in the knockout stage of the continental tournament. The Peruvian team plays its games in Cuzco, 3.400 meters above sea level.
In 2007, Flamengo suffered the effects of playing in such adverse conditions. In the first round of the Copa Libertadores, the team faced Real Potosí of Bolivia in Potosí, at an altitude of approximately 4.400 meters, and drew 2-2.
During halftime, some of the Rio de Janeiro team's players fell ill and needed oxygen. Of all the players, young Renato Augusto was the most affected and nearly passed out.
After the game, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, lashed out at CONMEBOL, angrily stating that Flamengo "would never play in those conditions again." Since then, the Gávea club has been fighting relentlessly against the altitude.
Flamengo clarifies Bruno's case and the goalkeeper is expected to play this Thursday
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's press office released an official statement on Wednesday stating that the club has already acquired 75% of goalkeeper Bruno's economic rights and, last week, deposited €700 into the account of the investor group (MSI) to which the goalkeeper belonged. This amount is only equivalent to the first installment of the payment.
The note also highlighted that Atlético-MG, the club where Bruno was discovered, still holds 15% of the player's rights and, therefore, must receive authorization from MSI to release the goalkeeper's transfer.
With this stage completed, Flamengo will finally be able to register the athlete with the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ) and field him in the game against Cardoso Moreira, this Thursday, at 19:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the second round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, first round of the State Championship.
However, for this to happen, the authorization must reach the Federation before 18 p.m., the closing time for the organization's activities. According to the club's board, the group of investors must resolve any outstanding issues in a timely manner.
Renato Augusto is discharged and is now at home
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
As expected, Renato Augusto was discharged late Wednesday morning and is now home. The Flamengo midfielder underwent surgery on Monday to reconstruct some bones on the right side of his face. Doctors implanted three titanium plates and 11 pins.
According to the surgeon responsible for the procedure, Augusto César Lima, the midfielder will remain on complete bed rest until next Tuesday and will be medicated with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. The doctor also emphasized that Renato will be able to eat normally starting this Thursday.
The estimated time for returning to the field is approximately 45 days, which may be reduced depending on the athlete's response.
Renato Augusto was injured after a clash with Boavista defender Hélton, in a match won by Rubro-Negro 2-0, at Maracanã and valid for the opening round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, first round of the State Championship.
GLOBOESPORTE
Marcinho: 'Playing for Flamengo is everyone's dream'
Player celebrates the chance to start the match against Cardoso Moreira, this Thursday
Fred Huber
Marcinho doesn't mind playing outside his original position
Flamengo fans' first impression of midfielder Marcinho was a positive one. The player came on in the match against Boavista, showed great enthusiasm, and even provided the assist for Souza's goal. The athlete's impression of the club and the fans is second to none. On Wednesday, he said it was a dream come true to have the opportunity to wear the red-and-black jersey.
"Every Brazilian player dreams of playing for the national team and Flamengo. There's no one who doesn't want to be with this wonderful fan base," he says.
Marcinho will have the opportunity to start in the match against Cardoso Moreira on Thursday at Maracanã. A midfielder by trade, Marcinho will play up front in place of Renato Augusto, who will be out for six to seven weeks.
"Thank God this opportunity came along, and I hope to do well to stay. I didn't expect the opportunity so quickly, but since it's here, I have to grab it. Regardless of the position, midfield or attack, I just want to play. For me, there's no secret; I just have to go in with a will. The most important thing is for the team to win," he says.
On Jônatas' return, Fla faces Cardoso
Rubro-negro's rival has characters closely linked to the history of the Gávea team
Cahê Mota and Fred Huber
The quiet Jônatas returns to Fla after a stint at Espanyol
The match between Flamengo and Cardoso Moreira, this Thursday at 19:30 p.m., at Maracanã, will have many attractions, especially for Flamengo fans. One of them will be the return of midfielder Jônatas, and the others are on the opposing team. Cardoso's coach is Charles Guerreiro, who played for Flamengo in the 90s, and, in addition to him, Rodrigo, son of idol Júnior, is expected to be on the field. The team from Gávea, with three points in the Carioca, seeks another victory to maintain its 100% record, while the team from the north of Rio de Janeiro seeks recovery after its opening loss to Fluminense.
Jônatas makes his debut
Joel Santana says the team is like a new shoe: it needs to break in.
Coach Joel Santana makes no bones about his lineup. The coach's only doubt is whether he'll count on goalkeeper Bruno, whose documentation hasn't yet been finalized. He confirmed Jônatas (who, averse to interviews, hasn't even been officially introduced) replacing Cristian, and Marcinho replacing Renato Augusto, who will be out for six to seven weeks. Always with his unmistakable way of expressing himself, Joel emphasized that patience will be needed with the team, which is still finding its best form.
"I don't believe the team will see a significant improvement until the fourth or fifth round, as the games progress. The beginning of the season is like that. It's like a shoe: the first day you put it on, it's uncomfortable, but then it starts to break in," he compares.
The Flamengo manager predicts that, like most teams with lower investment, Cardoso will play a defensive game against Flamengo. He says the best way to break through the opposing defense is to play on the wings.
"They'll play defensively, playing on our mistakes, probably with three defenders and three defensive midfielders. What we can't do is force the game through the middle, like we did in the debut. We have to be quick and objective," he says.
Bet on the red-blacks
Rodrigo, Júnior's son, asks for the understanding of Flamengo fans
The schedule has been unkind to Cardoso Moreira. After losing to Fluminense in their opening match, the team is confident they'll pull off a surprise appearance at Maraca. To that end, they're counting on two figures who know the Red-Blacks very well: coach Charles Guerreiro and midfielder Rodrigo Gama. A Rio de Janeiro champion in 91 and a Brazilian champion in 92 with the Gávea club, Charles can't hide his excitement about returning to the stage where he earned the nickname that became his trademark.
"I've experienced many unforgettable moments at the stadium wearing a Flamengo jersey. It will be important to reunite with the fans I idolized. They nicknamed me Guerreiro (Warrior). But now I'm looking for the best for Cardoso Moreira, and I hope they understand that," says the former right-back and defensive midfielder, who last wore a Flamengo jersey in the 1995 Carioca final.
With Rodrigo, the connection to Flamengo is even closer; it's in his blood. Son of Júnior, one of the club's greatest idols, he didn't have much luck in the club's youth ranks and could make his professional debut at the Maracanã against his favorite team.
"I've played against Flamengo in the youth teams, for Fluminense, CFZ, Madureira... They always ask me how it's going to be, but I need to be calm. I'm fighting for my place. I've always been a fan who goes to the stands, I know all the chants, and on the field I'll try to think of those chants as cheering me on. I hope the fans understand my father too. Right now, it's not about rooting against Flamengo, but for my son," says Rodrigo, who received a promise from the Cardoso board that his paperwork would be in order in time to be selected.
To surprise favorite Flamengo, Júnior's son gives a tip.
"There's no point in just defending like we did against Fluminense. Even water on a hard stone will eventually break through. We have to be more focused to mount a decisive counterattack."
Fla will take the altitude issue to the end
Legal advisor to the presidency downplays importance of meeting held by Conmebol
Fred Huber
In Potosí, Bolivia, some athletes suffered from the effects of altitude
Flamengo's board's fight against holding matches at altitudes above 2.750 meters promises to have many more chapters. After the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) announced its support for Bolivia's stance on holding matches at altitude, contrary to FIFA's ban, the club is considering filing an appeal with the organization's Court of Arbitration in Switzerland.
"Flamengo will prepare a lawsuit for them to judge. We have a decision based on a FIFA medical report. We're not nitpicking, but we'll see this through to the end. It would be very sad if they persisted with this. They say they've always played at this altitude, but now there's a thorough study that says players are at risk in these conditions. The club's argument is the same as FIFA's, and it should be observed in all competitions," says Pedro Trengrouse, Flamengo's legal advisor.
Trengrouse downplayed the importance of the CONMEBOL meeting. He said the meeting was merely a political act, noting that some of the officials present are representatives of FIFA (which has restricted matches at high altitudes).
"This meeting wasn't about the Libertadores, but rather the Qualifiers. They gathered for a political rally, to exert pressure. Today, they couldn't hold the games they want in Bolivia. Ricardo Teixeira (president of the CBF), Nicolás Leoz (president of CONMEBOL), and Julio Grondona (president of the AFA) are FIFA representatives and approved this restriction. It seems like they're playing to the gallery, or even a way to appease these countries," he says.
The red-black board had already sent a request to the CBF for the entity to defend the decision taken by FIFA at Conmebol, but, according to Trengrouse, no action has been taken so far.
"The club cannot approach CONMEBOL directly; it must first approach the CBF. President Marcio Braga has already submitted this restriction request, but the CBF has not yet responded," he states.
Flamengo is in Group 4 of the Libertadores and has yet to confirm a high-altitude match. This will happen if Cienciano-PER eliminates Wanderers-URU in the knockout stage of the competition. The Peruvians play their home games in Cuzco, at 3.400 meters above sea level.
Bruno will be regularized this Thursday
Investors say the goalkeeper's transfer will go through without any problems.
Bruno must face Cardoso Moreira
Flamengo's board of directors informs, through its press office, that it has acquired 75% of the economic rights relating to goalkeeper Bruno's federative rights and that it has already paid the first installment of €700 since last week and is waiting for Atlético-MG to receive an indication from the investors to authorize the player's transfer.
This Wednesday, Flamengo was informed by Atlético's lawyer, Luis Fernando, that 15% of the remaining 25% continues to belong to the Minas Gerais club and that, in order to authorize Bruno's transfer, they need to receive a document from the investors that recognizes their right.
To reassure Flamengo's board, investors say the transfer will be finalized by Thursday. Therefore, Bruno should be cleared to face Cardoso Moreira tonight at Maracanã.
Libertadores: discover the venue for the opening ceremony
On February 13th, Fla faces Coronel Bolognesi at the Modelo Jorge Basadre Stadium
The stands at Bolognesi Stadium are very close to the pitch. Flamengo's Copa Libertadores title race kicks off on February 13th against Coronel Bolognesi in Tacna, Peru. The venue will be the 20-capacity Jorge Basadre Stadium. The Flamengo board has already sent a representative, coordinator Sergio Helt, to the venue to check conditions. He took photos of the venue to show the players and coaching staff. The club's logistics for this first match are practically defined. The question remains as to which air route the players will take to reach Tacna. Officials are working to minimize fatigue.
Renato Augusto leaves the hospital
Doctor says the player is in good spirits and will be re-evaluated this Thursday morning.
Fred Huber
Midfielder Renato Augusto left the hospital early Wednesday afternoon, where he had been since undergoing surgery to repair fractured facial bones. With the surgery site still swollen, the Flamengo player left the hospital, avoiding photographers, in a car with tinted windows. Dr. Augusto César Lima, who operated on the athlete, said Renato was in good spirits and showing signs of improvement. He will be examined once a week until he is fully recovered.
Joel confirms Jônatas and Marcinho on the team
Flamengo coach says all players will have the opportunity to show their worth
Fred Huber
Jônatas makes his debut for Flamengo this Thursday, against Cardoso Moreira
Coach Joel Santana confirmed on Wednesday that he intends to field the same starting lineup he used in Tuesday's training session at Gávea, with Jônatas and Marcinho among the starters. The Flamengo manager praised the midfielder's potential, who will be making his Flamengo debut. Joel made a point of emphasizing that Cristian leaves the team with a lot of credit.
"The team should be the same as it was yesterday. Cristian and Jônatas are players of similar quality. I've known him (Jônatas) since 2005; he does his job well and has good passing. Cristian leaves the team with credit," he says.
Regarding Marcinho, who will replace Renato Augusto and partner Souza in attack, Joel Santana noted that the player performed very well against Boavista. The coach also said that all players will have the opportunity to showcase their talent.
"Marcinho came on well against Boavista. We lost Renato Augusto, and the initial plan was to play them both together. We'll see how he does. Everyone will have a chance on the team," he said.
The coach led a lively recreational game this Thursday morning in Gávea. The two goalkeepers were Juan and Ibson, who was later replaced by Rodrigo Arroz.
THROW
Fla faces Cardoso Moreira with new additions
The first game in the history of both teams will see the return of Jônatas
LANCEPRESS!
After a lackluster debut against Boavista (2-0 victory), Flamengo will attempt its second victory in the Campeonato Carioca, this time against Cardoso Moreira (who lost to Fluminense by the same score), at Maracanã, at 19:30 pm, this Thursday.
The match will feature Jônatas' return to the Red-Blacks, the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Both Flamengo and Cardoso Moreira will have changes compared to their first match in the championship.
For the Red-Blacks, Joel Santana will be without Renato Augusto, who underwent cheekbone surgery and will be out for two months. In his place will be Marcinho, who performed well against Boavista and earned a starting spot. But the main change in midfield is the departure of Cristian and the arrival of Jônatas.
The midfielder played his last match for Flamengo in 2006 and returns to the starting lineup against Cardoso Moreira. Jônatas didn't participate in the debut because he hadn't been registered in time. Despite the change, Joel Santana made a point of praising Cristian:
"Cristian and Jônatas have similar qualities. I've known Jônatas since 2005, and he does his job well, marks well, and has a good ball passing ability. But I guarantee: Cristian leaves with credit. We'll rotate the players according to the team's needs, since Flamengo's squad is very balanced," Joel stated.
Regarding this Thursday, the coach expects a tough game due to Cardoso Moreira's performance. To avoid difficulties, Joel asked the team not to force individual plays through the middle, as they did against Boavista.
"It's a team that will likely play very defensively, with three center-backs and three defensive midfielders, with very tight marking and counter-attacking. We have to be smart. I want a team that knows how to make the right decisions at the right time," said Joel, who believes the close results at the start of the season are normal.
As for Cardoso Moreira, who in their first appearance in the State Championship will face the Fla-Flu duo head-to-head, the big attraction is on the bench. Coach Charles Guerreiro will reunite with the club he played for between 1991 and 1995. And he'll try to surprise at the Maracanã Stadium. To do so, he'll need to change the team.
Since Cardoso Moreira didn't pose much of a threat against Fluminense, Charles Guerreiro changed the attack. He took off Jordan, who didn't perform well in his debut, and brought in Vágner Carioca alongside Léo Santos. The coach doesn't want to focus solely on a draw and dreams of a possible victory at Maracanã.
"My goal is to silence the Maracanã, even though I'm a Flamengo fan, because I'm just starting my coaching career. Who knows, maybe with a win the fans will chant my name?" he asked.
Marcinho will enter with the 22 this Thursday
Supporter says he has no preference for position at Fla
LANCEPRESS!
With his number 10 jersey retired while Renato Augusto is out, Marcinho, who will replace him, is expected to wear number 22 for Flamengo. The midfielder, who came on well against Boavista, highlighted the team's technical quality and chemistry.
"Our team has great passing ability and plays forward, always aiming to win. It's good to join a team that's already prepared, like ours," Marcinho said, before being diplomatic about where he prefers to play.
"I've played in several positions, and there's no secret to it. The important thing is to play with a will. The team has a lot of quality, so you can't just pick and choose a position. If necessary, I'll even play on the wing," the player assured.
President of Cardoso Moreira is a Flamengo fan
Manager bets on a 2-1 victory over Fla, contrary to his wishes
Alexandre Cozendey doesn't hide his love for Cardoso Moreira
Fred Gomes RIO
Red and black aren't just Cardoso Moreira's colors. Alexandre Cozendey, president, Charles Guerreiro, coach, and Rodrigo, Júnior's son and the team's midfielder—the latter not yet registered with the BID—are Flamengo fans.
The club's president made no secret of his affection for Brazil's most popular club in a statement to LANCENET!. The Gávea club and Cardoso Moreira face off this Thursday at 19:30 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium in the second round of the Campeonato Carioca.
When asked if his love for Fla was in the past due to his connection with Cardoso, Cozendey vehemently denied it:
"I'm still rooting for Flamengo, but on Thursday I'll be rooting for my Cardoso. Our goal is to stay in the Primeira Liga and even be a surprise in the competition. I'll even call excellent Flamengo players bad at football, weak-willed," he said with amusement.
Despite stating that his heart will only beat for Cardoso, the president of the club from the North Fluminense region risked a negative result:
"I think it'll be 2-1 for Flamengo, but I hope the opposite. If my team wins, you know I'll be jumping up and down in that Maraca stadium. The worst part is that most of my board members are Vasco fans. In other words, they'll make fun of me for beating my favorite club. But that's okay, we'll beat Vasco later," he joked.
The red and black of Cardoso Moreira's shirt is seen by Cozendey as another way of bringing him closer to Flamengo.
"Every time I see my Cardoso playing, I remember my Flamengo. I'm 34 years old, and since 1988, I've never missed a Flamengo game in Campos (a city 50 km from Cardoso Moreira). At Maracanã, I saw Flamengo win the Brazilian Championship for the third time in 1983 and the unforgettable state championship for the third time in 2001," he recalled.
Renato Augusto starts physiotherapy next week
Supporter is optimistic and says the injury was unintentional
LANCEPRESS!
Although Renato Augusto didn't speak to the press upon his departure from Pasteur Hospital in Méier, the cervicofacial surgeon responsible for his surgery, Augusto César Lima, has become a sort of spokesperson for the player. According to the doctor, the red-and-black number 10 couldn't be better.
radio l! - He's doing great, he's happy, and he'll start his recovery at home. I'll have to do a checkup at his house on Friday, and he'll come to my office on Tuesday - he explained. (Click and listen)
To prove that Renato Augusto's recovery process is advanced, Dr. Augusto assured that at the beginning of next week he will already be undergoing physical therapy, which usually takes longer to occur.
radio l! - I believe that next week he will start physiotherapy - he said. (Click and listen)
Regarding the incident, which involved Boavista defender Hélton, Renato is calm and aware that there was no bad intention from his professional colleague.
radio l! - He has been repeating that it was a work accident, that the other player was not at fault. In other words, he has always been very optimistic - he concluded. (Click and listen)
The doctor maintained the seven-week deadline for returning to the field.
Charles Guerreiro eager to see the Nation again
Cardoso Moreira's coach says he will experience excitement this Thursday
Charles misses the ball
Fred Gomes RIO
With 251 games under his belt as a Flamengo player, former player Charles Guerreiro, currently coach of Cardoso Moreira, revealed to LANCENET! that he will experience a special emotion this Thursday, when his team will face the club with the biggest fan base in Brazil.
"It will be a huge thrill, and I'm very happy, because it was the team that launched me, where I was an idol, made history, and won over the fans. Maybe the fans will chant my name or pay tribute," the former Flamengo player envisions.
With no problem in admitting his love for Rubro-Negro, Charles guarantees that he has been a Flamengo fan since his childhood in Pará, the coach's hometown.
"I'm a Flamengo fan. My childhood dream was to play for the club, and earning the nickname Guerreiro was a source of honor for me. These days, people even ask if my last name is Guerreiro," he says, laughing.
His passion for the Gávea club, however, won't dampen his desire to beat Joel Santana's team. Charles sees the victory as a career advancement, as well as an opportunity to receive a standing ovation from the red-and-black fans.
"My goal is to silence the Maracanã, because a victory will be important to me. I'm just starting out as a coach, and a win will lift me up, and maybe even the Flamengo fans will chant my name," he explains.
Renato Augusto's vacancy has been the talk of the town
Even Djalminha and Evaristo de Macedo give their opinions on the best replacement
LANCEPRESS!
Joel Santana and the Flamengo fans aren't the only ones who are interested in who will replace Renato Augusto in the team's attack. A Flamengo youth product, former star Djalminha already has his favorite:
radio l! - I think Marcinho could come in, especially because when he had the opportunity he did well. He should be given a chance - he suggested. (Click and listen)
Another player with a close connection to the Red-Blacks is veteran coach Evaristo de Macedo. A former player and coach of the club, he told Rádio L! that he would prefer to see Diego Tardelli or Obina alongside Souza.
radio l! - Renato Augusto was actually improvising. So, I think Tardelli or even Obina could have played in that position. They're the best options at the moment," he said. (Click and listen)
Joel, however, is likely to listen to Djalminha. Midfielder Marcinho trained in Renato Augusto's place and, apparently, will face Cardoso Moreira. Furthermore, Jônatas will make his debut, filling in for Cristian.
Joel Santana intends to adopt rotation at Fla
Natalino remembers that Rubro-Negro will compete in three competitions
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo coach Joel Santana intends to adopt player rotation during the Campeonato Carioca, Campeonato Brasileiro and Copa Libertadores.
"We're going to play three competitions, and it's natural that we'll have to rotate players. That's why I asked for reinforcements, and the board promptly responded," the coach commented in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
Joel assured that the Campeonato Carioca is also a priority in Gávea.
"We want to win the title again. I think the team is maturing, and by the fourth round at the latest, the team will be at the level I want."
Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday, against Cardoso Moreira, at 19:30 pm, at Maracanã