The Globe
Joel: 'It was a Heavenly Father thing'
Flamengo coach thanks God for 2007 and says he will maintain his winning form of play
JOEL SANTANA, who turns 59 today: the coach celebrates the successes of 2007 and bets on a stronger Fla in 2008
Márcio Tavares
A Christmas to remember forever. Asking for anything more would be pushing one's luck. After the anguish, stress, and joy he experienced after pulling Flamengo out of the relegation zone and finishing third in the Brazilian Championship, with a guaranteed spot in the Copa Libertadores, coach Joel Santana deserves to enjoy some downtime, with a vacation filled with idle chatter and hours of leisure. But anyone who thinks that doesn't know Joel's routine. Instead of the dolce far niente, the coach's routine is almost the same year-round: from home to Gávea, from Gávea to home.
"I've only had time to go out for dinner recently. Before, I couldn't. It was better to stay home," says Joel. "But on this 25th, the day I celebrate another birthday (59), my memory is of my players, of those who showed dignity and helped lift Flamengo out of the dire situation it found itself in. That was a blessing from God. Very beautiful."
Since the club's plan is to invest in a few efficient reinforcements for 2008, Joel's task is more complicated. He has to closely monitor the negotiations, accepting or rejecting names that don't interest him. And he also knows that the responsibility has increased because the fans, who supported the team so much in the Brazilian Championship, will demand answers early, seeing the State Championship as a preview for what lies ahead, which is seen as next year's main objective: the Copa Libertadores.
"We won't be supporting players in the Libertadores. Flamengo will have to impose its strength. It's unlucky for those who fell into our group because, after the great 2007 we had, we have everything to have a good year. But we have to respect our opponents because these teams with strange names can sometimes make things difficult," he says.
At the end of the coach's festive season, there was only one sadness. His daughter Tatiana couldn't make it from Bordeaux, where she's pursuing her master's degree in dentistry, for the festivities. But Joel isn't fazed or complaining.
"I can't ask for anything more, can I? It's not every year that we have so many positive things like this. It's not every year that ends like this. We have a lot to be thankful for. But my special thanks go to the Flamengo fans. Their unconditional support was crucial for the team to turn things around in the end," the coach acknowledges.
And Joel is aware that the fans will play a key role in the growth of the new group that is being formed. With the signing of defender Rodrigo and midfielders Gavilán and Jônatas, Joel now has more options. At the same time, he's already starting to face doubts about the team that will be assembled for 2008.
"I don't see any problem. They're already creating controversy for no reason. When the players are of a good level, like ours, the team naturally forms itself. The players fit in without having to force anything."
The coach has lived with this kind of doubt for 30 years. Every year, criticism and concern arise due to a supposed surplus of players in certain areas and a shortage in others. Knowing well the problems he may soon face, Joel explains:
"We signed more midfield players because we were concerned about Cristian's departure. Toró also made an offer. And Ibson didn't give us any security regarding the future. It's uncertain what the future holds for June and July because we don't know if Porto will want him back. At that point, the Libertadores is already looming.
One problem he doesn't want to resurface in 2008:
"When I arrived, I immediately took two beatings. Defeat is wise; it teaches what victory hides. Then, that intuition came, telling me that the team I was trying to organize wouldn't fit. The players improved physically, injuries decreased, and even playing every three days, the team began to gel. And the statistics showed that our team had outperformed our opponents in many defeats. So, we attacked the weak points: the defense was vulnerable, and the attack was conceding too many goals. All of this leads me to conclude that I can't discredit a team like this, which has performed so well. I can't give up a winning style of play."
Sports Journal
Fábio Luciano praises the efforts of the Fla board
Defender Fábio Luciano praised the performance of the red-black management in maintaining the base that finished the Brazilian championship in third place and consequently secured one of the places in the 2008 Libertadores.
"The board is doing the right job: working hard to maintain the team and bring in good players," said the defender.
Marcio Braga on leave from the presidency until January
President Marcio Braga will take leave from his presidency of Flamengo on December 21st. He is expected to travel with his family and will only resume his position in January. Until then, Vice President Delair Dumbrosck will be in charge of the club during this period.
Marcio Braga released the following end-of-year message to the club's members and fans:
"As we conclude our fourth year in office, we can say that the administrative austerity policy implemented upon our arrival has been successful. We have brought Flamengo out of insolvency and restored the institution's credibility.
When we took over, the club didn't even have a checkbook.
We achieved fiscal realignment through Timemania, a definitive solution to a R$180 million liability, and obtained two major legal victories, one against ISL in Switzerland and another against Pelé Sports, freeing the club from paying almost R$150 million.
We're the only club in Rio that's up to date with its labor liabilities. We've paid off approximately R$50 million in debt from previous administrations.
The seriousness with which we approach Flamengo's affairs is already resulting in sporting success. We've been champions in soccer, rowing, and basketball.
We won the Rio de Janeiro Football Championship in all categories, Juniors (three times), Youth (two times), Children and Professional, and we qualified for the Copa Libertadores in 2007 and 2008.
We performed remarkably well across all Olympic sports, with four coaches and 4 athletes competing in the Pan American Games across a wide range of disciplines. We won three gold medals, three silver medals, and four bronze medals, placing the club 23th among the countries that competed in the Pan American Games.
Flamengo fans broke all attendance and revenue records for the Brazilian Championship, reaching nearly 1.4 million paying spectators for matches at Maracanã alone. We put on a show in the stands, with dazzling performances, which prompted Mayor César Maia to declare Flamengo fans a Cultural Heritage of the City of Rio de Janeiro.
Our administrative efforts have been particularly focused on our members. We've renovated several Gávea facilities, including the locker rooms, the Flapel field, the Olympic gymnastics gymnasium, the gardens, the swimming pools, and the tennis courts. We've implemented a field trip program. We've built the new São Judas Tadeu chapel. We've created a choir and encouraged social movements, such as the Senior Citizens' Choir and Fla-Mulher.
We need to continue our sanitation policy and promote major institutional reform, modernizing our bylaws, implementing a shared management model, and creating a business association for football. This is the administrative tool necessary for raising new funds for our business.
Finally, our restored credibility has led to important partners approaching us, such as the CBF and the world's most powerful stadium management companies. Maracanã will truly be ours.
And, crucially, Flamengo's participation in the Maracanã project will be compatible with the Gávea Revitalization Program, our priority, consolidating the club's social and sports center.
We're making progress every day. In the next two years, the President George Helal Training Center, Ninho do Urubu, will be completed, as will the Rowing Center of Excellence.
With seriousness, determination, perseverance, professionalism, and transparency, we have overcome all obstacles, and the future looks even brighter.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Marcio Baroukel de Souza Braga
PRESIDENT
Rio, December 2007
Sergio Du Bocage
Here's What You Wanted!
The chant of the fans
Sergio Du Bocage bocage@jsports.com.br
Which song ended the year at number one on the fan charts? Flamengo fans, thanks to their third-place finish in the Brazilian Championship, took the lead with "Libertadores, sou eu quem vou!" (Libertadores, I'm the one who's going!) The chant is provocative to Vasco fans, but regardless, it has a healthy meaning: it's free from insults, non-aggressive, and fun (at least for the red-and-blacks). And cheering is joy, it's a sign of love, it's fun. Therefore, at the end of this year, we must praise the behavior of true Rio fans, who faced numerous challenges, both inside and outside the stadiums, but knew how to cherish the love they have for their favorite teams.
It's all thanks to a movement adopted by Rio's four major fan clubs. No fighting, no insults. The "Crazy for Botafogo," Fluminense's "Tricolor Legion," Vasco's "Warriors of the Admiral," and Flamengo's "Urubuzada" deserve applause. They are undoubtedly responsible for the return of many fans to stadiums. They realized their team needed support and encouragement. The fans showed that it takes maximum dedication, sweating it out in pursuit of a good result. The "Tricolor Legion," on its website, even teaches fans how to control their voices so they can sing for the full 90 minutes. It also lists several songs—some, unfortunately, with the occasional expletive that's perfectly dispensable. "Um sentir verde, branco e grená" (A Green, White, and Maroon Feeling) is one of the most beautiful.
The first song to become a hit was Botafogo's. "E ninguém cala esse nosso amor" (And no one can silence our love) was sung at the top of their lungs until the managers and players managed to silence the fans. The fans did their part and more, but when their patience reached its limit, the song practically disappeared.
The Vasco da Gama chant was most prominent at São Januário, "Meu caldeirão." Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way. But this crowd should serve as an example to other Vasco da Gama fans recently involved in brawls.
Finally, the victory theme. "Race, love, and passion" undoubtedly took the country by storm. It became a hit, became a jersey, and led to Flamengo fans earning the team's number 12 jersey forever and having it declared nationally recognized by the city government. It was a spectacle in itself. Merry Christmas to you, true fans who have returned to the stadiums. It's great to see you again.
O Dia
Renato Augusto says he doesn't want to play improvised attack
Rio - With his squad brimming with defensive midfielders, coach Joel Santana confessed that he will use Renato Augusto up front next season. The information upset the player. While not wanting to cause trouble with the coach, the youngster reveals that he prefers to play in his original position, midfield.
"My preference is to play in midfield. I played attack for six months. It's one thing to just get by. But if I have to play longer, I don't know," said Renato Augusto.
Four midfielders in the middle
Joel Santana wants to field four defensive midfielders in midfield. The coach is counting on big names for the position, such as Gavilán, Jônatas, Ibson, Kléberson, Toró, and Cristian. Thus, Renato Augusto will be moved to attack, a position lacking.
Souza is a regular starter, and the youngster will compete for the position with a speedy striker yet to be signed. According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, the club's final signing will be announced in early January.
Mengão Wall
Rodrigo says he will form a 'barrier' alongside Fábio Luciano
Rio - Despite having just arrived at Flamengo, defender Rodrigo is already excited about the chance to partner with Fábio Luciano. The player stated that he will form a real 'barrier' with his new teammate. "Me and Fábio together? It could be a wall," declared Rodrigo, who hasn't played since August but brought forward the end of his vacation to begin physical training right after Christmas.
Also expected to be introduced this week is midfielder Gavilán, who is on his honeymoon in Paraguay.
Sports Gazette
President takes vacation at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's players won't be the only ones to rest during the final days of the year. Flamengo president Márcio Braga also announced that he has taken a leave of absence and will only return to his position in mid-January. During this period, he will be replaced by general vice president Delair Dumbrosck. Before taking a break, Márcio Braga took the opportunity to issue an official statement celebrating Flamengo's strong results this season.
'We won the Rio de Janeiro Football Championship in all categories, Juniors (three times), Youth (two times), Children and Professional, and we qualified for the Copa Libertadores in 2007 and 2008', says part of the note signed by the president.
While Márcio Braga relaxes, the rest of Flamengo's board is racing to secure a striker before the beginning of January, when the Flamengo squad regroups. In 2008, the Rio de Janeiro team returns to the Copa Libertadores.
PeléNet
2008 Season: Check out the market in Rio de Janeiro
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Rio de Janeiro's four major clubs continue to strengthen their squads for the 2008 season. So far, 26 players have been officially signed. Botafogo and Vasco have eight, while Flamengo and Fluminense are tied with five.
Check out the clubs' activities below. Until the end of the year, next Monday, the trend is for the four clubs to continue strengthening their ranks.
Fluminense is expected to sign Leandro Amaral and Felipe. Botafogo and Flamengo are looking for a striker, while Vasco is close to finalizing the return of Edmundo.
Botafogo
The club has already presented Argentine defender Alexis Fererro, formerly of Tigre (ARG), left-back Zé Carlos, formerly of Cerezo Osaka (JAP). It has also officially announced defender Edson, formerly of CRB (AL), left-back Triguinho, formerly of Anderlecht (BEL), defensive midfielder Túlio Souza, formerly of Coritiba, midfielder Marcelinho, formerly of Vasco, forward Wellington Paulista, formerly of Alavés (ESP), and defender André Luís, formerly of Cruzeiro.
Vasco
Cruzmaltino have signed eight players so far, two of them international: Nigerian Abubakar, formerly of Internacional, and Chilean Jose Luis Villanueva, formerly of Ulsan Hyundai-COR, both forwards. In addition, goalkeepers Ricardo, formerly of Caxias-RS, and Tiago, formerly of Portuguesa; left-back Calisto, formerly of Rubin Kazan-RUS; right-back Marquinho, formerly of Boavista-POR; defensive midfielder Jonilson, formerly of Vegalta Sendai-JAP; and midfielder Beto, formerly of Brasiliense.
Flamengo
Rubro-Negro officially announced defender Rodrigo, formerly of Dynamo Kyiv (UKR), midfielder Marcinho, formerly of Atlético Mineiro (MG), and defensive midfielders Jônatas, formerly of Espanyol (ESP), and Gavilán, formerly of Grêmio. Also signing defensive midfielder Kleberson, formerly of Besikitas (Turkey), had already been signed about two months ago.
Fluminense
After much mystery, the Tricolor officially presented forwards Washington, formerly of Urawa Red Diamonds-JAP, and Dodô, formerly of Botafogo. Forward Falcao Garcia, of River Plate-ARG, defensive midfielder Fabinho, of Toulouse-FRA, and midfielder Darío Conca, formerly of Vasco, have already been announced by the board.
BalloonSport
'Daddy Joel' turns 59
Celebrating his birthday today, Flamengo's coach prepares for the Libertadores challenge
In the montage, Joel Santana gets a Santa Claus beard. He deserves it.
The Christmas—and birthday—present came a month early. On November 25th, Flamengo defeated Atlético-PR 2-0 and secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Joel Santana, standing on the sidelines, was moved to congratulate the fans.
"Now we're in paradise. After a party like that, all I can say is that we're in paradise. Merry Christmas to everyone," Joel said early.
After renewing his contract with Flamengo, the coach is preparing for the Copa Libertadores challenge. His list of reinforcements includes concerns about maintaining the defensive system, and so far, no forwards. Flamengo has a team of defensive midfielders.
"The foundation needs to be maintained and strengthened. We almost lost Cristian and Toró. We couldn't risk it. But these comments won't change my mind. The work that worked and took us to third place needs to be maintained."
Daddy Joel
Joel Natalino Santana was born on December 25, 1948. However, despite his close connection with Christmas, he doesn't like to be called Natalino.
"Yeah, sometimes you don't even mean any harm. But you call me Natalino. Come up with something else," he says.
And they did. During his time at Flamengo, Joel was affectionately called "Daddy" by the squad. He lived up to his role. When Flamengo played América-RN in Natal, the coach showed his fatherly side.
He let the players go for a swim at the beach, but he was worried. He went to the water's edge, whistled, shouted, and pulled his "children" out of the dangerous sea.
"Daddy Joel is like that. Always worried. We can't let up or we'll get scolded," declares midfielder Ibson.
Cristian, Fla's promise-maker
Identified with the red-black club, the midfielder goes to Cristo to give thanks for the new phase
Eduardo Peixoto
Cristian took his daughter to Cristo when Fla escaped relegation
Flamengo finished the year with a spot in the Copa Libertadores under their belt. But long before that, the players felt a sense of accomplishment. Just ask midfielder Cristian. As soon as the Red-Blacks were freed from the threat of relegation, the midfielder fulfilled a promise he made when he arrived at the club in July.
At the time, the team was in last place and in deep crisis. Believing a place in the Copa Libertadores was unrealistic. Therefore, Cristian opted for a more modest request.
"I promised that if Flamengo were to avoid relegation, I would go to Christ the Redeemer with my daughter (Beatriz) and my wife (Camila). When we beat São Paulo, I kept my promise," the player declared.
He recorded the moment and the photograph has remained in his wallet ever since.
"I take it with me on all trips and rallies. It brings good luck," says Cristian.
Shortly after the end of the Brazilian Championship, the player received an offer from Lokomotiv Moscow. A deal was close, but the Russian club backed out. He signed a three-year contract with the Rubro-Negro.
"I was able to show at Flamengo that I wasn't the 'bad boy' that people in Curitiba said I was. I was criticized a lot at Atlético-PR, unfairly," he says.
'Me and Fábio? It could be a wall,' says Rodrigo
Flamengo starts 2008 with a defense that, on paper, intimidates opponents
Rodrigo began his career with Fábio Luciano, in the 90s, at Ponte Preta
Fábio Luciano arrived at Flamengo in August, tidied up the defense, and earned the nickname "Sheriff." In 2008, he gained reinforcements to intimidate opponents. And Rodrigo arrives confident he can manage the defense with talent.
At 27, the defender is five years younger than his teammate. They briefly bonded at Ponte Preta in the late 1990s.
"I was in my first year as a professional and Fábio was playing alongside Ronaldão. We never ended up playing together," Rodrigo says.
But now the opportunity has arisen for the two to get along on the field.
"Me and Fábio together? It could be a wall. Let's see," the player declares.
Having not played since August, he brought forward the end of his vacation and should start doing physical work right after Christmas.
Only Fla resists the tricolor harassment
Unlike Botafogo and Vasco, Rubro-Negro doesn't lose players to rivals. But they tried
Eduardo Peixoto
Flu tried to take Bruno from Flamengo
It wasn't just Botafogo and Vasco who suffered from Fluminense's voracious appetite. Flamengo's squad was also attacked by millions of reais from the club's sponsor. But, unlike its rivals, the club emerged unscathed from the battle.
The most scathing harassment was directed at Bruno. The Laranjeiras team offered the goalkeeper the world to change homes. But it was in vain. The Flamengo number one was categorical, stating that he had no desire to play for Flu and renewed his contract for another five seasons.
"Fluminense was all over our players the whole time. Especially our goalkeeper. But I see that as normal. I prefer not to criticize anyone," says Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
Recently, Fluminense was accused by Vasco president Eurico Miranda of acting improperly in signing Leandro Amaral. Botafogo also disliked the approach taken by Dodô while he was still under contract. In the coming days, Fluminense is expected to announce the signing of Argentine Conca, another former Vasco player.
Throw
Fábio Luciano praises Flamengo's board and goalkeeper Bruno
Defender was one of the highlights of Rubro-Negro in 2007
Fábio Luciano, one of Flamengo's standout players in the Brazilian Championship, praised the performance of the red-black management at the end of the year.
– The board is doing the right job: working hard to maintain the team and bring in good players – said the defender.
Regarding goalkeeper Bruno's permanence – which is practically certain and should be confirmed soon – Fábio Luciano also gave his opinion and praised his teammate.
"Bruno had to stay. He's one of the best goalkeepers in Brazil. His stay was just another signing," concluded the Flamengo defender.
Suderj creates measure to avoid riots at Maracanã
In Carioca, tickets will be sold up to three hours before the games
Michel Castelar RIO DE JANEIRO\ Thiago Asmar RIO DE JANEIRO\
After confusion related to ticket sales for some games of Rio's big clubs in 2007, the state's Secretary of Tourism, Sports and Leisure and president of the Rio de Janeiro Sports Superintendence (Suderj), Eduardo Paes, began taking measures to avoid disturbances at the Maracanã ticket offices during the 2008 State Championship.
Fans who usually arrive at the stadium at the last minute will have to change their habits.
"Tickets at Maracanã will only be sold up to three hours before major club matches. The decision has already been made to avoid crowds around the stadium. This will reduce confusion and make it more difficult for ticket scalpers," Eduardo explained.
The final straw for the secretary was the confusion surrounding the exchange of tickets for cans of Neston (a Nestlé promotion), which caused embarrassment to Flamengo fans in the days leading up to the match against Atlético-PR, in the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. Some even spent all night at the ticket booths and exchange points, but still couldn't secure a seat in the stands of the World's Greatest.
Many of the affected fans even took legal action against Flamengo and the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (Ferj).
"I've already demanded action from the four major clubs. Suderj has nothing to do with ticket distribution. Therefore, Maracanã will only serve as a ticketing outlet for the State Championship if the clubs are responsible. This will be the last chance," the secretary added.
Flamengo has an advantage over rivals this century
Rio de Janeiro's Rubro-Negro has the same number of titles as Botafogo, Fluminense and Vasco combined
Petkovic celebrating the historic goal in the 2001 State Championship final (Credit: Archive)
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO\ Guilherme de Paula RIO DE JANEIRO\
Flamengo fans have plenty of reasons to have a very merry Christmas. After all, the club enjoyed a sensational comeback in the Brazilian Championship and earned a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores. But there's another reason for the nation to celebrate this holiday season: since the turn of the century, the Rubro-Negro has won five titles, the same number as its three rivals combined.
If in this period the Gávea club won two national titles – the Champions Cup (2001) and the Copa do Brasil (2006) –, the triumph marked by greater drama and which has a very special place in the heart of the red-black nation is the 2001 state title.
It was obtained after a masterful shot by Petkovic, in the 43rd minute of the second half, which guaranteed Flamengo's 3-1 victory over Vasco.
On vacation in Nis, Serbia, Pet recalled the legendary goal to LANCE!, classifying it as the most memorable moment of his career.
"It was the most wonderful moment of my career. I'm proud to have made history at Flamengo and to have had the best fans. It's incredible," the Serbian enthuses.
The peculiarities of that championship were highlighted by the number 10 in the 2001 victory:
"These are things that only happen once. Flamengo was beset by internal strife and was in dire financial straits. We forgot everything, played for the fans, and beat an opponent who was the favorite and had the advantage of losing by one goal. It was wonderful."
Also decisive in the Champions Cup for having scored a very similar goal in the final against São Paulo, Pet guarantees that he never wanted to leave Fla, something that happened in 2002.
"I didn't want to leave, but ISL, the club's partner at the time, went bankrupt. It's a good thing the fans knew I didn't want to leave them," he concludes.