The Globe

DECISIVE WEEK AT FLA

Flamengo will face a week of decisive changes. In search of reinforcements, the red-and-black team is fighting to avoid losing key players such as goalkeeper Bruno, left-back Juan, and midfielder Renato, the latter of whom is virtually irreversible. Before the match against Atlético-MG on the 4th at Mineirão Stadium, the team will play a training match against Vila Nova-MG next Sunday.

Sports Journal

Fla: the strength that comes from the sides

Léo Moura and Juan are important pieces for the red-black recovery in the Brazilian Championship

Thiago Bokel

File/JS

Full-backs Léo Moura and Juan are two of coach Ney Franco's key players and form an important part of the red-black backbone.

In the whirlwind of tactical schemes and substitutions that coach Ney Franco has been employing throughout the year, five players form the backbone of Flamengo. Goalkeeper Bruno, full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan, and midfielders Renato and Renato Augusto are among the undisputed stars of the Flamengo squad.

Souza would have been the other player in this group, but until the injury of the beloved Obina, he had been on the bench in the games against Real Potosí, in the Libertadores opener, and in the 4-1 loss to Madureira, in the Guanabara Cup. With the injury of the fans' favorite, Souza never again lost his starting spot in Ney Franco's team.

The big problem is that for the match against Atlético-MG on July 4th, three of the undisputed players may not be on the field: Bruno and Renato, who have yet to decide whether they will stay at Gávea for the rest of the year. The goalkeeper's contract expires at the end of this month, and the midfielder has offers from the Middle East. Renato Augusto, one of the Rubro-Negro's biggest revelations in recent years, is on the U-20 team, which will compete in the U-XNUMX World Cup in Canada in July.

With that, the responsibility of representing the group of undisputed champions falls to full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan. While the former had a strong start to the season but dropped off after winning the Carioca, the latter has been frequently praised for his performances, and was even considered the standout performer in the team's last game, against Internacional at the Maracanã, when he scored the equalizer in stoppage time.

Juan, in fact, was very close to leaving the club last week. He was Espanyol's second option if they couldn't reach an agreement with Boca Juniors' full-back Clemente Rodríguez. However, the Catalan club announced the signing of the Argentine player, and Juan is expected to remain at Gávea, at least until the end of the season.

With the foundation of the red-and-black team in place, the Minas Gerais coach is racking his brains to find the ideal team. Things are already bad, but they could get worse if the departures of the goalkeeper and captain are confirmed in the coming days. The strength now lies with the full-backs, who are largely responsible for the team's offensive prowess this year.

The group's psychological state worries Ney Franco

Coach Ney Franco is already seriously concerned about his team's period of inactivity in the Brazilian Championship. With this forced break, Flamengo could sink even further in the standings and remain in the relegation zone for a long time. The coach believes the team's mental health could be severely impacted.

"Seeing Flamengo stuck in the bottom four makes me very worried, as it ends up shaking my players emotionally. If we were ahead or at least in the middle of the table, I would find this stoppage interesting, but this way, it only increases our suffering," said the coach.

The red-and-black manager took advantage of yesterday's day off to travel to Belo Horizonte to watch the Minas Gerais derby between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG—Flamengo's next opponent. Born in Vargem Alegre, in the interior of Minas Gerais, Neymar also took advantage of Sunday to see his family. Although he returns to Rio this morning, the coach returns to his home state on Friday, when the team travels for an offseason.

It was also confirmed that Flamengo will indeed play a friendly against Villa Nova, from Nova Lima, next Sunday at CT Toca da Raposa II. Ney Franco is expected to field the same team that started the training match against Madureira. The only question is whether the coach will field goalkeeper Bruno. After all, the player's contract ends on the 30th, and if he doesn't renew, he won't be able to play on July 4th.

SPOTLIGHT IN THE U-17 TEAM — Flamengo's youth goalkeeper, Marcelo Carné, was one of the standouts of the Brazilian U-17 team that won the Eight Nations Tournament, a warm-up tournament for the U-XNUMX World Cup. He was decisive in the penalty shootout, securing the victory.

Léo Medeiros hoping for a spot in the starting lineup

The possible transfer of midfielder Renato to a club in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is already starting to worry some of the Flamengo captain's teammates. Midfielder Léo Medeiros commented on Renato's importance to Flamengo.

"It would be a huge loss, after all, Renato's hallmark is his powerful shot and his ability to support the defense. He also helps us a lot with his leadership on the field; he's always demanding a lot of commitment from us," said Léo Medeiros.

Should the captain's departure actually occur, Léo Medeiros would be one of the likely replacements, alongside Léo Lima. This would give the midfielder the opportunity to play a series of games, which he believes is crucial for good performances.

"Since the start of the season, I haven't had the opportunity to start at least three games in a row. That would be important for me to take off at Flamengo and establish myself in the team permanently," explained the midfielder.

For the match against Atlético-MG, Léo Medeiros is expected to remain on the team, as confirmed by coach Ney Franco. He's part of a new formation the coach has been adopting, alternating him with Toró in marking and creating plays. The opponent couldn't be better: after all, Atlético is an old acquaintance of the Minas Gerais player, whom he faced while playing for Ipatinga, and is accustomed to the pressure of Atlético fans.

Ney Franco will take advantage of the stoppage to correct the team's mistakes

Coach Ney Franco doesn't see only negatives in the team's absence. The red-and-black team will only return to action against Atlético-MG on July 4th at Mineirão Stadium.

"There are positives and negatives. The positive is that this time will be used to recover the athletes who are in the medical department. Furthermore, we will assess the team's successes and failures and eliminate potential errors in training," the red-and-black manager explained to Rádio Globo.

The coach emphasized the importance of the psychological work that will be done with the squad due to the team's situation in the table.

"The downside is the team's current situation in the standings. We'll be without a game for two rounds, with other teams scoring points. The psychological work will be crucial because when we play Atlético-MG, Flamengo will still be in the relegation zone," concluded Ney Franco.

O Dia

Maracanã will be privatized

The government will hand over stadium management to the private sector and will stop charging clubs rent.

Alfredo Junqueira and Rodrigo Lima

Rio - The management of Maracanã and its sports complex will be transferred to the private sector starting at the end of the year. The bidding process is expected to take place after the Brazilian national team's match against Ecuador on October 17. According to Eduardo Paes, the state secretary of Sports, Leisure, and Tourism, the goal is to modernize the stadium's management for the 2014 World Cup. Another new development announced by Paes is the end of fees charged by the state to Rio de Janeiro clubs for stadium use, starting in August—something around R$50 per match.

The models for the future administration and the State of Rio's participation are being defined by the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton—one of the largest management and technology consulting firms in the world. The firm is already working on projects for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. According to Paes, a business plan will be developed for the entire complex, including an economic feasibility analysis for the implementation of shops, restaurants, shopping malls, and even a hotel. The secretary is not a fan of the Maracanã's complete privatization, but the consultancy is also studying the possibility.

"It will be like a condominium of concessions, with different companies operating each aspect of the business, such as parking, bars, and the Maracanãzinho," Paes explained. He assured that there will be no demolitions: "It's all listed."

Governor Sérgio Cabral received a preliminary study from Booz on Tuesday. According to Chief of Staff Régis Fichtner, the stadium's management could become the state's first Public-Private Partnership (PPP). A bill regulating this type of business will be voted on Wednesday in the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly.

LESS PEOPLE

Once the world's largest stadium, the Maracanã will have a capacity of only 86.100 after renovations. The latest renovation, for the Pan American Games, is underway and has cost R$394 million. To host the World Cup, new expenses will be incurred. The stadium is expected to add shops and its capacity will be reduced to 75. The project calls for the construction of a two-story parking lot with 10 spaces over the railway line. The Maracanã train station would be expanded and would gain a shopping mall. The number of restrooms could also increase from 26 to 60.

Paes says he's already managed to reduce the state's annual losses of approximately R$10 million. He says he raised R$4,5 million in four months, compared to R$4 million for the entire previous year. "I'll make Maracanã profitable by August," he says.

Flamengo is interested in being one of the 'owners'

The end of fees at Maracanã is the best news club leaders could receive. Flamengo, which needs to seat at least 10 people to make a profit on matches, has expressed interest in becoming Maracanã's 'owner.' "Privatization would be perfect for serving both fans and clubs. Maracanã reflects Flamengo's image, and the best option would be for a club to take over," says the director, who is also interested in the Engenhão stadium. The Pan American Games stadium is being disputed by Fluminense and Botafogo.

Carlos Augusto Montenegro, the club's director of football, also supports privatization: "It's the best option for modernization." Tricolor president Roberto Horcades, however, disagrees. "If they're already going to privatize the Engenhão stadium, why also privatize the Maracanã stadium?" he points out.

The news also didn't please civil servant Joel Teixeira, 47, owner of one of the Maracanã's perpetual seats. "We weren't even consulted about this. We have assets that can't be donated to anyone," he complained, concerned.

This isn't the first time an attempt has been made to transfer the Maracanã to the private sector. In 98, Governor Anthony Garotinho created a similar 30-year project, which would have included shopping malls, hotels, a convention center, and even a library. But the project was shelved.

Flamengo: Ney fears the team will collapse

A psychologist is working to prevent low mood among the squad. The biggest concern is the defense.

Rio - The numbers are cold and never lie. Flamengo's defense is one of the worst in the Brazilian league, having conceded 15 goals, and even without playing for two rounds, it will continue to suffer a negative reputation. With the team in the relegation zone, coach Ney Franco makes no secret of his fears for the psychological state of a group already marked by poor performances.

Because of this, in a conversation with psychologist Paulo Ribeiro, he wants to work off the field as well. "There's no way around it. When we look at the table, our team is in the relegation zone. This affects the group, which sees others scoring points."

Paulo Ribeiro's tactic is to speak individually with the defenders, those most affected by the criticism, and with the group as a whole, demonstrating that the team isn't bad, just going through a rough patch. "They also need to understand that the situation is temporary. And this lack of motivation, normal in this situation, must also be temporary," emphasizes the Flamengo psychologist.

In his planned motivational talks, Paulo Ribeiro will work on the defenders' self-esteem and emphasize that they aren't the worst in the world. "I'll highlight some of the great moments for each player and the group. Like in 2005, when the team almost got relegated, but fought back and escaped relegation with Joel Santana. We'll reprogram the team's goals and objectives from now on," says the psychologist, who is already preparing a DVD to illustrate his talks.

Flamengo won't play again until the 4th, against Atlético-MG, in Belo Horizonte. Until then, coach Ney Franco intends to work hard to improve the team's position in the Brasileirão standings. Ney Franco went to the capital of Minas Gerais yesterday to watch Galo's match against Cruzeiro.

On Friday, the Flamengo group travels to Belo Horizonte, where on Sunday they will play a training match against Villa Nova, who are preparing for the Brazilian Series C.

Sports Gazette

Saudi Arabia interested in Renato. Juan stays at Flamengo.

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - One of Flamengo's most important players, midfielder Renato, is once again facing speculation that he may leave the club. Vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that a director from an Arab club is expected to arrive in Brazil in the coming days, interested in signing the player. "So far, nothing official has reached me. It's always like that at Flamengo; they constantly involve you in some kind of negotiation, but I remain calm and focused on helping the team improve in the Brazilian Championship. When something official is announced, I'll be the first to speak to the press," explained the midfielder.

Renato is committed to Flamengo until the end of the year, but starting in July he can sign a pre-contract with any other club. The player's agent, Cláudio Guadagno, has already confirmed that the midfielder will only leave Flamengo to play abroad.

While Renato's potential departure worries Flamengo, the club is celebrating Espanyol's signing of left-back Clemente Rodríguez, formerly of Boca Juniors. This is because the Spanish club was also interested in Juan, who wears the number six shirt for the Rio de Janeiro club.

"From what I've heard, Juan was Espanyol's second choice. Since they signed Clemente Rodríguez, it looks like Juan will stay with us. It's one less thing for us to worry about," Leite said.

PeléNet

Flamengo 'reunites' with Gávea this Monday

After two and a half weeks practically only training in Vargem Grande, at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center, Flamengo will return to Gávea starting this Monday, when the squad will be back.

After a weekend without matches and a day off on Sunday, the players will be at the club's headquarters in the south zone at 8:30 a.m. and will train full-time. Initially, all activities are scheduled for Gávea this week.

However, the coaching staff chose to go to Vargem Grande in the remaining weeks, as they usually take the squad to training at the training center when the team is going through a difficult period. This way, the players avoid contact with fans and are less pressured, allowing them to work in peace.

Flamengo will have a long way to go before it has a chance to improve its position in the Brazilian Championship. The team sits 17th and is in the relegation zone with just six points. However, it didn't play in this round and will also miss the next, having had two games postponed due to the closure of the Maracanã stadium for the Pan American Games in Rio.

Meanwhile, the red-and-black team missed a match against Vasco da Gama this Sunday and will not play against Juventude next Sunday. Both matches will only take place in the second half of the year. Flamengo will only return to action on July 4th, when it faces Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium.

BalloonSport

Without playing, it would have been impossible to escape the relegation zone. But overall, the results weren't bad for Mengão, as the three Northeastern teams, the only ones behind Flamengo in the standings, were defeated. They remain in 17th place, one point behind the first-place team outside the relegation zone (currently Santos).

For Renato, Fla needs to improve tactically

Midfielder, who has been out of recent games, says he has analyzed the team's mistakes and successes.

Renato believes that the break in the tournament will help Rubro-negro

Flamengo supporter Renato warned that the team needs some adjustments to improve in the Brasileirão. Out of the team for the last two games, against Figueirense and Internacional, due to pain in his left thigh, the player believes the break in the championship could be beneficial for the Rubro-Negro, who sits in 17th place, in the relegation zone.

"Given the current situation, it's good to stop because we can improve our tactics. I hope we can come back stronger in the next games. I sat out the last few matches and analyzed what went right and wrong. I think we have some things to improve on," he told Rádio Globo.

To avoid the lack of rhythm caused by the break in the championship, the team from Gávea will play a training match next Sunday against Vila Nova-MG, which is preparing for the start of Série C.

Fla will play another training match

The opponent will be Vila Nova from Minas Gerais, next Sunday

Coach Ney Franco confirmed that he will play another training match before the match against Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium. This time, the opponent will be Vila Nova-MG next Sunday. The Minas Gerais team is preparing for the Série C, which begins on July 8th.

The red-black team will travel to Belo Horizonte next Friday morning.

Flamengo's goalkeeper shines in the under-17 team

Marcelo Carné directly participates in the conquest of the Eight Nations International Tournament

Flamengo goalkeeper Marcelo Carné won the Eight Nations International Tournament with the Brazilian U-17 team in South Korea. In the final, Marcelo excelled in the penalty shootout against Nigeria. The match ended in a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Brazil won 4-3 in the shootout.

The team also included defender Lucas Galdino, also from Flamengo. The tournament served as preparation for the Pan American Games.

Fla scales unprecedented formation in the middle

Against Atlético-MG, Ney Franco will field Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros and Renato

Flamengo fans are in for a surprise against Atlético-MG. In the club's next Brasileirão match, they'll likely see the midfield of Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros, and Renato for the first time.

With the four players already focused on building rapport for the upcoming Brasileirão match, coach Ney Franco fielded them in Saturday's 3-1 friendly victory over Madureira. One of the goals, in fact, was scored by Toró.

After the movement at Ninho do Urubu, the coach spoke about the 15th midfield formation to be tested in 2007.

"Renato returned well from his injury and provided support to the defense. Léo Medeiros, when he's without the ball, acts as a second midfielder and, with the ball, has the freedom to attack. We hope all four can play well," he says.

Throw

Renato is not thinking about an offer

Supporter Renato claims he's not thinking about the offer he received from Arab football. He said he doesn't have the headspace to think about it. According to the player, if he were thinking about the offer, he wouldn't be dedicating himself 100 percent to Flamengo's training. Renato also said he has people to handle these matters and that if any negotiations arise, he'll let them know.

The player believes that this is the time to focus on the season with Flamengo, where he has six months left on his contract, which he intends to fulfill in the best way possible.

Flamengo gives athletes a break

After an intense week, players were released this Sunday

After an intense week of training, Flamengo gave its players a day off this Sunday. Training will resume full-time on Monday.

The team, which occupies 17th place in the Brazilian league, in the relegation zone, will only play another match on July 4th, against Atletico-MG, at Mineirão.

Ney Franco is prepared for anything

Coach Ney Franco believes that while the window for European football is open, one must be prepared for anything. The coach refers to the possibility of losing midfielder Renato and goalkeeper Bruno, whose futures at Flamengo are uncertain:

radio l! - We have to be aware of everything and prepared for anything that might happen - said Ney Franco. (Click and listen)