The Globe
Fla finds his own favoritism strange
The club takes precautions before facing the already relegated América-RN.
For the first time in this Brazilian Championship, Flamengo finds itself the clear favorite in a match. The team that has climbed the most in the standings will face the already relegated América-RN on Sunday, having only earned 16 of the 96 points it has played for in the Brazilian Championship. Far from encouraging, the scenario is alarming the Flamengo coaching staff, who are taking extra precautions.
Just hearing the words "favoritism" or "easy" is enough for coach Joel Santana to react. He warns that, on the trip to Natal, the team's focus will begin with concentration. Joel knows the team will be welcomed with a party and will likely be mobbed even at the hotel where they'll be staying. In a tourist city full of attractions, the coach errs on the side of caution and uses terms common in a war.
"Christmas is sunny and sandy. There's plenty of celebration for the team. But the party's only at the airport. After that, we'll cut it short. We're not going sightseeing. We're leaving our headquarters for a battlefield," he warned.
Joel intends to launch his official website
The travel schedule has also changed. Fearing the strain of flight chaos, the club moved up departures from the evening to early Friday morning. In his pre-match talk, Joel will draw on examples from other sports.
"There's no such thing as an easy match. In Formula 1, no one talked about Raikkonen, and he won. In tennis, Federer won the first set 6-1 against the Argentine (David Nalbandian) and lost," he said. "It's going to be a tough, terrible match. We'll try to surpass 50 points, the toughest barrier in the championship."
Besides the game, Joel had other concerns yesterday. He was trying to get photos for his official website, which he's setting up with the help of his daughter.
Yesterday's heavy rain hampered the coach. With the Gávea field flooded, tactical training was replaced by work in the weight room. The rain also flooded areas of the clubhouse and canceled the youth team's match against Nova Iguaçu. The change hampered Joel. He wanted to use the free week to fine-tune tactics and recover players like Fábio Luciano, who complains of muscle pain. The defender, who said yesterday that he wants to stay with the club in 2008, assured that he will be on the field on Sunday.
Also due to the rain, the club postponed the announcement of its partnership with the Roxos e Doentes chain and its new product sales strategy. In addition to its own retail outlets, the chain also operates official club stores.
Sports Journal
Fabio Luciano wants to stay and is in the Fla board's plans for 2008
Despite denying it, Flamengo's board continues working to put together the team for 2008. In addition to five-time world champion midfielder Kleberson and coach Joel Santana, who appears to be the team's commander for next season, the Flamengo directors have already begun negotiations to keep defender Fábio Luciano (photo) at Gávea next year.
With a contract until the end of December, the player who has fixed the team's defensive system appears to be willing to stay at Brazil's most popular club. Yesterday, the team captain said he has already spoken with vice president of football Kleber Leite and that an offer from abroad no longer appeals to him.
"I'm very happy at Flamengo. I've already spoken briefly with Kléber Leite and intend to stay here. We'll wait for the Brazilian Championship to end to finalize everything, as I don't want to lose focus. I've played abroad before, and I think my time abroad is over," said the athlete.
Kleber Leite received the news that the defender intends to renew with great enthusiasm and confirmed that it is everyone's wish at Gávea to continue with the team captain.
"If Fábio Luciano wants to stay with us longer, great. We also want to keep him, and the situation becomes easier because we only have to negotiate the player's salary, since the transfer is all his," said the director.
While Fábio Luciano's stay is on track, midfielder Roger's seems increasingly unlikely, contrary to the speculation that swirled around Gávea until yesterday. According to Kleber Leite, the player's situation is a bit more complicated than the defender's.
"There is no renewal agreement with Roger. Our focus is on the end of the Brazilian Championship and this matter will be dealt with calmly later on with Joel. Especially because his situation is a little different than that of Fábio Luciano, as Roger is tied to Corinthians," said the director.
The midfielder's contract with Flamengo ends in December and to remain at Gávea, Rubro-Negro needs to pay R$500 to Corinthians.
Jaílton wants to score more goals for Fla
Known as a pitbull midfielder by coach Joel Santana, defensive midfielder Jaílton has one more reason to be confident in Sunday's match against América-RN.
In addition to the good match he played against Grêmio, when he returned to the team filling in for the injured Rômulo, the athlete scored his only goal wearing a Flamengo shirt against the opponent, in the first round of the Brazilian Championship.
In a good mood, despite the storm that flooded Gávea yesterday, the player warned that if he gets another opportunity he will score again in the Northeast.
"My role on the team is to protect the defense and cover the full-backs' runs. But if I have the opportunity to attack, I'll calibrate my foot to hit a beautiful shot like I did in the first game, there in Juiz de Fora. Who knows, maybe the ball will go in again," joked Jaílton, who seems quite happy to be back playing in the Northeast, since he's from Sergipe.
Íbson, a Flamengo player, is a Colorado dream
Íbson has a contract until 2009, but Inter is already watching
Flamengo's recovery is already attracting the attention of other clubs. Yesterday, it was Abel Braga, the coach of Internacional, the reigning world champion, who praised his midfielder Ibson.
In the experienced coach's view, the midfielder is the best player in the championship, even admitting that he would like to take him to the South.
Upon learning the information, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, rejected any possibility of losing one of his best players.
"We intend to extend Ibson's contract here for a while longer. We'll do everything we can to make that happen. If Abel wants him at Inter, I want Gisele Bündchen too," the director quipped.
Ibson is the symbol of the team's surge in this final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. He was decisive in some important matches, such as against São Paulo and Vasco. Last Sunday, he also left his mark on the crucial victory over Grêmio, a direct rival in the fight for the Libertadores.
Ibson's contract with Flamengo expires on June 30, 2008. The midfielder's federation rights belong to Porto, and there's a possibility the Flamengo club will involve a player in the negotiations. One of them could be Renato Augusto.
General Joel Santana's HQ
The coach is preparing a war action to face América-RN, Sunday, at Machadão
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
If the rain that fell yesterday in Rio served to expose some of the city's shortcomings, for Flamengo it also washed away all the problems the team had faced throughout the year.
And to finally exorcise any chance of relegation—even if it's virtually zero at the moment—Rubro-Negro will need to beat América-RN, the league's bottom team. Although the match may seem easy, the coach is preparing his players for a real battle at Machadão.
"It's going to be a terrible game for us. It's the first opportunity we have to get over the 50-point barrier, which would give us some better plans going forward. These three points will be crucial to getting a team that's been struggling for six months out of trouble. Things are looking good now, but they can get even better. We're not going to Natal for tourism. We're focused at headquarters, preparing at the training camp, and we're going into a real battle," Joel said.
But Commander Natalino's preparation for this upcoming "war" was hampered by a factor beyond human control: bad weather. Because the Gávea pitch was unplayable, full of puddles, yesterday's tactical training session had to be changed to physical training in the gym. The coach was left with nothing but regret.
"Of course, the rain messed up our schedule. We had planned a tactical training session for today (yesterday) and a technical training session for tomorrow (today). There was no need to expose the players to unnecessary risks of injury. But this won't make us lose our rhythm," he stated.
Joel also took the opportunity to project a possible score for Flamengo to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. He believes that if they reach 60 points, the Rubro-Negro will virtually secure their place in next year's South American competition. However, to achieve this goal, six more battles are planned until the end of the Brazilian Championship. At the end of these battles, it will be known whether Flamengo has won. The mission begins on Sunday against América-RN.
Flamengo vs Vasco: the big game postponed
Without a suitable gym, the clubs decide to wait for a better date for the classic
Rafael Oliveira
Rio basketball fans will have to wait a little longer to watch the match between Flamengo and Vasco. The match, which was scheduled for next Sunday, has been postponed until November 21st.
The good news is that Maracanãzinho, reopened for the Pan-American Games, will host the derby in both rounds. The second-half match will take place even earlier than the postponed one: on the 16th. The decision, made by executives from both clubs, was announced Wednesday night.
The reason given by the board of directors of Rubro-negro, the club that has home court advantage, was the lack of available gymnasiums to hold the Sunday match at the scheduled time, 11 am.
The initial plan was for the game to be played at Maracanãzinho Stadium itself. However, the stadium is hosting an event sponsored by the State Department of Health, which runs until Saturday, and will not be ready in time to host the classic.
Because this is a matchup between the two largest fan bases in the state, the red-and-blacks considered using the Multipurpose Arena as the venue. However, the company that manages the gymnasium stated that it will only be selling tickets for events taking place after December 1st.
The other option would be the Tijuca Tennis Club. The match could even be played on the Tijuca club's courts, but only at 17 p.m., a scenario rejected by Gávea's basketball director, Arnaldo Szpiro.
The manager believes that if the match were held at this time, there would be no spectators present.
"Tijuca only accepted at 17 p.m., right in the middle of Flamengo and Vasco's soccer games. They didn't want to host both sets of fans and proposed this time knowing they wouldn't show up. If the idea of the championship is to bring fans back, it's inconsistent to hold a derby without an audience."
Benefit\ The change of match could end up benefiting Vasco. With a packed week ahead, the Cruzmaltino would arrive at the game against their archrivals exhausted. But the red-and-black coach said he wasn't worried.\
"I don't know if this would really be an advantage. With such a busy week, the Vasco fans could come at us with their adrenaline high and surprise us."
Flamengo finishes second in the State Judo Championship
Flamengo took second place overall in the medal table at the Individual and Absolute State Judo Championships. The competition took place last weekend at the Maracanãzinho gymnasium. Flamengo players from all categories achieved strong results, finishing second with a total of 2 medals (2 gold, 85 silver, and 17 bronze). Instituto Reação was the State champion with 14 medals (11 gold, 122 silver, and 24 bronze).
Maria Helena Braun
By Letter
Lesson for 2008
Maria Helena Braun mbraun@jsports.com.br
The Brazilian Championship had barely begun, and Flamengo fans were already feeling the first effects of the massacre that would last for months. The team had already made its debut in the relegation zone. "This year we won't get through." "We won't get out of here now!" said rival fans, who would give anything to see the circus go up in flames in Gávea—that is, to see Flamengo relegated to the second division.
Botafogo fans looked back at the rest of Rio's fans. The team from General Severiano was playing like a dream, dazzling, and leading the Brasileirão. Vasco and Fluminense were holding their own in mid-table positions, alternating between good and bad moments, but nothing compared to the bleak horizon looming for the red-and-black crowd. Flamengo was the punching bag, the object of irony.
But football is football, especially in a long championship like the Brazilian Championship. Wise are those who always say in the early rounds that it's all just an illusion. And it turned out that way. The "relegated" Flamengo, the target of so much disbelief and foreboding, has risen from the ashes and is already the best team in Rio.
You might be thinking: big deal, being the best in Rio. That doesn't mean anything. Yes, it might. But for the fans who break records after records in stadiums and make Flamengo the club with the highest attendance in the competition, it means a lot. The fans, unlike anything seen in a long time, played the role of the twelfth man, pushing the team forward, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, like any good marriage. And, who would have thought, Flamengo is already fighting for the Libertadores, with a 25% chance.
This is all very good, everything is going very well, but the club cannot be satisfied with the unexpected performance of the last few rounds. Flamengo cannot spend another year, another championship in 2008, fighting a constant battle against relegation. To do so, it needs to strengthen a team that is already considered average to good. The performance against Grêmio showed a well-oiled team, passing the ball quickly, with objectivity, an incredible sense of marking, not letting the Gauchos breathe... in short, a team on the rise technically. So it is necessary to maintain this foundation and bring in some players who will form a good 22-man squad for 2008.
O Dia
Flamengo: Watch out for the zebra
Joel uses tennis and Formula 1 as examples to avoid complacency
Marluci Martins
Rio - Coach Joel Santana plays tennis in his spare time, but he doesn't want any intimacy between Flamengo and Roger Federer, his idol. If he's going to look for someone to model himself on, he should choose a winner: driver Kimi Raikkonen, of whom he's also a fan.
In a week when underdogs have been roaming the sports world, the already relegated América-RN, the worst team in the Brasileirão, is capable of causing a stir. In the pre-match talk for Sunday's game in Natal, Joel will try to give the underdog a kick to prevent his team from slipping up now, with six laps remaining in the championship.
To confirm the theory that favoritism doesn't win games, Flamengo's coach was inspired yesterday by Kimi Raikkonen's unexpected victory in the F1 World Championship and David Nalbandian's in the Madrid Masters Series:
"In motorsports and tennis, the favorites didn't win. In fact, Raikkonen wasn't mentioned all season. They forgot the guy was there. I'll use this in the team talk, because we can't lose focus."
Of the two underdogs that paraded through the sports world, Joel liked one: "I wanted Federer to win, because he's cool and crystalline, like all Swiss. But I liked Raikkonen's victory, as he's from the same team as a Brazilian (Felipe Massa's Ferrari)."
RAIN HASSLED
Because of yesterday's rain, the Gávea field, which was full of water, was closed. Tactical training was canceled, and the players were limited to working out in the weight room. "Of course, this is disruptive, as we changed the schedule," lamented Joel Santana.
Abel Braga wants to take Ibson from Flamengo in 2008
Rio - Midfielder Ibson is Internacional's newest addition to the 2008 season. This was stated by coach Abel Braga, who, this Wednesday, highlighted the Flamengo player as the main highlight of this year's Brazilian Championship.
According to the Colorado coach, the player's progress since returning to Brazil from Benfica, Portugal, has been impressive.
"For me, Ibson is the best player in this Brazilian Championship," said Abel.
Sports Gazette
Leonardo Moura stands out and guarantees victory against América-RN\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - One of Flamengo's key weapons in securing a victory against América-RN will be right-back Leonardo Moura, who has shown great attacking potential in this Brazilian Championship. While agreeing with Joel Santana and avoiding belittling his already relegated rival, the player isn't thinking of anything other than a win, as the Rubro-Negro still dreams of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. "We're going to Natal thinking about victory, to climb further up the table. We respect América, but we have to focus solely on a positive result. It will be a tough game, because América plays without taking responsibility for their current situation. Flamengo, on the other hand, has to focus on winning another away game, because it will be very important," said Leonardo Moura.
Having turned 29 last Tuesday, Leonardo Moura still hopes to catch the attention of Brazil's national team coach, Dunga. "I have to keep working to be remembered. Playing for a team like Flamengo helps a lot because of the visibility. The important thing is to maintain this good form so that when the opportunity arises, I'm ready," commented the full-back.
Flamengo's party - While Leonado Moura is thinking about the Brazilian national team, Flamengo's board has already started selling tickets for the match against Corinthians on October 31st. Leading the average attendance in the Brazilian Championship, the team from Gávea is once again hoping for a massive attendance of its fans.
Joel Santana preaches respect for América-RN
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Despite facing a rival already relegated from the Brazilian Championship, Joel Santana preaches respect for América-RN, this weekend's opponent, and recalls some recent surprises in the sport, such as the defeat of the world's best tennis player, Roger Federer, in Madrid and the Formula 1 title won by Finland's Kimi Raikkonen. "There's no such thing as an easy game in soccer. And in other sports, you can also see that the favorite doesn't always win. In motorsports, the winners weren't the ones expected to win, just like in tennis. We'll face América-RN with all possible respect. It will be a tough game, on their opponent's field. Despite their recent losses, their team performed well away from home, against Inter and Atlético-PR," the red-and-black coach emphasized.
Before becoming a coach, Joel Santana spent the final part of his playing career with América-RN, a club he says he has a lot of affection for. That's why the legendary coach surprised everyone by even asking the Rio Grande do Norte club's fans to support Flamengo.
"I expect a full stadium, with both Flamengo and América fans. I played there for four years and was the team captain. América fans could definitely lend a hand by cheering for our team, too, since there are a lot of Flamengo fans in Natal," said Joel.
Flamengo cancels training due to storm\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Seeking another victory in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo saw its schedule disrupted this Wednesday morning due to the storm that hit Rio de Janeiro. Coach Joel Santana opted to cancel the tactical training session scheduled for Gávea. "Our training session was going to be different. We were supposed to do a tactical training session today (Wednesday) and tomorrow (Thursday), a physical training session, and a technical training session. But we were forced to change our schedule because it would be inhumane to take the players out on the field in these conditions. This rain really messed things up," explained the Flamengo coach.
Unable to go to the field, the red-and-black players only performed physical exercises in the Gávea weight room. Therefore, Joel Santana is not expected to lead the first ball training session of the week until this Thursday.
Initially, the only change for the match against América-RN, scheduled for this weekend, is expected to be the return of left-back Juan, who served an automatic suspension against Grêmio. This means Egídio returns to the bench. Midfielder Renato Augusto is still unsure of his place on the bench. He complains of lower back pain and is undergoing intensive treatment.
JUNIORS - And the heavy rain that fell in Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday also ended up affecting Flamengo's youth team. With the Gávea field unfit for play, Flamengo was unable to face Nova Iguaçu in the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament. A new date for the match is yet to be set by the Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation.
Bad weather also caused the cancellation of the interview Flamengo's marketing department was scheduled to hold this Wednesday in Gávea. At the event, the club was scheduled to present a project it claims is innovative for retailing licensed products.
PeléNet
For Flamengo coach, the game against América-RN will be terrible
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
With 49 points, Flamengo is fighting for a spot in the next Copa Libertadores. And for that, there's no better way to do it than to face América-RN, already relegated, this Sunday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) in Natal, for the 33rd round of the Brazilian Championship. But, according to coach Joel Santana, the atmosphere can't be one of hype.
"In the world of football, you have to be careful. In F1, the favorite (Lewis Hamilton) didn't win, the same thing happened in tennis (Swiss Roger Federer lost the Madrid Masters Series final to Argentina's David Nalbandian). It's going to be a tough match, a terrible game. It's worth it like the championship, because a win puts us in the 50-point range and we'll definitely escape relegation. We're not going to get carried away by that wave," he stressed.
On Tuesday, Joel Santana asked for support from América-RN fans. According to the club's manager, unity should prevail in the stadium.
"We're having a good campaign in the Brazilian Championship. For all these reasons, América-RN fans should help us. And I believe that will be possible. We're not appealing," he said.
Fábio Luciano says he sacrificed himself for Flamengo
From the Placar Agency\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The grit, a characteristic present in most Flamengo players, seems to have rubbed off on defender Fábio Luciano as well. Proof of this is that the captain admitted to playing a tough game in the Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Grêmio on Sunday at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship.
The player admitted to feeling pain in his right thigh, but said the sacrifice was worth it. With the victory, the Gávea team reached 49 points (sixth place) and entered the fight for one of the Copa Libertadores spots.
"We need to help each other. This sacrifice was necessary, because we are fighting for something bigger," he said, guaranteeing he is ready for the match against América-RN, on Sunday, in Natal.
"I don't think I'll be a problem for this game. We'll work hard for another victory," he concluded.
BalloonSport
Rain disrupts Rio teams
Flooding and road closures could jeopardize Vasco's game
Lots of water and no ball. Rain prevents tactical training at Flamengo.
Tactical training postponed, improvised activities, and last-minute changes. The rain that has been lashing Rio since Tuesday night hasn't spared the soccer clubs either. Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo continued to work, but were hampered by the bad weather.
In Gávea, Joel Santana planned to lead a tactical training session on Wednesday morning to prepare the team for the match against América-RN on Sunday in Natal. With the Gávea field flooded, the players only did exercises in the weight room and were released. The coach complained, but doesn't see any major problems.
"Because the field is flooded, it's not a good idea to force the player. Training would be different. I'd have to lead a tactical team. But that won't hinder our team," he says.
Flamengo players had no trouble getting to the club, as most of them live in Barra da Tijuca and do not use the Rebouças Tunnel, which is closed due to landslides.
Fluminense
The ball didn't roll at the Laranjeiras field either. The storm hampered coach Renato Gaúcho, and the athletes were forced to retreat to the João Coelho Neto Gymnasium. The physical work didn't dampen the athletes' good spirits.
- We were able to do some good physical work, which was even more relaxed for some, like me, who didn't come from futsal and was able to play a little - says Arouca, who left home, in Barra da Tijuca, West Zone of Rio, at 7 am, and arrived at the club an hour and a half later.
Botafogo
The Alvinegro team planned to train at Caio Martins Stadium in Niterói, but changed their schedule to General Severiano Stadium in Botafogo, but were unable to play football due to the wet field. Like the coaches of the Fla-Flu duo, Cuca could only get his players to work in the weight room. The physical trainer, Riva Carli, demanded a lot from the athletes.
Vasco\ About to take the field for the Copa Sudamericana, Vasco still doesn't know the condition of the pitch at São Januário. The team will face América-MEX. According to the press office of the municipal transportation department, no decision that would compromise the match has been made, but the situation in São Cristóvão, the neighborhood where the stadium is located, is worrying. The streets in the area were flooded this morning (watch the video below).\
Rain also harms juniors
The Flamengo vs. Nova Iguaçu and Fluminense vs. Portuguesa matches were canceled due to rain on Wednesday. The Flamengo youth team match, scheduled to be held in Gávea, has yet to be scheduled. The match between the Tricolor youth team and the Flamengo youth team has been postponed until Thursday at 15 p.m. at the Vale das Laranjeiras Training Center in Xerém.
Rain disrupts Fla and Flu juniors
The Rubro-Negro match has no date. The Tricolor match has been postponed.
The Flamengo vs. Nova Iguaçu and Fluminense vs. Portuguesa matches were canceled due to heavy rains in Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday. The Flamengo youth team match, scheduled to be held in Gávea, has yet to be scheduled. The match between the Tricolor youth team and the Flamengo youth team has been postponed until tomorrow at 15 p.m. at the Vale das Laranjeiras Training Center in Xerém.
The Gávea field was unfit for play due to the rain that battered the city. Most of the players managed to reach Gávea, despite all the traffic disruptions, which were severely hampered by the closure of the Rebouças Tunnel. The starting lineup is training this afternoon in the weight room.
The match between Fluminense and Portuguesa was scheduled to take place this Wednesday at 15:30 p.m. at Presidente Manoel Schwartz Stadium. The match, which is part of the second round of the return leg of the Octávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament, has been moved to the Vale das Laranjeiras Training Center in Xerém and will take place at 15 p.m. this Thursday.
'Indiana Joel Jones' wants to overcome obstacles
Coach lists obstacles that Fla will face in Natal on Sunday to continue its rise
Marcio Iannacca and Eduardo Peixoto
Facing the bottom team away from home, for many, is synonymous with securing three points. But Flamengo is preparing for the match against América-RN in Natal as if it were a championship final.
Coach Joel Santana is worried about the match. After three consecutive wins, the Rubro-Negro team has moved into sixth place in the Brazilian Championship with 49 points, and the pro-Libertadores wave has invaded Gávea.
"I don't let anything get to me. When I was hired, I was given the mission of getting the team out of the relegation zone. We still need one point to think about that," the coach declares.
The concern about the hoopla is evident. Wednesday and Thursday's training sessions are scheduled for the morning. In other words, no players out late. The trip to Natal also takes place early Friday. All this to ensure "Indiana Joel Jones" keeps Flamengo in contention for a Libertadores spot.
Check out the obstacles Joel wants to overcome:\ High heels. The coach remembers that, despite being relegated, América-RN is a dangerous team and has made its recent defeats costly.\
A complicated trip. The weather in Rio de Janeiro is rainy this week, and the sun is shining brightly in the capital of Rio Grande do Norte. Flamengo wants to arrive early in Natal on Friday to ease the adjustment. The departure time (15 p.m. local time and 16 p.m. Brasília time) is also causing concern due to the intense heat.
Harassment in Natal. Flamengo, a prominent and beloved team in the Northeast, is expected to be welcomed with a party at the airport and hotel. Despite being located near the city center, the coaching staff is developing a strategy to avoid overexposure of the players.
Suspended. Flamengo has eight players with two yellow cards (Bruno, Leo Moura, Angelim, Rodrigo Arroz, Egídio, Renato Augusto, Jaílton, Ibson, and Souza), and a flurry of cards could hurt the team in the next game against Corinthians.
Roger close to renewing for three years
The board expresses interest in keeping the midfielder and needs to pay R$500 to Timão
Marcio Iannacca and Eduardo Peixoto
Despite not having shone yet, Roger should remain at Mengão
Midfielder Roger is very close to signing a new contract with Flamengo. The Flamengo board has until the end of November to express its interest in keeping the athlete, which it has already done, and to make a payment of R$500 to Corinthians to retain the player. The number 8's contract will be extended for another two years, ending at the end of 2009.
Roger has played little for Flamengo due to physical problems. In recent matches, coach Joel Santana called him up for a bench role. However, he hasn't played in any of the matches.
Last month, vice president of football Kléber Leite stated that Roger is a long-term investment.
- We want to keep Roger for a long time - said the manager.
STJD postpones session due to heavy rains
Thursday's trials still have no date set to take place
The Supreme Court of Sports Justice postponed Thursday's trial session due to disruptions caused by heavy rains and the resulting closure of many airports across the country.
The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) secretariat has not yet announced a new date for the hearing. One of the trials would be against Flamengo, due to the fans throwing cups of water onto the field during the derby against Vasco.
Carvalho: 'Time to discuss running points'
Club of 13 director confirms intention to reevaluate current competition format
Current financial director of the Club of 13, former Inter president Fernando Carvalho confirmed this Wednesday that the format for competing in the Brazilian Championship may undergo changes starting in 2009. According to the director, the entity that defends the interests of the 20 biggest clubs in the country should begin discussing the issue starting in the second half of November, after the election of the president for the next term.
"At this point, there's nothing in the works yet. But, after five years of the points-based competition, it's time for the clubs to sit down and discuss whether the championship will continue in this format or whether we'll adopt a new format, with semifinals and a final. As soon as the election for the Club of 13 is decided, this type of thing will be discussed with the clubs and the CBF," Carvallho told the website "clicRBS" by phone.
"Internacional participated in two finals, the Libertadores and the World Cup, and we enjoyed the atmosphere"
Fernando Carvalho, former president of Inter
The former Colorado director reveals that behind the scenes at the organization, some clubs have already expressed their position on the matter, but that the majority, including himself, still have doubts about the best way to organize the competition.
"Atlético-PR understands that it should be a points system. Vasco believes it should be a knockout system. Personally, in the original vote, I opted for a points system, which provides greater stability for management. But at the same time, the knockout system generates greater interest for the public. Today, I have doubts about the best system, especially because Internacional participated in two finals, the Libertadores and the World Cup, and we enjoyed that atmosphere," he said.
Carvalho also denied the possibility of the change in format being an attempt to end São Paulo's dominance, as it is on track to win its second consecutive title. According to the director, what happens in European championships, for example, where two or three clubs with the largest fan base and investment power take turns winning the title, shouldn't happen in Brazil.
"I think this is an argument that can be used, but I also don't think it is, because we're in the fifth edition and only now will there be a second championship. If we maintain the current revenue system, especially the system of club compensation based on popular demand, we can have competitive clubs and each year one or another will become champion," he opines.
Power Struggle at the Thirteen Club
Carvalho, who has been a direct associate of the Club of 13 president Fábio Koff since leaving Inter's board, also commented on the rift within the organization. Last week, Flamengo, São Paulo, Botafogo, Cruzeiro, and Atlético-MG announced their withdrawal from the association, citing a supposed lack of democracy in decision-making and the unfair distribution of television broadcasting revenue.
"This is a power grab, especially on the part of Flamengo and São Paulo, which in internal discussions always adopt isolated positions that contradict the will of the majority. They tried to seduce several clubs with a rhetoric of democracy and broader participation, only to do exactly the opposite: have eight clubs decide the management of the Club of 13, removing that power from the General Assembly. It was against this that 15 of the 20 members of the Club of 13 opposed it," he states.
Fábio Luciano: 'My heart is red and black'
Defender says he wants to stay at the club in 2008, but prefers not to go into details
Marcio Iannacca and Eduardo Peixoto
Fábio Luciano celebrates one of Flamengo's goals in the match against Grêmio\ Defender Fábio Luciano is willing to stay at Flamengo in 2008. The player admitted that he intends to stay in Rio de Janeiro, but preferred not to go into details about a possible contract renewal with the red-black team.\
Fábio Luciano's contract with Flamengo runs until the end of the year, and Flamengo's board wants to extend his contract for two more seasons. The defender is the captain of coach Joel Santana's team and one of the standout performers in the team's recovery in the Brazilian Championship.
"The idea is to stay. Today, my heart is red and black. These are the colors of the club I defend. But I don't want to lose focus. I had a quick conversation with the board and I'm happy here," says Fábio Luciano, who anticipates a quick negotiation.
"The transfer is mine and it will be a smooth negotiation. I don't want to leave the country and my goal is to stay at Flamengo," he says.
Mecão fan promises fireworks show
Attitude would be one of the ways to protest against statements made by Joel Santana, from Fla
There's widespread outrage among América de Natal fans following statements by Flamengo coach Joel Santana, who called for the hosts' support in this Sunday's match. Fan Augusto Varella, responsible for the fireworks display at the Flamengo team's entrance to Machadão Stadium, is urging fans to purchase the stickers being sold in the club's gift shop. All proceeds will go toward purchasing fireworks.
"The América fans have to give Joel Santana an answer. Let's fill the Machadão stadium. Let's buy stickers so we can have a great fireworks display on Sunday. Let's react and show the strength of the Mecão fans," Augusto urges, according to the club's official website.
Obina presents his number 1 fan\ Anjo Negro celebrates Eduardo's birthday at Fla's futsal school, in Gávea\
Obina attends 11-year-old Eduardo's birthday party
After being so often pampered and praised by Flamengo fans, Obina reciprocated the red-and-blacks' affection by giving a hug to a young fan. Eleven-year-old Eduardo, considered the Black Angel's number one fan, received an unforgettable gift on his birthday. The Bahian striker attended the boy's party, held this Wednesday at the club's futsal court in Gávea.
One of Obina's friends, present at the boy's birthday, revealed that Eduardo was moved by the presence of the Black Angel.
"He said Obina is like a hero to him. The kid even said he's Obina's number one fan. Very cool," says Carlinhos, who accompanies the Bahian in Rio de Janeiro.
Obina receives a piece of cake from the boy Eduardo, who turned 11 this Wednesday
The defeats of Lewis Hamilton, who lost the Formula 1 championship at Interlagos to Kimi Raikkonen, and Roger Federer, who succumbed to Argentina's David Nalbandian in the Madrid Masters Series, will serve as an example for Flamengo. Coach Joel Santana doesn't want to see his players repeat the mistakes of those athletes, who ended up defeated by their rivals last Sunday.
For Joel Santana, who admits to using the example of the two athletes in his pre-match talk before Sunday's match against América-RN in Natal, the team can't assume that their rival is already relegated and that Flamengo already has the three points. According to the coach, they need to be extra vigilant.
"We can't relax. We saw this week that favorites don't always win, with Federer and Hamilton's losses. We have to pay full attention to the game. Our position in the standings is good, but Flamengo deserves an excellent position. Of course, I'll mention that in the team's pre-match talk," says Joel.
When asked about sports, Joel revealed that he usually plays tennis, but that he's not a good player. When it comes to putting the pedal to the metal, the coach is serious.
"I always drive at the limit. I don't push too hard," says the coach.
Pain doesn't leave Fla players
Fábio Luciano says that almost all athletes complain of physical problems
Marcio Iannacca and Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana says almost all players feel pain. Renato Augusto leaves Gávea limping, Fábio Luciano complains of problems with his right thigh. This is what the end of the year is like. Almost no Flamengo player is pain-free, whether mild, moderate, or severe.
That's why coach Joel Santana wants to take advantage of the busy week leading up to Sunday's match against América-RN to get his players back on track. On a chaotic Wednesday in Rio de Janeiro, under the rain, the players worked out in the weight room.
"It's difficult to get a player 100% on the field. We had two or three cases like that in the last game. Jaílton, Fábio Luciano, Bruno... If I were to keep talking, I wouldn't stop. But it's time to sacrifice," says coach Joel Santana.
In the match against Grêmio, Fábio Luciano said he was "banned" by the medical department. But he doesn't see anything wrong with the behavior. In the locker room, conversations always turn to the topic of "a little pain."
"It's hard to find a player now, at the end of the year, who doesn't complain about something. But I have a type of pain that will allow me to play," declares the red-and-black captain.
Mysterious pains
There are those whose pain never goes away. Striker Leonardo, for example, complained of problems in his shin, ankle, and thigh.
- He is undergoing tests - says doctor Walter Martins.
For Abel, Ibson is the best in the Brasileirão
The coach already worked with the midfielder at Fla in 2004, when they were Carioca champions
Ibson is Abel Braga's dream for next season
With the peace of mind born of the certainty that they won't be relegated, Inter is already starting to plan for 2008. The idea is to have a season very different from the current one. And coach Abel Braga is already starting to think about the team. This Wednesday, he made several projections in a press conference at Beira-Rio. In one of them, he revealed a dream: counting on Flamengo player Ibson.
For Abel, the midfielder is the best player in the Brazilian Championship. The coach said he would love to have him in the second half of next year, when the athlete's contract with the Rubro-Negro ends. Ibson is currently on loan at Flamengo. He belongs to Porto, in Portugal. The coach and athlete worked together in 2004, at Flamengo, and won the Campeonato Carioca. It was Abelão who rescued Ibson from oblivion at Gávea.
The coach also commented on the situations of Fernandão and Iarley. He doubts the captain will leave Beira-Rio, but he doesn't say the same about the number 10. Abel believes Iarley could accept an offer from abroad to strengthen his financial situation, as he gained prominence in football somewhat late.
Throw
Flamengo's 100th only with Obina and Romário
Baiano is proud to know about the coincidence with Baixinho
With the 100 on their backs, only Obina and Romário (Credit: Júlio Césa Guimarães)
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Get in touch. Idol, he wore Flamengo's number 100 jersey and won the Guanabara Cup and the State Championship with the Rubro-Negro. Romário? Same, but besides the two titles mentioned above, only Obina—at Gávea since 2005, while Baixinho played from 1995 to 1999—has worn the number 100 jersey and already has a Copa do Brasil under his belt.
"Did Romário also wear the number 100? It's a source of pride to know. And I'm very flattered by that and by the things that happen to me at Flamengo," declared the Black Angel, visibly surprised.
Romário, who scored 204 goals in his 240 games for Flamengo, wore the red-and-black number 100 in honor of the club's centenary.
Obina, in turn, wore the 100 due to a gift he received from the club, which symbolizes the hundredth game he played wearing the Gávea club's shirt, last Sunday, in the red-black's 2-0 victory over Grêmio.
- I think Kléber Leite saw my importance and ended up giving me 100. However, on Sunday, the most important thing was Flamengo's victory over Grêmio - he assured.
Fast
Having not scored in three Brasileirão games, Obina, who has 32 goals in 100 games for Flamengo, is looking to end the drought in the next round, against América-RN.
"I always try to score goals, but unfortunately, the goalkeepers are doing a great job of stopping my shots. In the next game, I'll try to score a goal," concluded the 24-year-old from Bahia.
Fábio Luciano would like to stay at Fla
Defender says he will only discuss renewal after the Brazilian Championship
With a contract with Flamengo until the end of the year, Fábio Luciano hasn't yet begun discussions about a renewal. Team captain and well-respected by the fans, the defender said he would like to stay at the club but doesn't want to discuss the matter now:
"I'm not thinking about going back to Europe anymore. I've already experienced a lot there, and that's enough for me. I hope to stay at Flamengo next year, but I'll only discuss that after the championship. I'm happy here," he said.
Fábio Luciano has played 16 matches for Flamengo and has already scored two goals, against Náutico and Paraná.
Joel Santana regrets lost training
Heavy rain disrupts preparations for the match against América-RN
Flamengo coach Joel Santana deeply regretted the change in the club's plans. The rain that fell in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday morning prevented the team from training normally. With the field flooded, the Flamengo squad only did physical training in the weight room.
"Our training was supposed to be tactical. Tomorrow (Thursday), we were supposed to do physical and technical training, defense against attack, but we changed it because of the rain. We wanted to complete the training, because next week we have games on Sunday and Wednesday," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
The coach made it clear that Flamengo's favoritism for the match against América-RN, on Sunday, in Natal, is no guarantee of victory.
"This week has happened in Formula 1 and tennis. The favorite doesn't always come out on top. It's a tough game, and we're very interested in getting past the 50-point barrier, which will keep us out of the relegation zone, put us in the Copa Sudamericana, and give us the dream of the Copa Libertadores in the future."
Abel wants Ibson, from Flamengo, at Beira-Rio
Internacional coach said that the midfielder is the best in the Brazilian league
Ibson is on loan to Flamengo until July 2008
A self-confessed fan of midfielder Ibson, in whom he saw exceptional growth in Flamengo's return to European football, Internacional coach Abel Braga said this Wednesday that he will fight to sign the player in July 2008, when his loan from Porto to the Rio de Janeiro club ends.
- For me, Ibson is the best player in this Brazilian Championship - said Abel.
The Colorado manager admitted that Internacional needs two reinforcements for next season: a right-back and a right-midfielder.
- I've already spoken to a player - said the coach.
Joel remembers the weekend's upsets
Coach cites Hamilton and Federer to warn Flamengo team
Flamengo coach Joel Santana continues to warn his team to be careful in the match against the bottom of the Brazilian Championship, América-RN, this Sunday, at Machadão.
"You have to be careful in sports. In Formula 1, the favorite lost (Lewis Hamilton lost the title to Kimi Raikkonen). In tennis, Federer, who was the favorite, also lost. It's going to be a tough match, and the final part of the competition is approaching, where we'll decide what we'll compete for," the coach told Rádio Globo.
Midfielder Ibson dreams of the National Team
Player hopes to spark interest from coach Dunga
LANCEPRESS!
A standout for Flamengo and one of the key players behind the club's late surge in the Brazilian Championship, midfielder Ibson is aiming for bigger dreams. With his convincing performances, his goal now is to earn coach Dunga's trust and be called up to the Brazilian national team.
radio l! - Like every player dreams, the goal is to be called up to the Brazilian national team. I've been working hard at my club, putting in good performances. I hope I can continue like this - he said hopefully. (click and listen)
Despite still being young, Ibson has experience in European football, specifically at Porto in Portugal, as an ally. However, his memories of that period are not very fond.
radio l! - It was a very bad time for me, where I had two injuries. I had a good preseason, but the coach changed and he took me off the team. I'm sad to know that the coach didn't count on me and thought I didn't fit into his game plan - he declared.
Fábio Luciano praises Flamengo's greatness
Rubro-Negro's winning streak was highlighted on FIFA's website
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Get in touch Flamengo's winning streak in the Brazilian Championship even made headlines on FIFA's website last Tuesday. And according to defender Fabio Luciano, this is due to the club's greatness.
"Flamengo is a big company and will always make headlines. It's great to have your work recognized by such a large organization," the defender stated.
The Gávea team returns to the field next Sunday, against América-RN, at Machadão, for the Brasileirão.
Storm disrupts Flamengo's physical training
Rubro-Negro faces América-RN next Saturday
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Due to the storm that hit Rio de Janeiro this Wednesday, Flamengo players performed a quick physical training session at the Gávea gym instead of on the field as planned. The pitch at the Flamengo headquarters is flooded.
Flamengo is preparing for the decisive match against América-RN next Sunday at Machadão Stadium, in the 33rd round of the Brazilian Championship. Fighting for a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores, the team needs a win to prevent its direct rivals from gaining an advantage.
Coach Joel Santana will be without Rômulo, who suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in his right knee in the match against Vasco da Gama on the 18th and will undergo surgery on the area this Thursday. Another possible absence is Renato Augusto, who suffered a contusion in his right piriformis muscle, in the gluteal region, while attempting a shot on goal last Sunday against Grêmio.
Flamengo's juniors' game is canceled
Heavy rain damaged the Gávea field, where the match was to be held
LANCEPRESS!\ The Flamengo juniors' game against Nova Iguaçu, for the Oatávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG), which was scheduled to take place this Wednesday, has been cancelled.\
The match was supposed to be played in Gávea, but the field is not in good condition due to the heavy rain that hit Rio de Janeiro this morning.
The date of the new departure has not yet been set.