The Globe
With 12 games remaining, Fla is unable to distance itself from the relegation zone.
The next three matches, all at Maracanã, take on the air of finals.
Mauricio Fonseca
The rounds go by, and Flamengo can't seem to pull away from the relegation zone. On Sunday, the team let a victory over Juventude slip away after having twice taken the lead. Had they won, they would have 36 points and could breathe a sigh of relief. But with the draw, the situation remains dire. With 12 games remaining, the team sits in 14th place with 34 points, one point ahead of Corinthians, who are in the relegation zone.
The pressure is immense and is already beginning to affect the players' emotions. After all, every Flamengo game is a decisive one. This will be the case on Saturday, when the team returns to Maracanã to face Atlético-MG, a direct rival in the relegation battle.
"The pressure is strong. Every game we play is a matter of life and death. It's incredibly stressful. We have to recover our good performance at Maracanã to get out of this unpleasant situation," said full-back Juan, one of the team's standouts, yesterday upon landing at Tom Jobim Airport.
The team's top scorer in the Brazilian Championship with five goals, alongside fellow full-back Leonardo Moura, Juan recalled that Flamengo is in this situation, in large part, due to the poor performance it has had in games away from Rio.
For Joel, the next games will be decisive
The team only managed one victory (3-1 against Goiás), on May 20th, in the first match it played away from Maracanã. After that, it played 11 more times, losing six and drawing five matches:
- We need to win away from Rio too. Otherwise, every home game will continue to be crazy.
Coach Joel Santana has also expressed his discomfort with the situation. But, as manager, he can't show concern. Yesterday, he reiterated that anyone who plays for Flamengo must be prepared to deal with pressure. But he later admitted that the next three games—Atlético-MG, São Paulo, and Fluminense—all at Maracanã, will be decisive.
- We have to think about now and now are the three games we will play at Maracanã. Until we reach 50 points, no one talks about the future - said Joel.
Goalkeeper Bruno, one of the team's leaders, is counting on the fans' support to help Flamengo take off and avoid relegation once and for all. He believes the strength of the stands will be crucial in the next three games.
"The time to take off is now. We have to take advantage of this sequence of games in Rio. If we leave it until the end, it will be much more difficult. The pressure will become unbearable," he warns.
Flamengo wants Marcelinho
Flamengo's vice-president of Olympic Sports, Patrícia Amorim, confirmed the proposal made to the Brazilian national team's shooting guard Marcelinho, for him to defend his beloved club for 27 months, until December 2009. She is waiting for the player's yes, who would play at Gávea alongside his brother Duda.
For a place in the relay
Jade Barbosa and Thiago Pereira compete in the election to carry the Olympic flame
Claudio Nogueira
Two stars of the new generation of Brazilian sports are vying for a place on a different podium. Gymnast Jade Barbosa and swimmer Thiago Pereira—after brilliant performances at the Pan American Games—are the two candidates to represent Brazil in the torch relay for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The Olympic flame will pass through Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 11, when the chosen Brazilian athlete will participate in the event on behalf of the country.
Voting, which runs until October 10th, is only available through the website www.carregueatocha.com.br. A person can vote more than once. The results will be announced on October 15th on the same website.
Torch journey begins on March 25th in Athens
The Brazilian torch relay selection process is being promoted by one of the official sponsors of the Beijing Olympics. Since the company in Brazil has the right to nominate a candidate, management decided to let the Brazilians choose between Jade and Thiago.
"We decided to pass this nomination on to the Brazilians, inviting them to choose a national representative," says Adriana Gibrail, Marketing Director at Lenovo Brazil. "Jade Barbosa (with three Pan American Games medals: one gold, one silver, and one bronze) and Thiago Pereira (eight medals: six gold, one silver, and one bronze, also at the Pan American Games) accepted the nomination and can receive the popular vote through the website created specifically for this initiative."
The Olympic torch will travel to 20 countries. It will be lit on March 25, 2008, in Olympia, Greece, as per tradition, and will have a relay through that country before making its first stop in Beijing on March 31. It will then travel to several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Australia, India, and Japan. It will then continue on to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau before visiting China and reaching its final destination. Arriving in Beijing on August 8, 2008, it will kick off the Olympic Games with the traditional opening ceremony.
JADE BARBOSA
'I really wanted to participate'
What would you do to be chosen to represent Brazil in Buenos Aires?
JADE BARBOSA: I'm very happy to have been considered for the Olympic torch relay for the 2008 Beijing Games. People in my Orkut community (an online social networking site) and journalists have been very helpful. I'm very happy and really wanted to participate in the relay.
What would it mean to you to carry the Olympic torch in Buenos Aires in next year's relay?
JADE: In that case, I would really start to believe that I'm going to the Beijing Olympics in 2008. For me, it hasn't sunk in yet, you know?
Are you already living the Beijing 2008 dream?
JADE: I am, right? As soon as you join gymnastics, you start calculating which Olympics you'll go to. The dream is coming true. I dreamed of competing in the 2007 Pan American Games and the 2008 Olympics. Everything happened at the right time.
Do you already feel like you're a Brazilian medal hopeful in 2008? What will it take for that hope to come true?
JADE: For that, I need to train more. I don't feel like I'm a medal hopeful. I want to go to Beijing with peace of mind. If it's meant to be, it will be.
Fernando Calazans
These top hats...
At the height of violence in Brazilian football—on the field, on the sidelines, off the field, and outside the stadium—club officials believe the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) wields too much power, imposing harsh penalties, as shown in Carlos Eduardo Mansur's report published Sunday in O GLOBO. The officials want to defend their players, no matter what they do.
What the STJD may have is a lack of discretion, punishing some while sparing others who shouldn't be spared. Not excessive rigor and severity.
Severity and rigor—that's all it takes these days to curb elbows, punches, kicks, sliding tackles, and everything else that tarnishes Brazilian football. To give other examples: coaches' instructions to hit an opponent; a coach's punch to an opposing player; a brute attacking a player who was legally heading the ball, etc., etc., etc.
That's how football works. And the bosses think it's all very nice. They want their player on the field, even if it's to elbow like Obina, to kick the opponent in the face like Túlio, to release the ball and attack the opponent like Coelho, to constantly kick like Sandro Goiano, to commit foul after foul like Inter, and so on.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, defends Obina, who elbowed an Inter opponent in the face. The player later explained: "I didn't mean to hit him in the face, I meant to hit him in the neck." That's right. You see how nice Obina is...
The error is not, absolutely, in Obina's 120-day suspension. The STJD's error lies in many other players who, for the same reason, receive no punishment. In the same Flamengo game, one of Inter's many brutes, Adriano, took Íbson off the field in the opening minutes with a violent and unfair challenge. Nothing happened to him—just as nothing happened to other players from Inter, São Paulo, and Atlético-PR, three of the teams that commit the most fouls in the league. Obina grew tired of being fouled and provoked by Inter.
If managers were concerned about the quality and decency of football, they shouldn't be complaining about Obina's punishment, but rather about the omission in the case of Inter's botinudo, who should have been sent off.
Another argument from officials who support violence is that the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) judges even players who haven't been sent off. The STJD is right. The wrong ones are the cowardly, authorityless referees who don't send off those who enter the field to practice anti-play, violence, and ignorance, often with the encouragement of their coaches, the football professors.
Brazilian football needs referees, an arbitration committee, and rigorous courts, yes, but rigorous with everyone, not just with one or another scapegoat.
Renato Mauricio Prado
Can anyone tell me what position Toró plays these days? Against Juventude, he ran all over the place and wasn't a playmaker or a defensive midfielder.
Since Joel Santana uses Rômulo, Jaílton and Cristian together (of the three, this one is the best), at the very least, he needs a supporter who knows what to do with the ball - such as Roger or Renato Augusto.
That said, with Máxi and Souza (who played very well in the South!) in attack, and Leo Moura and Juan, free, on the wings, Fla is in danger of becoming a team like most of the others out there...
Sports Journal
Joel: 'It was one of the best away performances under my command'
Joel approved the team's performance in Caxias do Sul
Despite the legitimate goal being disallowed by assistant coach Rogério Rolim, coach Joel Santana did not want to comment much on the refereeing in Flamengo's draw with Juventude last Sunday.
"We scored a clean goal, but it was disallowed. But I'd rather not comment on anything, because these days, you can't say anything. The club's management will know how to resolve this," the club's manager told Rádio Tupi.
Joel made a point of praising the team's stance against the Gauchos and highlighted the importance of the team's next three games, all at Maracanã.
"Flamengo played well. It was a difficult game because of the poor pitch and the opponent's neediness. The team had one of its best away performances under my leadership. Now we have three games that I consider crucial, and it will be great to play at home. Flamengo has been playing well at Maracanã," said Joel.
With the draw against Juventude, Flamengo missed a great opportunity to secure their second away win in the Brazilian Championship. The red-and-black team's only away win came in the second round, against Goiás. At the time, the team, coached by Ney Franco, won 3-1, with goals from Irineu, Leonardo Moura, and Juan.
Who goes and who stays...
Flamengo begins to think about next season and considers contract renewals
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Bruno became one of the idols of the red-black fans
Even with the specter of relegation still looming dangerously over Gávea, Flamengo's board is already making plans for next season. Keeping some key players, however, will require a lot of work. Several players' contracts will expire by the end of the year. Some are considered crucial. Others, not so much.
The most difficult situation is goalkeeper Bruno's continued presence. With his contract expiring on December 31st of this year, it will be very difficult for the Flamengo board to convince the directors of MSI, the investment fund that holds the player's federation rights, not to negotiate him with a foreign club. Bruno has already expressed a desire to stay, and Flamengo's board also wants him.
But if staying was already difficult before, now, with the crisis at MSI, which culminated in the end of the partnership with Corinthians, it's unlikely that any of the players from the group will remain in Brazil. Only those who don't receive offers from abroad will stay. In defense, captain Fábio Luciano's contract will also expire at the end of the year, but since he quickly identified with the club, renewing shouldn't be a problem. The situation of midfielder Roger is truly uncertain. His lack of outstanding performances so far, coupled with the constant yellow and red cards he's received during this Brazilian Championship, could add to the issue of the number 8's high salary. To keep Roger permanently, Flamengo would have to pay around US$500 to MSI.
Kleber confirms negotiations
In addition to these players, there are other important players about to have their contracts expire, such as midfielders Cristian and Léo Medeiros, and full-backs Luizinho and Egídio - the latter has a contract until March 2008. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite did not want to reveal plans for next year.
"I prefer not to comment on plans for next year. I can only say that we are in negotiations to keep some players and that we will come with a strong group, capable of winning any championship we compete in," said Kleber Leite.
Other players are unlikely to stay for next year, such as Léo Lima and Leonardo. The former didn't make waves and only had his contract renewed in June because, at the time, the Rubro-Negro team lacked any supporters. Repeated injuries also virtually sealed the fate of striker Leonardo. Argentine Colace, who played only a few minutes in the draw with Juventude, needs to prove himself to avoid being released at the end of the year.
Bruno wants to win to gain morale
Unlike coach Joel Santana, who was pleased with the 2-2 draw with Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, goalkeeper Bruno regretted the result, especially due to Flamengo's dominance of the game throughout the match.
"It ended up being a bad result for both teams, especially us. Our team created a good volume of play, but given the circumstances of the game, it's a good result," said the goalkeeper, who is already thinking about Saturday's game against Atlético-MG.
"Now we have an important game against Atlético, a team that also needs a win. I hope to win the game to boost my morale, since we'll face São Paulo next," said Bruno, who will face the club that brought him to life.
Coach Joel Santana, who has yet to lose at Maracanã during his time at the club, is counting on the fans to try to beat Atlético on Saturday.
"Flamengo is the headline, Flamengo is like that. It's about demanding, it's about cheering. There were 25 people at the Clássico Vovô (Botafogo vs. Fluminense), and on Saturday we'll have about 40, that's why Flamengo is Flamengo," the red-and-black coach added.
Flamengo's children and youth team win in the Carioca Championship
While Flamengo's senior team continues to struggle to escape the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship, the club's youth teams are performing well in their respective championships. The youth team drew 2-2 with Campo Grande over the weekend, with goals from Nicolas and Chicão. With the result, the team moved into second place in the second phase of the Carioca Championship, with one win and one draw.
The youth team defeated América 1-0, with a goal from Ricardo, and remained in third place with 17 points. Their next game will be tomorrow against Sampaio Correia.
The youth team crushed Mesquita 4-1, with goals from Juninho (two), Vinicius, and Michel, and remained in third place. The team's next match is tomorrow against Friburguense.
The junior team, which placed third in the Malaysian International tournament, debuts on the 29th in the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Tournament. The opponent has yet to be determined.
Joel celebrates his return to Maracanã
Wallace Teixeira/JS Archive
Joel said that Fla did well against Juventude
Last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Juventude in Caxias do Sul left Flamengo just one point above the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship. Despite leading twice, Flamengo allowed the Rio Grande do Sul team to equalize after two defensive errors. Coach Joel Santana, who has yet to win away from home, celebrated the draw, saying it was the team's best performance under his leadership.
"Flamengo played well. It was a difficult match due to the poor pitch and the opponent's need to win. The team had one of its best away performances under my leadership. Now we have three games that I consider crucial, and it will be great to play at home. Flamengo has been playing well at Maracanã," said Joel, who avoided commenting on the performance of Paraná referee Evandro Rogério Roman and took the opportunity to criticize the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).
"We scored a clean goal, but it was unfairly disallowed by the referee, but I'd rather not comment on that, because nowadays, you can't say anything. I'm sure the club's management will be able to resolve this," declared the club's manager.
Roger may reappear against Galo
Now there's very little time left. After two weeks training separately from the rest of the group, midfielder Roger is expected to return to the team for next Saturday's game against Atlético-MG at Maracanã. The player was sidelined for physical reconditioning work. When he was almost ready to return last week, fitness coach Ronaldo Torres determined that Roger would need to do strength training on his left leg.
Even though he's not 100% fit, Roger should be at least fit enough to play the full 90 minutes. Assistant fitness coach Marcelo Martorelli said in an interview with "Rádio Brasil" about the athlete's condition:
"He's already training harder physically and technically. If he continues to show this improvement during the week, he should be cleared for the game against Atlético," said Martorelli, who thinks it's unlikely that midfielder Ibson will return for this match.
tickets on sale
Starting today, tickets for the match against Atlético-MG will be on sale. In total, approximately 79 tickets are available, 32 of which are part of the Nestlé promotion. White bleachers will cost R$25 (R$12 half-price), special seats R$100 (R$50), and regular seats R$15 (R$7).
Ticket sales will be from 11am to 17pm, at the headquarters of Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense, Caio Martins (Niterói), Maracanã Ticket Office 8, RioSampa (Nova Iguaçu), Kappa Stores (Barra) and Rox Sports (Duque de Caxias).
Joel Santana sets a goal for Fla
Coach also remembers that responsibility is greater at the club
Flamengo didn't manage to completely exorcise the specter of relegation this time around. A 2-2 draw with Juventude and victories by their direct competitors in the fight to stay in Série A, such as Atlético-PR and Náutico, further complicated the situation for the red-and-black team. For Joel Santana, the team's coach, the responsibility of the Flamengo team is greater than that of all the others.
"Flamengo is the headlines, it's the fans, it's always like that. Botafogo and Fluminense had 25 fans, but on Saturday we'll have 40. That's why Flamengo is Flamengo, that's why we'll have more responsibility and will work with that in mind until the end," the coach commented enthusiastically.
Joel also reminded his team of the mathematical obligations. Despite believing that 45 points would keep the team out of the relegation zone, the Flamengo manager wants to set a target of 50 points.
"I say 50 because with that number, you can make a decision and see the horizon more clearly. I'm not going to promise anything, just work," he said.
The coach took advantage of the interview to criticize the refereeing, which harmed his team in the draw with Juventude.
"It was a winnable game, we took the lead, had a penalty not awarded and a goal wrongly disallowed. I'm not complaining, just commenting. If you can't comment, then it's not football," he quipped.
Paulo Chupeta can't wait to have Marcelinho on the team
No one is more excited about having Marcelinho join the red-and-black squad than coach Paulo Chupeta. The manager says the player's signing will be a gift for him, as he dreams of winning the three-state championship and his first National Basketball Championship.
"Who doesn't want Marcelinho? He's the captain of the Brazilian national team. His arrival would only make our team even stronger. I'm really hoping that his signing is announced tomorrow (today). We're very close to that," he said.
The desire to reach an agreement isn't limited to Gávea. The player himself is one of the most excited about the possibility of being part of the team that will compete in the State Championship, which begins next Saturday.
The negotiation, which had already been concluded three weeks ago, was resumed after the winger approached the club showing interest in negotiating his arrival.
"He's a declared Flamengo fan and said he wants to join the group. Everything's already sorted on our side, now it's up to him," said Patrícia Amorim.
The idol is coming
Flamengo's Olympic sports are mobilizing to bring Marcelinho, who could sign today.
Rafael Oliveira
Captain of the Brazilian National Team, winger Marcelinho is expected to sign a contract of more than two years with the Rubro-Negra team
The red-and-black dream of bringing back Brazilian National Team captain Marcelinho Machado has already taken over Gávea. Every department at the club is committed to his signing, which would be the biggest move in Brazilian basketball in recent years. This dedication could bear fruit today. The agreement between the two parties is practically certain, and the winger is expected to be announced as the newest signing today.
From the club's vice president of legal affairs, Adalberto Ribeiro, to the team's coach, Paulo Chupeta, everyone at Gávea is committed to a campaign to have the three-time Pan American champion on the team competing in the upcoming competitions. And the person behind this entire effort is Olympic Sports Director Patrícia Amorim.
"I'm very happy to have built this commitment in everyone to bring Marcelinho. Basketball is Flamengo's second sport, and our dream is to win a national title. We've been runners-up twice. With the team the club has assembled, we're already strong contenders for the title. If we bring in this reinforcement, we'll certainly be favorites," said Patrícia.
To sign the player, the club drafted a contract that deviates from current national standards. The contract would be longer than clubs are accustomed to offering (27 months, until the end of the 2009 State Championship). Furthermore, the winger would receive a bonus for titles won. The proposal has already been approved by the financial department and awaits an agreement between the legal department and the winger's agent.
Basketball Director Arnaldo Szpiro is one of the most confident in a happy ending to this transaction.
"The talks are going very well. Flamengo and the player have already shown interest in reaching an understanding. I think we will have news tomorrow (today)."
O Dia
Flamengo: It's time to do the math
Joel believes Flamengo will be able to breathe a sigh of relief when it reaches 50 points. Ten clubs are fighting to avoid relegation.
Rio - With just one point separating them from the Brasileirão relegation zone, Flamengo has so far been unable to put down the calculator. For coach Joel Santana, the team will only be able to breathe a sigh of relief when they reach 50 points. There are still 16 points to go...
"If you win, you're in heaven. If you lose, you're in hell. Until we get 50 points, we can't talk about anything. We just have to go for the wins," said the coach, after the 2-2 draw with Juventude.
Of the clubs occupying the dangerous tier of the Campeonato Brasileiro standings, América-RN is practically relegated. With just 12 points, the team needs to win its last 11 games to try to stay in the Primeira Liga.
Approximately 10 clubs are battling for the remaining three relegation spots to the Segunda Division. One of them is Flamengo. Their situation, however, isn't so dire, as they have played a game less than their rivals. Another advantage: Joel Santana's team will still play seven matches at Maracanã, where they have lost only once (to Palmeiras, 4-2, in their debut).
Another team that escaped was Náutico. The Pernambuco team has won its last four games and will play six matches at Estádio dos Aflitos, still facing direct rivals in the fight against relegation to the Second Division.
Corinthians and Goiás, who have fallen off in the second half and are in a difficult situation, are the teams. The São Paulo club will play six away games and will also face tough opponents such as São Paulo, Internacional, Grêmio, and Vasco.
And Goiás, with the same number of points as Flamengo (34), managed only five points in eight games played in the second half of the championship. They still have Santos and Grêmio ahead of them.
Taking into account previous years of points-based competition, if the average holds true this time, a club will need 46 to 48 points to remain in the First Division. This means the final round of the Brasileirão will likely be decided. Fans better prepare for a flurry of emotions. Or disappointment...
the risks
America-RN 99%\ Youth 86%\ Paraná 51%\ Corinthians 40%\ Goiás 30%\ Atlético-MG 27%\ Figueirense 17%\ Nautico 16%\ Atlético-PR 10%\ Sport 10%\ Flamengo 7%\ Internacional 6%\ Vasco 1%\
Roger should return to Flamengo against Atlético Mineiro; Ibson will not
Rio - Against Atlético Mineiro next Saturday at Maracanã, Flamengo should already be available for coach Joel Santana. After training separately to regain fitness, the player is in the final stages of preparation, according to coach Marcelo Martorelli.
"By Tuesday, Roger should be a little more advanced in the process and will be able to participate with the training group and be ready for Saturday's game. Roger is already training more physically and technically. If he performs during the week, he could be released to Joel," said Martorelli, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
However, contrary to some expectations, Ibson's return against Galo is no longer as certain as hoped. Although the player has trained after recovering from an ankle injury, his fitness coach says his recovery is still slow.
"Ibson is still recovering from his ankle injury. He is progressing and undergoing physical therapy, but now he is training on the field, still in the initial phase," he highlighted.
Sports Gazette
Cast struggles to return to Rio\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The day off that coach Joel Santana granted Flamengo players this Monday was compromised by the flight chaos. This is because the Flamengo squad only managed to arrive in Rio de Janeiro late in the afternoon, more than two hours after the initial scheduled time. The delegation returned from Rio Grande do Sul, where the Rio de Janeiro team had drawn 2-2 with Juventude the day before, a result that kept the team close to the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship. The team has 34 points from 26 games.
This Tuesday morning, the Flamengo group will return for a week of training before Saturday's match against Atlético Mineiro at Maracanã.
With a free week, Flamengo could have returns\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After a marathon of matches to catch up on its Brazilian Championship fixtures, Flamengo is once again celebrating having a week off to work, just as it did before last Sunday's match against Juventude. Flamengo will only return to action on Saturday, when it faces Atlético-MG at Maracanã. Until then, the coaching staff will be able to monitor the recovery of midfielder Ibson, who suffered an ankle injury earlier this month. On Monday morning, the player worked on his fitness at Gávea.
The player most likely to reappear against Atlético-MG is midfielder Roger, who has been sidelined in recent weeks to improve his fitness. He also trained on Monday, after having Sunday off.
"Both worked with the players this morning. Roger is a little further along than Ibson, still recovering from an injury. But both worked well, and Roger will probably be able to work with the rest of the group tomorrow (Tuesday)," said fitness coach Marcelo Martorelli, who admitted that Ibson's situation is still uncertain. "We need to monitor his progress throughout the week to see if he'll be able to face Atlético-MG," the coach added to Rádio Brasil.
As he only returned from Caxias do Sul this Monday, coach Joel Santana will only have contact with Ibson and Roger on Tuesday morning, when the red-black squad is scheduled to return, training full-time at Gávea.
The good news for the coach is that no player received a third yellow card or a red card against Juventude. Therefore, the only major absences are midfielder Renato Augusto, recovering from an injury, and forward Obina, serving a suspension imposed by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).
Against Atlético-MG, Flamengo will try to break a troublesome streak. The team has conceded goals in its last eight matches. Against Juventude, defensive lapses bothered some midfielders and attackers. "The game was really tough, but we shouldn't have conceded such silly goals the way we did. That can't happen," complained midfielder Toró.
PeléNet
A sequence of home matches excites Flamengo
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After a 2-2 draw with Juventude last Sunday in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo will play three consecutive Brazilian Championship matches at Maracanã Stadium. The streak of home matches is encouraging for the red-and-black team, which has a strong record at the stadium.
So much so that, for some players, the team can still dream of finishing the competition among the top four teams that qualify for the 2008 Copa Libertadores, despite having 34 points, just one more than the first team in the relegation zone.
"The group is aware that it is far from the Libertadores. But we have three home matches and, if we win, we will make a big leap in the table," commented striker Leonardo, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
In the next three rounds, Flamengo faces Atlético-MG (next Saturday), São Paulo, and Fluminense at Maracanã. At the stadium, the red-and-black team has a 63,88% success rate – six wins, five draws, and only one loss.
Therefore, coach Joel Santana also doesn't hide his optimism for a strong run to distance the team from the relegation zone. The coach noted that the team thrives on the support of its fans, but he has already warned that the players shouldn't think about any other goal than avoiding relegation until Flamengo reaches 50 points.
"Playing at home is always good, especially because we know our fans always support us. We don't even need to ask for support, because we know they'll show up," said Joel Santana.
After scoring, Leonardo hopes to stay on the Flamengo team
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After three games away from the starting lineup, striker Leonardo returned to action for Flamengo last Sunday, against Juventude in Caxias do Sul, in the Brazilian Championship. He capitalized on his opportunity, scoring a goal in the 2-2 draw.
Therefore, this Monday, Leonardo expressed hope in remaining in the team, since striker Obina is suspended for 120 days by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).
"It could be. The opportunity arose at this moment and now I'm going to work to seize it in the best way possible," said the striker, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Despite Leonardo's hopes, the player is likely to remain an option on the bench in the match against Atlético-MG, next Saturday, at Maracanã.
Against Juventude, the striker came on at half-time, replacing Maxi Biancucchi, because the Argentine was unable to play the full 90 minutes, having returned to action last Sunday after seven games out of the team due to a strain in his left thigh.
BalloonSport
Joel only thinks about reaching 50 points
Coach expects support from the red-black fans in upcoming home matches
Coach Joel Santana stated that his vision for Flamengo is to reach 50 points in the Brazilian Championship. Only with that score will the team be at risk of relegation (watch the coach's commentary after the draw against Juventude).
- I didn't promise anything when I arrived. Only when we reach 50 points will we see our horizons - Joel tells Rádio Globo.
The coach stated that the team needs the support of the fans at this time, with three consecutive home games. Joel believes everyone must respond to the support of the red-and-black fans.
"Flamengo is the headline. It's like this: headline, pressure, and fans. We go out on the field and know our fans are with us. We have to be responsible for ourselves and for them," he concludes.
Flamengo will take to the field next Saturday to face Atlético-MG, who are fighting with Rubro-Negro to escape the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship.
The red-black squad returns very tired
Back in Rio, Fla 'loses' post-match break and returns this Tuesday at 9 am
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo arrived in Rio de Janeiro two and a half hours late, around 16:50 p.m. this Monday. The players were quite tired and hurriedly left the lobby of Terminal 2 at Rio de Janeiro International Airport.
Four athletes did not travel with the delegation: Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, and Cristian remained in São Paulo. Rômulo, however, remained in Caixas do Sul, as his family is from there.
Midfielder Maxi Biancucchi praised the team's performance in the game against Juventude.
- The result was good due to the condition of the field, which was wet and made it difficult to drive the ball - he analyzes.
Some players lamented the loss of the break.
- It's annoying, but it's part of it - says defender Thiago Sales.
The Flamengo squad will initially return this Tuesday at 9am in Gávea.
Roger could return to Fla against Galo
While the midfielder is already training technically and physically, Ibson begins training on the field
Ibson one day after the knock he suffered to his ankle in the game against Inter. Now, the midfielder is starting field training and undergoing physical therapy. Midfielder Roger is expected to be available to coach Joel Santana for Saturday's match against Atlético-MG at Maracanã. According to assistant physical trainer Marcelo Martorelli, the player is already in the final stages of recovery.
"By Tuesday, Roger should be a little more advanced in the process and will be able to participate with the training group and be ready for Saturday's game. Roger is already working on his physical and technical skills. If he performs during the week, he could be released to Joel," said Martorelli in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Along with Roger, midfielder Ibson trained on Monday morning. He is recovering from a blow to his right ankle suffered in the match against Internacional on the 8th. The defensive midfielder's situation is more complicated, according to Martorelli.
"Ibson is still recovering from his ankle injury. He's making progress and undergoing physical therapy, but he's now training on the field, still in the initial stages," says Martorelli.
Throw
Fla will face direct rivals against relegation
Of the 12 remaining opponents, six are fighting the specter of relegation.
Fans must experience moments of apprehension (Credit: Julio César Guimarães)
BERNARDO GLEIZER
The Brazilian Championship is approaching its final stretch. And Flamengo fans need to keep their eyes peeled. Of the 12 remaining matches in the competition, six are against teams fighting to avoid relegation to the Second Division in 2008.
That's why it's important to pay close attention, as each of these games is a so-called "six-point game." Next Saturday, Rubro-Negro, with 34 points and in 14th place, already faces a direct opponent: Atlético-MG, with 33 points and in 15th place.
Next up, Mengão will face São Paulo and Fluminense, two teams at the top of the table, at Maracanã. On October 13th, they'll face another direct rival against relegation: Paraná, 18th with 31 points, in Curitiba.
Next up are two games against teams in the top tier, also at Maracanã—Vasco and Grêmio—and a clash against bottom-placed América-RN in Natal. Three days later, Flamengo faces 17th-place Corinthians.
Next up are two more teams in the top ten: Cruzeiro, at Mineirão Stadium, and Santos, at Maracanã Stadium. If they maintain their average, the final two rounds will be dramatic: Atlético-PR, 35 points, at Maracanã Stadium; and Náutico, 33 points, in Recife.
Juan: 'Every game is life or death'
Left-back said that Flamengo has to win at home
Juan said that Flamengo always has an obligation to win (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
Left-back Juan said on Monday that Flamengo will have to approach every upcoming match like a final. For the player, because he plays for the Rubro-Negro Carioca, this is always his mindset.
"Every game is a matter of life or death for us. We always have an obligation to win because we're at a big club," he said.
Flamengo will have three consecutive Brazilian Championship matches at Maracanã. Juan stated that victory is the only result on the players' minds.
- Now we have three home games and we have to win at any cost - he concluded.
The first of them will be next Saturday, against Atlético-MG, who are fighting with Flamengo to move away from the relegation zone.
Maxi claims he can last 90 minutes
Flamengo striker returns from left thigh injury against Juventude
Maxi played against Juventude, but was substituted in the second half
LANCEPRESS!
Argentine striker Maxi said on Monday that he will be able to play the full 90 minutes against Atlético-MG, next Saturday, at Maracanã, for the Brazilian Championship. The player returned against Juventude after recovering from an injury to his left thigh.
- I already feel ready to play the whole match. Now it will depend on the coach - he said
Maxi was substituted in Sunday's match, a 2-2 draw with Juventude. The striker felt the heavy pitch due to the rain in Caxias do Sul was a bit of a hindrance.
- The field was difficult to play on and even for someone who came back from injury I held up well - he concluded.
Flamengo's reserve doesn't worry Toró
Flamengo supporter could leave the team with Roger's possible return
(Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
Supporter Toró isn't worried about Roger's possible return for next Saturday's match against Atlético-MG at Maracanã. He made a point of saying that Roger is an idol to everyone in the red-and-black squad.
"Regardless of who comes in, we know Roger is a star. He's an idol for all of us in the group, and if I have to leave and he comes in, it won't be a problem at all," he said.
Flamengo is in 14th place, with 34 points and will face Atlético-MG on Saturday in the Brazilian Championship.
Joel Santana doesn't forget the referee's mistake
Assistant disallowed a legitimate Flamengo goal in Caxias do Sul
Joel complained about the offside call that would have led to Fla's first goal
LANCEPRESS!
Coach Joel Santana arrived with the Flamengo squad this Monday, in Rio de Janeiro, without forgetting the refereeing error that could have given the victory to the Rio team against Juventude, in Caxias do Sul.
For the coach, the move was crucial for the positive result.
"Flamengo didn't leave two points in the South. They didn't let us return with the three points. We scored a legal goal and it was disallowed, but it's not worth talking about those things these days to avoid problems," he said.
In the move, the assistant marked right-back Léo Moura as offside and disallowed the goal, which would have been the first in the match.
With the draw, Flamengo finished the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship with 34 points, in 14th place. However, one point above the first team in the relegation zone, Corinthians.
For Joel, Fla played a better game away from home
Coach praised the team's performance in the 2-2 draw with Juventude
Joel praised Flamengo for their performance in Caxias do Sul
Coach Joel Santana praised Flamengo's performance in the 2-2 draw with Juventude on Sunday in Caxias do Sul. He said it was the best performance the Rio de Janeiro Red-Blacks have had away from home under his leadership.
"Flamengo had its best away performance under my leadership. We'll prepare for the three games we believe are decisive," he said.
The games mentioned by Joel are the next three that Flamengo will play at Maracanã, against Atlético-MG, São Paulo and Fluminense