THE GLOBE
Anxious, Ibson receives care from Fla \ Midfielder may say goodbye against Sport, but board will negotiate in Portugal \ The match against Sport could mark Ibson's farewell to Flamengo if the club's mission in Portugal is unsuccessful. The club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, has already traveled to Europe, but the meeting with Porto directors will only be next week. Until then, Flamengo is focused on reassuring its player, who admits he's having trouble containing his anxiety. \ "I was having dinner with my wife, celebrating our first wedding anniversary. Then she remembered my contract was ending. I'm anxious, but I have to forget everything and try to help Flamengo in this game," Ibson said. \ Coach Caio Júnior also shows some concern, although he sees some options in his midfield in case he loses Ibson. \ "Of course this concerns us. Ibson is a quality, dynamic player. But we have to wait for a decision in Portugal," said the red-and-black coach. \ Obina should start on Sunday in Recife \ Kléberson's strong start against Ipatinga reassured Caio that he could soon have a new alternative to Ibson's eventual departure. Besides praising the midfielder, the Flamengo coach began assembling the team for the match against Sport yesterday. Souza, suspended, has Obina as his natural replacement. However, Caio Júnior is refusing to confirm the lineup. He has another problem: Toró, who is still recovering from muscle pain, was once again ruled out by doctors. In the last game, he was replaced by Jaílton, who is expected to remain in the team, as are Cristian, Ibson, and Marcinho. Obina, Diego Tardelli, Kléberson, and Renato Augusto would be left to compete for the two remaining midfield spots. \ "Obina's entry would be a natural change. But I have alternatives. Kléberson has been playing well and could even be a natural replacement for Ibson if needed. Renato Augusto could also play," Caio said. \ Amazed by what he saw at Milanello, president Márcio Braga chose Milan's training center as a model for the project Flamengo wants to start in Vargem Grande. But he acknowledged that the dream requires resources far removed from Flamengo's reality. \ "When we can, we want to do something similar. The technology is cutting-edge. There are even orthomolecular medicine labs. The weight training area has equipment from our brand, but they're replaced every year. Leonardo scheduled our visit. Through him, we can access the technology," said Marcio. \
Ancelmo Gois
The Pope is the theme of the Flu fans' chant, but apparently, now it's Flamengo. Flamengo president Márcio Braga, on a visit to Rome, managed to have a brief meeting with Benedict XVI yesterday, and presented him with a personalized club shirt.
SPORTS JOURNAL
'Bombonilha' worries Caio Júnior
Besides facing the reigning Copa do Brasil champion, Flamengo knows that to beat Sport on Sunday, they'll also have to overcome the cauldron of Ilha do Retiro. The Pernambuco team's biggest ally in 2008, the Bombonilha has been sold out for almost every match this year, and against the Brazilian league leader, it won't be any different. \ Knowing Sport's strength on home soil, coach Caio Júnior naturally expresses his concerns about the pressure expected from the opposing fans. But as coach of the team with the best record in the Championship, he wants to break the mold and become the first team to defeat Sport in Recife.\ "Sport is a great team and has been making it difficult for everyone who faces them at their home ground. If I'm not mistaken, they haven't lost once there this year. We have to be careful, it's going to be a big game," he said.\ For midfielder Íbson, however, the strength of Sport's fans won't be as strong. He believes that throughout this year, the Pernambuco team hasn't yet welcomed Brazil's most-supported team to its stadium. While acknowledging the difficulty the match will present, Íbson believes the stadium won't be filled solely with Sport fans.\ "Our fan base is also huge in the Northeast and will be there to support us. We know it will be a very difficult game, as they are undefeated at home and are the current Copa do Brasil champions. It will certainly be a great game," said the supporter. (EL and BP)\
Fla still hasn't worn Nike again
It's been two days since Flamengo was summoned by a court official and ordered to resume its contract with Nike. But so far, nothing has happened. During yesterday's training session, the company's logo was nowhere to be seen at the training center, and question marks remained. \ Despite being aware of the citation, Flamengo continues to stop using its old uniforms. Vice President of Legal Affairs Adalberto Ribeiro confirmed that he has already informed the club's Marketing Department about the citation.\ "We're already aware of this and have even recommended that the contract with Nike be reinstated. The operational side is up to the Marketing team, so I can't answer that," said Adalberto Ribeiro.\ However, it seems that the information was lost somewhere, as the Football Manager, Isaías Tinoco, assured that he had not been informed.\ "We were not informed that we had to use Nike uniforms. We don't know anything about that," Isaias Tinoco said.\ Fine\ While Flamengo fails to comply with the court order, Nike's lawyers are documenting all the facts so they can soon present their evidence. If the club is found to have breached the order, it will have to pay a fine equivalent to 1% of Nike's contract per day.\ Vice President of Marketing, Ricardo Hirichsen, was contacted by the JORNAL DOS SPORTS reporting team, but was unable to be reached. \
Animation, rain and many questions\ There are four players competing for two places for the game against Sport, on Sunday, in Recife\ Eduardo Lacombe, Bernardo Peirão and Nathan de Lima\
When things are going well, nothing can wipe the smiles off the faces of Flamengo's players. Yesterday, they went to the Training Center in Vargem Grande and, under a light rain, nearly freezing, held a lively training session led by Caio Júnior and his entire coaching staff.\ Those expecting a press conference to clarify the lineup that will face Sport on Sunday—since without Toró (out due to injury) and Souza (suspended), Diego Tardelli, Obina, Renato Augusto, and Kleberson are competing for two spots on the team—may have been disappointed. However, the jokes and laughter during the session made everyone, for a moment, forget the Brazilian Championship.\ The training session could have been considered simple, as it was a duel between defense and attack. However, it drew a lot of attention due to the competition between the players, divided into groups of three attackers and two defenders. The attacking trios that stood out were Souza-Ibson-Maxi and Juan-Renato Augusto-Léo Moura. On the defensive side, Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim performed best, preventing many goals. But the duo of Thiago Sales and Jaílton were also not far behind. \ "It was a situation that always happened during the match. We had three attackers against two defenders. The work was very good, and I loved it," said Caio Júnior, happy with the results of the training.\ As yesterday's proceedings were filled with excitement, the team to face Sport was decided today in Gávea. Caio Júnior still doesn't know whether to field Renato Augusto in Tardelli's place. Obina is practically guaranteed to fill Souza's shoes, but Kleberson could also appear.\ "I'm adjusting the team and we'll see how we'll face Sport. We're without Toró and Souza due to suspension. Obina would be the natural replacement for Souza and has a good chance of starting the match. Renato Augusto has been training very well, he played well against Ipatinga and in the training match as well. Besides these two, we have Tardelli and Kleberson. We'll hold a tactical training session tomorrow (today) in Gávea to decide the team."\ If Kleberson is chosen, Flamengo will once again play with three defensive midfielders, but it's quite possible that the coach will opt for Renato Augusto and Obina. \
Renato Augusto ready to resume his post
Midfielder Renato Augusto participated in the second half of the game against Ipatinga and improved the quality of the red-black midfield, so much so that coach Caio Junior is already thinking about starting him in the next game, against Sport Recife. \ And if it depends on Renato's willingness, the number 10 jersey against Sport is already taken. The player stated that despite having been out of action for some time, he hasn't experienced any problems and is just waiting for Caio Júnior's decision. \ "I felt good, even too good. Now it's up to the teacher to put me in or not," said Renato Augusto.\
Loss of Ibson worries Caio Júnior
Coach Caio Júnior is concerned about the imminent loss of midfielder Ibson. Porto has asked for a large sum to release him to Flamengo, a price the club cannot afford. \ "I'm worried because he's an important player who scores goals and has good game dynamics. But let's wait and see what will be decided in Portugal," he told Rádio Bandeirantes.\ Caio added that, if he loses Ibson, he has good players in the squad who can fill the spot left by the number 7. According to him, Kleberson, Jônatas and Reanto Augusto are capable of joining the team and playing Ibson's role.\ This weekend, vice-president of football Kléber Leite will travel to Portugal with the athlete's agent, Eduardo Uram, to try to resolve the situation.\
THE DAY
Philosophy of 'choice' \ Caio Júnior says there's no such thing as a red card at Flamengo. He just decides who makes the team. \
Rio - Caio Júnior continues to prove, in practice, the theory that in the long Brazilian Championship, you need a squad. With Souza's suspension and Toró's injury, the coach will make changes and cuts at Flamengo with surgical precision to avoid causing dissatisfaction within the squad, but he has not yet decided on the team that will face Sport on Sunday in Recife.\ "The natural scenario would be for Obina to come in for Souza. But we have Renato Augusto, who played very well in the last game. Kléberson too. I'll wait for the tactical training to decide. But there's no lockout here. There's a choice," Caio Júnior emphasized. If Renato Augusto plays in midfield, Marcinho will play up front alongside Diego Tardelli or Obina.\ Despite criticism from some fans, Souza is missed by Flamengo. The striker has missed six matches. This season, with Souza, Flamengo had an 83,9% success rate (24 wins, one draw, and four losses). Without him, the performance was 33,3% (one win, three draws, and two losses).\ Yesterday, before Fluminense vs. LDU, the players downplayed the decision. "Flamengo is too big to worry about others," said Maxi. Íbson shrugged it off. "Watch the game? You're kidding. I'm going to enjoy my wife and son."\ In addition to São Paulo, Internacional is also reportedly interested in Íbson, who stated that he would only play in Brazil if it was at Gávea. Club officials are already in Portugal trying to secure the player permanently.\
Fla at war with the sponsor \ Rio - Flamengo remains at war with Nike, as the club unilaterally terminated its contract, which was due to expire in June 2009. After removing the brand from its uniform and adding three question marks to its new sponsor, Olympikus, the club was notified of an injunction obtained by Nike in court and will have to appeal the decision.\ "We have already begun work to request a review of the case," said Flamengo's vice president of legal affairs, Adalberto Ribeiro, aware that if the appeal is not accepted, the club will be forced to use the Nike logo. \
Caio Júnior does not confirm the team for Sunday
Rio - After training this afternoon at Ninho do Urubu, coach Caio Júnior confirmed that he has not yet decided on his starting lineup for Sunday's match against Sport at Ilha do Retiro. With Toró ruled out again and Souza suspended, the red-and-black coach will use the upcoming training sessions to select his starting lineup.
"The natural scenario would be for Obina to come in for Souza. But we have other options, and I'll test them in tactical training tomorrow and Friday. We have Renato Augusto, who performed very well in the last game and is a unique player. Kleberson also came in very well and could get a chance."
Caio Júnior praised the Sport team and said he believes in a very competitive game on Sunday.
"They're unbeaten at Ilha do Retiro this year. It's going to be a very tough game, and we have to be prepared."
SPORTS GAZETTE
Caio Júnior changes Fla's attack to face Sport\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo faces Sport this weekend, in a game that takes place at Ilha do Retiro and is valid for the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship. Leader of the championship, the Rio team needs victory on Sunday at 16 pm to maintain first place without depending on the results of their closest rivals, Cruzeiro and Grêmio.
O team Who will take the field, however, has not yet been determined by coach Caio Júnior, which should only happen at training this Thursday. However, striker Souza is certain to be absent, as he will have to serve a suspension due to his third yellow card against Ipatinga. Obina is expected to be chosen for the position.
However, this shouldn't be the only change in attack, as there's a good chance Renato Augusto will be used in place of Diego Tardelli. Thus, Flamengo would enter the field in Pernambuco with Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Fábio Luciano, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Marcinho; Renato Augusto and Obina.
Goalkeeper Bruno is the team's undisputed starter. He believes an away win against Sport could be crucial for the team in the Brazilian Championship, as Flamengo is riding high after its first away win against Ipatinga.
“Flamengo’s main goal for this season is to win the Brazilian title; therefore, we need to continue winning away from home, because to be Champion "A team has to win both as home team and away team. We respect Sport and know how difficult it is to win at Ilha do Retiro. But we're prepared for this difficult match," said the owner of the number one jersey.
Flamengo downplays Sport's lack of interest\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo continued its preparations this Wednesday for this Sunday's match at 16 p.m. against Sport. The match takes place at Ilha do Retiro, in Recife, and is valid for the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship.
With 16 points, the Rio de Janeiro team needs a win to stay atop the table. The fact that their rivals are already guaranteed a spot in the next Copa Libertadores—having won the Copa do Brasil—could lead to a lack of interest in the Brasileirão. So much so that, after winning the title, Sport played twice and was defeated by Figueirense (3-1) and São Paulo (1-0).
The situation, however, was downplayed by coach Caio Júnior and the Flamengo players. "Flamengo is worried about its own performance. I expect a lot of difficulties against Sport, which has an excellent team and is very strong at home,” said Caio Júnior, who is not fooled by the recent stumbles of his Pernambuco rivals.
"The defeat against São Paulo, for example, was the result of a goal in stoppage time. Therefore, it means nothing, other than the fact that Sport gave a lot day at Morumbi Stadium. It will certainly be a very difficult match for Flamengo,” added the coach.
One of the leaders of the current squad, right-back Leonardo Moura recalled that the fact that Flamengo is one of the leaders of the Brazilian Championship means that all teams play even better against the Rio de Janeiro Red-Blacks.
“Against Ipatinga, we managed to win away from home, and anyone who looks at the 3-1 scoreline would believe it was a game very easy. But we struggled a lot to get a win there, precisely because Ipatinga made the defeat expensive. We only managed to seal the result in the final minutes, with Kléberson's goal," said the player, who foresees further difficulties at Ilha do Retiro.
"Against Sport, the challenges will be even greater, especially since they're motivated by winning the Copa do Brasil title, and this game will mark the champions' reunion with their fans. But we have to play intelligently, knowing the right time to attack," he added.
PELENET
Flamengo remains undecided for the match against Sport
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
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Although he doesn't have much to hide, Caio Júnior has yet to name Flamengo's lineup for Sunday's match against Sport at Ilha do Retiro, in the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship. The coach will be without Souza, who is suspended, and Toró, who is injured.\ Renato Augusto is likely to get another chance in the starting lineup for the red-and-black team. Kleberson and Diego Tardelli are outsiders. If the coach opts for the homegrown player, Marcinho should be alongside Obina in attack.\ "If Renato Augusto plays, someone has to leave. But I've already said that there's no barrier within the team. I really only have to change one piece," he said.\ The coach highlighted the dangers Flamengo could face against the Copa do Brasil champions. Caio Júnior acknowledged the Pernambuco side's good work in home matches.\ "We're going to work on Sport. We have to take into account that they're undefeated at home. We'll certainly face numerous challenges," the coach emphasized.\ Therefore, the Flamengo team should be the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson and Renato Augusto (Kleberson or Diego Tardelli); Marcinho and Obina. \ |
Toró banned from match against Sport, Sunday
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
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Coach Caio Júnior's hopes of counting on Toró for Sunday's match against Sport at Ilha do Retiro, in the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship, didn't last long. With a grade one strain in his left thigh, the midfielder was ruled out by the medical department. Thus, Jaílton will remain on the team, as he did in the 3-1 victory over Ipatinga last Sunday at the Ipatingão Stadium. Cristian will be the other holding midfielder. \ The rest of the team is still undecided and could feature some changes. In midfield, Renato Augusto could get a chance, affecting Marcinho's positioning, as he would play further forward. If this is the case, Diego Tardelli would lose his spot.\ In addition to Toró, Caio Júnior will also be without Souza, who received his third yellow card and will be suspended. Obina, who has been so popular with the fans, is expected to be his replacement. \ |
Subpoenaed, Fla will comply with court order and will use Nike material
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
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Through a ruling by the 8th Civil Court of the District of São Paulo, Nike obtained a preliminary injunction last week requiring Flamengo to resume using its sports equipment. However, the red-and-black club was only officially notified this Tuesday and will now have to comply with the ruling to avoid paying a daily fine. Due to the delay in sending the summons, the team played in the 3-1 victory over Ipatinga still wearing the shirt of the new sponsor, Olympikus, which as a marketing strategy features three question marks in place of the logo. \ For the match against Sport, next Sunday at Ilha do Retiro, the team will again have to use the equipment provided by Nike. According to Flamengo's vice president of legal affairs, Adalberto Ribeiro, the club will do everything possible to have the decision reviewed. \ "Flamengo has already been notified and named in the lawsuit filed by Nike. And yesterday we began proceedings to review this decision. Until this decision is reviewed, the club will comply with its orders," he emphasized. \ According to Adalberto, however, there is a possibility that Rubro-Negro will obtain an injunction, overturning the one presented by Nike, and thus continue using the material from the new supplier. \ "It's not instantaneous. But it won't take long either. It could be two or three days. We might have a decision by Friday. But it won't be final. We can still appeal. But it will allow us to wear the new sponsor's shirts," he explained in an interview with Rádio Brasil. \ The contract between Flamengo and Nike is only scheduled to end in June 2009. However, citing dissatisfaction, the club decided to terminate the contract and sign with Olympikus, which is expected to invest around R$20 million per year. \ |
Close to saying goodbye, Ibson admits to being very anxious
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
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Ibson's contract with Flamengo ends on the 30th. Therefore, the match against Sport, this Sunday, at 16 pm, at Ilha do Retiro, in Recife, for the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship, could be the supporter's last with the red-black shirt. Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, is already in Portugal to discuss the renewal of Ibson's contract with Porto, which holds the athlete's federation rights.\ "I'm anxious, but I try to put that aside. I'm just focused on helping Flamengo beat Sport," said Ibson, who prefers not to talk about a supposed interest from São Paulo.\ Regarding the weekend's commitment, the supporter, even recognizing Sport's strength within its domains, highlighted the importance of beating the Rubro-Negro from Pernambuco to remain at the top of the Brazilian Championship.\ "The game will be difficult, but we need to get the points playing away from home. We're at the top of the table and we have to get the points to stay among the top teams," he concluded.\ With 16 points, Flamengo, who defeated Ipatinga in the last round, is tied with Grêmio and Cruzeiro, surpassing both in the tiebreaker criteria. \ |
GLOBOESPORTE
Flamengo president presents the Pope with the 'Holy Mantle'
At the Vatican, Marcio Braga explained to Benedict XVI what Flamengo means, its tradition and the importance of the Brazilian club on the international stage.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
After two hours in 40-degree heat in St. Peter's Square, President Marcio Braga presented Pope Benedict XVI with Flamengo's jersey. The Pope expressed surprise and enthusiasm upon receiving the personalized jersey. Present were Jorge Ney Fernandes, Minister of the Brazilian Embassy in Rome, lawyer Pedro Trengrouse, and João Marcio Braga, son of the Rio de Janeiro club's president. Moved, the president received the papal blessing on behalf of all Flamengo fans.
Newspaper 'A Bola' says: 'Fla can release striker Paulo Sérgio to have Ibson'
Vice President of Football Kleber Leite and businessman Eduardo Uram are in Portugal negotiating the midfielder's stay at the red-black club.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo may offer a promising striker to keep midfielder Ibson at Gávea
O Flamengo is truly willing to do everything possible to keep midfielder Ibson at Gávea. According to the Portuguese newspaper "A Bola," the Rubro-Negro (Red-Blacks) have a major asset in their bid to keep Ibson, who currently belongs to Porto: the young 19-year-old striker Paulo Sérgio. The newspaper, in its online version, states that only a highly attractive offer could convince the Portuguese team to loan Ibson to Fla. The Rio de Janeiro club's plan is to keep Ibson permanently or, in the worst-case scenario, renew the player's loan, which ends next week.
The vice-president of football at the club, Kleber Leite, and Ibson's agent, Eduardo Uram, are in Portugal to personally negotiate the athlete's stay in Brazil. According to "A Bola," Porto has a habit of working with young and promising players, and Paulo Sérgio's name has reportedly been speculated in an attempted trade.
Furthermore, attacking midfielder Fellype Gabriel, who belongs to Fla and had a good season at Nacional (POR), is also a name considered and could be involved in the negotiation for Ibson's permanence.
Four players are competing for two spots on the Flamengo team to face Sport.
Kleberson, Renato Augusto, Obina, and Diego Tardelli are competing for positions in Caio Júnior's team. Souza and Toró are out on Sunday.
From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro
Obina competes for a spot on Flamengo's team
Caio Júnior has yet to name the team that will face Sport on Sunday at Ilha do Retiro. The coach will be without Souza, who is suspended, and Toró, who is still recovering from a left thigh injury. \ The coach doesn't intend to change Flamengo's structure, so Jaílton is expected to remain in the starting lineup in place of Toró. Diego Tardelli, Renato Augusto, Kleberson, and Obina are all competing for a spot. \ "There are four players for two spots. I'll still wait for the tactical training to decide. If Renato plays, someone has to go. But I've already said there's no lockout here. There's only one choice," said Caio Júnior, hinting that the number 10 could start, with Marcinho moving up front alongside Tardelli or Obina.\
This Wednesday, Flamengo held a fundamentals training session at CT Ninho do Urubu in Vargem Grande. Attackers honed their finishing skills, and defenders had to cut out aerial balls.
Rubro-negros are not worried about the Libertadores Cup final
Maxi guarantees he will watch the game between Fluminense and LDU, but Ibson rules out the possibility and promises to enjoy his family.
Maxi Biancucchi will watch the game, but rules out supporting Flu or LDU
Since the elimination against América from Mexico, the Copa Libertadores is an almost forbidden subject in Gávea. The captain of the Flamengo, Fábio Luciano, even warned that the cast would only talk about the continental competition in 2009. However, on the day of the decision between Fluminense and LDU, the players couldn't avoid the topic. One question arose frequently after training: who's going to watch the game? \ "I'll watch. Especially since I'll be staying home. But without any special support. Flamengo is too big to worry about others, when our goal is the Brasileirão. We're in first place and we have to keep working to maintain that," says Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi. \ Midfielder Ibson guarantees that he will spend Wednesday night with his family. \ - Watch the game? You're kidding. I'm going to enjoy my wife and son. \ Coach Caio Júnior left the doubt in the air, but analyzed the Tricolor's possibilities. \ "It will be a tight game, with two great teams. But if Fluminense can draw, they have everything they need to win the title here in Rio," he predicts.\
Ibson on São Paulo's interest: 'I don't know anything. Shall we talk about Flamengo?'
The midfielder reveals he's anxious about his future with the red-and-black team. A meeting between Flamengo and Porto will be held on July 1st.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Ibson trains in the rain: total anxiety
The penny dropped. Four days before the end of his contract with Flamengo, Ibson admitted for the first time that he is feeling anxious. The meetings between the directors of Rubro-Negro and Porto will take place on July 1st and 2nd. \ Meanwhile, the player tries to distance himself from the issue. São Paulo's declared interest caused unrest in Gávea. Before leaving for Europe, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, mocked the rival's board, saying that some people "masquerading as good managers" act unethically behind the scenes. \ Ibson and his manager, Eduardo Uram, They warned repeatedly that in Brazil they only negotiate with Flamengo. So why doesn't the player's name come out of the news? São Paulo? \ "I don't know anything about São Paulo. Let's talk about Flamengo?" the athlete asks GLOBOESPORTE.COM. \ The midfielder revealed that last Sunday he felt the end of his contract was approaching. \ "I'm not going to lie. It was calm, but after the game against Ipatinga, things changed. I went out to celebrate my wife's first wedding anniversary, and she told me her contract was ending. I'm trying to separate," he says.\
Ibson's possible farewell will be next Sunday, against Sport, at Ilha do Retiro.
Toró is banned from the game against Sport
With a muscle injury in his left thigh, the midfielder will only return next weekend, in the match against Náutico, at Maracanã
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Toró remains sidelined for now.
Loss in the victory against Ipatinga, Toró will be out of the Flamengo once again next Sunday, when Flamengo will face Sports, at Ilha do Retiro. The midfielder was injured in the previous round, in the game against São Paulo, and left the field due to a muscle injury in his left thigh. \ Toró is not yet fully recovered, and this Wednesday, during training at Ninho do Urubu, he only did some physical work on the exercise bike. The athlete is expected to return next weekend, against Nautical, at Maracanã, but he will be re-evaluated at the beginning of next week to find out if he can really be available to coach Caio Júnior.\
The red-black record for the season is poor without Souza in attack
In six matches with the striker absent, Fla won only one
From Rio de Janeiro news agencies
Souza's presence on the team improves the red-black record this season
Against Sports in the next round of Brasileirão, Flamengo will be without Souza, suspended for a third yellow card. This year, the striker has missed only six matches. And the Rubro-Negro's record isn't good. \ With Souza, Flamengo has an 83,9% success rate this season (24 wins, one draw, and four losses). Without the number 9, their performance drops dramatically to 33,3%, with just one win, three draws, and two losses.\ See below the six games Souza did not play in this year:\
Flamengo 1x4 Fluminense - 10/2/2008
Flamengo 4x2 Resende - 2/3/2008
Flamengo 2x3 Botafogo - 16/3/2008
Flamengo 0x0 Madureira - 29/3/2008
Flamengo 2x2 Vasco - 6/4/2008
Flamengo 0x0 Gremio - 18/5/2008
THROW
Obina and Renato Augusto should join the team
Players train with the first team this Thursday
A fan favorite, Obina is expected to be on the field against Sport (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
With the absences of Souza (suspended) and Toró (who is recovering from an injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh), coach Caio Júnior is expected to field Obina and Renato Augusto for next Sunday's match against Sport, at Ilha de Retiro, in Recife.
In the training session held this Thursday, the red-black coach placed the players in the starting lineup, indicating that they should play from the start.\ With that, the team that should enter the field is: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaíton, Cristian, Ibson and Renato Augusto; Marcinho and Souza.\
Ibson tries to forget uncertainty about the future
The midfielder's contract ends at the end of the month and he could return to Porto
LANCEPRESS!
The match against Sport could be Ibson's last for Flamengo. The midfielder's contract ends on June 30th, and Flamengo officials are still trying to keep him at the club. While he waits, the player prefers not to think too much about the matter.
- I'm sure Kléber (Leite, vice president of football) will come back with good news, but I've been putting that aside so as not to affect my performance on the field - said Ibson.
But the situation is starting to bother Ibson. The midfielder confesses that last Sunday he began to think that the match against Sport could be his last in the red-and-black jersey he so enjoyed:
radio l! - Until the Ipatinga game, I was calm. After I got home, I went out with my wife (Cíntia), and I got anxious. I've been training and have always managed to separate things. (Click here to hear more)
Caio Júnior did not define Flamengo
Renato Augusto could be the new addition to the team against Sport
LANCEPRESS!
Caio Júnior has yet to name the team that will face Sport on Sunday at Ilha do Retiro. The coach will be without Souza, who is suspended, and Toró, who is still recovering from a left thigh injury.
Caio Júnior doesn't intend to change Flamengo's structure, so Jaílton is expected to remain in the starting lineup in place of Toró. Diego Tardelli, Renato Augusto, and Kleberson are all competing for a starting spot.
radio l! "I'll still wait for the tactical training to decide. If Renato plays, someone has to go. But I've already said there's no lockout here. There's only one choice," said Caio Júnior, suggesting that the number 10 could start, with Marcinho moving up front alongside Tardelli or Obina. (Click here to hear more)
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Ibson at São Paulo? Striker prefers Flamengo
Flamengo vice-president and businessman meet with Porto's board on Monday
Ibson wants to stay at Flamengo, but his future will be decided on Monday.
LANCEPRESS!
With his future uncertain, Ibson is living anxiously ahead of the game against Sport on Sunday, which could be his farewell to Flamengo.
Farewell? For the midfielder, the most that can happen is a goodbye. At least he assured LANCENET! that if he has to leave, one day he will return to the club he considers his second home.
The return to good form on the field has made Ibson more cheerful off it.
"Things are starting to happen again for me. My good football form is returning, like in 2007, and I'm very happy," said the striker, whose expression only changes when asked about the end of his loan spell on Monday.
There is a hidden annoyance due to the fact that his future has not yet been defined and due to the fact that he does not know exactly what might happen in the meeting between Fla's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, and businessman Eduardo Uram with Porto's directors.
"It's the last week. My wife (Cinthia) wants it resolved quickly, but she has no preference for where to go. She's very calm. Nothing has been resolved, but I know it couldn't have been resolved. I'm a bit confused, because it's not a situation I can resolve. It's Porto that has to decide. If it were up to me, it would have already been resolved, and I would stay," he said.
São Paulo has already expressed interest in the player and is one of the candidates to sign him for the remainder of the year. To that end, they've already contacted the Portuguese club and are now awaiting a decision on Monday. Ibson knows he won't have a chance with coach Jesualdo Ferreira, so he's eagerly awaiting the decision on his future.
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Renato Augusto receives praise from coach
Caio Júnior believes that the supporter will be one of the team's highlights
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo's lineup isn't set, but Caio Júnior hints that Renato Augusto is close to returning to the starting lineup. The coach once again praised the number 10 and said he believes he will be one of the team's standouts in the Brazilian Championship.
radio l! "Renato Augusto is already doing well physically. He hasn't shown the level of football expected because he hasn't had a consistent run of games this year. Now he's doing well and has my full support. There's still a lot of championship left, and he could be one of the big names in this campaign," said Caio Júnior. (Click to hear more)
The coach also mentioned that Renato Augusto is an attacking midfielder and that this position is increasingly lacking in Brazil. According to him, the top talent is abroad.
Renato Augusto gives his support to Ronaldo Torres
After a dispute with the football director, the coach was almost fired. The player emphasizes the importance of his current job.
Renato Augusto shows his support for Ronaldo Torres (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
LANCEPRESS!
That Ronaldo Torres is well-liked by the players is nothing new within Flamengo. And Renato Augusto was the first to express his satisfaction with the fitness coach's continued presence. Last week, he had a heated argument with football director Isaías Tinoco.
"Everyone likes him. We want him to stay because it's a job that's been successful, but our role is to get on the field and play, not to say what's right," said the number 10.
Torres will initially stay in Gávea until the end of the year. However, there's still a possibility he could go to work with Joel Santana in South Africa.