The Globe
Pressure to cast Roger irritates Joel
Coach says he hasn't made any plans for 2008 because he still doesn't know if he'll continue at Fla
Ibson and Renato Augusto remain out of Flamengo's lineup. But the possibility of Roger returning to midfield against Atlético-MG on Saturday at Maracanã is causing controversy. Feeling pressure, coach Joel Santana didn't hide his dissatisfaction with the situation:
"They're trying to put me on the chopping block. I'm not a coach who wants to sit on the fence. Roger trained well, but he has to train accordingly to show he deserves the jersey. He's in the hands of the fitness coaches, and when he's fit, we'll put him in."
Bruno says he received threats over the phone
Claiming that Flamengo and other clubs made a mistake by planning for 2007 in a broad sense, treating state and Brazilian championships in the same way, Joel surprised everyone by stating that the future doesn't matter.
"Anyone who thought broadly was making the wrong plan. The Brazilian Championship is a step-by-step process; it's a competition that fluctuates constantly. At the beginning, at São Paulo, they were calling for the head of Moracy (actually, Muricy Ramalho), who now holds 70% of the title in his hands."
About 2008, an unknown:
- Plans for next year? I don't even know if I'll stay. Have they renewed my contract yet?
Despite his already ironic tone, Joel remained dissatisfied with what he saw as pressure to field Roger. The player, in turn, duly warned of the manager's bad mood or perhaps out of strategy, adopted a conciliatory tone. Without abandoning his ego at times, he practically offered a mea culpa for the situation he was facing.
"The break was important for me to get back into shape because with two or three players constantly marking me, I need to be in good shape to overcome the marking and make up for Flamengo's shortcomings. I don't know if it was a lack of training when I was at Corinthians or an overload here. I don't know if I was poorly started. It could have been a mistake not only by the coaching staff (then led by Ney Franco) but also by myself. I suffered with this situation, I even cried at home, but I'm at Joel's disposal. There's no such thing as skimping on effort," said Roger.
While the attacking midfielder appeared calm, goalkeeper Bruno was worried. His statements about Atlético-MG were met with disapproval in Belo Horizonte, and even his family was threatened:
"I got calls from Minas Gerais, with people saying my whole family is from there, that I'll go back there one day. What's that? Isn't that a threat? I just said that between Flamengo and Atlético, I'd rather Atlético be relegated. Nothing more...
Today, Flamengo will be tried by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). The club was charged with throwing glasses of water onto the pitch during the derby against Vasco.
Sports Journal
Joel Santana disapproves of Bruno's statement
Joel took Bruno's words as a provocation to Galo
Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno was Atlético-MG's starting goalkeeper in 2005, during much of the Brazilian Championship, when the Minas Gerais team was relegated to the second division. The goalkeeper stated in an interview that he wouldn't mind seeing his former club relegated again, as long as the Rubro-Negro can avoid the threat of relegation to the second division. Currently, both teams are in danger: the Gávea team is in 14th place with 34 points, followed by Galo in 15th place with 33.
Joel Santana wasn't pleased with goalkeeper Bruno's statement. According to the coach, the athlete's words could serve as motivation for the opponent.
"This kind of statement isn't cool. I think we need to stop worrying about others and focus more on Flamengo. I think here at Gávea, we need to stay quiet and do our job. We have two months to go until the end of the season. We're fully dedicated to getting out of this situation as quickly as possible," Joel Santana told Rádio Tupi.
Flamengo and Galo face off next Saturday at Maracanã. Bruno was absent from the team in the first round because he was renewing his contract.
Shade and fresh water for Roger, never again!
The player returns full of energy and hopes to regain his place in the starting lineup against Galo.
Thiago Bokel
Wallace Teixeira/JS
Roger knows his break is over. Now, the midfielder is working hard to return to full strength for the match against Atlético Mineiro.
The break is over. After being away from the team for two weeks to recondition his fitness, midfielder Roger is finally expected to return to the team for Saturday's match against Atlético-MG at Maracanã. The question now is whether he'll start or sit on the bench.
Roger showed great commitment in yesterday's full-time training session at Gávea. In the morning, under the supervision of fitness coach Ronaldo Torres, he was one of the most demanding players. All the sweat he expended during these days of isolation, however, paid off.
"It was a difficult time. I'd be at home lamenting with my family, even crying about not playing, but now I see it was just anxiety. I needed to stay calm so as not to rush my return, because I could have made the same mistake I did last time, when I moved up my debut and ended up with some minor injuries, normal for the time I was out with that uncertainty at Corinthians," explained the supporter.
Despite being consistently praised by coach Joel Santana as a unique player, Roger's return to the starting lineup isn't guaranteed. Although he's physically fit enough to last a full match, his lack of rhythm is currently weighing him down. Since Toró, his replacement, has been performing well, the red-and-black coach still intends to wait until the end of the week to decide which of the two will play, or even whether they can even play together.
"I liked Roger in training today (yesterday), but he has to show he's fit to be a starter. Flamengo isn't just about Roger. We have 30 players in the squad, and I don't want anyone pressuring me to start him. I'm not a coach who puts up with pressure to play a certain player. When he's fit, he'll play, but I don't want to rush anything," Joel fumed.
The manager's stress is justified. After Roger's departure, the coach managed to restore the midfield lineup, a factor he himself considered crucial to keeping Flamengo away from relegation.
In the best "brute" style, which Dunga chose for the Brazilian National Team in the last Copa América, coach Joel Santana found in Rômulo, Jaílton, Cristian and Toró, the ideal formation for this moment.
Fla may lose home field advantage
In addition to the injuries to Renato Augusto and Paulo Sérgio, the derby between Flamengo and Vasco could cause another major setback. During the goal scored by full-back Leonardo Moura, Vasco fans attempted to throw glasses at the Flamengo player after he intentionally celebrated in front of Vasco's main organized faction.
Flamengo was the home team for that match, and the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) decided to indict the club under Article 213—failing to take measures capable of preventing or suppressing disorder—and the trial was scheduled for this afternoon. If punished, Flamengo could face a fine of R$10 to R$200 and could lose home-field control for one to three games.
This is the second time this year that Flamengo has been at risk of losing its right to play in Rio. Recently, the club was absolved of the invasion of the legendary "Kissing Man" against Goiás.
Revitalization of Gávea
The imbroglio surrounding Governor Sérgio Cabral's authorization for Flamengo to implement the Gávea Revitalization Program gained a new chapter yesterday. In an official statement, president Marcio Braga admitted that he will fight in every way to ensure Flamengo's initial plan comes to fruition, despite the initial veto by the new governor and the Maracanã administration, in conjunction with Fluminense, who are required to host at least 70% of their matches at the stadium.
The idea of having two stadiums—Gávea for smaller games and Maracanã for classics—has been seen as crucial for the club. According to the club's president, Sérgio Cabral requested that the project be resized, and Fla will fulfill the governor's request without compromising on revitalizing its headquarters.
Maracanã is the red-black weapon to escape the chaos
Coach Joel Santana is trying to show Flamengo the way to escape relegation in the Brazilian Championship.
After spending the entire Brazilian league season hovering near the relegation zone, Flamengo will have three decisive games to finally exterminate the specter of relegation. In 14th place, Flamengo has just one point ahead of Corinthians, currently in 17th place and the first team in the relegation zone.
To stay out of danger, Flamengo will have three matches in Rio. The first will be against a direct rival, Atlético-MG, on Saturday. Then, it's time to face leaders São Paulo and, finally, a derby against Fluminense, who are on a four-game winning streak. Coach Joel Santana has already set a target for these "decisive matches."
"If we can get seven points in these three games, that will be good enough. Even so, I will only breathe a sigh of relief when we reach 50 points, which I consider necessary to avoid relegation. Except for América-RN, there are nine teams between the relegation zone and the South American, so if we win these three games, we can already think about a better situation going forward," the coach assessed.
For Joel, what hindered Flamengo this year was the lack of planning.
When the board decided to take action, the championship was already underway and the other teams were one step ahead of Rubro-Negro.
Marcelinho's soap opera remains undefined at Fla
The negotiations between Flamengo and Marcelinho Machado have already turned into a soap opera. The two parties only recently reached an agreement, and his transfer remains undecided.
According to sources close to the player, on Friday the 21st, he submitted his final contractual demands to the club. Since then, the club's legal department has been reviewing the proposal and has not yet given its approval. This raises expectations about the end of this story.
The club's Olympic sports director, Patrícia Amorim, who has been leading the negotiations since the beginning, remains hopeful but added that until the contract is approved, the saga will continue. "As soon as the legal department approves it, we'll be able to sit down for the decisive conversation. But until then, we have to wait."
The player could be announced at any time by the red-and-black club. If confirmed, this would be the largest Flamengo Basketball transaction since Oscar Schmidt's arrival in 1999.
The signing of Marcelinho is part of the plan drawn up by the club's board for the 2007/08 season. The Rubro-negro hopes to bring to Gávea the third state championship and the unprecedented National Basketball title.
Flamengo bets on teamwork for the State Championship
Rafael Oliveira
The Flamengo team has been training hard, in two periods, to arrive at 100% for the debut, on Saturday, against Volta Redonda
On the eve of its debut in the State Basketball Championship, Flamengo isn't looking to rest. It continues training hard for its match against Volta Redonda next Saturday. Coach Paulo Chupeta's goal is to ensure the team, made up of players who have come from different clubs, is well-coordinated for its third championship title.
"This season's squad is better than last season's. But we still need more unity to reach our ideal level. Since the championship is long, with many matches, I believe it won't take long for us to find the necessary harmony," explained the coach.
Winger Duda, one of the players who arrived in Gávea this semester, agrees that the team needs more time to get to know each other. "Training is going very well. But of course, we're not 100% yet. We need more chemistry, which will certainly come as the competition progresses. By the end of the State Championship, we'll be well-coordinated and ready for the National Championship."
But none of this shakes the confidence among the players. Center Coloneze, who will be participating in his second state championship with the red-and-black team, points to Flamengo as the favorite to win. "The team has been training for two months now. I think when the championship starts, we'll have proof that we're on the right track. With the team we've assembled, Flamengo is fully capable of competing for the third state championship and the top spots in the national championship."
Winger Fernando Mineiro echoed his teammate. "We're training hard. The group is excited. If we maintain our strong performance from training into matches, Flamengo will always be at the top of the table."
Team Out \ Point guard Fred will be out for the first few matches of the championship. The Flamengo captain is recovering from a tibia injury and will be sidelined for about 18 days. He's expected to return for the match against Vasco da Gama on October 14th.
O Dia
Fla signs five-time world champion Kleberson
Rio - According to Flamengo's official website, the team has just signed five-time World Cup winning midfielder Kleberson, 28, who previously played for Besiktas in Turkey.
The player will undergo medical examinations this Wednesday morning and will be presented at 18 pm, in the Rogério Steinberg auditorium, 2nd floor, at the Gávea headquarters.
Kleberson's contract with Flamengo runs until December 31, 2008.
Flamengo: Neither Roger nor Íbson
Joel discards stars and will keep midfield with Toró, Cristian, Rômulo and Jaílton
Marluci Martins
Rio - Rômulo, Cristian, Jaílton, and Toró. Does this midfield sound familiar to Flamengo fans? It's time to get used to it, because, against all expectations, coach Joel Santana confessed yesterday to 'Ataque' that he won't field Íbson and Roger when the team faces Atlético-MG at Maracanã on Saturday.
"With this midfield, we beat Cruzeiro, drew with Vasco, and could have beaten Juventude if the referee hadn't disallowed Leonardo Moura's goal. I'm satisfied. Toró has lost weight, is in shape, and has been playing very well," warned Joel.
The coach considers it "very unlikely" that Íbson will be fit to play, as he still complains of ankle pain. And when it comes to Roger, Joel is cautious: "What can't happen is that he plays the first half, gets sick, and I have to take him off later."
All is not lost for Roger, however. Since he's not in the coach's plans, the midfielder won't start tomorrow's training session. But Joel is willing to give him a chance if he performs well among the reserves. So, Roger will have one alternative if he wants to play on Saturday: he'll have to swallow the ball.
JOEL SPEAKS OUT
What Joel Santana doesn't accept is the pressure to select the player. Distressed by the pressure, especially from the press, he vented his feelings yesterday.
"Flamengo isn't Roger. We have a group of 30-something players, and I feel like they're putting me on the spot. But I'm not a coach to be on the spot. I treat Roger the same way I treat Toró or anyone else. No one here is against Roger's talent. The moment we think he's ready, of course he'll play," said Joel Santana.
While the starters for the match against Juventude were training in the Gávea pool, Roger trained with those who didn't play in Caxias do Sul.
Íbson, still complaining of ankle pain, did some physical work on his own and was not confirmed to be present at tomorrow's training session.
Supporter admits team is better without him
Roger is already preparing for the possibility of remaining out of the team on Saturday. The midfielder admitted that Flamengo's midfield is performing effectively without him.
"The team isn't playing badly. I understand that he (Joel) has to support those who are playing," said Roger, resigned.
Out of the team since the loss to Internacional, the midfielder assured that he improved his fitness during two weeks of intensive training. But he admitted that he will still feel a lack of rhythm:
"It wouldn't make sense to take me off the team for two weeks and forget that I'm out of match fitness. The pressure on me is too great."
Flamengo is once again the target of the STJD
Rio - Flamengo is once again the target of the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). Léo Moura's goal against Vasco ended up causing problems for the Rubro-Negro, due to the amount of cups that were thrown onto the pitch immediately after the right-back's goal. The trial will take place this coming Wednesday.
"This is absurd. At Maracanã, the government is responsible. Flamengo has nothing to do with this," said Isaías Tinoco, football supervisor at the Gávea club.
Léo Moura scored the goal and ran toward the Vasco fans, asking them to be quiet. The Vasco fans responded by throwing plastic cups onto the field. Flamengo was therefore charged with violating Article 213 (failure to take measures capable of preventing or suppressing disorder in its sports arena) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice. The penalty is a fine of R$10 to R$200 and the loss of home-field privileges for one to three matches.
Sports Gazette
Roger avoids demanding a spot on the team\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Back in training with the Flamengo squad, midfielder Roger isn't yet sure if he'll start against Atlético Mineiro on Saturday at Maracanã. Having been out of action for nearly three weeks, the player will be evaluated by coach Joel Santana during upcoming training sessions. "I'll only get into rhythm through matches, not necessarily by playing the full 90 minutes. That decision is up to the coaching staff, and I'll follow whatever they decide," said the Flamengo midfielder.
Roger has spent the last few weeks training separately to improve his fitness, as he had been criticized for his on-field performance. "Everyone knows the work I've done has been beneficial. If I were just another player, I might come in without being in perfect condition. But I'm always being marked by one or two players, and I need to be on par with my teammates and those who mark me to excel. It's not fun training alone, but I completed the entire schedule and can return much better. Flamengo needs this, and I need it too, and I'm sure I still have a lot to give the team," he emphasized.
Object thrown by fan could harm Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Parallel to its relegation battle, Flamengo is also waging constant battles in the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). This Wednesday, the club will be tried for a cup thrown onto the Maracanã pitch during the derby against Vasco, when Flamengo was the home team. If punished, the Gávea club could lose home-field advantage for one to three matches. "It's about the alleged throwing of a cup onto the Maracanã pitch between Flamengo and Vasco. The club will be tried tomorrow (Wednesday) and could be punished under Article 213. How will Flamengo prevent a fan from throwing a cup into the air during the excitement of a goal? This is normal at the Maracanã, but it doesn't mean someone intended to throw it onto the pitch," Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, told Rádio Brasil.
Also at risk of being taken to court is right-back Leonardo Moura, who made obscene gestures towards Vasco fans after scoring a goal in the derby on the 16th. “I can't say anything about Leonardo Moura, as we haven't been informed by the prosecutor's office of the Supreme Court of Sports Justice,” concluded the lawyer for Vasco.
Direct confrontation with Galo worries Fla players\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In fourteenth place in the Brazilian Championship and just one point above the relegation zone, Flamengo will play three consecutive matches at the Maracanã Stadium. Before matches against São Paulo and Fluminense, who are both enjoying strong campaigns, Flamengo faces Atlético-MG, who are also fighting to stay in Série A. The Flamengo players believe that this home series will be crucial for the team's hopes in the Brasileirão. "The match against Atlético-MG will be a very important and responsible one for us. It's what you call a six-point game. We'll always respect our opponents, but we need to do everything we can to win," emphasized Flamengo coach Joel Santana.
To leave the field with the victory, the coach hopes to count on the good form of right-back Leonardo Moura, who has scored in the last three games.
"I went through a bad patch, which happens to any player. I'm happy to score the goals and help the team. This proves that Flamengo not only has great forwards, but also good full-backs, as Juan has also been standing out," said Leonardo Moura, who predicts a tough match on Saturday.
"The championship is very balanced, and we can't afford to slip up. We have the ability to beat Atlético-MG, but we'll need to play well to come away with a good result," the full-back added.
The only absence at Flamengo's return on Tuesday morning was defender Fábio Luciano, who was released to resolve personal issues in São Paulo.
PeléNet
In the "dead of night", Flamengo hires Kleberson
From the Editorial Office\ In São Paulo\
Flamengo announced in the "dead of night" this Wednesday the signing of midfielder Kleberson, 28, who played for Besiktas, in Türkiye.
After approaching Santos, Kleberson is announced as a reinforcement for Fla for 2008
The information was released by the club's press office in the early hours of Wednesday. The player will undergo medical examinations in the morning and will be presented at 18 p.m.
The Brazilian transfer window has been closed since the 14th of this month. Therefore, the five-time World Cup winner with the Brazilian national team will only be legally eligible to play in 2008. The club announced that Kleberson's contract runs until December 31st of next year.
Negotiations between the parties began in June. At the time, Santos and Inter showed interest in the athlete. Talks with Flamengo cooled off, and Kleberson came close to an agreement with Vanderlei Luxemburgo's team.
About 15 days ago, the Vila Belmiro club announced it was canceling the deal. The reason was the legal dispute between the player and Besiktas. Kleberson had approached FIFA to secure his release in April but ultimately lost the dispute.
The midfielder was then fined 3,18 million euros for unilaterally breaching his contract with the Turkish club, in addition to receiving a four-month ban from the signing of a new contract.
The athlete's staff subsequently obtained a stay of execution after appealing to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport). The case is currently underway in Switzerland.
As the legal battle continued, Flamengo reconnected with Kleberson. After a meeting on Tuesday afternoon between Flamengo officials and the player's representatives, the signing was finalized.
Kleberson began his professional career with Londrina in 1997 and transferred the following year to Atlético-PR. He rose to prominence in 2001 with the Arena da Baixada team and, in 2002, was one of the key players in Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil team that won the World Cup.
His strong performance at the World Cup caught the attention of Manchester United. Signed after the World Cup, he failed to replicate his success and left English football in 2004, joining Besiktas, but he had a falling out with the Turkish club that ended his FIFA career.
Roger returns to training at Fla, but Joel does not confirm his return
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After spending nearly three weeks doing only physical training with Flamengo's professionals, midfielder Roger returned to training with the rest of the squad this Tuesday at Gávea. This increased his chances of being selected for next Saturday's match against Atlético-MG at Maracanã.
"I always made it clear that when Roger was physically fit, he would receive the same treatment as the other Flamengo players. There's a group here, and whoever is in better shape will get their chance on the team. No one is against Roger, and as soon as he's able to play the brilliant football he has, his chance will come," said coach Joel Santana in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Despite the athlete's participation in Tuesday's activity, the red-black coach was irritated by the questions regarding Roger's performance in the club's next game in the Brazilian Championship.
"There's no point in putting me against the wall, because I'm not the kind of coach who accepts pressure. Roger receives the same attention as Toró, Thiago Salles, and other athletes. We know Roger's qualities, and as soon as the coaches make it clear that he's in full condition, he'll be selected," concluded the Flamengo coach.
The Gávea club is 14th in the Brazilian Championship, with 34 points, and is just one point ahead of Corinthians, the first team in the relegation zone of the national competition.
Fla goes to the STJD this Wednesday and could lose home field advantage
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Right-back Leonardo Moura's goal in the Brazilian Championship derby against Vasco da Gama at Maracanã could result in Flamengo losing its home-field advantage for three matches in the competition. Flamengo will be tried by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) this Wednesday for throwing plastic cups onto the pitch after the goal.
Flamengo has been charged by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) prosecutor's office with violating Article 213 (failure to take measures to prevent or suppress disorder in its sports arena) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD). Therefore, in addition to risking the loss of home-field privileges for one to three matches, the club could be fined between R$50 and R$500 if convicted.
The complaint angered the red-blacks, since, despite Flamengo having the home field advantage in the classic against Vasco, the cups were thrown by the Cruzmaltina fans.
After Leonardo Moura's goal, which tied the game 1-1 at the end of the first half, the right-back ran toward the Vasco fans and gestured for silence. In response, the Vasco fans threw several plastic cups at the player.
Furthermore, the red-blacks also complain that Maracanã is the responsibility of the State of Rio de Janeiro, and, therefore, Flamengo should not be punished.
BalloonSport
Fla announces the signing of Kléberson
The midfielder has been negotiating with Rubro-Negro since June and will be presented this Thursday
Eduardo Peixoto
Kléberson will sign a contract with Flamengo until the end of 2008
The Brazilian transfer market is closed. Even so, Flamengo took action and signed midfielder Kléberson late Tuesday night. The deal was confirmed overnight on the club's official website.
The presentation of the new reinforcement, who will only be fit to play from 2008 onwards, will take place at 18pm this Thursday, in the Rogério Steinberg auditorium, in Gávea.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, had been negotiating with the five-time world champion since June. However, a legal dispute between Kléberson and his former club, Besiktas, hampered the deal. Santos also entered the fray and nearly derailed the deal.
Contract until December 2008\ On Tuesday afternoon, however, the Flamengo director met with the player's lawyer at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca and finalized the contract. The agreement between the parties will be signed by the end of 2008.\
Kléberson, now 28, rose to prominence in 2001 with Atlético-PR. He was a starter for the Brazilian national team during the final stages of the 2002 World Cup. His high value led to him being sold to Manchester United, but he didn't find success with the Red Devils and ended up being traded to Besiktas.
Technical information\ Name: José Kléberson Pereira\ Date and place of birth 19/6/1979, in Uraí-PR (28 years old)\ Previous clubs: Atlético-PR, Manchester United and Besiktas\ Main titles: World Cup (2002), Copa América (2004), Brazilian Championship (2001) and English Championship (2002/03)\
For the fans, Mengão will be aggressive
Joel wants to please the fans who go to Maracanã on Saturday
Eduardo Peixoto
A Flamengo the way the fans want it. If it's up to Joel Santana, Flamengo fans heading to Maracanã on Saturday will see an aggressive team against Atlético-MG.
Since returning to the club, the coach has had excellent performances at the stadium. He has played nine games, winning six and drawing three (two of them in classics).
"Playing at home is always important. But what matters is our performance. We have to be aggressive to please our fans. That's what they want," the coach declares.
South American or relegation?
The sequence at Maracanã against Atlético-MG, São Paulo and Fluminense is considered decisive by Joel.
"There are three decisive games for us. In the table, nine or ten teams are fighting for either the South American or relegation."
Flamengo is in 14th place, with 34 points and is just one point ahead of the relegation zone.
Pro-Roger pressure angers Joel Santana
Coach doesn't confirm the midfielder's lineup and says he can't stand being 'backed against the wall'
Eduardo Peixoto
With four days to go before the match against Atlético-MG, the recurring question at Gávea is: Will Roger return to Flamengo's starting lineup? The answer, for now, remains elusive. And the pressure to unravel the mystery is driving coach Joel Santana crazy.
This Tuesday, the coach made a point of saying that the midfielder is just another member of the Flamengo squad.
"There's no point in putting me in a corner. I'm a coach and I only put in players who are doing well. I treat Roger the same way I do with Thiago Sales and Toró. No one here is against him; if he's doing well, he'll play," Joel declares.
Having been out for 15 days to improve his fitness, the player avoids any controversy. He says he followed everything the coaching staff planned to the letter and is awaiting the "okay" to return to the team.
"It's up to the coaching staff to decide when it's the right time for me to come in. I'm feeling good," says Roger.
Fla forgets CT and returns to Gávea
Since Joel took over, training has returned to the South Zone. He says it's temporary.
Eduardo Peixoto
One of the hallmarks of the Ney Franco era at Flamengo was the use of the Ninho do Urubu training center in Vargem Grande. However, the coach left, and Joel Santana gradually opted to return to Gávea full-time.
No training has been scheduled for the training center for at least three weeks. But Joel assures that the situation is temporary.
"It was training at Gávea that Flamengo achieved its glory. It's beautiful here, and there's a close connection with the fans. But we'll be back at the training center soon. We have better working conditions there, and we can rotate the field," he declares.
The distance from the Ninho stadium bothers some athletes. But despite being unfinished, the facility offers satisfactory working conditions. Forward Souza, for example, says he doesn't mind the change.
- For me, it doesn't matter. It's great here, it's great there too. The important thing is for Flamengo to have the peace of mind to get the wins.
Dualib's offenses surprise Roger
Player says relationship with former Corinthians president was 'good'
Eduardo Peixoto
Roger says he had no problem with Dualib while he was at Corinthians
If former Corinthians president Alberto Dualib insulted him, Roger doesn't care. When informed about the wiretaps conducted by the Federal Police, with judicial authorization, the Flamengo player expressed surprise and avoided any controversy.
"My relationship with him has always been good. I don't know anything about this," he declares.
Roger once again assured that he has nothing to do with MSI, a former partner of Corinthians and the epicenter of the police investigation. Regarding Dualib, he said he's only seen him a few times.
"He rarely went to the training camp. It was very difficult for us to see each other. I'm hearing about these insults now, from you. I'm surprised," he says.
In addition to Roger, Carlos Alberto, called "epileptic", and Amoroso, considered "old", are also targets of Dualib's calls.
'The thing' fights with Flu for Maraca
At a ceremony in Laranjeiras, Roberto Horcades reiterates his desire to win the bid
Fred Huber
Fluminense and Flamengo rivals once again: this time for the Maracanã bid
This Tuesday, during the launch of Fluminense's sports marketing project ("Saúde Esporte Clube") in the Salão Nobre das Laranjeiras, president Roberto Horcades reiterated the club's intention to win the bid to use the Maracanã stadium. The club's opponent will be an old rival, Flamengo. Horcades, in a good-natured comment, called the club "the thing."
"We're going to fight for Maracanã. We've already spoken with Celso Barros (president of Unimed, the club's sponsor), and we're going in to win. It's not a promise, it's a desire. We're going to face a fierce opponent, "the thing." We can't mention their names in here," he jokes.
In early September, Tricolor and Flamengo signed a partnership to reduce the cost of playing at Maracanã.
A shower of glasses leaves Fla in the sights of the STJD
Club will be tried this Wednesday for objects thrown in the classic against Vasco
Eduardo Peixoto
Leo Moura's goal against Vasco could cost Flamengo dearly. The Superior Court of Justice (STJD) prosecutor's office has filed a lawsuit against the club for throwing cups onto the pitch during the derby at Maracanã Stadium. The trial takes place this Wednesday.
"This is absurd. At Maracanã, the government is responsible. Flamengo has nothing to do with this," declares supervisor Isaías Tinoco.
As soon as the match was tied at the end of the first half, the right-back ran toward the Vasco fans and pointed his index finger at them for "silence." In response, he was showered with plastic cups from the Vasco fans (watch the goal in the video below).
As a result, the club was charged under Article 213 (failure to take measures to prevent or suppress disorder on its sports field) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice. The penalty is a fine of R$10 to R$200 and the loss of home-field rights for one to three matches.
Fla and Roger train hard in Gávea
Player does a lot of work on Tuesday morning, but Joel doesn't confirm the lineup
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo's players struggled this Tuesday morning. For just over an hour and 1 minutes, fitness coach Ronaldo Torres led a grueling workout in Gávea. The new addition was midfielder Roger, along with his teammates.
He's been out for two weeks to get back into condition. He's expected to face Atlético-MG on Saturday at Maracanã. But coach Joel Santana still prefers to wait.
- He behaved reasonably well for someone who is returning - says the coach, who also preferred to root for the returns of Ibson and Renato Augusto.
"There's no point in just talking about Roger. There are others out there. Right now, we need everyone. Football isn't played with just 11 players," says an irritated Joel Santana.
Renato Augusto has been ruled out by the medical department. Ibson underwent a strength test in the gym, but is unlikely to play.
Defender Fábio Luciano was absent from Tuesday morning's training session. He was in São Paulo dealing with personal matters and is expected back in the afternoon.
Throw
Joel Santana criticizes Bruno's statement
Flamengo coach emphasizes that this is not the time to provoke rivals\ LANCEPRESS!\
Coach Joel Santana criticized goalkeeper Bruno on Tuesday, who in an interview on Monday said that between Flamengo and Atlético-MG he prefers Galo to be relegated.
For the coach, this was not the best time to make this type of statement.
"It's not cool. We have to stop caring about others. Bruno, even though he's a new goalkeeper, is already experienced; it wasn't the time to say anything, especially since we haven't done anything yet," the coach told Rádio Tupi.
Flamengo faces Atlético-MG next Saturday at the Maracanã, fighting to escape the relegation zone. The two teams have a single point lead in the Brazilian Championship (Flamengo's 34 points to Atlético-MG's 33).
Lawyer does not believe in loss of command
Michel Assef Filho also defends that Vasco should also be judged\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo will be tried this Wednesday at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for throwing cups onto the Maracanã pitch during the derby against Vasco da Gama on the 16th. However, the club's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, believes the accusation is exaggerated, as the club cannot prohibit the sale of such items at the stadium.
- Flamengo cannot be held responsible for selling cups at Maracanã and end up being punished because the fans, when celebrating a goal, threw cups into the air and they fell on the pitch - said the lawyer in an interview with Rádio Brasil, also defending a possible punishment for the opponent:
The prosecutor's office is correct in filing charges against Flamengo, since the club held home-field advantage. But if it is proven that the Vasco fan also threw the cup, the club will have to face trial.
Flamengo was charged under Article 213 (failure to take measures to prevent or suppress disorder on its sports field) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice. In addition to risking losing one to three home matches, Flamengo could be fined between R$10 and R$200.
Joel confident in the sequence at Maracanã
For the coach, Flamengo must have the will to win\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo's next three Brazilian Championship matches will be played at Maracanã Stadium. Despite facing two teams in the top five of the competition, São Paulo and Fluminense, as well as Atlético Mineiro – a club in a similar situation to Flamengo – coach Joel Santana is confident in his team's strong home record.
"It's always good to play at home. In the Brazilian league, that makes all the difference. We have to be aggressive, as our fans like. If we win these games, we'll move away from this danger zone we're in," he said.
When asked about the difficulties Flamengo will face in these matches, the coach preferred not to give his opinion and even gave examples of the lack of logic in football.
"Against Sport, with a packed stadium, I thought we were going to win, but we drew. Against second-place Cruzeiro, we did well and won."
Joel Santana is worried about Flamengo's fatigue\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo coach Joel Santana considers the physical training his players do essential. He doesn't understand how anyone can criticize exercises performed on the beach and in the club's pool.
Joel points out that playing two matches in a week tires the athletes, which highlights the importance of special attention to their physical fitness. As an example, the coach uses the Brazilian teams competing in the Copa Sudamericana.
"Botafogo and Vasco played in the middle of last week and complained of fatigue. Both lost their matches last weekend," he argues.
The coach guarantees that at Flamengo, despite criticism, the recovery is being successful.
"Now that we're starting to recover our athletes, people don't understand what's being done. Maxi is already 100%, and Roger should be back soon," he adds.
Roger believes he is fit to play again
Supporter says he won't be upset if he's not selected against Galo
Roger approves his break to get back in shape (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
LANCEPRESS!\ After almost three weeks recovering his physical form, midfielder Roger, who returned to training with the rest of the squad this Tuesday, said he feels ready to play for Flamengo again.\
"The physical aspect is still a challenge for me. However, when it comes to handling the ball, I'm fully capable of performing. Before this break, I was being man-marked, and sometimes even two players would watch me," he stated.
Roger was pleased with the effort he put into training over the last few days and also took the opportunity to make it clear that his lineup is an option for coach Joel Santana for the game against Atlético-MG, on Saturday at Maracanã.
"I struggled with the fitness coaches, and that was fair, because I needed this physical recovery. Whether I play or not depends on Joel, but I think I can play now. Only those who play gain rhythm," he added.