The Globe
Obina revives the fascination with Fla's number 7 shirt
With a preference for the number, the Bahian asked to use it the day before yesterday
With the return of the fascination with Obina, who scored one of the goals in the 3-1 victory over América-RN the day before yesterday, Flamengo also relished the return of a climate of peace and trust among its players. The fact that he scored on the very day he suffered his knee injury five months earlier has left Obina increasingly convinced that no one escapes their destiny.
- I really believe in destiny - said Obina, still in Juiz de Fora, happy as can be.
But the striker's destiny, during his good times, was always tied to the number 7 jersey. The same jersey he agreed to give to the newly signed Ibson. The same jersey he asked to wear against América, in the victory that reignited Obinomania among the fans and seems to have revived the enchantment with the mystique of the number 7.
Roger on the bench Sunday against Corinthians
Against Corinthians on Sunday in São Paulo, Obina will be joined by Souza in attack. The big man wears the number 9 jersey. Given the possibility of Souza being suspended for a long time by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), Obina could even wear the number 9. Thus, the Bahia native is likely to keep his word, handing the number 7 to Ibson.
But, as he insisted on playing with the 7 the day before yesterday, it generated a certain expectation.
"There's still a long way to go. It was already agreed that I would wear the 7. Let's wait," said supporter Ibson, in a conciliatory tone.
Ney Franco, who received the OK from the board regarding Roger, who will be on the bench on Sunday against Corinthians, shares Ibson's opinion:
- I think the request was just for this game. Leave that for later.
Renato Mauricio Prado
Flamengo won, but still didn't convince. Especially in the first half, they repeated the mistakes of previous rounds: too many defenders, too many defensive midfielders, and zero creativity.
After the break, pressured by the draw, Ney Franco ended up being bold and improving the team's performance a little.
He replaced the clumsy defender Thiago with the promising striker Paulo Sérgio, moved Renato Augusto back and pushed the entire team forward.
It was enough to defeat the very weak América de Natal. But it will take much more to avoid relegation and start competing for decent positions.
Flamengo, on occasion, even allows a weak team. Cowards, never!
Ney Franco urgently needs to understand this. Three defenders and four defensive midfielders may be a good tactic in Ipatinga, but not in Gávea.
Despite playing only 45 minutes, young Paulo Sérgio made two criminal tackles on opponents. Another Souza, no...
Sports Journal
Roger cleared to face Corinthians
Peace seems to have returned to Gávea after the 3-1 victory against América-RN this Wednesday in Juiz de Fora. Midfielder Roger is now registered and can play against Corinthians next Sunday. Coach Ney Franco was thrilled to have the player back.
"He's exciting. He's another player arriving. We're starting to get some good options. Obina is back in good shape, we have Roger, and against Atlético-PR we have Ibson and Maxi," the coach told Rádio Tupi.
Ney Franco warned that midfielder Roger is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes against Corinthians.
"We'll talk to the player to see if he plays on Sunday, but of course we know he's a player who can't play the whole game," the coach added.
Roger is very close to his debut for Fla
The midfielder has regularized his status with the CBF and can face Corinthians. It's all up to Neymar.
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
Roger controls the ball during training at Gávea. He's eager to debut for Flamengo against his former team.
One of Flamengo's big signings for the Brazilian Championship, midfielder Roger, has secured his release for the match against Corinthians, his former club, next Sunday at Pacaembu Stadium. The player secured an injunction from the Labor Court and is now in good standing with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Despite working hard to regain his fitness, Roger was still unsure if he would be able to play in Sunday's game. This was because Corinthians had not yet released him. During the week, the player became very upset about the situation and complained to the São Paulo club for trying to delay his return to the field.
However, with the injunction, Roger is cleared to play and becomes a great option for coach Ney Franco. The coach, however, preferred to be cautious when discussing a possible starting lineup for the midfielder against his former club, given his long absence from the field. On the other hand, his performance in yesterday's training session made a good impression, and even if he doesn't start from the start, he should be used throughout the 90 minutes.
"Roger will be fit to play. I'm not going to say anything. We have two training sessions to decide the team. We still have tactical work and a coaching session to decide the lineup. We don't know if we'll use him from the start or not, as we need to see how he performs. In any case, he had a great training session today," explained the coach, who also made it clear that the reason Roger isn't starting is due more to his physicality than his technique.
"We know he's not yet capable of performing well all the time. Therefore, we need to analyze him carefully to know how to use him at the right time."
Ney Franco also spoke about the player's emotional state. According to him, even though he's an experienced athlete, Roger must be anxious and motivated for the match against Corinthians.
"I think he must be very excited about the game, regardless of the opponent. He's an athlete who played at Flamengo at the beginning of his career and, in addition to his technique, has a lot of personality," he added.
Angelim's lucky number 9 shirt at Fla
The number 9 jersey seems to have suited Ronaldo Angelim very well. The defender had a standout performance in the match against América-RN in Juiz de Fora, scoring Flamengo's first goal in a 3-1 victory. Wearing the number 9 jersey, he scored a typical striker's goal, capitalizing on a rebound in the box to score.
Furthermore, his good performance also served to ratify the board's decision to extend his contract until the end of 2008. After yesterday's training session, Angelim spoke about the possible mystique of the number 9 shirt having helped him score his goal.
"It's a coincidence. Because when we play with three defenders, I end up taking the spare shirt. Anyway, I'm happy with the goal and for helping Flamengo," revealed the player, who also took the opportunity to explain the play.
"I ended up shooting with my bad leg and I still had the goalkeeper's help. But what matters is that we won and got three very important points," he said.
Angelim also spoke about his contract renewal. He revealed that simply extending his commitment to the club doesn't guarantee his stay. Therefore, he'll have to keep working hard to avoid disappointing.
"I had already signed a few days ago. But that's relative; I've seen other players with two-year contracts leave. So, I'll try to do a good job and always try to help my teammates. I ended up renewing, and that's always a good thing," he concluded.
Barração doesn't surprise the red-black defender
The biggest surprise in Flamengo's lineup for Wednesday's match against América-RN was the absence of defender Irineu. He didn't even make the bench, being replaced by Moisés almost right at the start of the game. Despite being left out, the player wasn't surprised.
"I learned I wouldn't be playing during the pre-match talk against América-RN. It was the coach's decision, and he did what he thought was best for the team. I'm capable of returning to the starting lineup, as I've been playing well, and I'll be ready to play when Neymar needs me," said the defender after yesterday's training session at Gávea.
Irineu's exclusion was an attempt by the Flamengo coach to spare the player, who, after scoring an own goal in the match against Grêmio, ended up being heavily harassed by the fans in training earlier in the week. Despite not participating in the team's victory, the defender celebrated the result.
"This result gives us more motivation to work and seek more victories. The fans' behavior was normal, especially considering it's a team the size of Flamengo, but now we have to think about winning more," explained the player.
Obina: 'This is a time for overcoming'
The Black Angel is definitely back. In Wednesday's 3-1 victory over América-RN, he was one of the Rubro-Negro's standout performers, even making his mark. However, Obina acknowledges that Flamengo's current form in the Brasileirão is still difficult. The result in Juiz de Fora lifted the team out of last place, but not out of the relegation zone. In an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes, the Bahia striker discussed his outlook for the championship.
"It's a situation we want to get out of. We're still in a bit of a bind, and we'll try to get out of it. This is a time for overcoming obstacles, and thank God I'm trying to improve myself to help. The matches I played were to get into rhythm, but against América, I played better. I hope to play even better against Corinthians to help Flamengo," said the player.
After a worrying first half, in which Flamengo played poorly and drew 1-1, the team returned from the break with a different outlook and increased its productivity. With eye-catching football, Flamengo scored twice and secured a 3-1 victory over Dragão. Obina revealed that the locker room conversation with coach Ney Franco was crucial in the players' change of heart.
"We knew the result wasn't the best. We weren't playing well and had to improve to win. And that's what happened. Everyone gave more effort, and Flamengo won," concluded the favorite of the red-and-black fans.
O Dia
Flamengo: Roger will debut
Registered with the CBF, the supporter will be on the field, Sunday, against Timão
Rio - After a crucial 3-1 victory over América-RN, which saved the team from last place in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo fans have another reason to believe in the red-and-black comeback. Midfielder Roger has been registered with the CBF and will debut on Sunday against Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium.
The player obtained an injunction from the Ministry of Labor and parted ways with Timão, his former club. Roger participated in yesterday's training session in Gávea and showed he was in good shape despite a long time without playing a match.
Coach Ney Franco, however, still doesn't know whether Roger will start or whether he will start the match on the bench.
"It's exciting to have a player of Roger's caliber. The team gets stronger with each match," celebrates Ney, who will have two more training sessions to select the Gávea team.
In recent days, Roger has been eager to make his debut and help Flamengo take off in the Brazilian Championship. "The pressure is huge, but I have a lot of confidence in the group," says the midfielder.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo relieved after triumph over América-RN\ Gazeta Press\
Juiz de Fora (MG) - Flamengo's 3-1 victory over América-RN still kept it in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship, with 11 points. But the result brought relief to coach Ney Franco, who was facing dismissal, and to the players, who were under great pressure due to fan protests. Now there will be peace of mind in preparation for this Sunday's match at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) against Corinthians in São Paulo, in the 15th round of the competition. "The most important thing at a time like this is to get the win, because we need to climb the standings and even leave the relegation zone without using the three games in hand we have compared to most of our opponents. Flamengo doesn't want to limit itself to fighting relegation and dreams of greater heights, such as a spot in the Copa Libertadores, and for that, calmness to work is essential. With the victory over América, we'll have a little more of that peace of mind," said left-back Juan, who, like the rest of the team, didn't have a great performance on Wednesday night.
Midfielder Jaílton, who scored the second goal for the red-and-black team, agrees with his teammate and sees relief as the main benefit of the victory against América. "If we had stumbled, the penalty would have been huge, and the situation would have become even more complicated, as América is currently a direct rival in the standings. Now we have to use this slightly calmer moment to recover once and for all and climb the standings. The sooner we leave the relegation zone, the bigger we can dream for the rest of the competition," said the red-and-black team.
Flamengo can count on Roger against Corinthians\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's board confirmed on Thursday afternoon that midfielder Roger has been regularized by the CBF and will be able to reinforce the team in next Sunday's match against Corinthians, in São Paulo, in the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship. The Rio de Janeiro club was waiting for the management of Corinthians itself and MSI, an investment fund that was a partner of the São Paulo club, to send the player's documentation. Tired of waiting, the player obtained an injunction from the Labor Court to defend the Rubro-Negro, and the CBF was forced to regularize him.
According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, the player will be able to play as usual. On Saturday night, in São Paulo, Flamengo and Corinthians fans, who have an excellent off-field relationship, will sit down to discuss details regarding payment.
Upon learning of the situation, coach Ney Franco celebrated the development, but declined to confirm whether Roger would start in Sunday's match. "It's good news because it's another player available to help us build the team. We were already counting on Obina's return, and now we have Roger. I can predict that he'll play, but we still don't know if he'll start or come on later. Since Roger won't be able to play the full ninety minutes, we'll consider the best strategy to use him," he assessed.
Ronaldo Angelim renews. Irineu laments loss of starting spot\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Two defenders are experiencing different moments at Flamengo. The contrast was evident Thursday afternoon at Gávea, where the board confirmed Ronaldo Angelim's contract renewal until December 2008, while Irineu lamented his loss of starting spot. Angelim scored the goal that paved the way for the 3-1 victory over América de Natal on Wednesday night. "I'm happy about this renewal because it shows that my work is being recognized. This gives me peace of mind for the future," analyzed the defender, whose previous contract ran until the end of this year.
Blocked from the match against América after scoring an own goal that sealed the defeat to Grêmio, Irineu is experiencing a different situation than his teammate, but prefers not to argue with the coach. "I have to respect Ney Franco's decision because here at Flamengo, it's a family and everyone wants the best for each other," he declared.
PeléNet
Roger is regularized and debuts for Flamengo against Corinthians
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's main signing for the second half of the year, midfielder Roger, was registered as a Flamengo player with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) this Thursday. His name has already appeared in the Daily Information Bulletin (BID) on the organization's website, meaning he is legally cleared to debut next Sunday against Corinthians in São Paulo in the Brazilian Championship.
According to the vice-president of football at Flamengo, Kleber Leite, Roger was regularized thanks to an injunction obtained by the athlete in the Labor Court, since Corinthians (the player's last club) has not yet sent Flamengo all the necessary documents for the midfielder's registration.
"The injunction was granted yesterday [Wednesday] and forwarded by the player himself. His name should already be on the CBF's BID. But he is already registered, fully released," assured Kleber Leite.
Coach Ney Franco celebrated the possibility of having Roger on board next Sunday and confirmed that he will play against Corinthians. The coach just doesn't yet know how he will promote the midfielder's debut.
"He's going to the game on Sunday. It's up to me now to decide whether he starts playing or stays as an option for the second half," said the coach.
Roger hasn't played a match since April 11th, when he faced Santo André in the Campeonato Paulista. Because of this, Ney Franco has already stated that, in any case, the midfielder won't be able to play the full 90 minutes.
"It's very clear to us that he still can't handle playing all the time. So, in addition to the tactical aspect, we have to have a strategy to use this player at the right time, so that the physical aspect doesn't affect his performance," observed Ney Franco.
After own goal, Irineu accepts being banned from Flamengo
Vinicius Barreto Souto
After scoring the own goal that sank Flamengo to the bottom of the Brazilian Championship, defender Irineu didn't even make the bench for last Wednesday's match against América-RN. Despite this, the player expressed resignation to being benched by coach Ney Franco.
This Thursday, Irineu said that the coach announced his cut moments before the pre-match talk and claimed that he chose to leave him out of the match to protect him, as the red-black fans persecuted him after the own goal he scored in the 1-0 defeat to Grêmio, last Sunday.
"I don't owe anything because of one game, but that was Ney's choice. Maybe it was a good decision, since we won the match. We're a family here and everyone wants the best for Flamengo," Irineu said resignedly.
The day after the loss to Grêmio, which left the Rio de Janeiro team in last place in the Brazilian Championship, Irineu was one of the players most persecuted in the protest held by about 30 fans in Gávea. Later, in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, the site of the match against América, Rio Grande do Norte, the red-and-black fans unfurled a banner demanding the player's departure.
However, Irineu assured that the protests and the ban didn't affect him. He recalled that he also faced pressure when he played for Cruzeiro and said he was prepared to return to the team when asked.
"I've never experienced such a turbulent time. But, with the victory [over América-RN], we'll go into the next game with more peace of mind. I'm ready to return, if Ney Franco wants me to," concluded Irineu.
BalloonSport
Maxi: 'Messi is unaware of success in Brazil'
Flamengo striker says he talks to Barcelona star almost every day
Marcio Iannacca
Maxi prefers to be known for his football and cannot be Messi's cousin
Flamengo fans are probably curious to know how he plays or learn more about the career of Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, a reinforcement signed for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. A standout in the last Paraguayan Championship, playing for Sportivo Luqueño, the striker said in a chat with GLOBOESPORTE.COM that he feels a little uncomfortable being remembered only as the cousin of Lionel Messi, the Barcelona star.
"It bothers me to be constantly compared to him. I know I'm here not because I'm Messi's cousin, but because of what I've shown so far," says the striker.
Maxi followed the entire Copa América in Brazil. Rooting for Messi's success, the Flamengo striker says he had several conversations with his cousin during the tournament, held in Venezuela.
"Messi was anxious about not scoring in the first half. He was playing well, but he hadn't scored a single goal. I told him to stay calm because the goal would come eventually. Not once, in the game against Mexico, he scored that amazing goal. He's a unique player," Maxi analyzes.
And who did Maxi root for in the Copa América final? Obviously, it was Argentina, but the Flamengo player says the Brazilian national team always arrives as a strong team, regardless of the players selected for the tournament.
"I watched the entire Copa América. Argentina was strong, but Brazil showed its strength in the final," he says.
The Argentine has been training hard at Gávea to play for Flamengo starting August 3rd. Considered a welcome revelation by vice president of football Kléber Leite, Maxi says his famous cousin was shocked to learn he's revered by Brazilians.
"I told him I was called "Messi's cousin" here." He didn't believe it. Messi doesn't realize how adored and well-known he is here in Brazil. I told him everyone keeps saying I'm his cousin. It was funny because we always talk on MSN. That Wednesday, he was at my house with my brother," says Maxi.
The chat with Maxi yielded other good stories that GLOBOESPORTE.COM will publish in the coming weeks. On Saturday, find out which field the Argentine will play for Flamengo.
Irineu keeps his head held high
Defender, who wasn't even on the bench against América-RN, is trying to turn things around
Marcio Iannacca
Irineu was dropped at the last minute by coach Ney Franco from Wednesday's match against América-RN in Juiz de Fora. The Flamengo player learned he would be out of the match and also from the bench during the pre-match training session, hours before kickoff.
"A defender is there and makes mistakes. It was a time when the team was struggling, and Ney decided to take me off because of the protests. It was the coach's decision, and he knows what's best for the team. I have to give my all to get an opportunity," says the defender.
When asked about the pressure from fans, who held up a banner asking for his departure, Irineu appeared calm and confident that better days will come.
"The fans' pressure is normal. I'm calm and if I get another chance, I'll try to make the most of it."
Roger is regularized and will play on Sunday
Midfielder gets court release and will be selected to face Corinthians
Marcio Iannacca
Roger prepares to debut in Fla
Midfielder Roger is registered with the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation)—his name appears in the BID published this Thursday—and will face Corinthians on Sunday at Morumbi Stadium in the Brazilian Championship. The player obtained an injunction from the Ministry of Labor and left Corinthians. He participated with ease in the training session held this Thursday at Gávea Stadium.
Coach Ney Franco, however, still doesn't know whether Roger will start or sit on the bench.
"It's exciting to see that we'll have a player of Roger's caliber available. The team gets stronger with each match. We have two more training sessions to select the team. Roger has been out for a long time, and we'll see if he starts on Sunday," says Ney Franco.
In recent days, Roger has been eager to get on the field and help Flamengo in the Brazilian Championship.
- The pressure here is huge and I have a lot of confidence in the group - says Roger.
Fla prepares for tournament in Malaysia
Juniors embark on August 1st and face Milan, Arsenal and Ajax in the first phase
Marcio Iannacca
Flamengo's youth team departs for Malaysia on August 1st, where they will compete in an international youth tournament called the Champions Youth Cup. Flamengo's debut in the competition will be on the 8th, against Milan, in Alor Setar. The Rio de Janeiro team is in Group A.
In addition to Milan, Flamengo will face Arsenal on August 10th in Alor Setar and Ajax on August 12th in Kuala Lumpur. Flamengo's standout players in the tournament are midfielders Marlon and Vinícius Colombiano, and forward Diego, also known as Frigobar.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus are some of the other clubs competing in the tournament.
PROGRAM August 3 Trip to Malaysia\ August 4 Landing in Malaysia\ August 5 Gala lunch\ August 6 Training\ August 7 Training\ August 8 to 13 First phase matches\ August 14 and 15 Quarterfinals\ August 16 Day off\ August 17 Semifinal\ August 18 Day off\ August 19 Final and 3rd and 4th place decision\ August 20 Return to Brazil\
Throw
Roger is on the bench against Corinthians
Ney Franco fears rushing his lineup for this Sunday's match
Roger has been training well since arriving at Flamengo. (Credit: Paulo Wrencher)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo fans hoping for an improvement in the team's midfield with Roger's debut this Sunday against Corinthians will have to be a little more patient to see a more creative Flamengo. That's because coach Ney Franco has hinted that the midfielder won't start at Pacaembu Stadium.
However, the coach guaranteed that Roger should remain as an option on the bench.
"Roger is a Rio native, experienced, experienced, and technically gifted, and he'll be aware of his responsibilities when he debuts for Flamengo. He'll play, but I don't know if he'll start. Having been out of action for so long, we don't know if he'll last the full 90 minutes. That's why we have to be smart, so that his physical condition doesn't hinder his performance on the field," he said.
The coach emphasized that he will not start Roger until he is 100% physically fit.
"The fact that Roger is already registered is encouraging, but he's a player who's been out for a long time. He had a good training session this Thursday, but we can't rush his lineup," he assured.
Souza could face Corinthians on Sunday
The striker has not yet been tried for his expulsion against Grêmio\ LANCEPRESS!\
Striker Souza should be able to face Corinthians next Sunday, at 16pm, at Pacaembu, in the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship, as he has not yet been judged for the expulsion against Grêmio.
The player attacked the Czech midfielder in the play that resulted in the red card and then slapped him when he was being treated off the field.
Souza has already been sent off twice in this Brazilian Championship and has yet to score in the competition.
Reinforcements are Ney Franco's hope\ LANCEPRESS!\
Coach Ney Franco believes Flamengo's situation will improve in the coming rounds. Despite a difficult run of matches against Corinthians, Santos, Atlético-PR, and Fluminense, the coach is confident in new signings Roger and Maxi Biancucchi to finally overcome this slump. Roger will already be on the bench against Corinthians, and Maxi should be available against Santos.
Ney feels safe believing that true Flamengo fans are on his side.
- It's important to see that good fans support me, this gives me even more peace of mind to continue with my work - he says.
Obina asks for the fans' support\ LANCEPRESS!\
A favorite of the Rubro-Negra fans, striker Obina sent the crowd at Mario Helênico Stadium into a frenzy by scoring the third goal in Flamengo's 3-1 victory over América-RN. The player helped the team climb out of last place in the Brasileirão and asked for the fans' support in the team's upcoming matches.
"I tried to give it my all. I'm not yet physically fit, but I always try to give my all to help Flamengo. The most important thing is that we came away with a victory; the fans supported the team, and that's crucial. If they do this in every game, the players on the field will give a little more," said Obina.
Flamengo's next opponent will be Corinthians. The teams face off this Sunday at 16 p.m. at Morumbi Stadium.