The Globe
Fla renews with Léo Lima for 6 months and makes an offer to keep Juan
Club proposes purchase of an additional 25% of the left-back's rights
With Renato's departure considered a foregone conclusion by the board and goalkeeper Bruno's continued presence a concern, Flamengo is gearing up to avoid the threat of losing another coveted player: left-back Juan, a key player in coach Ney Franco's scheme. Since they own 50% of the player's rights, Flamengo has proposed purchasing an additional 25% and renewing his contract for four or five years.
"We're going to invest in Juan. We're working to buy another 25% of his rights and extend his contract for a longer period. It's a way to keep him, with advantages for both sides. I don't see any other full-back who can score like him. He's fearless, bold, and efficient," said vice president of football Kleber Leite.
And precisely the threat of losing its key players to the foreign market ultimately helped define midfielder Léo Lima's situation. Under normal circumstances, his stay at Flamengo would be virtually impossible. But given the threat of an exodus looming over the club, he's staying until December.
"I'm losing a star player like Renato. I don't know if others will leave. I can't let him go. He's staying for another six months. But he didn't get a raise," summarizes Kleber Leite.
Recommended by coach Valdir Espinosa, Argentine Max Biancucchi arrives in Rio on Sunday for Monday's medical. He almost came with a teammate from Sportivo Luqueño of Paraguay. A few small details were overlooked to prevent the club from also bringing Paraguayan Jorge Daniel Nuñez.
"Besides Biancucchi, Espinosa recommended Nuñez, a defensive midfielder who scored eight goals in the league. But he went to Vélez," revealed Kleber, who downplayed the lack of information about Biancucchi. "Ney Franco spoke with Espinosa for 40 minutes about the player. He knows everything about the Argentine."
Sports Journal
Léo Lima on the rise in Gávea
Supporter, heavily criticized by fans, is tested in the starting lineup and could renew today with Fla
Leo Schabbach and Thiago Bokel
Midfielder Léo Lima (without vest) is one of Ney Franco's starting options. The coach is rooting for the player's contract renewal.
Léo Lima's situation at Gávea is starting to improve. Although fans are still irritated by his recent performances and have considerable suspicions about his signing, coach Ney Franco and the Flamengo board appear to be satisfied with his performance. In yesterday's training session, the coach changed his starting lineup once again, moving midfielder Renato up front in place of young Paulo Sérgio and placing Léo Lima in midfield.
Furthermore, vice-president of football Kleber Leite assured that he will meet today with the athlete's agent, Carlos Leite, to renew his contract, which runs until Saturday, until the end of the year.
"I've already spoken to the player's agent and told him that we will renew the contract tomorrow (today)," revealed the director.
Although Kleber confirmed the renewal, Léo Lima was still uncertain as of yesterday whether his commitment to Flamengo would be extended. Despite this, he was thrilled to be competing for a starting spot and expressed his eagerness to confirm his continued presence at the club.
"Starting as a starter is a motivation, I hope to renew soon so I can face Atlético. Nothing has come my way yet, but I know that talks have already begun and I'm very anxious, as my contract ends on Saturday and I'm waiting to find out how the situation will turn out," he said.
Coach Ney Franco, who had been asking for the player to stay for some time, made it clear that he already knew about the renewal and that he was counting on the athlete for the rest of the Brazilian Championship.
"It seems to me that Léo Lima's situation has been resolved. From what I've been told, he's going to renew his contract. If that happens, I'll gain another quality option for the match against Atlético. Léo is a player with a lot of potential and I'm sure he'll still be a big help to us," said the coach.
With the changes made yesterday, the team played collectively with Diego, Luizinho, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Toró, Léo Medeiros and Léo Lima; Renato and Leonardo.
Fla's attack solution could be Renato
Renato (top left) says he is surprised to learn he will be playing up front to finish plays
In search of optimal team balance, coach Ney Franco is looking for different options to line up Flamengo for the July 4th match against Atlético-MG. After yesterday afternoon's training session at CT Ninho do Urubu, the coach discussed the possibility of moving captain Renato up front.
"I did a short period of work, where I also saw Renato's more advanced positioning, and I think I gained another option. With him up front, the team is faster, and who knows, with him closer to the goal, he might have more chances to finish, which is one of his strengths," said the red-and-black manager.
For midfielder Renato, the position change could be a problem, as he hasn't played in attack since the beginning of his career, but if it's for the betterment of the team, he'll accept the coach's decision.
"When Ney told me I would play further forward, I was surprised, as I hadn't played in that position for a long time. But he knows what he's doing, and I'll do my best to help the team," said the captain.
This isn't the first time Renato has been moved from his original position. Since joining Flamengo, he's played as a left-back, defensive midfielder, and midfielder. Now, as a striker, he's proving himself to be one of the most versatile players in the Flamengo squad.
Flamengo has a marathon of away games
Flamengo will begin a marathon of matches outside of Rio starting with the match against Atlético-MG. In total, combined with the three home games the club decided to take to other states, there will be eight matches away from the city. Given the team's precarious position in the standings—17th—coach Ney Franco has stated his goal is to win at least 16 of the 24 points at stake.
With several players potentially out, including the confirmed departures of Bruno, Renato, and possibly Renato Augusto, Flamengo's situation is becoming desperate. Therefore, everyone at the club is aware that the next month will be decisive in determining the club's goals in the Brazilian Championship.
Added to this is the fact that Rubro-Negro will be inactive for another period after the games against Atlético-MG and São Paulo, — there will be another 12 days without playing — so Ney Franco is starting to set goals for the team to react.
"We've already lost some points that will be needed later on, and now we have to recover them away from home. I'm working with short-term goals, and in these two games the objective is to win 100% of the points we're playing for, because with the postponement of the match against Fluminense, we'll be out of action for another period," explained Ney Franco.
After prioritizing physical training at the beginning of the week, the coach stated that he will now begin holding training sessions to determine the ideal tactics. He intends to have the team selected before the friendly match against Villa Nova on Sunday at Toca da Raposa.
Renato denies agreement with Arab team
Renato was Flamengo's top scorer in 2005 and 2006
After training on Wednesday, midfielder Renato stated that the news that he was negotiating a transfer to Al-Garrafa in the United Arab Emirates was pure speculation. However, the player preferred not to elaborate on the matter.
"I have a contract with Flamengo, I'm not going to talk about any other club. I'm very grateful to everyone here at Gávea. These speculations don't bother me at all. I always play very calmly," he said.
The Arabs' interest in Renato is due to a recommendation from the club's coach, Brazilian Marcos Paquetá. The team also has former Flamengo player Rodrigo Mendes, who scored the goal that gave the Rubro-Negro the 1999 Rio de Janeiro title.
O Dia
Fla: Renato is not worried about a possible transfer to Saudi Arabia
Rio - With a contract until December, Renato is being targeted by several clubs, and in recent days, speculation about his transfer to Saudi Arabia has gained momentum within the club. Despite the rumors, the midfielder is unconcerned about any negotiations. If Renato is sold, Flamengo is expected to receive R$3 million and R$900.
"I'm not worried. If there's anything, I want it to stay between Flamengo's board and my agent. I've always played calmly and I don't let any of that interfere with my performance on the field," said Renato.
Full-back Leonardo Moura did not participate in training this Wednesday morning. He remained at Gáve for treatment due to muscle pain, but he is not in doubt for Flamengo's next game, which will not take place until July 4th.
On Monday, the club's board of directors will introduce Argentine Maxi Biancucci. He signs a four-year contract with the option of a two-year extension.
Kléber Leite takes care of Léo Lima's renewal
Player must face Atlético Mineiro, at Mineirão
Rio - According to Rádio Globo, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, is currently meeting with representatives of footballer Léo Lima to discuss his contract renewal. The player trained with the starting lineup this Wednesday and is expected to start against Atlético Mineiro at Mineirão Stadium in the Brazilian Championship.
Regarding Renato's departure, the club is saying that negotiations with Al-Nasser, from the United Arab Emirates, are practically complete.
Ronaldo Angelim says the Pan American Games were not good for Flamengo
Rio - Not counting the Maracanã, because of the Pan-American Games, Flamengo had to postpone its Brasileirão matches, change home grounds, and move games out of Rio. According to defender Ronaldo Angelim, the competition isn't good for the team from Gávea.
"This Pan American Games wasn't good for Flamengo. It really messed things up. All the teams are playing and scoring. On the other hand, we've improved our physical fitness. I hope the team takes advantage of this," the defender told Rádio Brasil.
Sports Gazette
Renato avoids commenting on Arab interest
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - One of Flamengo's key players, midfielder Renato, is close to finalizing his transfer to Arab football. By the end of this week, a club from the United Arab Emirates is expected to arrive in Brazil to formalize an offer for the player. When questioned about the matter on Wednesday morning, Renato preferred to shift the blame to his agent (Cláudio Guadagno) and the Flamengo directors. "I'm not even worried about that. If there's anything, it's between my agent and Flamengo. I have a contract with Flamengo; I'm not going to talk about another club. I did that once, and it wasn't good; it's a bit unethical. I'm very grateful to everyone here at Gávea," said Renato, who last year was booed by the fans shortly after announcing he had an offer from Bordeaux.
While his situation remains unclear, Renato assures that his performance won't be affected in Flamengo's upcoming Brazilian Championship matches. "These speculations don't bother me at all. I always play very calmly, and in my work I try to forget about my problems," he commented.
And Flamengo will definitely need a calm Renato in the upcoming matches. Occupying a spot in the relegation zone and with the Maracanã closed, the Rubro-Negro is preparing for a series of matches away from Rio de Janeiro. "Facing this marathon away from home and being in the relegation zone is very bad. But a team that wants to win can't choose the location, time, or date of the game. They have to go out on the field and give everything to leave with the victory," stated Renato.
Midfielder Maximiliano Biancucchi, who will still take a while to be used by coach Ney Franco, is . The Argentine, announced as a reinforcement last Tuesday, will only be able to register with the Rubro-Negro in August. The coach confirmed that he has not yet seen the player in action.
"Information about this athlete reached the club initially through Kléber Leite, on Espinosa's recommendation. He arrived through a recommendation, and I hope he brings the return we expect. But I don't know him; I'll meet him in training," Ney said.
Since arriving at Flamengo last year, Ney Franco has managed and faced problems with two players from other South American countries: Paraguayan César Ramirez and Uruguayan Horácio Peralta. Even so, the coach assures that this will not affect his relationship with Biancucchi, cousin of Messi, the Barcelona star.
"Just because two South American players didn't work out doesn't mean we'll close the door on this market. I can't be prejudiced as a coach. I have to observe him in training and see the best opportunity to use him," the coach stated.
Meanwhile, Flamengo's squad took advantage of Wednesday's sunny morning to improve their fitness on Leblon beach. The Flamengo players appreciate the effort required by coach Geraldo Fabian.
"We're taking advantage of this break to improve the entire team's physical condition. This morning's training was intense, very demanding," commented defender Ronaldo Angelim, who is betting on Flamengo's recovery in the Brazilian Championship. "Flamengo has a very good team, and I'm sure the team will improve a lot," the defender added.
Right-back Leonardo Moura, who is still recovering from a muscle injury, didn't train with his teammates on the beach. He went straight to Gávea, where he did some separate training. However, he's not a doubt to face Atlético-MG on July 4th at Mineirão Stadium. Goalkeepers Bruno and Diego also avoided physical activity on the beach and completed specific training at Gávea.
On Friday, the red-black group will travel to Belo Horizonte, where they will finalize their preparations for this match.
Léo Lima gets a chance at Flamengo's training session\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Despite boasting the leakiest defense in the Brazilian Championship, it's Flamengo's attacking system that's been keeping coach Ney Franco up at night. Without striker Souza, who's suspended, and still without Obina, who's recovering from a serious right knee injury, the coach hasn't decided on his starting lineup for the July 4th match against Atlético-MG at the Mineirão stadium. This Wednesday afternoon, Ney Franco led a training session at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center in Vargem Grande. Contrary to his recent practice, the coach didn't include young Paulo Sérgio in the starting lineup. He was replaced by midfielder Léo Lima. With the change, Renato played up front alongside striker Leonardo.
In the training session, Ney Franco also opted to start Luizinho at right back, as Leonardo Moura remained at Gávea treating a muscle problem. Goalkeeper Bruno was included in the starting lineup, despite his situation being uncertain, as his loan ends next Saturday.
PeléNet
Fla is experiencing uncertainty about the permanence of key players
The situation of some of Flamengo's key players remains uncertain. Goalkeeper Bruno, whose contract expires on the 30th, still has no word on his future. Midfielder Renato has reportedly attracted interest from Arab soccer and may leave Gávea.
The goalkeeper has already expressed his desire to remain at the Rio de Janeiro club, but he is linked to the company MSI and the investment fund wants to recoup the amount spent on the athlete by profiting from negotiating him with a club abroad.
However, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, stated that Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian, who is part of the company, had assured him that, if the number 1 does not receive offers from abroad by next Friday, he could resume negotiations with the Rio de Janeiro club.
Renato, who is under contract with the red-and-black team until the end of 2007, could be transferred to Al-Garrafa, in Qatar. However, the athlete denies having had contact with that team's directors and prefers to focus on the club's upcoming series of matches in the Brazilian Championship.
On the other hand, coach Ney Franco confirmed that midfielder Léo Lima should remain at the club for the remainder of the competition: "From what I was told, the Léo Lima issue has already been resolved and he will renew."
The player was signed from Grêmio after having problems during the Gaucho team's pre-season at the beginning of the year and signed a "trial" contract with Flamengo until June 30 - if approved, his contract would be extended.
Coach tests Flamengo's team and Renato becomes a striker
With 18 days to train the team between the last game in the Brazilian Championship - a 2-2 draw against Internacional-RS, at Maracanã, on June 16th - and the following one, against Atlético-MG - on July 4th, at Mineirão, coach Ney Franco is experimenting with changes to the starting lineup.
The coach, who had already dropped midfielders Paulinho and Claiton, replacing them with Jailton and Toró, in training this Wednesday at the Ninho do Urubu Training Center, tested midfielder Renato forming an attacking duo with Leonardo, while Léo Lima gained a place in the midfield.
The trials, however, are subject to the successful completion of negotiations involving some of the Rubro-Negro players. Renato is reportedly interested in an Arab club; Léo Lima has yet to renew his contract; and goalkeeper Bruno is unlikely to have his contract renewed, at least temporarily.
The latter two's contracts with Flamengo end at the end of June, and they will only be eligible to play in the team's next match if their situation is regularized. Renato's contract runs until the end of this year.
In fact, in goal, the coach started the movement with Bruno, but during the training session he switched Diego to that position, as he's expected to be the No. 1 against Atlético-MG. Right-back Leonardo Moura didn't practice, but he's expected to face the team from Minas Gerais.
Thus, the team chosen by Ney Franco for training and which should enter the field against Atlético-MG was: Diego (Bruno); Luizinho, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Léo Medeiros, Toró and Léo Lima; Renato and Leonardo.
In 17th place in the Brazilian Championship, the Rio de Janeiro team is in the relegation zone, alongside Sport, Náutico, and América-RN, teams that were promoted to Serie A this season. Furthermore, the club has the worst defense in the league, having conceded 15 goals (along with Cruzeiro and Náutico).
Renato says he only thinks about playing 'calmly' for Flamengo
Flamengo midfielder Renato prefers not to comment on rumors about the possibility of his departure from the Rio de Janeiro club in the coming days - the team's main player, he would be of interest to Al-Garrafa, a club from Qatar.
"I'm not worried about that. If there's anything, let it be between the board and my agent, who is competent. I just have to think about playing," said the athlete, who has a contract with the red-black team until the end of 2007.
Flamengo's number 11 says that talks about a possible transfer aren't affecting his performance on the field. Furthermore, the player has been in contact with the Rio de Janeiro club's executives to negotiate a contract renewal.
"I've always played calmly. In my work I try to forget about my problems and separate them well," said Renato, who is recovering from an injury to the posterior muscle of his left thigh and should return to the team in the game against Atlético-MG, on July 4, in Belo Horizonte.
Flamengo, currently 17th in the Brazilian Championship, has only one win in the competition. The club will play eight matches away from Rio de Janeiro due to the closure of the Maracanã stadium for the Pan American Games in the state capital in July.
"It's a big marathon, and it's bad being away from home, as we're in the relegation zone. But the team doesn't have to choose where or when to play. If we can win most of these matches, we can get out of this situation," said Renato.
BalloonSport
Renato signs pre-contract with Al-Nasr
Wednesday morning meeting seals agreement with UAE club Eduardo Peixoto
Renato and his vulture mask will be far away from Flamengo soon
Anyone who had any hope of Renato staying at Flamengo should forget it. On Wednesday morning, the player's agent, Cláudio Guadagno, met with Al-Nasr's representative in São Paulo and signed a pre-contract with the Arab club.
The transfer is being brokered by former player Sérgio Morales, now a businessman with ties to the Arab world. The contract with the UAE team will last ten months. Al-Nasr recently hired Brazilian coach Vágner Mancini, formerly of São Paulo.
Flamengo's board knows that keeping the midfielder is virtually impossible. However, they're avoiding announcing his departure to avoid causing any unrest. Vice President of Football Kléber Leite wants to mitigate Renato's loss by announcing a new signing.
Sao Paulo vs Flamengo schedule changes
The CBF has changed the time of the match between São Paulo and Flamengo on Saturday, July 7th, valid for the ninth round of the Brazilian Championship. The game, which will be played at Morumbi Stadium, was scheduled for 20:30 pm but will now start at 18:10 pm.
The red-and-black team is languishing in 17th place in the competition, with six points. São Paulo is third with 13.
Fla begins training with a 'virtual team'
Bruno and Leo Lima have not yet renewed and Renato could be sold before the next game\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Of the 11 starters who began tactical training this Wednesday afternoon at Ninho do Urubu, three still don't have a guaranteed starting spot for Flamengo against Atlético-MG. But the uncertainty has nothing to do with coach Ney Franco, but rather with bureaucratic issues.
Bruno and Leo Lima will be out of contract next Saturday (the 30th), and Renato could be traded before next Wednesday. The goalkeeper's situation is the most complicated, and so the red-and-black coach replaced him with Diego and Marcelo Lomba for part of the activity.
Leo Lima will resolve his case this Thursday. His agent, Carlos Leite, will settle the pending issues regarding his contract extension until the end of the year in a meeting with Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
Ney Franco isn't too concerned about the possibility of coaching one team and fielding another.
"Leo Lima is renewing his contract, and Renato, from what I've heard from the board, will be fit to play against Atlético-MG. Bruno's participation is actually more complicated," he states.
The coach hopes to finalize the red-and-black lineup by the friendly against Villa Nova on Sunday. Before that, he will conduct four tactical drills.
Reluctantly, Renato trains in attack
Player doesn't approve of the idea, but Ney thinks he can score more goals
Eduardo Peixoto
On Wednesday, coach Ney Franco tested midfielder Renato in attack alongside Leonardo during tactical training at Ninho do Urubu. The change has not yet been confirmed for the match against Atlético-MG on July 4th. But Renato, while not controversial, doesn't approve of Flamengo's new positioning.
"I was surprised, but Ney knows what he's doing. Playing with his back to the defender isn't my thing, but I'll try to do everything I can to help Flamengo," says the player, whose transfer to Arab football is considered a sure thing by Flamengo's board.
In turn, Ney Franco justified the player's lineup in attack by stating that he will be closer to the goal and, therefore, will have more chances to finish.
- Renato's greatest weapon is his shot, and playing closer to the goal, he has more chances to take risks - analyzes the coach.
However, Renato thinks differently. In fact, completely differently.
"I don't think it'll make things easier. Quite the opposite. It'll even be more difficult because of the marking. My style is to play more outside the box," he declares.
Despite the discomfort, Renato was the best player in the activity, which ended 0-0. With the new formation, Paulo Sergio went to the reserve team and Leo Lima got another chance.
Throw
Renato is the new addition to Fla's attack
Ney Franco approved the player's move to the new position
Renato should play further forward (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
LANCEPRESS!
Coach Ney Franco surprised everyone at Wednesday's training session at Ninho do Urubu by starting Renato up front alongside Leonardo. Léo Lima moved into midfield, and striker Paulo Sérgio was dropped to the bench. The coach was pleased with the player's performance in his new role.
"With Renato, the attack wins. He's closer to the goal and shoots well. Besides being tactically intelligent, he'll also help mark Coelho, who's been playing well for Atlético-MG," the red-and-black manager declared.
The player himself recalled that he will need time to adapt to his new role:
"Being a striker is new. I've played in that position before, but it's been a long time, but Neymar knows what he's doing. I've never played with my back to the defender. I have to adapt, but I'll try to help as best I can."
Flamengo will travel to Minas Gerais on Friday morning. On Sunday, the team will play a training match against Vila Nova-MG. The red-and-black team will not play again in the Brazilian Championship until next Wednesday, against Atlético-MG, at Mineirão.
Renato says Arab interest is speculation
Supporter would be of interest to Al-Garrafa, from the Arab world\ Rodrigo Mandarini\
Supporter Renato refused to discuss a possible transfer to Arab football. During Flamengo's training session on Wednesday, the player said the matter was nothing more than a rumor.
"I have a contract with Flamengo, I'm not going to talk about any other club. I'm very grateful to everyone here at Gávea. These speculations don't bother me at all. I always play very calmly," he said.
The club reportedly interested in Renato is Al-Gharafa. The team's coach is Brazilian Marcos Paquetá. Rodrigo Mendes, scorer of Flamengo's state title-winning goal in 1999, plays for the Arab team.
Renato is cautious about his new position
Player believes this will not give him more chances to score goals
Supporter Renato believes that playing further forward doesn't help him increase his chances of scoring. The player, who was tested in attack in Wednesday's training session, could be used in his new position against Atlético-MG.
"Scoring goals doesn't make it easier to play up front. On the contrary, I play with my back to goal and I've never played that way. I'm used to playing facing goal," the player recalled.
Ney Franco sees improvements in the technical part
Coach believes training on a reduced pitch improved the team's passing
After 11 days without playing in the Brazilian Championship, Ney Franco is beginning to see progress in Flamengo's squad. According to the coach, training on a smaller field has improved the team's quality.
"We're starting to reap the rewards of our work on a smaller pitch; the quality of our passing has improved. We were making a lot of mistakes in this regard, especially in attack," he highlighted.
Flamengo will still train for another seven days, as they will only play again in the Brazilian Championship on July 4th, against Atlético-MG, at Mineirão.
Ney Franco will only line up for Fla on Sunday
Coach will wait for the training match against Vila Nova to select the team
Coach Ney Franco said he intends to observe the team in next Sunday's training match against Villa Nova-MG, to definitively select the team that will start playing against Atlético-MG on July 4th:
"The idea is to start Sunday's training match against the team that faces Atlético-MG. We'll be working hard on tactics before the match to decide on a lineup. Now is the time for work, calm, and training to escape the relegation zone."
Flamengo travels to Minas Gerais on Friday morning.