THE GLOBE

THE JADE FIST \ The results of a new examination on Jade Barbosa's right wrist revealed the gymnast's injury to be extremely serious. Doctor Ricardo Laranjeira said that clinically there had been improvement, but radiologically the condition was very critical, which will require the case to be referred to a medical team in the United States. The gymnast has suffered from this condition since the beginning of the year and competed in the Olympics on anti-inflammatories. Upon her return, her father accused the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation of negligence in his daughter's treatment. \

Proposals for when January arrives at Fla \ Juan's businessman hopes for the reopening of the European market \ The impasse paralyzing Flamengo goes beyond political issues. According to Eduardo Uram, agent of full-backs Juan and Leonardo Moura, the European market is paralyzed by the holiday season, and offers are only expected to start arriving in January. Although he's one of the most highly valued players in Flamengo's squad, Juan still has no other destination than Gávea in 2009. \ "Everything is at a standstill right now. Something will only happen with the opening of the European market in January. Juan is under contract with Flamengo and will return on the 7th," said Eduardo Uram. \ For now, the club's headquarters is like a ballroom dance where those on the outside are barred from entry and those on the inside are barred from exit. Although Flamengo announced its interest in signing Adriano and then backed down, agent Gilmar Rinaldi has shut down any possibility of the striker returning to the club. \ "There's absolutely no chance he'll go to Flamengo. I haven't spoken to anyone at the club. He wants to stay at Inter and will report back on the 2nd." \ With president Márcio Braga and vice president of finance, José Carlos Dias, removed from their positions, the vacancy has fueled disputes due to the upcoming election year. After the opposition questioned the excessive spending and the payment of commissions in Switzerland for Kleberson's hiring, interim president Delair Dumbrosck issued an official statement questioning the credibility of the critics and asserting the club's financial recovery under the current administration. \

SPORTS JOURNAL

Rafael Galhardo and the change of category: Juvenile to Juniors\ Bernardo Abreu and Thiago Barros\

Rio de Janeiro - 18-year-old Rafael Galhardo is a right-back who will be promoted to Flamengo's junior squad in 2009. The player spoke briefly about this new stage and said he is ready to play in the youth squad and further contribute to the red-and-black team: "The team is already training hard for the São Paulo Junior Cup. The team is focused on this victory to try to erase the bad year the squad had.\ When an athlete reaches a certain age, they move up a category within the club. Rafael, for example, now 18, will play in the juniors, no longer in the youth team. Whenever this change happens, expectations are high, as some athletes end up being released by the club, but that wasn't the case with Rafael.\ "This will be my second São Paulo Cup. I'm very happy that everyone at the club has placed their trust in me, and I hope to repay that on the field by helping Flamengo achieve victories. I'm very happy to have stayed at the club. My next step now is to maintain my good football in this new category and, who knows, move up to the professional ranks and wear the Mengão number 2 jersey," says the full-back.\

On a completely different path from Renan and Rafael, defender Fabrício appears. A young player who came through the club's youth ranks, Fabrício was loaned to Paraná in 2008. There, he helped the team compete in the Brazilian Championship's Serie B and ended up standing out at the club, even becoming a fan favorite. At the end of the national championship, Paraná's management hinted at signing the player, but Flamengo's strongmen preferred to bring him back to Gávea and use him the following year.

Fabrício returns to Flamengo much more mature, having already played for a professional team and with a highly competitive championship under his belt, the Brazilian Serie B. That's why the Flamengo directors have already decided that the defender will join Mengo's first team. Even though he's only 18 and still old enough to play with the youth team, Fabrício has won everyone's favor at Flamengo and will finally realize his dream. The player spoke about his promotion.\ "Everything happened so quickly in my life. I didn't expect to be in the professional ranks of my beloved club at just 18. I'm returning to Flamengo with the intention of repaying the trust everyone placed in me and thus being able to perform well. Thankfully, I did very well at Paraná, and that helped me shorten my path within Mengão, and I'm very happy about that," says the player.\

Now it's up to the red-black nation to have a little patience with the young athlete so that we can have another great star, with the label of a homegrown player, thus confirming the motto that all red-blacks are happy to say: Star, Flamengo does it at home.

2008 to be forgotten in the juniors

The season's outlook, according to young striker Renan Silva

Bernardo Abreu and Thiago Barros

Rio de Janeiro - 2008 wasn't a good year for Flamengo's youth team. In fact, it was a season to forget. Known for producing stars, so much so that one of the club's mottos is: "Flamengo makes stars at home," this year the young Flamengo players failed to make a name for themselves on the national stage.

The team, led by Adílio, competed in several championships that year, but only won the Rio Cup. Young striker Renan Silva, just 19 years old, spoke about the red-and-black team's year.

"It was a really bad year for us. We were used to winning everything we competed in, and unfortunately, this time it was different, and we only won the Rio Cup."

The team was heavily criticized for its defeats, which allowed the boys to mature even further and demonstrate that they'll soon be ready to play for Flamengo at the professional level. Renan also spoke about the team's growth.\ "As everything in life has a positive side, what we can take from our careers is that we always learn from defeats, much more than from victories. Losing is never good, no one likes it, but it ends up helping us mature. The Mengo youth team is now even stronger," says the striker.\

Renan is one of the good players being formed in the youth ranks of Fla

Renan also commented on the best and worst moments he experienced in 2008. The striker highlighted the best moment as winning the Taça Rio in the first half of the year, and the worst moment for the young striker was in the final of the Campeonato Carioca, when the team, after winning 2-0 against Fluminense, allowed the tricolor to come back and ended up losing the title of the competition.

A few days ago, Flamengo's board took drastic action and fired coach Adílio. The news took everyone at the club by surprise and caused some outrage among longtime Flamengo fans and a large portion of the fanbase.

Adílio, as always polite and composed, commented on the incident: "Unfortunately, this happened. I did a very good job at Flamengo, but the results this year weren't forthcoming. We formed a three-time champion team, and I revealed some good players to the club's professional team, so I leave satisfied and with my head held high. It was definitely a great learning experience for me."

Everything went wrong for Fla's junior team in the 2008 season, but the next one promises to be very different, according to the red-black athletes

Regarding Adílio's dismissal, Renan adopted a very mature approach and showed that he understood the leaders' attitude.

"It's a shame this happened, but football is about results, even at the youth level. Everyone really likes Adílio, and we're upset by the news."

The new coach will be Rogério Lourenço, who was responsible for coaching Flamengo's youth team. He also coaches the Brazilian U-20 national team. Now, he'll have even greater responsibility within the club, but everyone shows confidence in the manager's abilities. For Renan, the fact that almost everyone already knows the coach will be a huge help to the team.

Renan also spoke about 2009: "With Rogério's arrival, we hope we can do a good job next year. Some of the group is already preparing for the São Paulo Junior Cup, while others are still on vacation, but we're keeping our focus on getting Flamengo back on the path to titles."

A 9 and a 10 are on their way to Gávea

The board intends to announce the names before boarding for Teresópolis.

Vinicius Castro

Rio de Janeiro - The club's fans are eagerly awaiting news regarding the signing of key reinforcements for next season. However, so far, only two names have been announced: midfielder Willians and defender Douglas, both formerly of Santo André.

Although fans question the lack of announcement of major reinforcements, the red-black board guarantees that it is working with the objective of announcing a number 10 and a number 9, before the delegation leaves for Teresópolis, where the team will carry out its pre-season, starting on January 10th.

The board isn't mentioning names, but the number 9 is expected to be Adriano. Negotiations are advanced, and although the striker's agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, denies the transfer, the Emperor is expected to be loaned to the Gávea club by Inter Milan for a year.

The number 10 jersey remains a mystery. Carlos Alberto has been rumored, but negotiations have yet to materialize. A plan B for the position is still unknown, but anything could happen after the turn of the year.

"Fans can rest assured that we'll have balance. We have a squad that's above par; we won't rebuild it, but rather complete the group. The current economic climate doesn't allow for anything crazy. We'll bring in a playmaker and a striker," said Plínio Serpa Pinto, a collaborator with the club's football team, without naming names.

Juan returns to Flamengo as usual

Rio de Janeiro - Left-back Juan's future remains uncertain. The player is expected to return to Flamengo on January 7th for the start of preseason training, but it's still unclear whether he'll remain with the club in 2009. According to agent Eduardo Uram, the transfer market is "quiet" due to the holiday season. Everything should only be resolved in January with the opening of the European transfer window.

Since 2006 at Gávea, Juan has been coveted in the European market. Villarreal, from Spain, has already expressed interest in signing him. Flamengo holds 50% of the full-back's economic rights, and the release clause on his current contract, which expires in 2010, amounts to six million euros (approximately R$18 million). Juan has dual citizenship in his favor.

"Everything is at a standstill right now. Something will only happen with the opening of the European market in January. Juan is under contract with Flamengo," said Eduardo Uram, guaranteeing the full-back's return on January 7th.

Juan has played 162 games for Flamengo and scored 22 goals. Earlier this month, he was named the best left-back in the 2008 Brasileirão. Flamengo's squad will meet again on January 7th in Gávea, and preseason training will be held at Granja Comary in Teresópolis.

THE DAY

Soap operas drag on at Flamengo \ Businessman says Adriano is having a hard time, but Carlos Alberto offers to play for Gávea \

Rio - At the same time that Adriano's agent, Gilmar Rinaldi, added another chapter to the saga of a possible deal with Flamengo — he 'blasted' the striker's alleged girlfriend, who had said that the player would sign with the Rubro-Negro — Carlos Alberto made a 'dig' about playing at Gávea or São Januário. \ Yesterday, Gilmar put his foot down and denied any agreement with the Gávea club. \ "Everything this girl said is a lie. Adriano isn't even dating her anymore; he's already with someone else. She did this just for show, because she wants to parade in Rio's Carnival," the businessman stated, adding that the Emperor wants to stay at Inter Milan. \ Carlos Alberto, who has a contract with Werder Bremen in Germany, said he would play without any problems for the two clubs he has not yet played for in Rio. \ “As a Rio native, I can say that I would play for Vasco or Flamengo with great pleasure,” declared the supporter.\ With William and Douglas, both from Santo André, signed so far, the 'reinforcement' could actually mean Juan staying. After Eduardo Uram, the left-back's agent, assured last week that the player would stay, he is expected at the group's return on the 7th. \ Uram, however, is no longer so certain about Juan's stay. \ "Everything is at a standstill right now. Something will only happen with the opening of the European market in January. Juan has a contract with Flamengo," stated Eduardo Uram. \ CUCA IS APPROVED\ The new coach's name seems to have won over the group. "I liked the signing of Cuca. When we faced Botafogo, I praised his team's approach. With our group, everything is set to succeed," says Ronaldo Angelim. \ Yesterday, Richarlyson, from São Paulo, who was speculated at Rubro-Negro, denied the chance of a deal: “It's not in my mind to play for Flamengo in 2009”.\

Junior fires back at Flamengo's board of directors

Rio - After Júnior Negão's farewell to beach soccer this Sunday, it was the idol Júnior's turn to criticize the current red-black board.

"The club is broke. I don't see the board making any moves to bring in good players. At least the youth academy is being maintained, which makes Flamengo the favorite to win the state championship. But the Campeonato Carioca hasn't been a benchmark at the national level for some time now," the former player said.

The helmet is yet another to join in and support a possible candidacy of Leonardo for the club's presidency

"He's a great name to take over Flamengo. But I don't see that happening next year. The club needs to change its amateur structure. But that's not in the interest of many people, who prefer things to stay as they are," he said.

SPORTS GAZETTE

Júnior criticizes the amateur thinking of Flamengo's board

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - It's becoming commonplace for Flamengo's board to receive criticism from former players and club legends. Zico and Leonardo have already criticized Márcio Braga's administration, and this Sunday, it was Júnior's turn to express his pessimism about the club's future.

"The club is broke. I don't see the board making any moves to bring in good players. At least the youth academy is being maintained, which makes Flamengo the favorite to win the state championship. But the Campeonato Carioca hasn't been a benchmark at the national level for some time now," the former player stated.

Criticism mounts against Flamengo's board after a dismal end to the season. A contender for the Brazilian title at the start of the season, the team ended up missing out on the Copa Libertadores, losing to Atlético-PR in the final round.

In the market, he accumulates defeats, the most significant in the hiring of attacker Ronaldo for Corinthians. The Phenomenon spent most of his physical recovery at Gávea, pledging his love for team of which he is a declared fan, but revealed that he did not receive an offer and agreed with the Helm.

For these and other reasons, Júnior supports a change in leadership at Flamengo, and Milan director Leonardo is a candidate he likes: "He's a great candidate to take over Flamengo. But I don't see that happening next year. The club needs to change its amateur structure. But that's not in the interest of many people, who prefer things to stay as they are," he stated.

PELENET

Flamengo ready for Copinha \ The team continues training at Ninho do Urubu and Bruno Paulo believes in the title \

NATHAN DE LIMA\ contact\

Change font size \ A- | A+\

Flamengo's youth team continues preparing for the 2009 São Paulo Junior Cup, which kicks off for the club on January 4th against União Barbarense at the Nelson Cancian Sports Center in Hortolândia, São Paulo state. The team, made up entirely of players born in 1990 and 1991, has been training for over a week for the competition. Since the Rio de Janeiro club hasn't won the Copinha since 1990, Flamengo's executives decided to focus more on the competition. Flamengo's key players for the tournament are forwards Diego Mauricio and Bruno Paulo, midfielder Guilherme Camacho, and full-back Jorbson. The team, led by coach Armênio, played a training match against Futuro Bem Próximo on December 27th and will play another on Tuesday, the 30th, against an opponent yet to be determined. The team will depart for São Paulo on the evening of January 2nd. They will be staying at a hotel near the entrance to Campinas. Striker Bruno Paulo, known as Ronaldinho by his teammates, said in an exclusive interview with the website JustiçaDesportiva.com.br that Flamengo's main objective in the Copa São Paulo is the title. "Our team hasn't won since I was born, in 1990. It's time for us to go out there and show that we have a great generation here at Flamengo. Our only goal is victory, and we're working hard for it," said Bruno Paulo, who stood out this year in the Octavio Pinto Guimarães Tournament (OPG). Flamengo's likely team in the Copinha will be: Marcelo Carné, Galhardo, Lucas, Cristiano and Jorbison; Hugo Soria, Lenon, Guilherme Camacho and Bruno Paulo; Vinicius Paquetá and Diego Mauricio.\ Photo/Personal archive of the player\ Adriano's agent denies the striker's return to Flamengo From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Although a supposed girlfriend of striker Adriano has stated that the player will play for Flamengo in 2009, businessman Gilmar Rinaldi, who is responsible for the player's interests, has been quite clear in stating that there is no chance of Adriano returning to Flamengo. The Inter Milan player, from Italy, was removed from the group due to disciplinary issues and returned to Brazil to recover from a muscle problem. Last Friday, the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport had already stated that the Emperor's signing with the Gávea club was practically certain. However, Rinaldi explained that Adriano's alleged girlfriend, Joana Machado, planted this information for another purpose. He denied that the two are together.\ According to Gilmar Rinaldi, Joana's statements are false and that what she said was nothing more than an attempt to promote herself. He believes she wants to stay in the media so she can have opportunities to parade in the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. The businessman also says that Joana and Adriano are no longer a couple, even though the Emperor is already with someone else.\ In addition to Flamengo, the player's name was mentioned as a possible reinforcement for Fluminense for the 2009 season. However, upon learning of Tricolor das Laranjeiras' interest, the striker himself stated that he would not wear any other Rio de Janeiro club's shirt other than Flamengo's. \ GLOBOESPORTE Zico could go to CSKA Moscow before the end of the year Russian newspaper website claims that the coach has already communicated his decision to leave Bunyodkor to the Uzbek club's board. From Moscow news agencies Zico won two titles while in charge of Bunyodkor, from Uzbekistan Zico, coach of Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan, could transfer to CSKA Moscow before the end of this year, according to the website of the Russian newspaper "Sport Express." The greatest idol in the history of Flamengo He had already informed the Bunyodkor board of his decision to leave the club, which under his command won the Uzbek championship and the Uzbekistan Cup this year. - The final formalities (with Bunyodkor) could be finalized in the next twenty-four hours - publishes "Sport Express". With Fenerbahçe in decline, Roberto Carlos admits: 'We really miss Zico' Previously, the same Russian newspaper had reported that CSKA's board had negotiated with Italian coach Roberto Donadoni to replace Valery Gazzaev, who left the club at the end of the season after managing the team for seven years. As a coach, Zico, 55, led the Japanese national team at the 2006 World Cup, and before moving to Bunyodkor in the middle of this year, he was at Fenerbahce in Türkiye. Junior pessimistic about the team's future Former player criticizes the board and supports Leonardo's idea for president GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro Junior participates in Júnior Negão's farewell Former player Junior is pessimistic about Flamengo's future. One of the club's biggest idols predicts a less-than-promising 2009. He was at Camburi Beach in Vitória, Espírito Santo, this Sunday for Júnior Negão's farewell to beach soccer. Junior, who was once a director at Flamengo, believes the team can even win the Campeonato Carioca, but he thinks it's difficult for the club to do well in a national competition like the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão. "The club is broke. I don't see the board making any moves to bring in good players. At least the youth academy is being maintained, which makes Flamengo a favorite to win the state championship. But the Campeonato Carioca hasn't been a benchmark at the national level for some time now," Junior told Gazeta Online. The former player also showed support for a possible candidacy of former full-back Leonardo, who currently works at Milan, for the presidency of Flamengo. "He's a great candidate to take over Flamengo. But I don't see that happening next year (Flamengo's next presidential election is in December 2009). The club needs to change its amateur structure. But that's not in the interest of many people, who prefer things to stay as they are." Businessman says there is no 'minimal chance' of Adriano playing for Flamengo Former goalkeeper Gilmar Rinaldi is outraged by statements made by the Emperor's alleged girlfriend Marcos Felipe Rio de Janeiro Adriano in action for Inter in the Champions League. The player will not leave the Old Boot. In an interview with GLOBOESPORTE.COM, striker Adriano's agent, former goalkeeper Gilmar Rinaldi, denied this Sunday that the Brazilian will leave Inter Milan to play for Flamengo. In recent days, speculation has been rife that the Emperor would be traded to the Rio de Janeiro club. \ "There's no chance he (Adriano) will go to Flamengo. I haven't spoken to anyone at the club. Besides, he wants to stay at Inter and will report back on the 2nd as usual," says Rinaldi, who, interestingly, played for the red-and-black club in the early 90s, even winning the 1991 Campeonato Carioca and 1992 Campeonato Brasileiro titles. \ In addition to denying that Adriano is leaving Velha Bota, the businessman made a point of showing his anger with the statements by Joanna MachadoLast week, still claiming to be the striker's girlfriend, the personal trainer said that the Emperor would go to Chelsea, with the English club transferring him to Flamengo. \ "Everything this girl said isn't true. Adriano isn't even dating her anymore. He's with someone else. She did all this to show off because she wants to parade in the Rio de Janeiro Carnival," Rinaldi points out.\ With the future uncertain, Juan must return to the squad Businessman awaits proposals with the opening of the European window in January GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro Juan received the award for best left-back in the last Brasileirão Left-back Juan's future remains uncertain. The player is expected to return to Flamengo on January 7th for the start of preseason training, but it's still unclear whether he'll remain with the club in 2009. According to agent Eduardo Uram, the market is "quiet" due to the holiday season. Everything should only be resolved in January with the opening of the European transfer window. Since 2006 at Gávea, Juan has been coveted in the European market. Villarreal, from Spain, has already expressed interest in signing him. Flamengo holds 50% of the full-back's economic rights, and the release clause on his current contract, which expires in 2010, amounts to six million euros (approximately R$18 million). Juan has dual citizenship in his favor. "Everything is at a standstill right now. Something will only happen with the opening of the European market in January. Juan is under contract with Flamengo," said Eduardo Uram, guaranteeing the full-back's return on January 7th. Juan has played 162 games for Flamengo and scored 22 goals. Earlier this month, he was named the best left-back in the 2008 Brasileirão. Flamengo's squad will meet again on January 7th in Gávea, and preseason training will be held at Granja Comary in Teresópolis. Ever stronger, Erick Flores says he is ready to deliver in 2009 Midfielder underwent similar work to that done with Zico and Sávio and is already 5kg heavier than when he moved up to the professionals Cahê Mota Rio de Janeiro Slender, Erick Flores received similar treatment to what Fla did with Sávio and Zico If his first year among the professionals was not what Erick Flores expected on the field, at least the red-black midfielder could be sure of the confidence that the board of directors had in him. Flamengo has in his football. Even with less than convincing performances in the first team, the club has demonstrated with the 19-year-old a rare virtue in recent years: patience. \ Considered a rare gem to be polished behind the scenes at Gávea, Erick won't even go through the process of adapting to the professional ranks by being loaned to another club. Confirmed in the squad that will be managed by Cuca, the midfielder will have the opportunity to prove the effectiveness of a project that has proven successful for other established red-and-black clubs. \ Like Zico and Sávio, Erick Flores received special treatment from the club's physiology department to gain muscle mass and exchange his frail frame for the build of a player capable of handling the increasingly common impacts in modern football. \ Promoted at the start of the 2008 season weighing 59kg, the player ended the year weighing 64kg, a difference gained in muscle mass, in addition to claiming to have gained "two or three centimeters" in height. \ - It was a lot of hard work with the gym and a coordinated diet and supplements - explains Erick. \ For 2009, however, the red-and-black club believes it's ready. According to him, if it grows any further, it will run the risk of losing its main characteristics. \ "It's good enough now. I don't need or can earn more to maintain my agility and speed. The way I am now is enough to face anyone on equal terms." \ In 2008, he played eight matches for Flamengo's professional team, one as a starter, and did not score any goals.\

THROW

Ibson organizes charity game in Niterói

Romário and Júlio César are among the players expected

Ibson invited well-known players to this Monday's match

LANCEPRESS!

Flamengo's Ibson, goalkeeper Diego, and Figueirense's right-back Léo Mattos will host a charity friendly this Monday in Barreto, Niterói, near the Viradouro stadium. The event begins at 14 p.m. and will feature a variety of attractions.

Before the main game there will be a clash between the Fla and Botafogo Masters, with the presence of former stars Andrade, Adílio, Maurício and Mendonça.

The most popular game, at 19:15 PM, will feature current artists and players, and will be between the Niterói and Rio teams. In addition to the hosts, names such as Athirson, Renato Augusto, Zinho, Júlio César, Roger, and Dodô are scheduled to attend the event. Romário is also expected to attend.

The food collected will be donated to several needy communities in Niterói and São Gonçalo.

Cuca prepares early for 2009

Coach arrives in Rio five days before the red-black squad

Cuca will start his work at Flamengo on the 2nd

LANCEPRESS!

Coach Cuca will begin his work at Flamengo before the players. The Flamengo squad's return is scheduled for January 7th, but the coach will arrive in Rio on the 2nd. On the same date, he will begin preparations for the club's preseason, which will be held at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro.

For the upcoming season, Cuca will rely on virtually the same players left behind by Caio Júnior. Few changes have been made from the 2008 squad. Of the starting lineup, only Jaílton has moved to Fluminense.

Flamengo will have a mix of defense in 2009

Reserve defenders are promising youngsters. Starters are experienced.

Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Thiago Sales were already at Fla in 2008

Cassius Leitao RIO DE JANEIRO \ \

Unlike this year, when almost all the defenders on the roster were experienced, Flamengo will have an interesting mix of defenders next season, as Leonardo and Dininho will no longer be with the club. Starters Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim will serve as mentors for the young prospects Thiago Sales and Fabrício, as well as new signing Douglas.

Ronaldo Angelim commented on the potential of the reserve defenders and hopes to help them in any way possible in terms of experience. He believes that the large number of competitions will provide opportunities for everyone on the red-and-black squad.

"Fabrício and Douglas did very well in Série B. Thiago Sales helped us this year and demonstrated his ability. We'll have plenty of competitions. There will be room for them to play. Fábio and I talked to the younger players to share our experience," he declared.

Young Thiago Sales returned the compliments and spoke of the importance of having players by your side who can teach you lessons:

- Fábio Luciano, besides being a great captain, is a great role model for those just starting out in football, which is my case. Angelim plays on the left side like me, and I learn a lot. He's a seasoned player with a wealth of experience.

Players are betting on Cuca's good work

For the red-black players, the clashes against Botafogo this year showed the coach's potential

Ronaldo Angelim approved Cuca's arrival at Flamengo (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)

LANCEPRESS!

Flamengo's defenders are betting that coach Cuca will do a good job at Flamengo. The former Botafogo coach will be the club's manager in 2009, replacing Caio Júnior, who terminated his contract and is heading to Japanese football. Ronaldo Angelim approved of the board's choice.

"I really liked Cuca's arrival. Every time we faced Botafogo, I praised his work. With the good squad we have, he has everything he needs to succeed," said the defender.

Another player who welcomed Cuca's arrival was reserve Thiago Sales. He hopes to get some opportunities next season under the new coach.

"I hope 2009 is very similar to the beginning of 2008, when I helped Flamengo win the Rio Cup. The second half of the year was bad for me because I barely played," he lamented.

Aírton relieved with renewal at Flamengo

Midfielder celebrates new commitment to Rubro-Negro until 2013

LANCEPRESS!

Renewing his contract with Flamengo until 2013 has left midfielder Aírton feeling more at ease. He says he can now take the field with greater peace of mind, as he won't have to prove he can continue with the Gávea club.

"This year was truly remarkable. I arrived in the youth ranks and was soon among the professional players. It was undoubtedly a very good season. I had an opportunity and I knew how to take advantage of it," he said.

Aírton has a special affection for coach Caio Júnior, who introduced him to the first team. Now, he hopes to win over coach Cuca.

- He is a great coach and I hope he can do very well here - he concluded.