THE GLOBE
Fla doesn't know what to wear today against Madureira
Golden numbers threaten to prevent the debut of the third uniform
Photo caption: FÁBIO LUCIANO poses during the launch of the third uniform: debut threatened today
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Launched amidst the turbulent relationship between Flamengo and Nike, the club's new third kit is scheduled to debut today at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium for the match against Madureira. However, the club's board of directors is not guaranteeing that the new kit will be worn. The kit features gold numbers on the back, which Nike sent to the club for the club to apply to the jerseys, according to the players selected. Yesterday, upon receiving the kit, Flamengo was surprised: there was no number 2. Amidst the ongoing litigation, the club says the company did not send them.
Last night, Nike communications manager David Grimberg assured that the company will ship the numbers in time for today's use. Without number 2, Leonardo Moura wouldn't wear the number 2 jersey, and Marcinho would be without number 22. Flamengo, which received more advantageous offers and wants to end the partnership, announced yesterday that it was trying to buy gold numbers on the market.
"We even considered asking Corinthians, who also own Nike, for a loan. Once, they ran out of numbers and asked us. We'll only know the outcome tomorrow (today)," said Ricardo Hinrichsen, the club's vice president of marketing.
The uniform was released while Flamengo was notifying Nike that it had breached its contract, among other things due to a lack of material delivery. On the day of the launch, the company posted an image of a battered wall in Gávea on its website, angering Flamengo fans. Petrobras, meanwhile, complained that the jersey featured the brand of a product it did not want to advertise.
Knee problem takes Souza out of the game against Madureira
A draw today will send Flamengo to the Rio Cup semifinals. A win will give the team a 100% record against smaller teams in the state championship. Since 1912, when it debuted in the competition, the club has only once, in 1999, gone the entire tournament without dropping a point to opponents other than Fluminense, Vasco, and Botafogo.
- Playing at home helps the big teams, but we need to improve the other stadiums, even for hygiene reasons, with this dengue fever thing going on - said coach Joel Santana, who will face Madureira's reserves today, who are saving the team for the Copa do Brasil.
Souza, with knee pain, will not play. Obina and Maxi are competing for the starting spot. Jônatas, with a thigh strain, is out even for the Libertadores match against Cienciano.
Yesterday, former coach and former player Carlinhos received a bust in Gávea.
President Márcio Braga said that the time is not right to discuss Romário's move to FlaTV or holding a farewell game:
"We can't think about that today. It's a decisive stretch for the State Championship and the Libertadores. But we really like him."
Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Ibson, Toró (Kleberson) and Renato Augusto; Marcinho and Obina (Maxi). Madureira: Jeferson, China, Marcílio, Jordan and Amarildo; Douglas, Thiago Souza, Amaral and Maicon; Derley and Creedence. Referee: José Alexandre Lima.
Sports Panorama
STAR: Flamengo's rowing team could win a medal in Beijing: Argentine Santiago Fernandes has been signed
THE DAY
Fla wants the spot with new clothes
The red-and-black team guarantees qualification with a simple draw, but Joel demands a victory
Martha Esteves
Rio - With a new look, Flamengo hopes to host Madureira today at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã stadium, aiming to secure victory (and a spot in the Taça Rio semifinals) and delight the fans. The third uniform, inspired by rowing and launched on Tuesday, will only be worn once: the club is about to break its contract with Nike and accept the 10 million offer from Olympikus-Reebok.
But coach Joel Santana, who won't have Souza in attack, doesn't care about new clothes: he just wants to look good on the field.
The coach is torn between Obina and Maxi for Souza's spot. Diego Tardelli is a potential outsider, but he's expected to be an option to come on in the second half. In midfield, he'll choose between Toró and Kléberson, who hasn't played recently.
Captain Fábio Luciano guarantees that the red-and-black team will enter the field to win, respecting the opponent and "with the humility to recognize Madureira's qualities." He also warns of the danger of the team losing focus if they score an early goal.
"That happened against Friburguense, when we were 2-0 up and then relaxed. You have to know how to take advantage of opportunities and manage the result with care and intelligence, without losing focus on the game. The victory will give us qualification and the peace of mind to work towards the semifinals," recalls the defender.
Joel agrees, adding that he may rest players who are tired or have medical issues, as well as the risk of losing Obina, Bruno, Toró, and Jônatas, who will likely be tried next week for the incidents in the last game against Botafogo.
“Coincidence or not, the trial will take place in the decisive week, when we prepare to continue the Libertadores and to fight for the state title,” he complains.
With his eye on Madureira, Joel Santana slipped up when he warned about the risky striker Muriqui. "Besides Odvan, who is a serious defender, Madureira also has 'Murici,' who is very dangerous."
Kléber Leite still wants Romário at Fla
Genilson Junior
Rio - Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, spoke this Friday about Romário's retirement announcement. The Flamengo director, who is also a personal friend of Baixinho, saw no problem with the star's departure.
"It's a natural thing," he simply said.
Regarding a possible move by the number 11 to the club, perhaps as a presenter for Fla TV, Fla's online subscription TV channel, Kléber stated that he still hopes to see him at Gávea.
"Look, Flamengo isn't mine. Everything that happens at the club has to have a consensus. I haven't had the chance to bring everyone together yet for a number of reasons. I'll only have that chance starting next Monday. I'll talk to Márcio Braga and my teammates and explain what I think about the matter," he declared.
Romário announced his retirement this Thursday, saying he was no longer fit to play.
Joel fears being shortchanged by the Court
Rio - Coach Joel Santana is concerned about the potential absences for the final stages of the championship. But anyone who thinks that injuries to the squad are the red-and-black manager's main concerns is mistaken.
"The Tribunal worries me much more than the injuries. Our medical department is top-notch, and we know the players will be fit to play soon. The Tribunal, however, is taking a long time to reach its decision, and, coincidentally or not, the trial will take place during the week of the decisions. But I won't say much about that," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
The coach fears that the State finals will lose their shine with the possible absence of key players.
"Imagine Flamengo without Bruno and Ibson, Fluminense without both Thiagos, Botafogo without Jorge Henrique, and Vasco without Edmundo. You lose the star player. If the players really made mistakes, they have to be punished, but with discretion. That way, the championship finals, if the big four qualify, will be crowned with the teams with their best squads," he concluded.
Shirt of discord
Vasco and Flamengo are locked in a battle to honor Romário in his farewell match. Rivals want the shorty to say goodbye in his uniform.
Marluci Martins
Rio - Romário's retirement announcement has sparked tension between old rivals Vasco and Flamengo. The two clubs returned yesterday to the controversial debate: which jersey will Romário wear in the match that will mark his farewell?
Upon reading the 'Attack,' Vasco president Eurico Miranda immediately called Romário, who is in Fortaleza. But he declined to reveal what kind of offer he had made.
“I will wait for him to get back to me to officially say what I want,” said Eurico Miranda.
The Vasco da Gama manager's anxiety stems from the contract that ends tomorrow. The following day, free from his obligations, Romário will embark on a 10-day trip with a group of friends to Curaçao.
“We’ll talk at the right time: when he returns from this trip,” said Eurico, who does not accept the possibility of Romário wearing the Flamengo shirt in his farewell.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the tunnel, in Gávea, vice-president of football Kléber Leite, one of Romário's biggest admirers, is trying to convince president Márcio Braga to invite the player to wear the Flamengo shirt for the last time:
"I had already scheduled a lunch with Márcio so we could sort this out, but he had a problem. And I had to go to Petrópolis. But we'll talk about it on Monday."
The proposal the vice president of football will take to the president is a farewell match for Romário: "Playing for real wouldn't be the case. I don't think he'll come to play. The idea is to hold a high-level farewell match at the Maracanã and then use it on Fla TV.
Kléber does not consider it unethical to entice Romário with a farewell match for Flamengo.
"Without a doubt, Romário deserves it. He's one of the greatest scorers in Flamengo's history. And I have to think with Flamengo's mindset," he emphasized.
Joel approves bust of Carlinhos
Rio - Coach Joel Santana signed the tribute that the club will pay to former Flamengo player and coach, Carlinhos.
The 'Violin,' as he was known in his heyday playing for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, will be immortalized with the unveiling of a bronze bust. And this will happen even before the tribute to Zico, the eternal Flamengo idol.
In addition to the bust, Violino, nicknamed Violino because of his refined playing style, will receive a commemorative plaque and a medal. Joel, who always talks a lot with his former coach, was honored to learn that Carlinhos requested his presence at the event.
"It's a very fitting tribute. We always exchange ideas, and every now and then he gives me good advice.
Léo Moura gets stuck in an elevator for 50 minutes and is late for training.
Rio - For the first time this year, Léo Moura arrived late for training at Gávea. But anyone who thought the full-back was late is mistaken. Léo Moura, leaving his girlfriend Perla's apartment—for whom he got a tattoo—in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, had a rough time. The Flamengo full-back was stuck in the elevator for 50 minutes, with no communication.
Arriving at Gávea, a little late, Léo Moura seemed irritated. But his frown didn't last long: the number 2 participated in the traditional pre-match kick-off and quickly warmed up to the activity, which his team emerged victorious from.
The full-back is confirmed for this Saturday's match against Madureira, at Maracanã.
Players prepare for game in Cuzco
Rio - It will take a lot of stamina and blood to overcome the 3.360m altitude of Cuzco, Peru, where Flamengo will face Cienciano on the 9th in the Libertadores. That's why doctor Serafim Borges is working to increase the blood volume of Flamengo's players. For almost two months, they've been taking a supplement combining ferrous sulfate and vitamin C to increase their red blood cell count.
The doctor explains that, "with healthy blood flow," it's possible to improve respiratory capacity at altitude. Furthermore, the players eat iron-rich foods, such as red meat, which help produce red blood cells and transport oxygen to all cells in the body. On the field, they work with fitness coach Ronaldo Torres to increase their speed.
But the doctor's biggest concern is the danger of dengue fever, which plagues Barra da Tijuca, where many players live. He's given lectures on the subject, recommended the use of insect repellent, and taught people how to take care of their homes, plants, and standing water.
"It's a huge concern, as we're working hard to increase their blood capacity. It would be unfortunate if a player got sick, but unfortunately, despite precautions, it can happen," he says. Because of the treatment, the players can't donate blood.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo faces Madureira to seal qualification\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Needing only a draw to mathematically qualify for the semifinals of the Taça Rio, Flamengo faces Madureira this Saturday at 16 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium in the seventh round of the second half of the Campeonato Carioca. Flamengo is second in Group A with 15 points, six more than Duque de Caxias, who is third in the group. Flamengo has nine points in Group B and, despite having a mathematical chance of qualifying, prefers to prioritize the Copa do Brasil.
Flamengo coach Joel Santana is confident the team can secure its spot early. Thus, the coach could rest starters for the derby against Vasco in the final round, preserving them for the April 9th clash against Peruvian Cienciano in the Copa Libertadores.
"We have to secure our qualification so we can have peace of mind to work towards this game against Cienciano, which is crucial for us. Flamengo is working on a plan," Joel stated.
To leave the field with another victory and qualification, Flamengo will rely on a motivated Renato Augusto. Midweek, the player scored his first goal since recovering from a facial injury that sidelined him for over a month.
"There's nothing better than getting back to playing well and scoring a goal. After a serious injury, the important thing is to keep playing. I'm very happy with my form, and I hope this goal can mark my return to the field," said Renato.
Besides Renato Augusto, attacking midfielder Marcinho is also enjoying a strong run of form, having already scored seven goals and established himself as a starter for the red-and-black team. "Marcinho has helped us a lot; he was a good acquisition for Flamengo, and I hope he can continue to be a great addition to our team," commented coach Joel Santana.
For this Saturday, the coach is expected to be without striker Souza, who complained of knee pain after the victory over Friburguense. Obina is expected to be his replacement. Substitute Jônatas was also ruled out by the club's doctors. Midfielder Kléberson served a suspension and is competing for a spot in midfield with Toró.
On Madureira's side, the one who decided to field a reserve team was coach Carlos Tozzi, who will preserve his starters for next Wednesday's match against Juventude, in the second phase of the Copa do Brasil.
"Our goal in the Campeonato Carioca was to reach the finals, but unfortunately, we didn't make it. In the Taça Guanabara, it was very close, and now in the Taça Rio, it's become very difficult. With qualification for Série C and the Copa do Brasil practically secured, we'll prioritize the Copa do Brasil and rest our starters for the match against Flamengo," said the coach.
I care more about the court than injuries, says Joel
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - It's not the opponents or injuries that are worrying Flamengo coach Joel Santana in the Campeonato Carioca. The coach's biggest fear is the judgment of the Flamengo players, who were indicted for the brawl in the derby against Botafogo in the fourth round of the Taça Rio. Joel's concerns concern the judgment of goalkeeper Bruno, as well as defensive midfielder Jônatas, midfielder Toró, and forward Obina, all indicted by the Rio de Janeiro Sports Court (TJD-RJ). If punished, they will be significant absences for the final stage of the Taça Rio, should the club qualify, or for the state final.
"I'm more concerned about the court than the injuries. We have a top-notch medical department here. Player trials always take a while, and you never know what's going to happen," Joel told news agencies.
With the significant increase in the role of the Courts in football in recent times, the coach also lamented the possibility of punishments, which, for him, makes the sport lose its shine.
"Games without Thiago Neves, Lucio Flavio, Edmundo, and Renato Augusto, for example, lose their star power. Punishments should follow certain criteria. I hope the teams can count on their best players in the semifinals," Joel added, citing players from Fluminense, Botafogo, Vasco, and Flamengo.
PELENET
Souza is absent from Flamengo against Madureira
Pedro Barreto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Striker Souza will be Flamengo's only absence for the match against Madureira this Saturday at 16 p.m. at Maracanã, in the seventh round of the Taça Rio, the second round of the State Championship. The players participated in a recreational training session on Friday morning, and coach Joel Santana declined to reveal who will replace him.
Avante Souza is out of the clash against Madureira, at Maracanã, for the Taça Rio\ READ MORE FLAMENGO NEWS\ "Maxi and Obina are competing for the position. But Tardelli is also in the mix," he said. Given the player's characteristics and the sequence of matches, however, it is most likely that Obina will start.\
Souza was at Gávea, but didn't participate in the training session. The forward took to the field, spoke with his teammates, and returned to the medical department for treatment. According to doctor Marcelo Soares, the player's problem was tendinitis in his left knee. "He should be training normally by the middle of next week," he said.
Jônatas is expected to remain on the sidelines the longest. The midfielder suffered an injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh and will be evaluated over the next week.
Bruno, who has been complaining of back pain, is confirmed for this Saturday's challenge. The goalkeeper trained normally on the line and even attempted a bicycle kick goal.
Fábio Luciano approves Romário's possible alternative job at Fla
Pedro Barreto\ From UOL Sports\
By announcing his retirement from football, according to the newspaper O Dia, Romário made it clear that he will not return to Vasco. This opens the door for the striker to have some role at Flamengo. When asked about this, defender Fábio Luciano gave the green light.
"It would be great to have Romário with us, regardless of the role. If he chooses to do so, he will certainly be very well received. If he doesn't come, I hope he's happy," he said.
However, in an interview with the press, Baixinho himself declined to say whether he would play any role at the Gávea club. The striker, however, admitted to having been approached by the club's management.
"We talked once back then. There was a possibility of me doing something related to Fla TV. Kléber Leite (vice president of football) was supposed to contact me, but so far nothing," he concluded.
Despite the "certainty" that Romário's career as a player is over, there are rumors behind the scenes at Gávea that such an attitude could just be a ploy by Baixinho.
GLOBOESPORTE
In new clothes, Fla faces Madureira
Rubro-Negro debuts third shirt and draw qualifies for the semifinal of the Taça Rio
Eduardo Peixoto
Fábio Luciano, Toró, Cristian and Marcinho pose with the third uniform
Flamengo's starters won't rest this Saturday. They have two seemingly straightforward missions: to draw with the almost-reserve Madureira team, secure early qualification for the Taça Rio semifinals, and debut the club's third kit. The match takes place at 16 p.m. at Maracanã.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be streaming live from 15:45 p.m. Premiere will also be broadcasting.
The adjective "calm" above has an explanation. In ten games against teams considered small, Flamengo won them all. Such a good record hasn't occurred since 1999, when the only stumbles occurred in classics.
"We only won them all because we treated our games against the smaller teams the same way we treated the classics. We maintained our seriousness, and the results came," explains captain Fábio Luciano.
This Saturday's game will mark the debut of Flamengo's third uniform. The jersey, a tribute to the club's rowing team, comes at a turbulent time in the relationship with the supplier. There's even the possibility of a contract termination in the coming days.
Flamengo sits in second place in Group A with 15 points. The Taça Guanabara champion dreams of winning the second round to shake off the final's stress and focus exclusively on the Copa Libertadores. That's why coach Joel Santana won't rest his starters.
"We'll have a whole week without games. It doesn't make sense to take the starters out of this match," says the coach.
The next match in the continental tournament will be on the 9th in Cuzco, against Cienciano. Before that, there's the match against Vasco on the 6th. The derby will certainly feature the reserves.
Flamengo will be without two players for this Saturday's game: Jônatas and Souza are injured. The former is a reserve and will be off the bench. The striker, meanwhile, has tendinitis in his left knee and will be replaced by Obina or Maxi. After serving a suspension, Kleberson returns in Toró's place.
Madureira Mix
Madureira has a glimmer of hope of securing a spot in the semifinals. But to do so, they need to score big in both of their remaining games and hope Vasco loses both. Currently, the goal difference is 15 goals. Undeterred by the miracle, coach Carlos Tozzi decided to pull most of the starters from this Saturday's game ahead of next Wednesday's match against Juventude in the Copa do Brasil. Muriqui, a standout for the Tricolor suburbano in the competition, will be out.
Fla thinks about Romário next week
Joel Santana laments Baixinho's 'retirement.' Club interest cools
Eduardo Peixoto
Kléber Leite will still talk to the directors about Romário
Flamengo woke up to the news that Romário had retired. While Baixinho denied the information, Fábio Luciano thanked him for his services to football. Joel Santana, the striker's number one fan, lamented the alleged retirement.
"It's a shame to lose Baixinho. He's got at least one more year," the coach declared.
Well, Romário assured that he hasn't stopped and is awaiting offers. Flamengo has expressed a desire to have him for some festive matches for some time. But the matter has cooled for now.
Director Plínio Serpa Pinto spoke with Romário recently, but nothing was finalized. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, is expected to consider the matter only next week.
"We have no news for now. Next week we'll sit down and discuss this matter," says the director, without the same enthusiasm as before.
Behind the scenes, rumors are swirling that some of the board, close to president Marcio Braga, are against the number 11's return, even if only for a few games. While he awaits offers to return to the field, Romário announced that he will spend the next ten days traveling in the Caribbean. His contract with Vasco expires next Sunday.
Without Marcelinho, Fla loses its unbeaten streak
Rubro-Negro, however, remains isolated in the lead of the National Men's Basketball Championship
Without forward Marcelinho Machado, its best player, Flamengo lost its unbeaten record in the National Men's Basketball Championship. Flamengo was defeated by Joinville 81-64 in Rio de Janeiro on Friday night. The Rio de Janeiro team, however, remains atop the competition, now with 15 wins and one loss. Joinville is fourth with ten wins and six losses.
Marcelinho was rested from the match due to a right thigh injury. He hopes to return to the team on Sunday for the match against Lajeado.
Joinville's Williams was the top scorer in Friday's game with 28 points. André (13) and Olívia (15) also scored over ten points. For the home team, Duda stood out with 21 points. Amiel (11) and Coloneze (16) were the team's other top scorers.
Altitude ban could reach clubs
CONMEBOL will also discuss FIFA's recommendation for team tournaments
Conmebol president Nicolás Leoz announced this Friday that the organization will discuss in an executive meeting next Thursday FIFA's recommendation to extend the altitude ban to club tournaments, such as the Libertadores.
After a meeting this Friday with Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte, Leoz told reporters that FIFA's ban on playing South American qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup in cities above 2.750 meters in altitude is the "exclusive responsibility" of the body that governs world football.
The official said that FIFA's "suggestion" to extend the ban on tournaments, which includes the Copa Libertadores, will be one of the central topics of the meeting, which will be attended by the presidents of the ten national associations.
The FIFA resolution, which affects La Paz (Bolivia), Quito (Ecuador) and Cuzco (Peru), requires an adaptation period of at least two weeks to mitigate the negative effects of altitude on the body.
The meeting between the head of Conmebol and Duarte takes place ten days after Bolivian President Evo Morales called his Paraguayan counterpart to intercede with his country's sports authorities to end the altitude ban.
Paraguayan football federation officials said they were willing to send the team to play Bolivia in La Paz, which is more than 3.600 meters above sea level.
The Paraguayans, who lead the qualifiers with ten points, visit the Bolivians on June 18th for the sixth round, three days after facing Brazil at Defensores del Chaco. The short interval between the two matches makes it impossible to complete the adaptation period required by FIFA.
Souza is out of action for Fla due to tendonitis
Striker will not participate in training and will be prepared for the game against Cienciano
Eduardo Peixoto
Souza will not face Madureira
Tendinitis has laid low Souza. This Friday, the forward missed training at Gávea and was ruled out by the medical department for the match against Madureira. He will be replaced by Obina or Maxi.
Souza was substituted in the match against Friburguense due to pain behind his left knee. He's suffering from tendinitis, and doctors have decided to keep him under treatment. He'll return to ball training next week, but since the starting players won't face Vasco, Souza will be prepared for the match against Cienciano on April 9th in Cuzco.
Jônatas' MRI results came out this Friday. A tear was found in the adductor muscle of his left thigh, and there's still no estimated time for his return.
- I can guarantee that, according to the plan, he will not train next week. There was a muscle strain - explains doctor Marcelo Soares
Bruno: 'I really said goodbye'
Flamengo goalkeeper gets angry with the Tricolor's provocations: 'Let them reach the final'
Eduardo Peixoto
Bruno was provoked by Flu fans
Bruno listened quietly for a few minutes as Fluminense fans chanted insults during their match against Friburguense last Wednesday. But when Flamengo scored their second goal, the goalkeeper turned to the Tricolor fans and gave an ironic "bye-bye" signal.
This Friday, the goalkeeper explained his attitude.
"I just waved goodbye. They were cursing at my family the whole time. So what did they want?" he says, irritated.
Bruno received a tempting offer from Fluminense before renewing his contract with the club. However, he stated that he had no desire to play for Flamengo and would only leave Flamengo to play in Europe. This response drew criticism from Fluminense's coach, Renato Gaúcho, and outrage from the fans.
The feud between the two sides promises new chapters. But to do so, Fluminense must play its part and secure a spot in the Campeonato Carioca final. Winner of the Taça Guanabara, the Rubro-Negro is assured of a spot in the final.
- Let them get to the final and come and insult me again - Bruno provokes.
Elevator stops and leaves Leo Moura in a suffocation
Right-back gets into trouble at his girlfriend's apartment building on Friday morning
Eduardo Peixoto
Leo Moura arrives late for training
Friday started off badly for Leo Moura. The player was stuck in an elevator for 50 minutes and, for the first time this year, arrived late to Flamengo training.
The right-back left his girlfriend's apartment—singer Perlla—in Recreio dos Bandeirantes at 8:30 a.m. However, his journey to Gávea was interrupted a few minutes later. Unable to contact the building's doormen or the elevator company, the player waited for help. He could only contact his press office by cell phone.
Irritated by the neglect, Leo Moura arrived at Gávea a few minutes late and participated in the kick-off. To make matters worse, the full-back was bumped into and injured his nose during the activity, but at least his team won the game. He's confirmed for this Saturday's match against Madureira at Maracanã.
THROW
Márcio Braga accuses Vasco and the federation of political maneuvering
Márcio Braga tells Rádio L! that Vasco is working to secure Rubens Lopes' place in the Federation until 2014
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Flamengo president Márcio Braga continued to aim his machine gun at Vasco and the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (FERJ). After apologizing to Fluminense president Roberto Horcades, the Flamengo director continued firing at Eurico Miranda and Rubens Lopes.
Márcio Braga claims that the last two are plotting to keep Rubinho, as the president of Ferj is known, in office until 2014.
"Regarding Vasco and the Federation, I have nothing to apologize for, absolutely nothing. I see very clearly that there is a plan to extend the current president's term, which has only caused us, Flamengo, and Rio de Janeiro football serious harm. This current championship is a disaster," the Gávea club's manager said in an exclusive interview with Rádio LANCE!.
If Márcio Braga's accusation is true, Rubens Lopes, whose term runs until 2011, would be following the example of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and some of his colleagues across the country.
Last year, CBF president Ricardo Teixeira used the ruse that the 2014 World Cup would be in Brazil to extend his term until that year. Following suit, presidents of several federations followed suit: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Santa Catarina, and São Paulo.
Last Wednesday, Flamengo's president said in an interview with SporTV that the dispute between Ferj, Fluminense, and Vasco over Leandro Amaral's contract was "a gang fight." The following day, the director apologized to Flamengo's president, Roberto Horcardes.
"I have no reason to apologize to Vasco or the Federation; there's no motivation for it. I apologized to the president of Fluminense; my intention was never to offend him personally. And since they took it as such, I immediately called him the next morning at eight o'clock to apologize, and I also did so in writing," Márcio Braga explained to Rádio LANCE!.
Flamengo starters take on Madureira reserves
Rubro-Negro wants to secure an early spot while rivals focus on the Copa do Brasil
Flamengo and Madureira face each other in the sixth round of the Rio Cup (Credit: Luiz Cláudio Dyonisio)
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo and Madureira face off this Saturday at Maracanã at 16 p.m., with different goals. While Flamengo will enter the field at full strength in pursuit of early qualification for the Taça Rio semifinals, Tricolor Suburbano will field its reserve team to better prepare for the Copa do Brasil.
The Gávea team only needs a draw, but they don't want to wait until the final round of the Taça Rio, the derby against Vasco, to decide their place. To that end, coach Joel Santana intends to field the starting lineup for the match. The coach has just one problem: striker Souza, suffering from tendinitis in his left knee, didn't even train the day before the game and was ruled out by the medical department. He hasn't yet decided who will fill Marcinho's spot.
"I'll have to go with Maxi or Obina. Diego Tardelli will also be in the squad for the match, but he's an outsider," the coach said.
Another change Flamengo could make this Saturday is in midfield. Defensive midfielder Kléberson could take Toró's starting spot.
Madureira, meanwhile, is focused on the Copa do Brasil. With nine points, Tricolor Suburbano would need to win its last two Carioca matches by a landslide and hope Vasco loses. Since the chances of qualifying for the Taça Rio semifinals are slim, coach Carlos Tozzi will prepare the team for the match against Juventude next Wednesday.
"Our goal was to reach the finals, but unfortunately, we didn't make it. We'll prioritize the Copa do Brasil and rest our starters for the match against Flamengo," the coach assured.
Carlinhos receives tribute from Flamengo in Gávea
In addition to a bust, he won a medal for each title as a coach.
Carlinhos receives a bust and medals from Flamengo. The ceremony took place in Gávea (Photo: Paulo Sérgio)
Rodrigo Benchimol RIO DE JANEIRO
Former Flamengo player and coach Carlinhos was honored Friday night in Gávea. He received a bronze bust and seven commemorative medals, one for each title won as Flamengo coach – he is the most successful player in history, alongside Flávio Costa.
"I'm very grateful for this; it's like witnessing what I did for the greatest club in the world. It's a unique feeling; I'm speechless. Everyone wants to be recognized for their work, no matter the field, but I didn't expect this," declared the 'Violin' during the ceremony.
One of the ten players who wore the Flamengo shirt the most - he played 512 matches -, Carlinhos, as coach, won the State Championships in 1991, 1999 and 2000; the Brazilian Championships in 1983, 1987 and 1992; and the Mercosul Cup in 1999.
Quite emotional, he preferred not to mention names of who, besides himself, should be honored.
"I'm the first, right? What can I say? I'm very flattered; being chosen among so many others makes me very happy. Many people at Flamengo deserve to be honored, but I'd rather not say anything, because I'll end up forgetting," said Carlinhos.
The idea for the bust came from Flamengo's Fiscal Council, but all of the club's leadership was represented at the ceremony, including Flamengo president Márcio Braga. When asked if he thought the representation resembled him, the former coach and player joked.
"It doesn't look very similar, but I'll have to get used to it," Carlinhos said, laughing. The bust still has a designated location, but the honoree said he has no preference as to where it will be placed.
Marcio Braga wants a statue for Carlinhos
Flamengo president says Zico, Júnior and himself should be honored\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo president Marcio Braga approved the initiative to honor Carlinhos with a bust. Jokingly, the director said that he, Zico, and Júnior would also deserve the same honor.
"This isn't just a tribute from the Fiscal Council, but from all of Flamengo. We'll throw a party when the location for the bust is chosen. Ideally, it will be on a Saturday with the Charanga Rubro-Negra (Red-Black Charanga) livening up the festivities," the president stated.
According to him, other red-blacks also deserve to receive a bust.
"I hope they make a bust for me too, but a full-length one. After Carlinhos, we also have to make one for Zico, Júnior, Zizinho... Flamengo has so many idols that if each one had a bust, there wouldn't be enough space in Gávea," joked Márcio Braga.
Carlinhos will receive a bronze bust, a commemorative plaque and a medal at the tribute that will be held in Gávea, this Friday, at 19 pm, for the services provided to the club as a player and coach.