The Globe
Angelim's injury doesn't dampen Joel and Flamengo's good spirits
Rubro-negro tries to maintain its unbeaten run at home against Atlético-MG
Photo caption: LEONARDO MOURA rehearses the seal dribble, by Cruzeiro's Kerlon, which Atlético-MG dislikes so much
Márcio Tavares
Despite the gloomy weather caused by threatening clouds, Flamengo enjoyed yesterday, on the eve of a key match against Atlético-MG at 18:10 p.m. at the Maracanã, a typical afternoon for a team with high self-esteem. Flip-flops were left aside, everyone on the field—even Roger—was playing a lively game when an unusual incident nearly dampened the mood of coach Joel Santana & Co. Defender Ronaldo Angelim left the field with a bleeding right shin. But the mood was so good that Joel took a chance:
"It looks like a minor injury. But if he can't play, Thiago Sales will come in."
Souza says he feels important to Flamengo
Just when Joel thought he could repeat a lineup for the first time in 15 games, Angelim suffered a rare injury, to say the least.
"He went up to head the ball and hit Helder's hipbone with his shin. I think that by protecting the area, he can play, as long as it doesn't get inflamed," said doctor Marcelo Soares.
In 14th place with 34 points, one ahead of Atlético-MG (15th), Joel has another chance to maintain his unbeaten run at the Maracanã. In nine games, he has six wins and three draws. And it was precisely the defense that the coach was counting on to maintain his rise.
- I just want my defense to be alert and not concede silly goals - said Joel.
If Joel is cautious, Souza exudes optimism.
"All the attacking plays go through my feet. I'm in a good moment. I matured with the threat of a 120-day suspension. Today I know I'm very important to Flamengo. I was instrumental in Leonardo Moura and Juan's goals," said Souza, who scored three goals in this Brazilian Championship.
Referee: Salvio Spinola (SP).
BROADCAST: Premiere and Rádios Globo and CBN
Sports Panorama
'Flaseleça'
Good news for Flamengo. On the eve of the qualifier against Ecuador on the 17th at Maracanã, the Brazilian national team will train at Gávea. The request was made by the CBF, and the Flamengo board readily accepted. The hope is that the football atmosphere will be imbued with the energy of Kaká, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, and Robinho.
Sports Journal
Souza hopes to break his goal drought against Galo
Souza will form an attacking duo with Biancucchi against Galo
With strong performances in recent matches, striker Souza believes Atlético-MG will be cautious in this Saturday's match at 18:10 PM at Maracanã. Despite the goal drought, the red-and-black number 9 has been performing well tactically, providing assists, but says he hopes to score this Saturday.
"We know that every team that comes to face Flamengo at Maracanã tries to defend. And Atlético-MG will be no different. I've been helping my teammates with the team's movement and marking. But what I enjoy most is scoring goals. I'm sure the balls will come, and I'll be able to score," said Souza.
Souza spoke about his attacking partnership with Argentine Maxi Biancucchi. The striker expects the Argentine to hold onto the ball less, but emphasizes Maxi's importance to the team.
"We've been talking a lot. Maxi is a very fast player and is helping us a lot. I hope he releases the ball more tomorrow," declared the Flamengo striker.
Souza's last goal for Flamengo came in a 3-1 victory against Cruzeiro on September 12th. The striker scored the red-and-black team's second goal with a header. Obina scored the third goal late in the match.
The first game of life or death
Against Atlético-MG, Mengão has its first decisive match of the three-game super series
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Striker Souza in yesterday's training session at Gávea: the player said he was very important to the team
Flamengo faces Atlético-MG this Saturday at 18:10 PM at Maracanã, aiming to finally escape the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship. The game, considered a six-point game by everyone at Gávea, is the first of this crucial week for Flamengo, which, in addition to Galo, faces leaders São Paulo on Thursday and Fluminense, currently enjoying its best form in the competition, on Sunday—both at Maracanã. To secure three wins in these matches, coach Joel Santana is counting on the good form of striker Souza.
Last year's top scorer in the Brazilian Championship, Souza is failing to find the net this season. Having scored only three goals, the player hopes to return to scoring in today's match and help the red-and-black team emerge victorious.
In yesterday's training session at Gávea, the striker explained his poor performance this year.
"I'm playing with sacrifice to help the team get out of this phase. If we were in sixth or seventh place, I'd be more focused in the box and score more goals, but I'm coming back to score," said the striker, who took the opportunity to explain his importance in Joel Santana's scheme.
"I'm very important to Flamengo. I was instrumental in Leo Moura's and Juan's goals, for example. Every attacking play in this system goes through my feet," the striker explained.
Hungry
Regarding his attacking partnership with Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, the striker joked about his attacking partner's reputation as 'greedy' and highlighted the Argentine's importance to the team.
"We've been talking a lot. Maxi is a very fast, intelligent player, and that's why he's helping us a lot. I hope he releases the ball a little more tomorrow (today)," the red-and-black striker declared good-naturedly. Upon hearing the statements of his attacking teammates, Maxi responded:
“I’m always trying to touch the ball, but sometimes I can’t,” said Maxi.
Souza's last goal for Flamengo came in a 3-1 victory against Cruzeiro on September 12. On that occasion, the striker scored the red-and-black team's second goal with a header.
Fla 2008 could have Luxemburgo and Thiago Neves
The Brazilian Championship hasn't even finished yet, and rumors are already swirling around Gávea. After vice president of football Kleber Leite said on Monday that he wouldn't discuss any plans, the Rubro-Negro announced the signing of midfielder Kléberson, who was playing for Besiktas in Turkey. Yesterday, two more names emerged, which could make fans dream of better days.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo, currently at Santos, is reportedly the board's preferred choice to replace Joel Santana. One indication that he might arrive is the signing of Kléberson himself, a player he tried several times to bring to the São Paulo club. The coach's advisors, however, said he hasn't received an offer from Flamengo. Vanderlei's contract with Santos expires at the end of the year.
Thiago Neves
Midfielder Thiago Neves could also be in Gávea. His renewal with Fluminense has been dragging on for a few weeks, and the player reportedly has Flamengo as a likely option for next season. The uncertainty surrounding his stay in Laranjeiras could lead him to move to another neighborhood.
Joel wants determination and attention
The three-match sequence at Maracanã will be decisive for Flamengo to determine what it will fight for in this Brazilian Championship. Atlético-MG, due to its position in the table, is theoretically the weakest opponent. However, the team is in 15th place and only one point behind Flamengo. To avoid giving the opponent a chance, Joel Santana sought to study the Galo.
"It's a young team, playing at a fast pace. But I don't care how they perform. Our goal is to win. We'll have the support of the fans, who believe in us, and we'll keep pushing forward," the coach stated.
For the coach, two factors will be crucial for Flamengo to win the match: determination and focus. According to him, the team is still finding its feet and, as a result, is sometimes inattentive.
Atlético in crisis - The poor performance in the Brazilian Championship has already claimed two victims at Galo. Coach Leão has sidelined midfielders Marcinho and Tchô. Since the former was a starter, the only change compared to the last game will be the introduction of Danilinho in midfield.
Angelim cuts his shin during training
After a week of calm—with the team lineup already defined by coach Joel Santana since Thursday—a new problem arose yesterday to trouble the coach's already troubled mind. During a recreational training session at Gávea, defender Ronaldo Angelim (pictured) attempted to collect a cross into the box, collided with a teammate, and suffered a deep cut on his shin. The play was a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere that prevailed at Gávea, with Obina and Juan in goal.
Angelim left training immediately to be examined by doctor Marcelo Soares. The player received two stitches in the area and has not yet confirmed his presence.
"Ronaldo will initially play. Despite needing stitches, he's doing well and will be re-evaluated tomorrow (today). If he's okay, he'll play, but the player himself will be the one who will answer that best," said Walter Martins, one of Flamengo's doctors.
Coach Joel Santana has already announced that if Ronaldo Angelim is unfit to play, Thiago Sales will take his place. The defender is already on standby.
Roger
In addition to these facts, two events drew attention at Gávea. Midfielder Roger trained normally, but at times, he placed his hand on his left thigh as if feeling discomfort. The player shouldn't be a problem for Thursday's game against leaders São Paulo. Kleberson also appeared on the field for the first time, but unlike Roger, he only watched the training session.
Kleber Leite promises to fight for the Brazilian title in 2008
To avoid a repeat of this year's poor campaign, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, has already begun planning the team for the 2008 season. The club has already brought in midfielder Kleberson as a reinforcement, but the board has promised not to stop there. The intention is to build a stronger squad to once again compete for the Brazilian Championship title, a feat not achieved since the 90s.
Although the team is still in the fight to escape the relegation zone, Kleber Leite believes that Rubro-Negro has the possibility of finishing the competition among the four best placed, which guarantees a place in the Libertadores.
"Of course it does. If Flamengo can pull things together and win the next four games in a row, they'll be a Libertadores contender. And we're already starting to prepare for next year, when we'll be competing to be Brazilian champions," the executive told Rádio Bandeirantes.
Vasco loses and Flamengo wins in the State Futsal Championship
Yesterday, four more matches were played in the final round of the State Futsal Championship. The round was marked by big wins and a fierce fight from all teams.
The two best teams in the competition, Vasco and Petrópolis, played a tough and hard-fought match. Petrópolis won 2-1, but for Vasco's coach, Neto, "the game was very close and decided by details." With the victory, the team maintained its 100% record.
Flamengo secured a commanding 8-0 victory against Drogaria do Povo. Sixel, Gabriel, André, Diego, and Marquinho scored, and the team also conceded three own goals.
"We built a large lead in the first half, and we could only manage it during the second half," explained Cid Escarlate, Flamengo's coach.
CSSE, with goals from Paulo, Luiz Felipe, Rafael and Rodrigo, beat Canto do Rio 5-4.
"It was a very difficult game, as both teams fought with great determination throughout the match," said CSSE coach Salvador. Teresópolis, meanwhile, crushed Montanha with a score of 15 to 1. According to Teresópolis coach Paulo Mussalem, "the game was relatively easy. The opponent started out defending, but we managed to break down their defense." The top scorer of the match was Sakai, with 5 goals.
O Dia
Fla: Thirsty for more goals
Souza wants to score again for his Flamengo, against Galo
Marluci Martins
Rio - The strong performance against Juventude wasn't enough. Souza wants more. He wants to score goals. And he hopes to quench his thirst today, when Flamengo faces Atlético-MG, starting at 18:10 PM, at Maracanã.
Souza has scored only three goals so far in the Brazilian Championship. Not much for someone who was the competition's top scorer last year, with 17, playing for Goiás. "I can play well, make important passes, but I want to score my goal too," said the striker.
Souza arrived at Flamengo in January with the 2006 Brasileirão top scorer title under his belt. But he saw everything slowly unravel. "I started well in the state championship, but I suffered an injury, and then that suspension came," recalled the player, who was suspended for seven matches for assaulting Grêmio's Tcheco.
After the repercussions of that attack, Souza felt guilty. From last year's top scorer, he became a defendant in a court where he was sweating heavily, fearing his career would be cut short.
"It could have ruined my career, yes, because I risked a 120-day suspension. I got seven, and at 25, I was able to get back on my feet," he recalled, regretful. "I have a wife, children, a father, and a mother. I started thinking about them more. It's maturity. I was throwing everything away," he added.
Now that the scare is over, Souza wants to erase the recent past with goals that will allow him to regain the affection and trust of the fans.
"In 2005, I scored 18 goals for Goiás. In 2006, I scored 17. If I could repeat that at Flamengo, I'd definitely be on the Brazilian national team. That team was so well-coordinated. So good, they made it to the Copa Libertadores," he said.
Souza is a self-proclaimed fan of the Red-Black team. If he scores a goal today against Atlético-MG, he'll be guaranteeing his personal joy.
“It will be a very difficult game, but we will definitely leave Maracanã happy,” said the striker.
Angelim gets injured, but should play
A cut on his shin during yesterday's training session gave Ronaldo Angelim a scare, but it shouldn't keep him out of today's game. The defender collided with a teammate's head and left the field bleeding. He received six stitches and is expected to be fit to play. If not, Thiago Salles will replace him.
With or without Ronaldo Angelim, coach Joel Santana's main concern is defense. The numerous changes still leave the sector well below the coach's expectations.
“We need to pay more attention to aerial plays and set pieces,” the coach emphasized, worried.
Joel believes that, playing at home, Flamengo will assume the responsibility of being offensive today. This could make their defense even more vulnerable. "Against Atlético-MG, a young, fast, and dangerous team, we'll have to go all out. This could expose our defense. I hope we have determination and discipline," Joel stated. The coach promised that Flamengo will take the initiative in attack.
"Our obligation is to win. We'll have 40 fans at Maracanã. With a crowd like that, how could we play backward? We're going to play to win," said Joel, who will be without Roger on the bench.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo hosts Atlético-MG in a direct duel against relegation\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Both victorious clubs that even decided the 1980 Brazilian Championship, Flamengo and Atlético-MG, are far from their traditional ways in this year's competition. Their form is so different that Flamengo and Atlético-MG face each other this Saturday at 18:10 p.m. at the Maracanã, with the same goal: to escape the relegation zone. With a game in hand, the Rio de Janeiro team has 34 points, one behind Atlético-MG, which is only out of the group of the last four due to tiebreakers. This Saturday's game, in fact, will be the first of a series of three consecutive games (the others will be against São Paulo and Fluminense) that Flamengo will play at the Maracanã, where the Rubro-Negro has performed well in this Brazilian Championship.
Therefore, coach Joel Santana is counting on this script to climb the table and breathe a sigh of relief. "The team has been playing well, but they let some precious points slip away. We missed a penalty against Botafogo and drew with Sport with a late goal. We'll practically decide our situation in the next three games, and we can't afford to slip up any more. I have no doubt this will be the most difficult and decisive week we'll have, against three top-tier opponents," he declared.
Joel Santana's concern also extends to the smallest details. So much so that the coach caught the attention of goalkeeper Bruno, who, when asked who he'd prefer to see relegated, unhesitatingly stated that it would be his former club, Galo. "We have to stop worrying about others and think about ourselves. This isn't the time to talk. Here at Flamengo, we need to keep to ourselves, especially since we haven't won anything. We're fully dedicated because things really aren't easy."
Furthermore, Joel Santana will repeat the starting lineup for the first time since taking over at Flamengo. This is especially true because midfielder Roger, who could have returned to the team, complained of muscle pain during a training session and was ruled out of Saturday's match. Other absences include midfielders Renato Augusto and Ibson, and forward Obina. The former is recovering from a muscle injury, the latter returned to training this week and is still recovering his fitness, and the latter is serving a suspension from the Superior Court of Justice (STJD).
Atlético-MG, on the other hand, is also facing challenges and will travel to Rio de Janeiro without right-back Coelho, who was suspended for 120 days after a violent foul on Cruzeiro's Kerlon. Therefore, coach Émerson Leão is expected to keep Cláudio in the position, and also field Danilinho in place of Marcinho, who was benched at the coach's discretion and didn't even travel. Another new addition to the bench will be midfielder Marquinhos, who has recovered from a dislocated right elbow.
The Galo manager, in fact, already knows what to expect from Flamengo. According to him, the Rio de Janeiro team will adopt an attacking stance and will pressure Atlético in the opening minutes of the match, which he considers positive for Galo. "I'd like that to happen, because it would be an open game, an open game from the opponent right away. We have fast players, and we'd be using what we do best," he analyzed.
The players, for their part, avoid making predictions about their opponents and prefer to ward off any threat of relegation, even projecting bigger goals for the end of the Brazilian Championship. "If we can win this game, I'm sure we'll climb the standings this round. Our goal is to secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, and we'll fight until the end to achieve that goal," commented Atlético goalkeeper Juninho.
Angelim gives a scare, but won't miss Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Joel Santana narrowly avoided a new challenge when it came to Flamengo's lineup for this Saturday's game against Atlético-MG at Maracanã. During Friday's training session, defender Ronaldo Angelim suffered a blow to his shin and required two stitches. The defender, however, has a confirmed lineup. Midfielder Roger participated in Friday's training session but will not play against Atlético-MG. Joel Santana fears an injury to the player, who complained of muscle pain earlier in the week. The coach wants to prepare Roger for his return against São Paulo on October 5th.
Flamengo should face Atlético-MG with the following formation: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Romulo, Jailton, Cristian and Toró; Maximiliano Biancucchi and Souza.
PeléNet
Fla and Atlético-MG cultivate a 'new' routine and fight against relegation
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Protagonists of memorable decisive matches in the title races of the 80s, Flamengo and Atlético-MG have been battling relegation in the Brazilian Championship this decade. Continuing their new routine, the teams face each other this Saturday at 18:10 PM at the Maracanã, seeking a victory to move away from the group of four bottom-placed teams relegated to the second division and complicate their direct rival's battle against relegation.
After being relegated in 2005 and returning to the top flight after winning the Série B title last year, Atlético-MG was once again under threat in 2007 and is currently in a more delicate situation.
With 33 points, the Minas Gerais team is tied with the first team in the relegation zone (Corinthians), but is in 15th place because it has one more win than the São Paulo club - nine against eight.
Flamengo's situation isn't much better. The team, which has become adept at avoiding relegation in the Brazilian league in recent years, has just one point more than Atlético-MG and sits in 14th place—with a game in hand.
Therefore, Saturday's victory still won't be enough to give either team complete peace of mind in the standings. Because of this, both are planning a mid-term surge. Flamengo wants to capitalize on its three-match streak at Maracanã, where it has a good 63% success rate, to move closer to its goal of definitively avoiding relegation.
"It will be the toughest week so far. We will have the chance to face a direct opponent to fight at the bottom and jump up the table. Then, we will face the Brazilian league leaders [São Paulo] and Fluminense, who are climbing. It will be a decisive week," commented coach Joel Santana.
Atlético-MG's coach has already made a plan for the team's next two away games. According to Emerson Leão, a win and a draw in the matches against Flamengo and Grêmio in Porto Alegre would be satisfactory.
"If the team can earn four points in the next two games, that's great. Even more so if we get a win, which counts as a tiebreaker. We're going into two difficult battles, but not impossible. I'm optimistic," said Leão.
Souza asks Maxi to release the ball more in Fla
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Behind full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan in Flamengo's top scorers this Brazilian Championship, striker Souza wants to score more goals for the team. So much so that, after Friday's training session at Gávea, the player made a public request to his strike partner, Argentine Maxi Biancucchi.
"He's an important player, very fast, but sometimes he holds onto the ball a bit. I hope Maxi can release it a bit more in the game against Atlético-MG so we can score a goal," he said.
Souza was signed by Flamengo earlier this year as a solution for their attack, having been the top scorer in last year's Brazilian Championship, with 17 goals for Goiás. However, in the 2007 Série A, the striker only scored three.
Souza's lack of goals in this Brazilian Championship has been compounded by the striker's low frequency on the field. Suspensions alone have already seen him miss ten games. He has also missed other matches due to injuries.
Fla could lose defender and unprecedented sequence with Joel Santana
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Joel Santana's much-celebrated chance to start the team again for the first time since returning to Flamengo has been threatened by a "split." During Friday's recreational training session at Gávea, defender Ronaldo Angelim suffered a deep cut on his right shin and could miss the team's match against Atlético-MG.
The player was taken to the locker room by Marcelo Soares and received stitches. Therefore, he is still doubtful for next Saturday's Brazilian Championship match at Maracanã.
"I spoke to the doctor and he told me he doesn't think there's a problem. It's an injury that can be resolved if it's well protected. But we'll wait until tomorrow [Saturday]," commented coach Joel Santana, who has already chosen a possible replacement: "If he doesn't play, Thiago [Sales] comes in."
If Ronaldo Angelim is unable to play, Joel Santana will miss the long-awaited opportunity to repeat the team's lineup for the first time since returning to Flamengo.
During the week, the coach and the players celebrate the chance to continue the team that drew 2-2 with Juventude last Sunday, but, if the defender is absent from Flamengo, the red-blacks will enter the field with the 15th different formation in the 15th match after the return of Joel Santana.
With the exception of this doubt, Flamengo's team is already selected: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim (Thiago Sales) and Juan; Rômulo, Jaílton, Cristian and Toró; Maxi and Souza.
BalloonSport
Fla and Galo: duel of close enemies
Teams have a historic hatred and enter the field this Saturday to win and sink their rivals.
Bruno was involved in controversy the week of the game against Galo
Ask a Flamengo fan if they admire Atlético-MG. Ask an Atlético fan, referring to the Rio de Janeiro club, if they do. The answer will certainly be negative, with a hint of anger. And in this atmosphere of intense rivalry, the two teams take the field this Saturday at 18:10 PM at the Maracanã stadium.
The match is part of the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship and will be broadcast live on GLOBOESPORTE.COM. SporTV (for all of Brazil, except Rio and Pernambuco) and Premiere will also broadcast the match. In the first half, the teams drew 1-1 (watch the highlights in the video below).
The antipathy between the clubs dates back to the 80s, with the clashes between Reinaldo and Zico. But there are new ingredients. Galo's coach, Emerson Leão, is not well-liked in Gávea. Flamengo fans, who will be attending the stadium in large numbers, promise to boo him.
For Atlético, the target is Bruno. Revealed in Belo Horizonte, the goalkeeper became "persona non grata" due to exaggerated statements in which he claimed that between Flamengo and Galo, he would prefer to see the latter in the Second Division. There were even threats to the player's family.
Pasted in the table
Controversy aside, the match is crucial for both teams. Undefeated at Maracanã under Joel Santana (six wins and three draws), Flamengo sits in 14th place with 34 points.
"I don't care how Atlético-MG is doing. We have to win at all costs. We'll go in there to achieve our goal and escape that danger zone once and for all," says coach Joel Santana.
The coach, in fact, has the chance to repeat his starting lineup after 14 games. The only doubt is Ronaldo Angelim. He cut his leg in Friday's training session and will be re-evaluated by doctors hours before the game. In any case, Thiago Sales is on standby.
In 15th place in the table, with 33 points, Galo can gain up to six positions if they win against their Rio rivals.
The only change to the team compared to last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Internacional will be the introduction of midfielder Danilinho in place of Marcinho. Another new addition to the bench will be midfielder Marquinhos, who has recovered from a dislocated right elbow.
When asked if he expected Flamengo to attack and put pressure on Atlético in the opening minutes of the match, coach Emerson Leão stated that it would be positive for Galo if that happened.
"I wish it were that way because, then, an open game, a frank game on the part of the opponent, would be decided right away. We have fast players and we would be using what we do best," says the coach.
Kléber Leite denies proposal to have Luxa
Gávea is awash in speculation this Friday. A manager calls the possibility "absurd."
Luxembourg: target of speculation at Fla
The speculation center at Gávea was in full swing this Friday. The strained relationship between Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Santos, combined with the arrival of Kléberson—a longtime desire of the Santos coach—at the Rubro-Negro, have made him a "potential target" for 2008.
Placar Magazine reported that Luxemburgo has an official offer in hand, but has yet to respond to Flamengo. Irritated by the information, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, said he hasn't spoken to the coach in over a year:
"There's nothing there. There's no truth to this whatsoever. It would be shooting yourself in the foot to start negotiations with the team in this situation. It would completely destabilize the environment."
This week, during Kléberson's presentation, someone close to the player informally commented that he only agreed to a deal with Flamengo because Luxemburgo would be the coach in 2008. To further fuel the rumors, Joel Santana made several statements saying that he still can't plan for next season simply because he doesn't know if he'll be at the club.
"I can't confirm that Joel will be the coach in 2008. If things go well... He has a monumental chance of staying. But I can't say that now," says Kléber Leite.
When he was president of the Rubro-Negro in 1995, the director brought in Vanderlei and promised a long-term project. However, the coach fell out with Romário, the club's star player, and was eventually fired. Later, Kléber lamented his lack of skill on that occasion. But, according to him, history won't be rewritten now.
"I hope he comes back one day because he's very competent. He might even come back. But right now, no one has said anything to anyone. This is absurd," says Fla's vice president of football.
Santos' board also denies the agreement. The club's press office reported that Luxemburgo will not discuss matters unrelated to the team and that the contract renewal, which expires at the end of the year, is already under discussion.
Joel wants to avoid silly goals
In the last two games, Flamengo failed badly in corner kicks
Eduardo Peixoto
Vasco's Leandro Amaral and Juventude's Vanzini have beaten Flamengo's defense in the air in the last two games. Their mistakes on corners have angered coach Joel Santana. During the week leading up to Saturday's match against Atlético-MG, he has been working extensively on aerial plays.
"Those two corner goals we conceded were blatant mistakes. They weren't even very well-taken corners, and our defense made a lot of mistakes. I hope we're better prepared for this kind of play from now on," says the red-and-black coach.
The defensive lapses are a constant source of complaint. According to him, there's a general lack of play throughout the 90 minutes.
- At times our players switch off - declares Joel Santana.
Throw
Souza praises Maxi, but also criticizes his partner
Striker says Argentine holds onto the ball at certain times
Souza scored just three goals in the Brasileirão (Credit: Paulo Sérgio)
LANCEPRESS!
Striker Souza said Friday that he has been working to improve the chemistry between himself and his attacking partner Maxi Biancucchi. However, while he didn't directly complain, he did comment that he could have more scoring chances if he received the ball more from the Argentine.
"We've been talking a lot. He's a fast player and has helped the team a lot, but sometimes he holds the ball too much," Souza said.
Maxi, in turn, defends himself from the reputation of being greedy and explains that, often, there is no way to make the pass to his partner.
"It really depends on the game. I always want to release the ball, but sometimes I can't," explained the Argentine.
The two were confirmed by coach Joel Santana as Flamengo's starting attacking duo in the match against Atlético Mineiro, this Saturday, at Maracanã, at 18:15 pm, for the Brazilian Championship.
Flamengo will be the 'most beloved' in the Brasileirão
Rubro-Negro should take first place in average attendance in the competition
Flamengo has the second highest average attendance in this Brazilian Championship (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo is expected to become the team with the highest average home attendance among the 20 teams participating in this Brasileirão this Saturday against Atlético-MG. So far this round, Sport has led the rankings with an average attendance of 25.238 fans at its games in Recife. Flamengo is close behind with 24.515 fans.
Since the Pernambuco team will play in São Paulo against Corinthians, the Rio de Janeiro club will need 33.915 fans to surpass them. The match against Galo will be part of a promotion by a food brand in which fans exchange cans of cereal for tickets. As a result, the 32.730 promotional seats are expected to sell out in advance, as has happened in all Flamengo matches in the competition. It would be up to the Nação Rubro-Negra to buy an additional 1.185 tickets to show that Flamengo is the most beloved team in Brazil in this Brasileirão as well.
The total number of tickets on sale for Flamengo and Atlético-MG is 79.794. Prices range from R$7 (half-price for regular seats) to R$100 (special seats). Fans can purchase tickets at Flamengo's headquarters in Gávea; at the Rio Sampa concert hall in Nova Iguaçu; at Botafogo's headquarters in General Severiano; at Caio Martins Stadium in Niterói; at Fluminense's headquarters in Laranjeiras; at the Kappa store at 4200 Avenida das Américas – Block 11, in Barra da Tijuca; at the Rox Sports store at 10 Manoel Correia Street, Centro Duque de Caxias; and at Maracanã ticket office 8.
Flamengo has already played 12 home matches—two of which were away from Maracanã due to the stadium's closure for the Pan American Games. In these matches, the country's most popular team was watched by 294.181 paying spectators. The five games with the highest attendances in this year's Brazilian Championship featured Flamengo and were played at Maracanã:
1/9 - 51.552 Flamengo 1 X 1 Sport\ 16/8 - 49.828 Fluminense 0 X 1 Flamengo\ 16/9 - 49.495 Flamengo 1 X 1 Vasco\ 29/8 - 45.445 Botafogo 1 X 1 Flamengo\ 26/8 - 44.920 Flamengo 3 X 1 Goiás\
Joel Santana is in solidarity with Botafogo
Flamengo coach says Alvinegro needs to remain calm\ LANCEPRESS!\
Even though he works for a rival club, Flamengo coach Joel Santana expressed sympathy for Botafogo's current situation. The Rio de Janeiro club entered a crisis after being eliminated by River Plate (ARG) in the final minutes of last Thursday's Copa Sudamericana match.
Joel, who previously managed Botafogo, said the club needs to remain calm at these times.
"It was a surprise because we didn't expect this elimination. But that's football. Managers and players need to remain calm in a situation like this," the coach said.
Joel was also in solidarity with Cuca, who was fired from Botafogo's command this Friday.
"It was a well-trained team, which received a lot of praise. Botafogo is a big club, and let's hope things work out," the coach concluded.
Kleberson appears at Flamengo in civilian clothes
The midfielder should only start training at the club next week\ LANCEPRESS!\
After being announced last Wednesday as Flamengo's new signing for next year, midfielder Kléberson appeared again this Friday at Gávea. However, he didn't participate in the recreational training session and only chatted, mainly with defender Fábio Luciano and right-back Leonardo Moura, after the session.
As he cannot play in the Brazilian Championship, Kléberson will have to resume his physical preparation next week, as there is no rush to get him back in playing condition.
Léo Moura recalls the beginning of his career\ LANCEPRESS!\
Although he's currently enjoying a good run of form at Flamengo—he's one of the team's top scorers in the Brazilian Championship—right-back Léo Moura hasn't forgotten the past. The player recalled the beginning of his career, when he was still playing for the youth teams:
"It was a difficult time, but I think it was worth it. Thank God, I came out of it okay. It's a time when you don't have much life experience. I had no help, the situation wasn't good. We had to train and go home, but that's the result of hard work for those who want to succeed," he says.
With three goals scored in three consecutive games, Léo Moura hopes to maintain his good scoring streak against Atlético Mineiro, Flamengo's opponent this Saturday, at 6:18 pm, at Maracanã.
Law requires stadiums to sell tickets online
In addition, details of the sale must be posted online\ LANCEPRESS!\
The Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) approved on Thursday, in its first debate, a bill that requires state-run stadiums and theaters to make tickets available for online sale, as well as a revenue spreadsheet for their events. The bill was sponsored by Representative João Pedro (DEM).
According to the law, all data on ticket sales, profits from shows, plays and games must be available on the State Government's website.
- This measure will make it easier for seniors to purchase tickets, as they won't have to travel to the location just to buy a ticket, in addition to meeting a growing demand for online sales - explained João Pedro.
The project, which initially predicted a minimum percentage of 50% of tickets to be sold online, had the proportion reduced to 30% of the load.
The State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) needs to definitively approve the project and Governor Sérgio Cabral must sign it into law.
Bruno says he was misinterpreted\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno made it clear that he is grateful and has great affection for Atlético-MG, the club that brought him to prominence. The player was threatened by Minas Gerais fans after saying that, between Flamengo and Atlético, he would prefer Atlético to be relegated. Bruno maintains that his statements were misinterpreted.
radio l! - I have a lot of affection for Atlético, the team that shaped me. But today I play for another club, with a great fan base too, and I hope to do my best to help my team - he says. (Click and listen)
The Rubro-Negro's number one lamented the poor form both clubs are experiencing in the Brazilian Championship: the Rio de Janeiro team is 1th in the standings with 14 points, while the Minas Gerais team is 34th, one point behind Flamengo. Both are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone.
radio l! - It's a shame to see two clubs with big fan bases in a situation like this. But Galo is a dangerous team and we have to be very careful not to be surprised at home - he warns. (Click and listen)
Flamengo and Atlético-MG face each other this Saturday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã.