THE GLOBE
Between dream and reality
Flamengo celebrates victory and good form, but has to cope with saying goodbye to Joel.
Photo caption: JOEL SANTANA: he told Flamengo's management that he already has a contract with South Africans.
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Between the end of the game against América and the conclusion of the dinner that followed the match, Flamengo oscillated between the dream of continuing with Joel Santana and the certainty that it will be forced to look for a new coach. In the conversation, although persuaded, the coach told the directors that, after the first leg of the State Championship final last Sunday, he had signed his contract with the South Africans. Following this, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, confirmed that the club is considering two names to fill the position.
After the 4-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium, the directors celebrated the win and the certainty that they were close to convincing Joel, who had even been tempted and admitted to considering staying until the end of the Libertadores Cup. At a dinner at the hotel in Mexico City, Plínio Serpa Pinto presented a project to Joel, made a tempting offer, and tried to convince him that leaving Flamengo was not a good deal. The cold shower came with the news, given by Joel, of the signing of the contract, at a dinner attended by Carlos Alberto Parreira. Today, the plan is for Joel to manage the team in the return match against América, when he would be honored. On that occasion, his replacement would watch the game to get to know the squad better.
"There's no point in fantasizing. It's a settled matter. We're choosing between two names: a very promising young player and a more experienced one, both with some connection to Flamengo. If Zico left one day, anyone can leave Flamengo," said Kleber, who has Caio Júnior and Geninho as targets.
For now, Joel is focused on ending his time at Flamengo with a title. The players, who asked Joel to stay, decided to dedicate any eventual victory to the coach.
Leonardo Moura and his 'great game'
Until the match against Botafogo, rest will be the order of the day. The players won't even go onto the field. Yesterday, before the trip to Rio, where the team will only arrive this morning, there was a workout in the pool. Today, the activity will be the same, but at the team's training camp in Barra da Tijuca. Tomorrow, the team won't even leave the hotel.
"There's fatigue, but the victory brought motivation and confidence. The fans will be relieved. They're ready for the final, and so are we. We'll arrive in better shape than when we returned from Cuzco. Souza and our full-backs only played 45 minutes, we rested Toró. We rotated the players, we planned to avoid repeating the mistake of fielding the same team that had just returned from a long trip," said Joel, recalling the Taça Rio semi-final, in which the team lost 3-0 to Botafogo after arriving from Peru.
The lineup will depend on the doctors and physiologists.
"I'm going to put health on the field," Joel added.
"Of course, the team won't be at 100%. But the resilience makes up for it. They're doing well. There were three oxygen cylinders in the locker room and nobody used them," said fitness coach Ronaldo Torres.
One of the new additions should be Renato Augusto, recovered from injury. Flamengo also brings motivation and reinvigorated players to the final. This is the case with Leonardo Moura. Discreet in recent games, he was rested in the first half and became the star of the match.
- It was my best game of the year. Everything I tried to do worked. The marking was also strong and I was trying to help the team. Against América, I had more space.
Another player gaining prominence is Marcinho. With five goals, he is Flamengo's top scorer in the Libertadores Cup and is chasing the tournament's top scorer title.
- At first, I didn't even think about it. But now it's close. God is guiding me. We've gained motivation for the game against Botafogo.
Diego Tardelli admitted that pending issues with the club bothered him. He said he had received offers to leave, but assured that the situation was resolved in a conversation with the board. Against América, he came on in the second half and was decisive. He guarantees he has the patience to wait for his turn to be a starter.
"Everything has its time," he said.
Following the defeat against Flamengo, Ruben Romano, coach of América of Mexico, resigned.
Ticket sales for the 68.130 tickets for the return match against América, on Wednesday at the Maracanã, begin today. Sales points: Gávea, General Severiano (Botafogo), Caio Martins, Maracanã and Engenhão.
Defeated in the league, Flamengo is now focused on the National Championship.
A day after losing the South American Basketball League to Corrientes of Argentina, 73-65, on the opponent's court, Flamengo sought to learn from the defeat. The Vice President of Olympic Sports, Patrícia Amorim, emphasized that the unprecedented national title remains the main objective.
"If we lost, it's because we all made mistakes. But the club is proud of the team and knows it could have won. I reminded the group that in the National Championship we maintained the advantage of playing the playoffs at home," he said.
Patrícia admitted interest in Gutierrez, from Boca Juniors, who, after the semi-final against Flamengo, said he liked the Flamengo fans:
It's an honor that an Olympic medalist wants to play on our team, but only after the National Championship.
For the basketball director, Arnaldo Szpiro, the final against Corrientes was a war:
The pressure is immense, and the court is less than a meter from the stands. But the team was brave. I was worried about our safety if we came, but protesting wouldn't have helped. The president of the South American League is the same as the president of the Argentinian League, Eduardo Bazzi.
During the match, a fan spat on Marcelinho.
"We were warriors. We fought and came out with our heads held high," said Marcelinho.
Coloneze believes that the pressure from the crowd in Corrientes may have intimidated the referees.
But we could have played a little better. We reached the final together, we lost together, and we're going to try to go to the National final together.
Fernando Calazans
A gesture of love
The beautiful role, the exemplary role of a football professional, that Leonardo Moura played in Mexico went far beyond the exuberant 45 minutes in which he, more than anyone else, gave Flamengo the 4-2 victory over América. Even before the game, Leonardo Moura had already begun to show that football, for him, is more than just an activity through which he honestly earns his living.
That's when he made a point of taking a picture at the same goal, on the same goalpost where Carlos Alberto Torres, a right-back like himself, scored the fourth and final goal for the Brazilian national team against Italy in the 70 World Cup final in Mexico. Brazil, three-time world champions of football!
Thirty-eight years later, Leonardo Moura's first gesture in the majestic Azteca Stadium was to pay homage to Carlos Alberto Torres, Carlos Alberto Torres' goal, and the entire 70 Brazilian national team. It's a photograph he will keep forever.
What is this photograph? It is Leonardo Moura's gesture of love for football in general, for Brazilian football, for his idol, for his profession. Leonardo Moura knows that Brazil beat Italy in the 70 final, he knows it was in that stadium, he knows that Brazil became three-time world champions there, he knows that the author of the last goal was Carlos Alberto, and he knows that Carlos Alberto was a right-back like him.
What's so special about that? The thing is, it happened a month after four or five clowns from the current Brazilian national football team arrived in London to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Brazil's first World Cup title in 58 in Sweden, and they couldn't name a single person from that historic world football team. They couldn't name Pelé, or Garrincha, or Didi, or Nílton Santos, or Djalma Santos, or Zagallo, or Zito, or Bellini, or Vavá, or anyone.
One of the fools, whom Sérgio Augusto referred to in a masterful article in "Estado de S.Paulo" as "worthy of the Paleolithic countenance that God gave him," went so far as to say, "I wasn't born back then."
How intelligent, right?
Because Leonardo Moura wasn't even born when, after a brilliant play that began with Clodoaldo in defense, Pelé delivered the final pass for Carlos Alberto to finish into the Italian net.
A month after four or five players from the Brazilian national team displayed the absolute egocentrism of their existence, the lack of zeal for their profession, the lack of love for football, even in their own country, Leonardo Moura shows that there is still thought and feeling among football players. Above all, he shows that football players still have idols, idols in their profession.
A short while ago, in an interview with ESPN Brazil, Gérson, the Golden Left-Foot, stood up from his chair to talk about his mentors – Tim, Zizinho, and Didi. He became emotional. His voice almost failed him. Gérson was honoring his idols. The impression one gets, listening to today's players, is that they have lives devoid of idols. They have no idols, no mentors, no role models. Nothing.
Leonardo Moura is an exception. That's why Toninho Nascimento said that the God of football blessed Leonardo Moura with that exuberant performance in the second half and with a goal in the same goalposts that Carlos Alberto Torres had breached in '70.
And that's why this column is dedicated to him, Léo Moura.
Renato Mauricio Prado
A dream from Rio.
Barring tsunami-like catastrophes, Flamengo and Fluminense have already qualified for the quarterfinals of the Libertadores Cup. Victories in Mexico City and Medellín have left them in very comfortable positions, and it's even possible to imagine two Brazilian clashes in the next phase: Fluminense vs. São Paulo and Flamengo vs. Santos. With a bit of goodwill, one could even dream of a Fla-Flu (Flamengo vs. Fluminense) in the final!
For this to be possible, Cruzeiro would also need to reach the semifinals (and, in that case, would face Fluminense). If only two Brazilian teams qualify for the penultimate stage, they will have to play each other, due to the (bizarre) regulations – which now attempt to prevent finals between teams from the same country.
A Fla-Flu in the Libertadores final, can you imagine? Then, more than ever, the brilliant prose of the Fluminense supporter Nelson Rodrigues would be fitting, about the eternal rivalry:
"The Fla-Flu derby has no beginning. The Fla-Flu derby has no end. The Fla-Flu derby began forty minutes before nothingness. And then, the crowds awoke..."
"On the day paradise was inaugurated, there was a Flamengo-Fluminense match, with open gates. And people were spilling out onto the walls..."
Imagine it in a Libertadores final!
Joel Santana took a risk and it paid off. His decision to rest Leonardo Moura in the first half (and Juan in the second) proved to be extremely successful.
The right-back came on with a bang and, for the first time since being called up to the national team, delivered a stellar performance. Besides scoring a fantastic goal (the last one), he provided the assist for another, hit the post (in another beautiful play), and saved a Mexican goal on the goal line.
Flamengo will arrive tired, but with very high morale for the decisive match against Botafogo. And, if Leonardo Moura performs at 50% of what he did at the Azteca, the chances of Flamengo winning their second consecutive title will be great.
Incredible, fantastic, extraordinary! Not even in an easy game like this did Kleberson play well!
THE DAY
There are so many emotions
Janir Junior
Rio - The final days are approaching. Joel Santana's farewell, as he heads to South Africa, is scheduled for Sunday, in the decisive match against Botafogo. The goodbye could be postponed to Wednesday, in the return match against América of Mexico, for the Libertadores Cup. What is certain is that, for the fifth time, the coach is leaving Gávea. Joel's diary since the 21st, when he announced his departure, contains scenes of excitement, happiness, emotion and even shortness of breath, as happened after Leonardo Moura scored the last goal against América. The tears are reserved for the final chapter: the weeping of a father leaving his Flamengo family orphaned.
April 21st | Against his will, Joel is instructed by Kléber Leite to announce to the players his departure for South Africa, on the first day of the decisive week of the State Championship. “It’s always difficult to leave Flamengo. I leave with a broken heart.”
April 22nd. While leading the training session in Teresópolis, the coach hears the fans chanting "Stay, Joel!" and can't hide his emotion. South African officials deny the agreement, but the coach had already signed a pre-contract. Thoughtful, Joel walks alone across the pitch, talks to the group again and reveals his desire: "I want to leave with Flamengo in pole position."
April 23rd. There's Joel on the sidelines of the Maracanã stadium, watching and celebrating the victory over Coronel Bolognesi (2-0) in the Libertadores Cup, with a free-kick goal by Bruno and the lead in the group. In the press conference, the coach shows a mix of happiness and sadness when answering about his departure. "And they won't be left orphans," said 'daddy' Joel.
April 24th. The team returns to training at Gávea. It wasn't a day for Joel's interviews, but, in his good humor, the coach chatted with the press: he laughed, had fun, and complained about the exhausting trip to Mexico: "It's going to be tough."
April 25th. Two days before the game against Botafogo, Joel gets a visa for Mexico, gets annoyed by questions from South African journalists about his limited English, but opens his heart: “I’m going to Africa to represent my people. It’s a very emotional time.”
April 26th. During morning training at Gávea, the day before the first leg of the State Championship final, Joel is wearing his inseparable sunglasses and holding his clipboard. With his departure scheduled for May 5th, Joel admits he might stay until after the second leg against América on the 7th. But his focus is on Botafogo: "Let's see if we're ready to be champions."
April 27th. Joel gives a pre-match talk, climbs the stairs to the locker room and hears his name chanted by the fans. In the game, he shows his star quality: he puts Obina in Ibson's place. The striker scores the winning goal against Botafogo. Clenched fists in celebration. In the interview, serene: "My commitment to everyone doesn't let me think about leaving. I want to be champion." That night, he signs a contract with the South Africans.
April 28th: Joel rejoins the team and that evening departs for Mexico, his last trip with Flamengo. He chats, jokes, and seems happy and content.
April 29th. After a tiring trip, Joel learns at the airport that his suitcase has been lost. He doesn't lose his good humor, but he misses out on seeing the América DVD.
April 30th | Joel celebrates like never before after the 4-2 victory over América: he shouts, curses, beats his chest and faces the fans present at the Azteca stadium. After Léo Moura's goal, he sits on the bench with wide eyes and sighs, in a mixture of emotion and shortness of breath.
May 1st - "Flamengo fans wake up with a cleansed soul." Joel's words come from a mix of relief and emotion. The coach is relaxing by the hotel pool in Mexico. He reveals that he heard requests from the club's management to stay, but states that it's impossible. He admits, however, that the relationship could extend for a few more days, at least until Wednesday, for the second leg of the Libertadores Cup.
No training.
Rio - In football, what Flamengo will do until Sunday's final is called 'pajama training'. Physical trainer Ronaldo Torres explains: “It's all about relaxation. Pillows, blankets, and air conditioning are essential.”
Yesterday, while still in Mexico, the players relaxed in the hotel's heated pool. Due to fatigue, the team's schedule was altered. Training sessions this afternoon and tomorrow morning at Gávea were cancelled. After landing in Rio this morning, the players will go to the team's training camp, where they will have a regulated diet and plenty of rest until Sunday. Ronaldo Angelim is one of the most exhausted.
The players asked to be released on Wednesday night, after the 4-2 victory over América, but the request was denied.
Renato Augusto may reappear on Sunday.
Rio - Midfielder Renato Augusto could be a new addition to the Flamengo team for the second leg of the final against Botafogo next Sunday.
The Flamengo number 10 trained this morning at Gávea and, according to doctor José Luiz Runco, did not complain of pain in his right knee.
"We'll wait for another training session this Friday to know better. In addition, we also need to assess his physical condition," Runco told Rádio Brasil, adding that it's still too early to clear the player.
Flamengo's future coach is employed.
Rio - Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, said this Thursday, in an interview with Rádio Globo, that the next Flamengo coach is employed, but that negotiations are not completely closed.
"We have some very good alternatives. But I'm not guaranteeing that we'll be successful. He's a coach who's currently employed," he revealed.
When asked if the new coach was known by just one name or by his full name, Kléber dodged the question. This is because names like Abel, Geninho, Caio Júnior, and even a possible return of Ney Franco have already been speculated at Flamengo.
Regarding Joel Santana, the director said that he is already too hardened to feel the loss of someone from Flamengo.
"I'm already very used to this. I say this with complete sincerity. Few people here at Flamengo have the same friendship and affection for Joel Santana as I do. But to be quite blunt, after Zico left Flamengo, anyone can leave. I say this with all sincerity," he concluded.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Botafogo downplays Flamengo's fatigue - Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The 4-2 victory over América of Mexico on Wednesday night in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 brought relief to Flamengo, but there is much talk about the fatigue the team will face in the second leg of the Campeonato Carioca final against Botafogo, scheduled for next Sunday at 4 pm (Brasilia time) at the Maracanã. Having won the first leg 1-0, Flamengo only needs a draw. Botafogo, on the other hand, is certain that their rival will not be tired.
“In a championship decider, this doesn't matter much, as there is a great equality between the teams. I'm not fooled by Flamengo's fatigue. Especially since Botafogo needs to worry about its own strategies and not focus on the opponent's fatigue. We need more attitude to go onto the field and win the game, regardless of the rival's situation,” said Cuca.
The Botafogo players share a similar opinion, also seeking to downplay the potential strain on Flamengo due to the trip to Mexico.
“Botafogo will need to impose themselves on the field if they want to win the title, because nothing is easy for us. Everything for Botafogo is hard-fought in terms of achievements, and on Sunday, if we want the trophy, it will be no different. Flamengo will enter the field as focused as in the last game, because it's a final, and even tired, the players put that aside and what really matters is overcoming the challenge,” explained midfielder Leandro Guerreiro.
Kléber denies Joel will stay and announces new coach on Monday (Gazeta Press).
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The possibility of coach Joel Santana remaining at Flamengo until the end of the Copa Libertadores, as speculated by Rio de Janeiro radio stations on Wednesday night after the team defeated América 4-2 in Mexico in the first leg of the round of 16 of the South American competition, was nothing more than a dream. This Thursday morning, the vice-president of football for the Rio club, Kléber Leite, said that the name of the new coach for Flamengo should be announced next Monday.
"We will announce, God willing, the name of the new coach next Monday, especially since a transition is necessary with Joel Santana meeting with him. When Ney Franco left Flamengo and Joel took over, the two met to exchange information, and that was very important. We will follow the same approach," said Kléber.
The director ruled out the possibility of Flamengo putting any pressure on Joel Santana to remain at the club until the end of the Copa Libertadores. Kléber Leite explained that the coach accepted an offer from South Africa that he considered irresistible and therefore will not back down from his decision.
"For Joel Santana to stay at Flamengo after Wednesday (the return match against América of Mexico) is utopian. There's no way around it, because this is his life and he decided this way. After this game, Joel Santana will have completed a stage at Flamengo, where he did a great job. I know it's not possible to put pressure on him, and when that happens, I don't even waste my time," explained Kléber Leite. Regarding the next manager of the team, the president said that Flamengo is negotiating with some names, more precisely two, with different profiles.
"The coach who will be hired is already employed, and that's clear. The two we are negotiating with are both employed and have a connection to Flamengo. We are choosing between a promising young coach and a seasoned veteran," said Kléber Leite, obviously without mentioning names.
Regarding the experienced coach, three names are being considered. One of them, Muricy Ramalho, was ruled out because São Paulo will only face Nacional of Uruguay on Wednesday, two days before the date set by Kléber Leite to announce the coach.
This increases the chances of this professional being involved in the state finals. Abel Braga, from Internacional, and Geninho, from Atlético Mineiro, are frequently mentioned for their experience, while the promising young coach being considered is Caio Júnior, from Goiás. Jorginho, assistant coach to Dunga in the Brazilian National Team, was also speculated, but he ruled out any chance of leaving the CBF at this time.
Joel praises the refereeing and sees the team's maturity
Mexico City (Mexico) - Unlike recent away matches in the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo didn't complain about the refereeing or have any players sent off in their match against América de México. For coach Joel Santana, the change is a result of the team's growth. "I hope the team has matured. Today, the referee was very good; he was strict and firm. Today was different. It's not because we won, but he was rigorous and honest throughout the match," the coach praised in a statement to Rádio Globo, speaking about referee Carlos Chandía of Chile.
The club has already been involved in some trouble, such as in the match against Nacional-URU, when it was defeated 3-0 away from home and also saw Léo Moura and Toró sent off, the latter for pushing a ball boy to get the ball.
"For the Libertadores Cup, we in Brazil don't need to be so anxious. These days, you in the press report everything, the television shows it, but we came to play today like we did in Uruguay, in complete safety, on a good pitch," Joel downplayed.
The coach, who stated there's a possibility he'll continue in charge of the red-and-black team after the match, also predicted good prospects for the team in the Copa Libertadores. "Because we have quality, we're capable of going further."
PELENET
Flamengo's doctor confident in Renato Augusto's recovery. From UOL Esporte, in Rio de Janeiro.
Almost fully recovered from a right knee injury, Renato Augusto has a good chance of playing against Botafogo on Sunday at 16 pm at the Maracanã, in the second leg of the State Championship final. This is according to Flamengo's team doctor, José Luiz Runco.
Fotocom
Renato Augusto is improving and has a chance to play against Botafogo on Sunday at the Maracanã. READ MORE FLAMENGO NEWS. "Today (Thursday) he participated very well in the training session. He trained for more than an hour with the ball and practically didn't complain of any pain. He's very excited. That's good," explained Runco, in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
However, the doctor preferred not to rush to conclusions. Therefore, he will wait another day to give his final opinion.
"But let's wait for another training session this Friday to know better. Besides that, we also need to look at the physical aspect. We need to talk to Ronaldo (Torres, physical trainer)," he considered.
If Renato is cleared to play, coach Joel Santana will have a major headache, since the replacement for the number 10, Marcinho, has been putting in outstanding performances. This Wednesday, he scored two goals in the 4-2 victory over América-MEX, in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
Rodrigo may return to team training next week. (From UOL Esporte, in Rio de Janeiro)
Defender Rodrigo is almost 100% recovered from the injury he suffered in his right arm. The player will undergo another examination on Monday and should finally be cleared to participate in all activities alongside his teammates.
"He's already working on his physical conditioning. On Monday, we'll do an X-ray and he should be cleared to participate in training with the ball, even team practices," explained Flamengo's doctor, José Luiz Runco.
Rodrigo suffered the injury during the 2-1 victory over Volta Redonda, in the penultimate round of the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the State Championship, on February 7th.
While the defender is still recovering, striker Maxi Biancucchi is ready to return to the field. He no longer feels pain in his thigh and could be on the bench on Sunday for the second leg of the State Championship final against Botafogo.
"He has nothing left to do. He is completely cleared to return to playing," Runco said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Flamengo will no longer train until the State Championship final. (From UOL Esporte, Rio de Janeiro)
Flamengo has changed its entire training schedule for the State Championship final this Sunday against Botafogo at 16 PM at the Maracanã. As a result, the players will no longer train on Friday at 15:30 PM and Saturday at 10 AM at Gávea.
Tardelli's team changed their schedule for Sunday's game against Botafogo. RENATO AUGUSTO IN THE FINAL? READ MORE FLAMENGO NEWS | RIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE | According to the Flamengo coaching staff, the fatigue from the trip to Mexico, where they faced and defeated América-MEX in the Libertadores Cup, was the main reason for the change. The delegation arrives in Brazil on Friday morning at 8 am and will go directly to their training camp, without giving interviews at the airport.
According to Flamengo's press office, interviews will only be conducted at the team's training camp, but without a set time. On Saturday, in addition to there being no training, the players will also not speak to journalists.
For Sunday's match, coach Joel Santana has only one doubt: Renato Augusto. The midfielder is still complaining of pain in his right knee. If he is ruled out, Marcinho will remain in the starting lineup.
Therefore, Rubro-Negro can face Botafogo with the following formation: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Kléberson, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto (Marcinho) and Souza.
Having won the first match 1-0, Flamengo needs a simple draw to win their second state championship and their 30th title in the history of this competition.
GLOBOESPORTE
Marcelinho: 'We were warriors' | Winger praises the athletes' commitment in the decisive South American series, won by Corrientes |
EFE\ Marcelinho celebrates with his teammates at Maracanãzinho\ Despite the sadness over the defeat, forward Marcelinho Machado made a point of praising the Flamengo team. A standout in the decisive match of the 2008 South American League finals, scoring 32 points, the Flamengo captain emphasized the team's attitude and dedication against Regatas Corrientes, in the game where the Argentinian team won 3-2 and secured their first-ever title.
"We never stopped believing, even after losing the second game, even in the face of all the difficulties. And we showed the strength of our group, the strength of our team, by tying the series. We played an even game with them in their home and we could have won. We lost the title, that's part of the sport, there's the sadness of defeat, but there's also the certainty that we played to our limit, physically and emotionally, that we did our best on the court, the best preparation, and that we fought with all our strength to give this title to our fans and to Brazil. We were warriors. We fought and we leave with our heads held high," says the forward.
Flamengo arrives in Rio de Janeiro on Friday morning, the 2nd, at Maestro Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport (Galeão). The team has already secured the best record in the first phase of the National Championship and will play again this Sunday, facing Uberlândia (MG) away from home.
"I'm very happy at Flamengo. This group was assembled to compete for titles. We were three-time Rio de Janeiro state champions, and for the first time, the club reached the final of a South American Championship. Now we're going to focus on the Brazilian Championship and fight for this unprecedented title," Marcelinho added.
Renato Augusto trains and shows improvement. The player missed the team's last three games due to a right knee injury.
O GLOBO AGENCY\ Midfielder Renato Augusto has been absent from Flamengo's last three matches\ Flamengo coach Joel Santana has a good chance of having an important reinforcement for the Carioca Championship final against Botafogo next Sunday. Renato Augusto trained this morning at Gávea and showed that he is recovering better from his right knee injury.
Doctor José Luiz Runco told "Rádio Brasil" that the athlete trained with the ball for more than an hour and practically did not complain of pain in his right knee. However, the doctor avoided giving a premature date for the player's release for Sunday's match.
"Let's wait for another training session this Friday to get a better idea. Besides that, we also need to look at his physical condition," said Runco.
Renato Augusto was injured during the Taça Rio semi-final against Botafogo on April 13th. The injury kept him out of the team's last three games: Coronel Bolognesi (on the 17th), Botafogo (on the 25th) and América of Mexico (last Wednesday).
Tardelli and the routine of 'being decisive' | Striker recalls going through serious problems at Flamengo, but overcoming them | Eduardo Peixoto, Special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Mexico City
GLOBOESPORTE.COM | Diego Tardelli, from Flamengo: finally free from personal problems | In just four months at Flamengo, Diego Tardelli has experienced conflicting sensations. He scored the title-winning goal and was on cloud nine. Shortly after, embroiled in problems with Flamengo, his performance dropped and he became the third-choice striker off the bench. | In the last two games, the striker has begun to recover. He hasn't yet secured a starting spot, but the assist he gave to Obina in the first leg of the State Championship final, and the goal he scored against América-MEX, have boosted his morale again.
"I've gained more confidence. The fans see what I'm doing and congratulate me on it in the streets. My good form is returning," says the player.
But optimism about his future at Flamengo wasn't always there. Tardelli had problems because the board didn't honor some agreements. He received offers, spoke with his agent, but Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, reassured him.
"I did have some problems. But now everything is resolved," assures the player, who will again be an option on the bench for Sunday's match against Botafogo.
Order at Flamengo: pillow and duvet. Players will not take the field again until the Carioca Championship final on Sunday. Eduardo Peixoto, special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Mexico City.
FOTOCOM.NET\ Joel Santana hopes for a Flamengo celebration on Sunday at the Maracanã\ Swimming pool on Thursday and Friday, gym or perhaps a day off on Saturday. Even informal games are prohibited at Flamengo. All in the name of resting the players ahead of the Carioca Championship final on Sunday against Botafogo. After the success in Mexico City, physical trainer Ronaldo Torres is planning a rest kit for the athletes.
"Now all that's left is to relax. Pillows, blankets, and air conditioning are essential," he declares.
Flamengo leaves the Mexican capital early Thursday evening, but will only arrive in Rio on Friday. In addition to the 4-2 victory over América, the club takes with it some well-chosen players.
The decision to use Leo Moura, Juan, and Souza for only 45 minutes and rest Toró was praised. But not only that; the coach sees differences between the trips to Cusco and Mexico City.
"When we returned from Peru it was complicated because the players didn't even sleep and went straight to the airport. Now, we'll have Thursday to manage their rest. They finished the match and went straight to sleep," he says.
The news of heavy rains in Rio de Janeiro was received with relief by the coaching staff. They fear that the intense heat at 16 pm on Sunday will punish the athletes, as happened in the Taça Rio semi-final.
"That preparation was really tough. We came back tired, we played a practice match under a strong sun on Saturday, and on Sunday I felt the team wasn't doing well even during the warm-up. Now, I promise: not even if the president orders it will there be another practice match," declares Ronaldo Torres.
Health in the field on Sunday
The players agree that the return trip will be tiring and the most important thing at the moment is to conserve their muscles. Ronaldo Angelim left the Azteca field exhausted. After the game, he recalled that he ran a lot and, being experienced, he might not be able to fully recover for Sunday.
Joel knows that our group is qualified and Thiago Sales is fully capable of replacing me.
The coach confirms that he intends to field a physically strong team against Botafogo.
- We're going to focus on health, just like in the game against América. Our fans will wake up tomorrow (Thursday) with a cleansed spirit and will be ready to have a great party on Sunday - says Joel Santana.
Kléber: 'We are negotiating with two coaches' Club official says Joel Santana's replacement will be announced on Monday. Eduardo Peixoto, special correspondent for GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Mexico City.
O Globo: Kléber Leite intends to announce the new coach on Monday. Joel Santana will say goodbye to Flamengo next week. The fact is irreversible. Therefore, the club is moving to present his replacement on Monday. The idea is to have a transition period between coaches until the second leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 match, on Wednesday, against América-MEX. The vice-president of football for Flamengo, Kléber Leite, is negotiating with two coaches.
"We're choosing between a promising young player and an extremely experienced one. Both are employed and have ties to Flamengo," the manager stated.
Caio Júnior would be the "rookie" contender. Abel or Geninho, the second.
SPORTS JOURNAL
A race against time
Renato Augusto is training to be in shape to face Botafogo on Sunday.
Nathan de Lima
In yesterday morning's training session at Gávea, Renato Augusto practiced with the ball and performed well.
"He's the number 10 from Gávea / He has a rich, rhythmic physical dynamic / His reflexes are lucid / His passes, his dribbles, are disconcerting / His mischievous shots are like electrifying flashes / Swelling the net in a possible spectacular goal." This excerpt from Jorge Ben Jor's song "O camisa 10 da Gávea" (The Number 10 from Gávea), written in homage to the eternal Flamengo idol Zico, can be applied today to Renato Augusto, who usually leaves his mark in decisive matches. This was the case in last year's Carioca Championship victory against Botafogo, when he scored a long-range shot, tying the game at 2-2. However, this year the story may be different. He is still doubtful for Sunday's final against Botafogo.
During yesterday's physical training session at Gávea for the players who did not travel to Mexico, Renato Augusto did separate work with the ball, and it was clear that he was still feeling some pain in his right knee.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know if I'll play on Sunday against Botafogo. In training, I still felt a little discomfort, but it was certainly much better than on Wednesday. I'm still not completely confident enough to kick with my right foot, but I'll only meet with the coaching staff tomorrow to find out if I'll play or not," Renato Augusto said.
Regarding the chance of returning to the pitch in a final against Botafogo and being able to repeat the beautiful goal he scored in 2007, he explained that there are certain types of plays that don't usually happen often and made it clear that before thinking about scoring a great goal, he wants to be a champion.
"It was a truly spectacular goal. However, these things happen during a match. It's difficult to promise to repeat something similar, especially since everyone knows that more important than scoring in a final is leaving the field as champion," the midfielder added.
Rest kit to catch your breath.
The final against Botafogo is approaching. To avoid Flamengo losing another game to their rival due to fatigue caused by the long trip to Mexico, the Board and Coaching Staff have adopted the "Duvet Training" policy. In other words, now at Gávea everyone has to rest a lot to be able to enter the field flying on Sunday.
Ronaldo Torres, Joel Santana's physical trainer and right-hand man, planned a rest kit.
"We are aware of the strain. Now, all we have to do is relax. Pillows, blankets, and air conditioning are essential," said the physical trainer.
When they returned from Cusco after their victory over Cienciano, the team was exhausted. One of the reasons Ronaldo Torres cited for the fatigue was the intense heat in Rio and the team's characteristic recreational training.
"That preparation was really tough. We came back tired, we played a scrimmage under the hot sun on Saturday, and on Sunday I felt the team wasn't doing well even during the warm-up. Now, I promise: not even if the president orders it will there be another scrimmage," warned Ronaldo Torres.
Closed gates
Flamengo will debut in the Brazilian Championship on the 11th, at 18:10 PM, at the Maracanã, against Santos. However, the game will be played behind closed doors due to a punishment for a fan throwing a battery at referee Sálvio Espínola during the match against Grêmio in last year's Brazilian Championship. At the time, the club managed to postpone the penalty so as not to play without fans during the team's strong start.
Flamengo fans are already celebrating.
Nina Lima/JS
Thiago Cardoso and Amanda Azevedo: united in passion and certainty of the state title.
The cold and rainy day didn't stop Flamengo fans from leaving their homes to watch Flamengo's 4-2 victory over América on Wednesday in Mexico City. The Flamengo supporters packed the bars in Praça Vanhargem, in Tijuca, and demonstrated their usual confidence ahead of Sunday's final.
The main topic, of course, was the Carioca Championship final against Botafogo on Sunday. The Flamengo-supporting couple, Thiago Cardoso and Amanda Azevedo, for example, believe in an easy victory.
"I think the title already belongs to Flamengo, I'm betting on a 2-0 victory. We were at the Maracanã last Sunday and we've already bought our tickets for this Sunday," said Thiago.
Young Luiz Henrique Almeida, who spent about six hours in line to secure his ticket for the final, believes it will be a tough game, but that Flamengo will win.
"I stood in line from 14:30 PM until 19 PM to buy my ticket at Ticket Booth 8 of the Maracanã. Flamengo will win with a goal from Souza. The Botafogo fans will cry again."
Fans of Fluminense were also present, since their team played later, and they arrived early to root against Flamengo. Friends Fernando Meredith and Eric Gepp went together to watch the games and discussed the Libertadores Cup.
"Flamengo doesn't have big stars, but we have a very solid team and with this team anything is possible. We have a real chance of winning the Libertadores," said Flamengo supporter Eric, who added: "On Sunday, I'll watch the game in peace while having a beer. Bruno, once again, will be the star of the game and we will be champions."
Fernando Meredith wants Botafogo to win, but he doesn't have much confidence in coach Cuca's team: "I want a 2-0 win, but I don't believe it after the defeat in the Guanabara Cup final."
Leonardo Moura shines in Flamengo's victory.
His exclusion from the starting lineup was surprising. How could a full-back of Leonardo Moura's quality be on the bench in what is, so far, the most important match for Flamengo in the Libertadores Cup? After a balanced first 45 minutes, coach Joel Santana decided to put him in place of Juan, thus moving his substitute, Luizinho, to the left side. There was the answer.
In just one half, Léo Moura was able to make a difference. A beautiful play, at 17 minutes, in which he left three defenders behind, but which unfortunately ended up hitting the post, already showed that Léo was having an inspired night.
Always orchestrating Flamengo's counter-attacks, he showed no selfishness when he picked up the rebound from Obina's shot that hit the post and, facing goalkeeper Ochoa, decided to pass to striker Diego Tardelli, who was completely unmarked, to score the third goal.
The best, however, was saved for the 47th minute of the second half. Léo exchanged passes with Ibson and received the ball inside the area. Facing one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he calmly chipped the ball over him and sealed another beautiful victory for Flamengo.
Flamengo finishes second in the South American League.
Vasco and Uberlândia remain the only Brazilian teams to have won the tournament.
Flamengo lost 73-65 to Regatas Corrientes of Argentina, away from home, and finished as runner-up in the South American basketball league, losing the final series 3-2. The standout player for Flamengo was forward Marcelinho, the team's top scorer with 32 points.
For veteran Montecchia of Corrientes, the achievement is more than special: the player, who won gold for Argentina at the Athens Olympics, had been champion of the first edition of the League in 1996, playing for Olimpia, also from his country.
In the first game of the final series, held in the city of Corrientes, the Argentinian team won 95-72. Flamengo's star forward Marcelinho was ejected and missed the second game, which Regatas also won, 63-56.
The Rio de Janeiro team's comeback came in the games held at the Maracanãzinho arena. With the support of their fans, the Rio team won both matches, 98-79 and 86-79.
This Wednesday, however, the team once again succumbed to the pressure from Regatas, who finished the South American League undefeated in their home arena. With the defeat, Vasco da Gama (1999 and 2000) and Uberlândia (2005) remain the only Brazilian teams to win the tournament.
Now the focus is on the National title.
After the defeat in the league final, Flamengo turns its attention back to the domestic competition.
Pedro Ivo Almeida
Wallace Teixeira
Winger Marcelinho Machado (with the ball) played a major role in the League competition.
After being defeated by Regata Corrientes (ARG) 72-65 in the fifth and decisive game of the South American Basketball League final series, and missing out on the unprecedented title, Flamengo now turns its attention to the campaign for the also unprecedented National Championship title. The team returns to the court next Sunday at 18 pm to face Uberlândia away from home, in a game postponed due to the South American competition games.
Coach Paulo Chupeta's team lands this morning at Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, and tomorrow they travel to the city of Uberlândia where a real marathon begins. On Sunday the team faces the home team, the following day they go to Rio Claro, where they face ULBRA on Tuesday, and on Thursday, the team will be back in Rio, where they face Universo/BRB, from Brasília, in the last match of the qualifying phase.
Despite last Wednesday's defeat, the Flamengo squad is confident of winning the National Championship.
“We fought and came out with our heads held high. I’m very happy at Flamengo, this group was assembled to compete for titles, we were three-time Rio de Janeiro state champions and, for the first time, the club reached the final of a South American championship. Now we’re going to think about the Brazilian Championship, we’re going to fight for this unprecedented title,” said winger Marcelinho, the team’s main star.
After the three remaining matches of the qualifying phase, Flamengo, the top-ranked team from the first phase, begins its fight in the Playoffs against the CETAF team from Espírito Santo, in a best-of-five series, for the quarterfinals of the National Championship.
Eduardo Lacombe
The Red and the Black
Up high, always.
Eduardo Lacombe lacombe@jsports.com.br
The first time I heard about the problems caused by altitude was in 1968, the year Mexico hosted the Olympic Games. Incidentally, they were the best-organized games in history. The Mexicans invested in technology, both in timers to measure times and in image transmission. All of this, two years later, at the World Cup, served to inscribe their name in the history of great organizers of sporting events.
At that time, the effects of Mexico City's altitude were still an unknown. In truth, nobody knew exactly how to cope with the 2.335 meters of the Mexican Plateau. The Brazilian National Team, for example, had to undergo an acclimatization period in Guanajuato, or something similar, play its games in Guadalajara, and triumph in the same Azteca Stadium where Flamengo put on that spectacular performance we all witnessed. Even the grumpy ones, right?
After Joel Santana's team scored seven goals and conceded only two in Cusco and Mexico, I'm starting to think that Bolivian President Evo Morales is right: playing at altitude only brings problems for those who don't know how to play football. That was the case with Cienciano in that match, and with América on Wednesday. Look: I'm not saying they don't know how to play football. But that they didn't know how to play on the dates mentioned.
Wow! What a show, huh? A show in Mexico City because, in Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Medellín, things happened that I thought were far removed from South American football. Things like "patria o muerte" (homeland or death), which for so long was a celebration for the teams from our neighbors. But thinking about it, those things returned in grand style to the Palestra Itália Stadium when they threw pepper spray at the São Paulo team. Frankly! It's something out of a local amateur league, enough to drive anyone crazy, isn't it?
And the punishment came swiftly. Because nobody could have imagined that Palmeiras, already declared by its fans and São Paulo journalists as the Paulista champion, would be thrashed by Sport, the three-time Pernambuco champion. As the people from Bahia say: Oh my!
THROW
Renato Augusto will be examined this Friday.
The midfielder is still doubtful and will be evaluated by José Luiz Runco, Flamengo's doctor.
Renato Augusto is still unsure if he will be fit to play on Sunday.
Bernardo Besouchet RIO
Midfielder Renato Augusto, who did not travel with the Flamengo delegation to Mexico, will be evaluated this Friday by doctor José Luiz Runco.
Suffering from edema in his right leg, the player remained in Rio de Janeiro undergoing treatment in two sessions a day to avoid missing the Flamengo team's match in the Carioca Championship final against Botafogo.
"While the team traveled, I stayed in Rio undergoing treatment to see if I'm fit to play on Sunday. I'll be evaluated by Runco and I hope to be able to play in the match," he said.
In 2007, Renato Augusto scored the equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Botafogo, which took the State Championship final to penalties.
Flamengo has no players out for the Carioca final.
None of the players who played in Mexico against América suffered injuries during the team's 4-2 victory.
Rodrigo Benchimol, reporting from Mexico City (MEX)
All the Flamengo players who took the field in the 4-2 victory over América (MEX) on Wednesday, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, are ready for the Carioca Championship final this Sunday against Botafogo. Club doctor Marcelo Soares assures that there are no problems with the delegation that traveled to Mexico City.
"Everyone's back to square one," the expert assures.
With this, the doctor rules out any possibility of injury to goalkeeper Bruno. The player fell during the first half of the match, complaining of pain in his right leg. In the second half, after coming out of his goal, he was again attended to by the club's doctors. However, no injury was found in the player.
The only possible absence from the team on Sunday is forward Renato Augusto. The player didn't even travel to Mexico to treat a right calf injury. It's still not confirmed if he will be fit to play in Sunday's match.
Flamengo's focus is now on the State Championship final.
For Juan, the Rio de Janeiro state championship title will be a parting gift for coach Joel Santana.
Rodrigo Benchimol, reporting from Mexico City (MEX)
For left-back Juan, the 4-2 victory over América (MEX) on Wednesday, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16, is already a thing of the past. The player reveals that Flamengo's focus has shifted from the South American competition to the state championship final.
Juan assures that the good performance in the Libertadores Cup will not affect the players and that everyone will be aiming for another title with Flamengo. Furthermore, this achievement is coach Joel Santana's last wish while in charge of the Rubro-Negro. He leaves the club next week to take over as coach of the South African national team.
"He wants the title and we have to give him what he wants. We work with titles in mind. We have a slight advantage, but nothing is won yet," he stated.
Juan also briefly analyzed the difference between this year's final and last year's. That year, both games ended in a draw and the decision went to penalties. This year, Flamengo won the first game 1-0.
"The biggest difference is that advantage. But they were very balanced games and the teams were very evenly matched. This year, Botafogo has a well-defined way of playing, and Flamengo has matured a lot with winning that championship, with their elimination from the Libertadores Cup, and with the bad spell they went through in the Brazilian Championship last year. We've learned to enjoy winning," the player concluded.
Foreign fans support Flamengo at the Azteca Stadium.
Five members of the Fla-USA fan club traveled from the USA to attend the match.
Rodrigo Benchimol, reporting from Mexico City (MEX)
Five Flamengo fans did something crazy to see their team. Nothing new there. But they created the Fla-USA fan group and left the United States just to watch Flamengo's 4-2 victory over América (MEX) on Wednesday, in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16.
Bastian, Mário, Gabriel, Danilo, and Rafael live in San Diego, California. The first three decided to travel to Mexico City as soon as they learned that their opponent would be América. Each spent an average of US$420 (approximately R$715) on airfare. But nothing was that simple.
The flight itself lasted two and a half hours. But that was the easy part.
We had to drive from San Diego to Tijuana (Mexico). We crossed the border and still had to take a taxi to get to the airport. Danilo and Rafael hadn't even bought their plane tickets yet and only managed to do so an hour before the plane left – says Bastian Abelin, 20, who is from Rio de Janeiro, studies business and works in a restaurant.
Mário Martins, who has been there for eight years, studies sociology and is a limousine driver. Therefore, he is somewhat better qualified to talk about part of the adventure of seeing his beloved team.
"The taxi driver almost killed us. There were four of us crammed into the back seat, and he was screeching the tires on every turn. When we took a taxi here in Mexico City, it was different. It even seemed like the driver was slow," Mario jokes.
The Fla-USA fan club has two headquarters in the United States: one in New York/New Jersey and the other in San Diego.
– In the first Carioca final against Botafogo, there were about 50 Flamengo fans in a bar in San Diego – said Bastian, who was wearing a shirt with the words: “A man changes houses, cars, and religions. He changes wives and even hearts. He just doesn't change his team. A man is born, lives, and dies a Flamengo fan.”
Relaxed atmosphere marks Flamengo's training session on Thursday.
Swimming competition interrupts physical training at the hotel pool.
Rodrigo Benchimol, reporting from Mexico City (MEX)
A swimming competition in the pool at the Hotel Pedregal, where Flamengo is staying in Mexico City, showed the team's relaxed demeanor after Wednesday's 4-2 victory over América (MEX) in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Fábio Luciano, Juan, and Thiago Salles interrupted their morning recovery training session on Thursday to see who was the fastest swimmer.
The first race was won by defender Fábio Luciano, practically tied with Thiago Salles, with Juan far behind in third. In the reserve defender's rematch, the Flamengo captain false-started twice, once jumping onto one of the pool lanes. The judges Ronaldo Angelim, Bruno, and Gavilán called the foul.
On his third attempt, Fábio Luciano won again. However, in this second victory for the defender, he belly-flopped into the water, causing the other players to burst into laughter.
This afternoon, the players are packing their bags to return to Brazil. The Flamengo delegation will land in the country on Friday morning.
Juan: 'The team has to be 100% in the final'
Marrentinho says he will sleep on the flight back to Brazil. (LANCEPRESS!)
Much has been said about Flamengo's fatigue, as they traveled to Mexico last Wednesday to face América in the Libertadores Cup and ended up achieving a resounding victory: 4-2. Meanwhile, Botafogo, their opponent in the Carioca Championship final, which will take place on Sunday at the Maracanã, rested and prepared exclusively for this match.
However, in the view of Flamengo's left-back Juan, the team will have to be at 100%, even if that means he has to sleep during the flight back to Brazil.
"The team has to be 100% for the final. We have to go in concentrated and focused. We're going to get plenty of rest. I'm going to try to sleep as much as possible during the trip back," the "cocky" player told Rádio Manchete.