The Globe
Certificate of residence
Fla will have the chance against São Paulo to prove that Maracanã is really their home
Photo caption: IBSON (LEFT), in the opposite direction to Roger, should face São Paulo
Márcio Tavares
Joel Santana says he's modest. That's why he's taking a risk: at least 60 people will go to Maracanã on Thursday to watch Flamengo's attempt to save the championship. And to breathe some life into this Brazilian championship, the red-and-black coach knows he'll need the fans' full support, without forcing his team to play hard.
"It's a game to show who's who, and it's a game to make few mistakes. São Paulo is a well-organized team. But I don't want to talk too much about the opponent. Any slip-up could be their weapon. I'm extremely concerned about my team's formation," says Joel Santana.
Muricy even prefers a packed stadium
The concern is reasonable. After all, São Paulo isn't the leader by chance. Playing home or away, Muricy Ramalho's team's record is commendable. With 63 points, São Paulo is unbeaten in 13 games and, as a visitor, seems more comfortable, as two of its three losses came at Morumbi Stadium (Atlético-MG and Fluminense). The only away loss came in the second round, on May 20th, when they lost 1-0 to Náutico in Recife. In 13 matches on the opposing field, they have won nine and drawn four.
"São Paulo is a great team, but we'll be playing at home, and the support of our fans will be crucial. I expect at least 60 people. I'm modest," says Joel.
Like his coach, Muricy Ramalho knows the Maracanã will be packed. He even prefers a full stadium because it's more motivating:
Flamengo has a huge fan base. São Paulo, wherever they go, draws a lot of fans because they're the leader. That's extra motivation. Everyone wants to beat us. That's good. Football is what wins.
Despite Muricy's speech, the idea in Gávea is to take advantage of the good performances at Maracanã.
"Beating us here is tough. The important thing about playing at Maracanã is that we've been winning at home," says Souza, who was forgiven for cursing at Joel on Saturday when he was substituted late in the game.
Joel also wants another good result at home. In ten games in Rio, Flamengo won seven and drew three. He's bringing back Ibson, who performed well in tactical training and is practically in the starting lineup. As for Roger...
- Ibson trained very well. I'll observe Roger's behavior in tomorrow's (today's) training session.
Roger gave Joel a helping hand:
"We can't play against the best team in the Brazilian league with two players who haven't played in a long time. I'm available. I can start the match or sit on the bench. If I can play 15 to 20 minutes, I'll be satisfied."
The 79.994 tickets are on sale, from 11am to 17pm, in Gávea, in RioSampa (Nova Iguaçu), in General Severiano, in Caio Martins, in Laranjeiras, at the Kappa Store (Av. das Américas, 4.200, Block 11, Barra da Tijuca), Rox Sports Store (Rua Manoel Correia, 10, Duque de Caxias) and ticket office 8 of Maracanã. Prices: full white bleachers, R$25 (half-price, R$12), full special seat, R$100 (half-price, R$50), full common seat, R$15 (half-price, R$7).
Renato Mauricio Prado
Flamengo and São Paulo are expected to fill the Maracanã, in a game in which the virtual Brazilian champion is the favorite, but the red-black (still needing points to completely scare away the specter of relegation) promises to be tough.
The recoveries of Ibson and Roger are a relief for Flamengo fans, but I doubt Joel Santana will launch them together in the team.
It's most likely that Ibson will take Toró's place (who has only been distributing kicks) and Roger will be an option on the bench.
In this way, Natalino's "chastity belt" would be formed, literally, by four midfielders: Rômulo, Jaílton, Cristian and Ibson.
A lineup that against São Paulo - the best Brazilian team at the moment - wouldn't even seem that absurd.
The danger is that, as usual, all the attacking support will fall to full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan. And as clever as he is, Muricy Ramalho must already be thinking about exploiting such advances.
The game promises.
Sports Journal
Decision climate
The club faces São Paulo at Maracanã and sees the match as a championship final.
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Nina Lima
Midfielder Íbson could return to the team in the decisive game against the Brazilian Championship leader
After a long time, Flamengo will finally get through its first week without the pressure of living with the shadow of relegation hanging over them. But, as with every road, there's a rock, and just as things start to look up in Gávea, the Brazilian league leader, São Paulo, appears, boasting the tightest defense in the competition.
Coach Joel Santana's prescription boils down to giving the São Paulo team no chances. The coach has seen some of São Paulo's championship matches and knows the size of the wall he'll have to break down on Thursday.
"We need to stay alert. It will be a game with few mistakes, just like it was against Atlético-MG. Calmness will be essential to find the ideal strategy to beat them. We can't miss chances, because São Paulo doesn't usually forgive mistakes," analyzed the coach.
To break through the Tricolor's defensive structure, which has conceded only nine goals in 28 matches, striker Souza will be crucial. He's been performing well in recent games, but he's not finding the net. The top scorer in the last Brazilian Championship has only scored three times in this year's championship. Even so, the São Paulo defense doesn't give him chills.
"It's a quality defense, but it doesn't scare me. Even though they're missing Miranda and Hernanes, whoever comes in will maintain the same level, as their team is very strong. I'm prepared to play a great game," explained Souza.
Joel will be able to count on an important reinforcement. Midfielder Ibson trained normally and is practically guaranteed a place in the "decisive." For him, Flamengo is on par with São Paulo.
"It's a unique game, everyone wants to play, and it's no different for me. They have top-notch players, but despite our position in the standings, we also have a team that's no match for any Brazilian team. We're just as good as them," said the midfielder.
Roger may reappear on Thursday
In addition to the return of midfielder Ibson, coach Joel Santana will have midfielder Roger at his disposal. He trained mostly with the reserves yesterday and is expected to be an option for the second half.
Despite being one of the best-known athletes in the current group, he knows that he shouldn't start playing against São Paulo.
"The coaching staff knows how much I can perform. I'm training hard to be useful, but because it's against the league leaders, it would be risky to field two players who are returning from injury. I understand Joel's point of view and see no problem with me sitting on the bench," Roger resigned.
Joel said yesterday that he's still thinking about who to field, and he hasn't ruled out a midfield with Ibson and Roger together. However, that's unlikely to happen.
In 1977, Brazil trains for a friendly match
Twenty-nine years ago, the Brazilian national team also used the Gávea stadium to prepare for a World Cup. The team, coached by the late Cláudio Coutinho, held a training session at Flamengo's headquarters on October 29, 11, on the eve of the 1977 World Cup in Argentina. The CBF chose Gávea to prepare Zico and Rivelino's team for the friendly against Milan, which featured star players like midfielder Rivera.
Cláudio Coutinho, who coached Flamengo before taking over the national team, led a technical and tactical training session with the top stars of the era. During the sunny afternoon in Gávea, many fans were present, mostly young boys, who invaded the field after practice, asking for autographs.
Gávea welcomes stars of the Brazilian National Team
File/JS
In 77, the national team was also in Gávea. Claudio Coutinho observes the line with Abel, Caçapava and Reinaldo
The Gávea pitch has become accustomed to hosting the greatest stars to ever play in Brazil, but after the exodus of Brazilian players to Europe increased, the superstars began to stay away from the red-and-black temple. However, on the 15th, Brazil's greatest players will once again exchange passes on the pitch where Zico, Adílio, Júnior, Leônidas da Silva, and others have trained. The board confirmed that the Brazilian national team will train at the club on the 15th, on the eve of the match against Ecuador on the 17th at Maracanã.
The group, led by coach Dunga and whose main stars are supporters Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Kaká, will only train once in Gávea, as on Tuesday they will work at Maracanã. The national team players will explore the stadium, which has not been used by the team since the match against Bolivia in 2000. In that match, Brazil won 5-0, with goals from Romário (3), Rivaldo and Marques.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, said that the national team made an excellent choice, as Gávea is the ideal place to house the five-time world champion team.
"The CBF's choice is very natural. There's no more privileged place in Rio de Janeiro than Gávea. Training with a view like this, with Christ the Redeemer in front of you and the Lagoa to your side, is priceless," said Kléber Leite, who then added.
"It will be a great honor for Flamengo," added the director.
With the strength of the Nation
Flamengo reaches the milestone of one million fans in home games
Nathan Lima and Thiago Bokel
Jair Motta/JS Archive
The red-and-black fans have been the difference during the year's games. More than a million people have already watched Flamengo in 2007.
The country's largest fan base traditionally fills stadiums and pushes Flamengo to victories and, consequently, titles. This tradition has continued with every major Flamengo triumph. This year, Flamengo failed to win any national or international titles, but even so, the 47.301 fans who attended the Maracanã to see Flamengo's 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG helped the club surpass the 1 million fan base mark for the year.
The survey was conducted by fan Danyel Braga. The calculation was based on attendance at Flamengo's home matches in Rio, Uberlândia, and Juiz de Fora, as well as all derbies. Across 31 matches, 1.004.588 fans came to support the team, providing an average of 32.406 people per match.
In this Thursday's game at the Maracanã against the Brazilian Championship leader, São Paulo, the fans are expected to turn out in good numbers again and help the team break through the Tricolor's long wall, having conceded only nine goals in the competition. Striker Souza, who has only scored three goals this Brazilian Championship, said he's counting on the fans' presence to cheer Flamengo on in this game, which is being considered a decisive one.
"The fans are a huge help and always support us. I hope it's no different against the Brazilian league leader. I want to see a packed Maracanã on Thursday," said Souza.
The support of Flamengo fans has been crucial for coach Joel Santana to continue his unbeaten run at Maracanã this year.
The coach, with his usual good humor, announced that on Thursday the great nation will be present to help him beat São Paulo.
"Of the ten largest crowds this season, Flamengo is present in five of them. This Thursday, humbly speaking, I see at least 60 fans supporting us," prophesied Joel Santana.
O Dia
Flamengo: Íbson returns on Thursday
Recovered, midfielder starts against São Paulo. Roger remains on the bench.
Marluci Martins
Rio - Flamengo's watchword for Thursday's game against São Paulo at the Maracanã has five letters: Íbson. Sidelined for almost a month due to an ankle injury, the player is already in the lineup for the match against the Brazilian Championship leader.
With Toró receiving his third yellow card, it wasn't difficult to find a spot for Íbson. Coach Joel Santana tested him in yesterday afternoon's tactical training session and then replaced him with Roger, but for a much shorter period.
“I still feel a little pain, but that's normal,” said Íbson, making himself available for the match.
Roger is expected to sit on the bench. This doesn't bother the midfielder, who, like Íbson, played his last match on September 8th—against Internacional. "There's no point in starting and not being fit to continue. But I hope to play at least 15 or 20 minutes to gain confidence," Roger stated.
Despite their opponents having lost only three matches so far, coach Joel Santana is already starting to dream big. With Figueirense and Goiás' unexpected victories over Cruzeiro and Botafogo, respectively, Flamengo remained outside the Copa Sudamericana qualifying zone, but for Joel, a step has been taken.
"Sunday's match was completely strange. We could have been in the Copa Sudamericana. For the first time, we slept with this feeling. At least we did our part against Atlético-MG. And we'll try to do our part again," the coach said optimistically.
Joel Santana doesn't just want to reach the qualifying zone for the South American Championship. More than that, he wants to stay there and never leave. "I don't want to start in tenth place. I want to start in fifth or sixth, because one slip-up can bring any team down," the coach concluded.
Fla took more than 1 million to the stadiums this year
Coach Joel Santana and the Flamengo board expect Thursday's attendance at Maracanã to set a new box office record. According to a survey conducted by Flamengo fan Danyel Braga and released yesterday by the club's press office, more than 1 million people have watched Flamengo games this season.
In 31 games, the total attendance is 1.004.588 fans, a total that includes all Flamengo home games, as well as state derbies. Thus, the average number of Flamengo fans per match this year is 32.406.
In 2006, Copa Libertadores finalist São Paulo drew 1.004.754 spectators. This means Flamengo will break that record on Thursday night. For that to happen, it would only take 166 people to attend the Maracanã against São Paulo.
For the game against the Brasileirão's undisputed leader, 79.994 tickets will be on sale, with prices ranging from R$15 to R$100.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Kaká and Robinho will train at Gávea
Rio - Have you ever thought about walking into Gávea and seeing Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Kaká, and Robinho training on Flamengo's field? Well, that will become a reality on the 15th. But don't worry, these three stars won't be signed by Flamengo. According to information released this Monday by the club's board, the Brazilian national team will train at Gávea on the 15th, preparing for the 17 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on the 2010th at Maracanã Stadium.
It will be just one day of work at Flamengo's headquarters, as training will take place at Maracanã on the 16th. The Brazilian delegation returns to Maracanã after seven years, when Brazil faced Bolivia and won 5-0, with hat tricks from Romário, Rivaldo, and Marques.
"The CBF's choice is natural. There's no more privileged place in Rio de Janeiro than this. Training with a view like this, with Christ the Redeemer in front of you and the Lagoa da Lagoa to your side, is priceless. It will be an honor for Flamengo," said Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
Muricy wants a packed Maracanã against Flamengo
São Paulo - Even though São Paulo is getting closer to its fifth Brazilian Championship title with each round, it aims to continue defying all expectations. After defeating most of its direct rivals for the title away from Morumbi Stadium, coach Muricy Ramalho now wants to see his team put the finishing touch on the team. The Tricolor do Morumbi's next challenge will be against Flamengo at Maracanã Stadium next Thursday.
The São Paulo coach emphasizes that he's aware that his team is one everyone wants to experience. That's why he wants to see a packed Maracanã stadium against the red-and-blacks.
"This expectation is normal, because São Paulo, wherever it goes, draws a lot of people, because it's the leader, and that gives it extra motivation. Everyone wants to beat us. And Flamengo already has a huge fan base. That's good. The football wins. A lot of people say the championship isn't good. Our football isn't brilliant, but we're not that bad either," Muricy observed.
Sports Gazette
Joel tests Ibson among Flamengo's starters\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In the battle for the suspended Toró's spot, Ibson started ahead of Roger for a starting spot for Flamengo on Thursday against São Paulo. In training led by Joel Santana on Monday afternoon, Ibson was named the team's main playmaker. Roger, who complained of muscle pain last week, trained with the reserves, but could still be tested by Joel in the next training session before the duel against the Brazilian Championship leader.
Despite the victory over Atlético-MG last weekend, coach Joel Santana stressed that Flamengo cannot become complacent if they want a good result against São Paulo to further distance themselves from the specter of relegation.
"The team is growing and getting closer to what I want. But I think we still need 13 points to feel completely secure. We're facing a very qualified opponent, the league leader, and we'll need to play well to win. It's a dogfight."
Even after the scolding, Souza is guaranteed at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Striker Souza is guaranteed to start for Flamengo's match against São Paulo this Thursday at Maracanã Stadium, despite his hostility towards coach Joel Santana when he was substituted last Saturday. The coach confirmed the player's punishment but assured that the issue has been resolved. "If he made a mistake, he has to be punished. But that's an internal matter. And in the locker room, he apologized to me," commented Joel, who explained the scolding he gave the player when he was being substituted. "I just told Souza to leave the field quickly, so the referee wouldn't give him an extra minute, as ended up happening," added the coach, who has the probable starting lineup for Thursday: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Rômulo, Jailton, Cristian and Ibson (Rger); Maximiliano Biancucchi and Souza.
Joel Santana's patience with Souza means the coach couldn't find it in himself to comment on speculation that Flamengo had already approached coach Wanderley Luxemburgo about returning to the club next year. Visibly displeased, Joel responded bluntly. "That doesn't bother me, but it's the Flamengo presidency that should be the one to discuss this."
Meanwhile, Flamengo began selling tickets for its match against São Paulo on Monday morning. For the match against the Brazilian Championship leader, Flamengo made 79.994 tickets available. With the victory over Atlético-MG last weekend, fans are expected to fill the Maracanã stadium.
PeléNet
Roger settles for being a reserve at Flamengo
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Despite having midfielder Roger available after four games, coach Joel Santana has indicated that he will likely leave him on the bench for the match against São Paulo next Thursday at Maracanã. In Monday afternoon's training session at Gávea, the club's manager used midfielder Ibson as a playmaker for most of the match.
Given this, Roger expressed his resignation to being a reserve in the match against the Brazilian Championship leader. "I'm happy to sit on the bench, whether playing or cheering from the sidelines. There's no requirement in the contract for me to start," the midfielder commented.
Roger started this afternoon's training session with the reserve team. He later came into the starting lineup in place of Ibson, who played as the most advanced midfielder. However, shortly afterward, Joel Santana took off the midfielder and replaced the defensive midfielder, suggesting that the two shouldn't play together, but rather compete for a spot in the playmaking role.
"Joel is doing well. These are two players who haven't played in a long time. If we were playing against a lower-level team, that would be fine. But it's too risky to go in with two players who haven't played against the league leader. We have to be cautious," Roger observed.
Although he showed in training that he should field Ibson in midfield and Roger on the bench, coach Joel Santana said that the latter still has a chance of starting, depending on his performance in the reserve team at Wednesday's training session, which will be used by the coach to define the team.
In any case, Roger hopes to be used in the match, even if he comes on as a substitute. "It's unlikely Ibson and I will last the full 90 minutes. If he puts us each on for 45 minutes, that's fine. But even if it's just me playing for 15 or 20 minutes, it will be enough for me to get back into the game and gain confidence," he stated.
Both Roger and Ibson have not played since the loss to Inter on September 8. The midfielder was sidelined by coach Joel Santana to regain fitness, but later felt a twinge in his left thigh that kept him out of the match against Atlético-MG.
Flamengo coach complains about the Serie A table
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Continuing its quest to avoid relegation, just three days after facing the runaway leader of the Brazilian Championship (São Paulo), Flamengo will play a derby against Fluminense. Furthermore, their rivals will have an extra day of rest. That's why coach Joel Santana complained about the Série A schedule on Monday.
"The schedule was unfair to us. Fluminense will play a day before us. And one day at this stage of the championship makes a big difference," said the coach.
Despite the clear "complaining", Joel Santana denied that he was complaining about the table of this Brazilian Championship. "But I'm not complaining. Just commenting", continued the coach.
Joel Santana's complaint is due to the fact that Flamengo will play next Thursday, while Fluminense will play on Wednesday, against Corinthians, also at Maracanã.
Flamengo will host the Brazilian national team in Gávea
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
On the 15th, stars like Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Kaká, and Robinho will train at Gávea Stadium. This Monday, Flamengo's board confirmed that the Brazilian national team will be preparing for its home debut in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers on the 17th, against Ecuador, at the Maracanã stadium, the club's headquarters.
But the Brazilian team will only have one training session at Gávea. The following day (Tuesday, October 16), the group will work at Maracanã to familiarize themselves with the pitch.
The Brazilian national team hasn't played at Maracanã for seven years. Brazil's last match at the stadium was in 2000, when the green and yellow team thrashed Bolivia 5-0, with three goals from Romário, in a 2002 World Cup qualifier.
In the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Brazil debuts on October 14th. Their opponent will be Colombia in Bogotá. The group begins preparations on the 9th at Granja Comary in Teresópolis.
Flamengo trains finishing to break through São Paulo's 'bolt'
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Next Thursday at the Maracanã, Flamengo will face a major challenge to overcome São Paulo. Besides being the runaway leader of the Brazilian Championship, with a 12-point lead over second-place Cruzeiro, the São Paulo team boasts the tightest defense in the competition, having conceded just nine goals in 28 matches.
That's why, this Monday morning, the red-and-black team practiced finishing to exhaustion. They spent about two hours shooting at goal in Gávea. Striker Souza considered the activity fruitful and expressed hope of breaking through the Tricolor's "bolt."
"São Paulo's defense has a lot of quality, but it's not scary. We're working hard to break through that blockade," said the player, who was the top scorer in the last Brazilian Championship, with 17 goals for Goiás, but only scored three in this year's Série A.
Fortunately for Flamengo, São Paulo will be without two players for Thursday's match, both of them defensively. Defender Miranda and midfielder Hernanes received their third yellow cards in the last round and will therefore be suspended against the red-and-black team.
Despite this, Souza doesn't seem any more relieved. "This doesn't change anything. São Paulo has a very strong squad. Whoever comes in will definitely be up to the task," he stated.
Dissatisfied with the number of goals Flamengo conceded in matches against Juventude and Atlético-MG, coach Joel Santana explained the reason for Monday's exhaustive shooting practice. "We have to shoot and score. What matters isn't always the number, but the percentage of shots," he explained.
Ibson and Roger are training and are practically confirmed at Fla
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Out of the Flamengo squad since the 3-0 loss to Inter on September 8, midfielder Ibson and midfielder Roger have all but guaranteed their return to the team for next Thursday's match against São Paulo at Maracanã in the Brazilian Championship. Both trained normally on Monday at Gávea and are available for coach Joel Santana.
However, the coach prefers to keep things "mysterious" and has yet to confirm the players' starting lineups. "We'll see how they perform in training this week. Tomorrow [Tuesday], after training, we should have the team," said Joel, who will lead another training session on Monday afternoon in Gávea.
In any case, the coach is already celebrating the players' return. "The team has gained more quality. They have two talented players who are returning from injury," he said.
Ibson hasn't played for Flamengo since the match against Inter, having sprained his right ankle during the match and had to be substituted. Roger, meanwhile, was sidelined by Joel Santana after halftime of that match to regain his best fitness.
However, last week, when he was already prepared to at least be on the bench for last Saturday's match against Atlético-MG, Roger felt a twinge in his left thigh and was once again out.
The midfielder underwent an MRI scan that revealed no injuries, but the long period of inactivity prevented him from playing. However, now that he's been able to work on his physical condition, Roger is ready to return to the red-and-black team.
BalloonSport
Fla prepares to return to the 'home of titles'
Club exchanges and restores São Conrado mansion. The money saved goes to the training center.
Eduardo Peixoto and Thiago Dias
The nearly intact white walls show that something has changed in the mansion at No. 8 on Jaime Silvado Street in São Conrado. The shabby appearance has given way to painted walls, restored rooms, new facilities, and a glimmer of hope. About ten years after abandoning it, Flamengo is preparing to return to the training ground where Zico's generation, and so many others, spent days and nights waiting for matches—and titles.
Assembly
On the left, the São Conrado house as it was in the 80s. On the right, as it appeared after the renovations this year.
Check out the exclusive photo gallery of Flamengo's mansion
Currently, the Rubro-Negro team prepares for matches at a luxurious hotel in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio's West Zone. However, the high cost (around R$30 per weekend) and a "creative solution" led the board to mobilize to put the Fadel Fadel mansion (named after the former president who built it) back into use starting in 2008.
"The situation was dire, but we found a creative solution. Marcos Braz (soccer director) introduced me to people interested in temporarily transforming the house into an architecture exhibition. They were given the right to use the space for four months and are now returning it restored," says Fla-Gávea vice-president Luiz Paulo Segond.
The training ground wall is about two meters high: will anyone jump it? The architecture event was a success and ended on September 23. Now, workers are dismantling the temporary part of the structure while Flamengo mobilizes to return to its training ground.
Despite the improvements, the mansion still requires final finishing and furnishing. There are ten bedrooms, three of which are suites. There are also two bathrooms, one of which is a "communal" bathroom with space for three showers (not yet installed).
"In 2008, the idea is to return to São Conrado. Besides being our asset, we would invest the money spent on the hotel directly in completing the Training Center in Vargem Grande," explains football director Marcos Braz.
The spacious house has been empty since August 2005, when the youth academy players who lived there moved to the Ninho do Urubu training center. During the period of inactivity, only a Flamengo security guard was on duty at the mansion.
From Zico's time, the old jackfruit tree in the backyard still stands. The low wall, about two meters high, is also there for the bohemian players to try to climb over. And, who knows, perhaps relive the golden age of the famous "house of titles."
Joel already has the starting team in mind
The team will be the same as in the last games in the Brazilian Championship, with Ibson replacing Toró.
Marcio Iannacca
Joel Santana is thoughtful during training
Coach Joel Santana already has Flamengo's ideal lineup for Thursday's match against São Paulo at Maracanã. The Flamengo coach used the team that will start the match in Monday's training session and will repeat the same lineup in Tuesday's training session.
The team took the field with the following lineup: Bruno, Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Rômulo, Cristian, Jaílton, and Ibson; Maxi and Souza. Joel Santana will only have a test this Wednesday. He will start Roger in Ibson's place, but the latter is expected to be the starting player for the red-and-black team.
"It's a game with few mistakes, and we can't afford to miss any scoring chances. The team will be the same as the one that started Monday's game," the coach revealed.
Joel expects more than 60 thousand at Maraca
Coach bets on the presence of the red-blacks at the stadium to try to beat São Paulo
Marcio Iannacca
With the cone in hand, Joel leads the training
Coach Joel Santana made a bet with the press who showed up at Gávea to watch the team's training session on Monday afternoon. According to the coach, more than 60 Flamengo fans are expected to show up at the stadium to watch Flamengo's match against São Paulo.
"The five largest crowds in this championship are Flamengo's, you can be sure. The numbers say it. We're going to increase that to 60 or higher. And I'm being humble," says the coach.
In 2007, Flamengo already had over a million fans at its home games, including matches against América-RN in Juiz de Fora and Paraná in Uberlândia. These numbers were tallied by fan Danyel Braga.
São Paulo takes away Joel's sleep
Coach says he is worried about the good performance of Thursday's rival
Marcio Iannacca
Joel Santana talks to the team
Coach Joel Santana admitted that São Paulo's strong performances and lead in the Brazilian Championship are cause for concern. According to the Flamengo coach, the team needs to repeat its performance against Atlético-MG to leave Maracanã with another victory.
"We didn't make any major mistakes against Atlético-MG and won the game. Against Juventude, our team made mistakes and ended up missing the chance to win. The team played well and was disciplined. That's why Flamengo won. Of course, São Paulo is a concern. We'll face the league leader," says Joel.
The red-and-black coach admitted he'll spend the night thinking, ready to spring a surprise on Thursday's opponent. Joel Santana believes the opponent is one of the toughest in the competition.
"I have to be calm to see if I can pull off a surprise for their team. That's why the coach sleeps poorly or not at all. It's not easy going into this kind of game. If I make a mistake, I'll lead my soldier to his death."
Roger finds it risky to act with Ibson
Midfielder says Joel Santana should opt for one or the other in the match against São Paulo
Marcio Iannacca
Roger smiling in front of the Fla team
Roger has been out of Flamengo's squad since the match against Internacional on September 8th at Beira-Rio. Since then, the midfielder has been under the control of fitness coaches to improve his conditioning. Although fully recovered, a sore right thigh has returned to plague the player, who will only now be able to join the red-and-black squad.
Knowing he won't be able to play the full 90 minutes against São Paulo on Thursday, Roger feels it's best to start the match on the bench. On Monday, the midfielder participated in part of the tactical training session led by Joel Santana.
"I'm available to the coach if he wants to use me. I'm physically fine, but the problem was this thigh injury. I'm holding back a bit so I don't get betrayed. The training went well, and I didn't feel anything. Ibson and I have been out for a long time, and in a match against the league leader, it's difficult to use both of us. I think it's risky," Roger analyzes.
Coach Joel Santana will test midfielder Roger in Tuesday's training session at Gávea. The coach will begin the training session with Ibson in the starting lineup and will then analyze Roger's performance.
Ibson: 'Fla is as good as São Paulo'
Midfielder praises the red-black squad and says that the results are just not the same
Marcio Iannacca
Ibson should play against São Paulo
Midfielder Ibson said Monday in Gávea that Flamengo's squad is no slouch compared to São Paulo, the club's opponent next Thursday at Maracanã. For the player, the only difference between the two clubs is their position in the Brasileirão standings.
"São Paulo has world-class players. Their squad is very strong, and that helps a lot. Despite our position in the table, Flamengo has an excellent squad, which is second to none. Flamengo has a squad as good as São Paulo's," he analyzes.
Having recovered from a blow to his left ankle, Ibson stated that the match is one of the most important of the competition and that every player would like to be on the field.
"Flamengo will face the leader, and it's a different match. Everyone wants to play, and it's no different for me," says Ibson.
Ronaldinho and Kaká will train in Gávea
Flamengo's board confirms the Brazilian national team's activity in Gávea on the 15th
Dunga and Jorginho will lead the national team's training session at Gávea
Flamengo's board confirmed the Brazilian team's training at Gávea on the 15th. Coach Dunga's team, which will have Ronaldinho Gaúcho, from Barcelona, Kaká, from Milan, and Robinho, from Real Madrid, in the squad, will carry out its preparation at the Rubro-Negro's field, on the eve of the game against Ecuador, on the 17th, at Maracanã.
The group will only train once at Gávea Stadium. On Tuesday, the 16th, they will train at Maracanã Stadium. The group will explore the stadium, which hasn't been used by the Brazilian national team since the match against Bolivia in 2000. In that match, Brazil won 5-0, with goals from Romário (3), Rivaldo, and Marques.
"The CBF's choice is natural. There's no more privileged place in Rio de Janeiro than this. Training with a view like this, with Christ the Redeemer in front of you and the Lagoa da Lagoa to your side, is priceless," says Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, before adding.
- It will be an honor for Flamengo.
The Brazilian national team debuts in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers on the 14th. Their opponent will be Colombia in Bogotá. Dunga's team will begin training on the 9th at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro.
Renato Augusto will only return next week
The midfielder is working on his physical condition and will only return to the team on the 13th, against Paraná, away from home.
Marcio Iannacca
Renato Augusto left the field against Vasco, with a strain in his right thigh
Midfielder Renato Augusto is out of Flamengo's next two Brazilian Championship matches, against São Paulo on Thursday and Fluminense on Sunday. He is expected to return to the team on the 13th, against Paraná, at Vila Capanema.
Renato Augusto worked full-time this Monday and is being prepared to return to the team. The midfielder hasn't played for Flamengo since the match against Vasco, when he suffered a strained right thigh. The midfielder is one of coach Joel Santana's wild cards. He has played in midfield and attack, and the Flamengo coach even stated in recent days that he lost a great attacking option, especially for the match against São Paulo.
More than 1 million watched Fla in 2007
Average attendance this year is over 32 red-and-black fans per match
Eduardo Peixoto
The more than 47 thousand red-black fans who went to the game against Atlético-MG made Flamengo surpass the mark of 1 million fans present (not necessarily paying) at its games this year.
In 31 games, the total attendance reached 1.004.588, according to statistics kept by fan Danyel Braga. The total includes all of the club's home games (including the matches against América-RN and Paraná, which were played outside of Rio de Janeiro) and the state derbies.
The average attendance of red-black fans per match in 2007 reached 32.406 people.
"It's beautiful to see the Maracanã packed. Our fans have helped us a lot during this period, and we can only thank them," says midfielder Cristian, who only joined the club in July.
It is worth remembering that, in 2006, São Paulo - Libertadores finalist and Brazilian champion - took 1.004.754 people to its games.
With that, Thursday's match between the two clubs at Maracanã will allow Flamengo to surpass the São Paulo club's attendance record. All it takes is 166 fans in the stadium. Easy, very easy.
Check out all of this year's audiences:
Flamengo x Cabofriense 28.712\ Flamengo x Boavista 19.211\ Flamengo x Botafogo 30.795\ Flamengo x Vasco 23.791\ Flamengo x Madureira 38.266\ Flamengo x Maracaibo 32\ Flamengo x Madureira 788\ Flamengo (team B) x Nova Iguaçu 57.508\ Flamengo x Paraná 4.194\ Flamengo x Vasco 29.212\ Flamengo x Fluminense 43.103\ Flamengo (team B) x America 11.288\ Flamengo x Real Potosi 4.849\ Flamengo x Botafogo 14.694\ Flamengo x Botafogo 46.422\ Flamengo x Defensor 63.614\ Flamengo x Palmeiras 57.767\ Flamengo x Botafogo 7.801\ Flamengo vs. Internacional 12.321\ Flamengo vs. Paraná (in Uberlândia) 15.358\ Flamengo vs. America-RN (in Juiz de Fora) 27.675\ Flamengo vs. Nautico 10.859\ Flamengo vs. Fluminense 38.256\ Flamengo vs. Juventude 59.284\ Flamengo vs. Goiás 23.772\ Flamengo vs. Botafogo 52.106\ Flamengo vs. Sport 52.889\ Flamengo vs. Figueirense 61.208\ Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro 15.800\ Flamengo vs. Vasco 16.752\ Flamengo vs. Atlético-MG 56.992\
Team does finishing training in Gávea
Flamengo begins preparations for the game against São Paulo, on Thursday
Eduardo Peixoto
Under a blazing sun, Flamengo began training this Monday morning in Gávea, preparing for the match against São Paulo. The match against the Brazilian Championship leader is scheduled for 20:30 p.m. next Thursday at Maracanã.
After Sunday off, the players did a quick warm-up and then perfected their finishing moves. Roger and Ibson, who are expected to return to the team against the São Paulo team, participated normally in the activity.
Renato Augusto, who is still recovering from a strained right thigh, underwent work in the physiotherapy room.
After beating Atlético-MG, Flamengo sits in 12th place with 37 points. The team opened up a four-point lead over the relegation zone and still has a game in hand over its opponents (except Vasco).
Throw
Joel prefers not to talk about São Paulo
Flamengo coach takes every precaution against Thursday's opponent
Concerned about Thursday's match against leaders São Paulo at the Maracanã, coach Joel Santana prefers to remain mum about the opponent. He knows the match will be tough and therefore declined to reveal how the team will likely play.
"São Paulo knows it's tough to beat Flamengo at Maracanã. But I don't want to talk too much about the opponent so as not to provoke them. I also don't want to get too into the tactical aspect, and the less said, the better," he said.
On Tuesday, Joel will lead a training session and will start with Ibson, recovered from an ankle injury, among the starters in place of Toró, suspended due to a third yellow card.
Ibson: 'I'm at Joel's disposal'
Midfielder could return to Fla's team against São Paulo
Ibson stated that he still feels pain in his right ankle (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
Flamengo midfielder Ibson said Monday that he is available to coach Joel Santana for Thursday's Brazilian Championship match against São Paulo at Maracanã. The player has recovered from a right ankle sprain that has sidelined him for the last four matches.
"I'm at Joel's disposal. I hope I can help on Thursday because we need the win," he said.
Ibson also stated that he still feels pain in the injured area, but that it will not be a problem.
- I'm still feeling a little pain, but nothing that could get in the way - he commented, a strong candidate for Toró's place, who is suspended.
Roger doesn't mind sitting on the bench
Flamengo supporter wants to at least get into the match
Roger thinks the dispute with Ibson for the starting spot is right (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
Having not played since September 8th against Internacional, Roger is hoping to return to action in Flamengo's next match, against São Paulo, at Maracanã. The midfielder is expected to start on the bench on Thursday, but he still hopes to play a few minutes.
"I'd like to participate for a bit to gain confidence. Even if it's just fifteen or twenty minutes. There's no point in jumping in from the start without any conditions," he said.
The supporter also commented on the fact that, at the moment, he and Ibson are competing for a place in the midfield in place of Toró, who is suspended due to his third yellow card:
"Joel did well to test both of them. We're coming off injuries and have been out for almost a month. It's tough to field two players like that against the league leader. He's right," he said.
Fla reaches one million fans in 2007
The number is the result of the public in home games and classics
Flamengo's average fan base is over 32 at games.
LANCEPRESS!
According to its official website (www.flamengo.com.br), Flamengo reached the one million attendance mark for its games in 2007. The survey was conducted by fan Danyel Braga. The calculation was based on attendances at home matches in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Uberlândia (MG) and Juiz de Fora (MG), and in all derbies.
In 31 games this year, 1.004.588 fans went to watch the Rio de Janeiro team, providing an average of 32.406 people per game.
Ibson reveals that he was approached by São Paulo
Midfielder received an offer from a São Paulo club in January this year\ LANCEPRESS!\
Signed by Flamengo in July of this year, midfielder Ibson could have taken a different path in early 2007 if it weren't for the management of Porto, Portugal. The player himself revealed that he received an offer from São Paulo in January, but despite his desire to leave, due to the difficult situation in Portugal, he was prevented from signing with the Tricolor Paulista.
"In January, there was an offer from São Paulo, but Porto (POR) didn't want to release me. The situation I found myself in there was a bit complicated. I hadn't been playing, and I learned about the interest of a team as big as São Paulo in signing me, and I was very happy. However, the deal didn't progress," Ibson said in an interview with ESPN Brasil.
And it's precisely against the São Paulo team that the midfielder could return to the field after recovering from a right ankle injury. He commented on the team's stance next Thursday at the Maracanã stadium to defeat the Brasileirão leader.
- Against São Paulo we have to pass the ball around to prevent them from attacking - analyzed the player.