The Globe
Fla informs: Ney out, Joel Santana in
Coach is fired at night, at dinner, after the red-black team drew with Corinthians (2-2)
SÃO PAULO and RIO. That banner "Fora Ney Fraco!" (Ney Fraco Out!), a pun on coach Ney Franco's name, finally achieved its goal. It was made with high-quality material, written in correct Portuguese, complete with exclamation points (looking like a production that required a substantial budget). Although Flamengo secured a 2-2 draw with Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium yesterday afternoon after trailing 2-0, coach Ney Franco was fired that evening. His replacement is Joel Santana.
The dismissal of Ney Franco, who had managed the team for just over a year, came after dinner, still in São Paulo. Vice President of Football Kleber Leite, in agreement with the coach, announced that the situation required changes in the team's leadership.
Kleber had even said he would still talk to two or three more candidates for Ney's position. He even assured that obvious names—like Joel Santana—might not be in his plans.
The team improves in the second half with the entry of Roger
In terms of the standings, the result didn't affect the teams' standings, as Flamengo remains in 19th place in the Brazilian league with 12 points, and Corinthians, with 16, remained in 16th place. However, it demonstrated the red-and-black team's strong resilience, raising hopes of promotion once reinforcements like Ibson and Argentine Maxi are able to play.
For Paulo César Carpegiani, Corinthians' coach, the ordeal continues. The team has gone nine games without a win, and it's been rocky, but the board assures them it will continue. A Corinthians victory yesterday would actually have been unfair. Flamengo was better in the first half, but on a counterattack in the 36th minute, the sluggish Rio defense was surprised by William's lob (who played everything he didn't show at the U-20 World Cup) to Clodoaldo, who fired an unstoppable shot past Bruno.
Flamengo returned for the second half with Roger replacing Jaílton. And Roger said he didn't know how fit he was:
- Let's see now, I haven't played for a while...
From what he showed, he hasn't lost much of his old style. He created some good plays and was loosening up when Juan tried to break the ball and kicked the ball at Dinelson's feet in the 18th minute. Moisés also failed in the direct challenge, and Dinelson made it 2-0 with a shot from the edge of the box.
Corinthians retreated, and Flamengo stepped up their game again. In the 27th minute, Roger passed to Leonardo Moura, and the full-back crossed to Souza, who finally scored a goal in this Brazilian Championship. Energized, Flamengo showed their old spirit and equalized in the 35th minute, Léo Medeiros capitalizing on a rebound from Moisés' header.
In the 38th minute, with Bruno Octávio's red card, Ney Franco went all out on the attack. He took off defensive midfielder Cristian and brought on striker Paulo Sérgio. However, the score remained at 2-2.
"I leave with the feeling that we could have won. In the first half, we were superior, but Corinthians were more efficient. In the second half, we conceded the second goal, improved, and tied. Roger debuted very well, but he still needs to improve physically," said Ney Franco after the game, before being released.
Roger agrees with Ney:
- It's difficult after four months to get into a fast-paced game like that, but we managed to play a good game.
Corinthians: Felipe, Edson, Fabio Ferreira, Zelao and Wellington; Bruno Octavio, Moradei, Dinelson (Arce) and William; Clodoaldo and Wilson (Ricardinho). Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Moses, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton (Roger), Cristian (Paulo Sergio), Leo Medeiros and Renato Augusto; Souza and Obina. Referee: Carlos Eugênio Simon (RS-FIFA). Yellow cards: Bruno Octavio, Arce. Red card: Bruno Octavio.
Globo online
Joel Santana is the new coach of Flamengo
Published on 30/07/2007 at 02:23 am
O Globo Online; Márcio Tavares - O Globo and Guto Seabra - Extra
RIO DE JANEIRO - Joel Santana is Flamengo's new coach. The club's board confirmed the coach's return to Gávea early this morning. Joel will report at 17 p.m. this Monday, replacing Ney Franco, who was fired on Sunday after Flamengo's 2-2 draw with Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium in the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo sits second-to-last in the league table, with just 12 points from 12 matches.
Upon arriving in Rio in the early hours of this Monday, Ney Franco said he will not bear any hard feelings towards the Rio club and recalled winning the Copa do Brasil titles last year, and the Taça Guanabara and Campeonato Carioca in 2007. But then he ended up revealing his dissatisfaction with the board.
"The atmosphere had already been bad for two weeks. That Monday, when the fans protested, the coach lacked protection," said Ney,
For him, the experience as Flamengo's coach was positive:
"I believe my balance is positive. I've won titles. I had the courage to field Renato Augusto in a Copa do Brasil final."
The decision to fire Ney Franco was made by the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite. The coach was already facing the threat of losing his job last week, when the team lost 1-0 to Grêmio at the Olímpico Stadium. The club's board ultimately retained the coach despite protests from fans on Monday, the day after the loss in Rio Grande do Sul. At the time, president Márcio Braga said he was satisfied with the coach's work and wasn't considering firing him.
Ney Franco ended up staying for the match against América-RN on Wednesday. Flamengo played poorly but beat the Rio Grande do Norte team, leaving them bottom of the Brazilian Championship.
Ney Franco leaves Flamengo after a year and two months of service. He took over the club on May 24th, in a 2-2 draw with Santos in the Brazilian Championship, replacing Waldemar Lemos. Since then, he has managed the team for 75 games, with 34 wins, 17 draws, and 24 losses. Flamengo has scored 111 goals and conceded 103.
Under his leadership, Flamengo won three titles: last year's Copa do Brasil, which Ney Franco coached only in the final, the Taça Guanabara, and this year's State Championship. In the Libertadores, however, the coach failed, being eliminated with Flamengo in the round of 16 by Uruguayan club Defensor Sport.
Sports Journal
Bye-bye, Ney Franco!
Coach loses his job and Kleber Leite considers three options: Geninho, Abel and Luxemburgo
Leo Schabbach
Coach Ney Franco, head down, walks on the Morumbi pitch minutes before being fired from his position by vice president of football Kleber Leite
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach. Yesterday, after the 2-2 draw with Corinthians, he was fired, and a new coach will likely be announced in Gávea today. Vice-president of football Kleber Leite had already decided to fire him last week, but kept him in the position to discuss the hiring of a replacement. The names gaining traction to lead Flamengo for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship are Geninho, Abel, and Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
The director has been negotiating with the new coach for about a week. However, if negotiations drag on for a few more days, the permanent interim coach Andrade will likely lead training sessions at Gávea.
JORNAL DOS SPORTS had reported that the pressure from Flamengo's board on Kleber Leite to fire Ney Franco was great, which ended up leading to the decision to look for a new coach.
As Joel Santana and Zetti are out of the running, the new red-black coach could come from the trio of Geninho, Abel Braga and Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
"I spoke with Ney, and we reached a consensus. We can only thank him for everything he's done for the club and the titles he's won. Tomorrow (today), we'll work with three names and hope to introduce a new coach soon," said Kleber. Geninho's name is gaining traction because he's a longtime Flamengo dream and has the support of some members of the board. Vanderlei Luxemburgo is the favorite of Kleber Leite, who considers him the most capable to take the job, and Abel Braga, who denied having received any inquiries from Flamengo, is president Marcio Braga's first choice.
However, the board will have to overcome some obstacles. Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Abel are facing high salaries, while Geninho recently took over at Sport. It's known that talks with the new coach are already well underway.
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach
Not even the Flamengo's comeback that yielded a draw with Corinthians on Sunday afternoon could keep Ney Franco in charge. After more than a year at the helm of Flamengo, the coach was ousted by a dismal run in the Brazilian Championship: in 12 games, "Urubu" has only managed two wins and sits second-to-last in the standings.
Ney Franco took over the club after a stellar run with Ipatinga, winning the 2005 Minas Gerais state championship and leading the team to the semifinals of the 2006 Copa do Brasil, where they were defeated by Flamengo. Hired by the club during the same competition, Ney Franco won the title by defeating Vasco da Gama, Flamengo's archrival, in the final. He also won the Guanabara Cup and, later, the 2007 Rio de Janeiro State Championship. His replacement has yet to be announced.
Joel Santana is the new coach of Flamengo
Thiago Bokel and Leo Schabbach
Ney Franco's replacement, coach Joel Santana will be introduced on Monday afternoon
Early Monday morning, it was confirmed that Flamengo's new coach will be Joel Santana. The coach will be introduced at 17 p.m. in Gávea, at the Rogério Steinberg auditorium.
Although other names were considered by the board, the coach responsible for saving the Red-Blacks from relegation in 2005 ended up being chosen. This was because the other options considered by the board were either financially unviable or tied to other clubs.
Roger celebrates excellent debut
Roger, hired to be the playmaker, played the final 45 minutes of the match yesterday. He had a standout performance and was one of the key players responsible for the heroic draw at Morumbi Stadium. The Red-Blacks were 2-0 down but recovered, equalized, and narrowly missed out on victory. The supporter, although he would have preferred the team to win, celebrated their good performance and commented on the difficult game.
"I didn't feel physically tired. I was able to run well and had a good game. Anyway, it's always difficult to play a fast-paced game like this after four months. Corinthians and Flamengo are great clubs," said Roger.
In addition to highlighting his performance, the player also took the opportunity to discuss the behavior of the Corinthians fans. According to him, the fans were very respectful and didn't boo him, and he saw this behavior as recognition of the work he did during his time at the club. In 2005, Roger had excellent performances and led Corinthians to the Brazilian Championship title. Alongside Tevez, he was the São Paulo team's key player during the competition.
"I want to thank the Corinthians fans, who didn't curse me or boo their own team. It's recognition that I did a good job defending them," the supporter said.
Flamengo's kids win the BH Junior Cup
Flamengo won the BH Junior Football Cup yesterday, defeating Cruzeiro 5-4 on penalties. The final took place before the Botafogo-Cruzeiro match at Mineirão Stadium, part of the 15th round of the Brazilian Championship, and ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Cruzeiro entered the field without its star player, striker Joabe, who was ruled out due to a muscle strain in his left thigh, and ended up paying dearly for it. The game's goals, however, didn't come until the second half. Flamengo took the lead in the 21st minute. The Minas Gerais team's full-back, Anderson, rushed the ball and ended up scoring an own goal while trying to deflect a cross from midfielder Carlinhos. However, in the 29th minute, Cruzeiro's Vinícius tapped the ball into the back of the net from a corner kick.
With the title, Flamengo confirms its strong year and the excellent work being done in its youth teams. In addition to winning the Taça BH, Flamengo also won its third Carioca junior championship this year.
Flamengo: Draw and relegation at Morumbi
Roger's entry saves the team from defeat against Corinthians, but Ney Franco is fired
Leo Schabbach
Futura Press
Striker Souza (R) is chased by three opponents. He scored Flamengo's first goal.
In a match that was good only in the second half, Flamengo snatched a 2-2 draw from Corinthians and nearly left Morumbi with the win. After Roger came on, who made a strong debut, the team improved and could have secured all three points. But the draw wasn't a good result: the team, with 12 points, languishes in second-to-last place in the Brasileirão, and Ney Franco was fired. The first half was very choppy, with very few dangerous plays, and had it not been for Corinthians' goal, nothing more exciting would have happened. Flamengo, however, played slightly better but couldn't convert their superiority into clear-cut chances. The only opportunities they had in the first half were a dangerous free kick by Léo Medeiros in the 13th minute and a header by Ronaldo Angelim in the 27th minute.
Dangerous Plays\ On the other hand, Corinthians, despite having little possession, managed to create more danger through fast plays. It's no surprise that the goal ended up coming in the 36th minute, on a quick counterattack, through the feet of Clodoaldo.\
In the second half, Corinthians came back stronger and managed to extend their lead. In the 18th minute, after defender Moisés made a mistake, Dinelson, the "almost red-and-black," shot to make it 2-0.
After the goal, the São Paulo team retreated, allowing Flamengo to rally. Led by Roger, who came on in the second half, the team stepped up their game and, in the 27th minute, after a beautiful cross from him to Leonardo Moura, scored the first goal. Striker Souza headed the ball into the net. Less than ten minutes later, the equalizer came, with a shot from Léo Medeiros, who pounced on a rebound in the box.
However, despite the desire to seek victory and having an extra player, after Bruno Otávio's expulsion, Flamengo did not win and, although they drew heroically, remained in a terrible situation in the Brazilian Championship.
José Antonio Gerheim
Roger's experience, along with his undeniable skill, helped save Flamengo from another defeat, which seemed certain against the underdog Corinthians. Still far from his best, the midfielder, however, changed the course of the match upon coming on and showed that, as the games progress, he could be decisive in the team's recovery from the relegation zone.
O Dia
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach
São Paulo - Kléber Leite, Flamengo's vice president of football, confirmed this Sunday the dismissal of coach Ney Franco. The red-and-black team drew 2-2 with Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium, after trailing 2-0. The result, which didn't keep Flamengo out of the relegation zone, led to Ney Franco's departure.
After the match, Ney Franco met with Flamengo's football leadership and decided that, given the team's current form in the competition, the best course of action was to fire the coach. He accepted, and everything was resolved amicably.
Although there is still no name in sight, it is said that the board will try to invest in hiring coach Abel.
Ney Franco's departure is a consequence of the team's poor form and poor relationship with the fans. This Sunday, fans called for his dismissal with a banner reading "Fora Ney Fraco."
Titles and downfall
Coach Ney Franco took over on May 24th of last year, coming from Ipatinga, and in his debut match, he drew 2-2 with Santos in the Brazilian Championship. Shortly after, he won the Copa do Brasil, after two finals against Vasco. In the Brasileirão, with the team already qualified for the Copa Libertadores, the campaign was dismal, and Flamengo finished in 11th place.
This year, despite a modest squad, Ney led the team to win the Guanabara Cup and the state title. However, they couldn't survive the final rounds in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship.
Under his leadership, Flamengo has achieved 34 wins and 17 draws since his arrival at Gávea. However, they have suffered 24 losses. He leaves the position with the Red-Black team in second-to-last place in the league, with 12 points from 12 games, ahead of only América-RN.
Flamengo has a point that falls from the sky
Corinthians opened up a two-goal lead, but the red-and-blacks managed to equalize. Roger made his debut
Luciano Paiva
São Paulo - Flamengo had a point that fell from the heavens. This Sunday, at Pacaembu Stadium, against Corinthians, the Rio de Janeiro team drew 2-2 after trailing 2-0. The result was unfavorable for both teams, who remain in a difficult situation in the Brazilian Championship. The match marked the debut of midfielder Roger, who came on in the second half to replace Jaílton. For Corinthians, Clodoaldo and Dinelson scored. Souza and Léo Medeiros saved Flamengo from another defeat.
Flamengo now has 12 points, in 19th place, while Corinthians reaches 16 and remains in 16th. In the next round, the red-and-blacks face Santos next weekend at Vila Belmiro. Corinthians will travel to Arena da Baixada to play Atlético Paranaense.
O JOGO
When the team's main striker goes a long 37 minutes (both halves combined) without touching the ball, nothing good can be expected. That's how long Obina went without even touching the ball. In the first half, despite the red-and-blacks' eagerness still sparking some hope, the team did little to threaten Corinthians' goal.
After several failed attempts from both sides, the São Paulo team found a way to score. In the 36th minute, Willian made a great pass, Clodoaldo beat the Rio defense in a race, and only had to lay the ball off Bruno to make it 1-0. Despite the goal, the first half ended without excitement.
In the second half, Corinthians pressed Flamengo from the start. In the 18th minute, Flamengo misplaced a clearance, and Dinelson capitalized to score the second. With Roger on the field, the attack improved, and just when all seemed lost, Souza headed home a goal in the 27th minute.
At 35, Flamengo equalized: Leonardo Moura crossed from the right, Moisés tried with his head, Edson cleared the ball poorly on the line and Léo Medeiros hit it low to equalize and close the score.
Sports Gazette
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's comeback in the match against Corinthians wasn't enough to guarantee Ney Franco's continued leadership. After a 2-2 draw, the club's management announced the coach's departure on Sunday night. According to an official statement released by Flamengo, vice-president Kléber Leite agreed to Ney Franco's departure by mutual agreement. The new coach will only be chosen on Monday, according to the club's website.
Ney Franco's career at Gávea began in May of last year, when he was hired after a highly praised stint at Ipatinga in Minas Gerais. At the time, the coach took over Flamengo as they were preparing for the Copa do Brasil final and managed to lead the club to the title, defeating Vasco in the final.
That year, the coach also won the Campeonato Carioca trophy, after winning the Taça Guanabara. However, Ney Franco was unsuccessful in the Copa Libertadores da América, which was the club's biggest dream.
The coach's situation has become more complicated in the Brasileirão with the Rubro-Negro's poor campaign. Sunday's draw left Flamengo in second-to-last place with 12 points.
Flamengo beats Cruzeiro on penalties and takes the title
Belo Horizonte (MG) - Flamengo won the Belo Horizonte Junior Football Cup title this Sunday afternoon. The Rio de Janeiro team defeated Cruzeiro in the final, held at Mineirão Stadium as a preliminary to the Brazilian Championship match between Raposa and Botafogo. Despite the fans' support, the Celestes team lost on penalties 5-4, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Flamengo was the better team for most of the match and took the lead with an own goal by Anselmo. The Minas Gerais team equalized with Vinícius. In the penalty shootout, only forward Jonathas, who has trained with the seniors, missed his shot, hitting the post.
Even so, there was controversy. Goalkeeper Rafael tried to save Vinícius's shot, but the referee allowed the play to be retaken, claiming that the Celeste number 1 had gone too far.
Roger approves debut against former club
São Paulo (SP) - Roger approved of his Flamengo debut. The midfielder, who came on in the second half against his former club and was part of the Red-Black's comeback, was pleased with his performance in the 2-2 draw, especially considering the length of time he had been sidelined. "I was able to run well, play a good game. It's difficult after four months to get into a game like that. Corinthians and Flamengo are great teams," the player declared.
The athlete also thanked the fans of the São Paulo club. "I'd like to thank the Corinthians fans, who didn't curse me out. It's recognition that I did a good job here," he said.
Coach Ney Franco, who was once again being hounded by the Red-Black fans, also highlighted Roger's introduction. "Renato Augusto dropped more to the right, and Roger stayed in the middle, playing defense. This gave the team more strength," he assessed. "Roger debuted very well, but he still needs to improve physically."
Flamengo draws against Corinthians
Luiz Ricardo Fini
São Paulo (SP) - Corinthians once again disappointed their fans at Morumbi Stadium, letting a victory slip away in the final minutes against Flamengo. After taking a two-goal lead, Corinthians faltered and suffered a 2-2 draw with the Red-Blacks on Sunday afternoon. This means Corinthians has gone over a month without a win, having gone nine rounds without a positive result in the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo had the better of the game in the first half, but Clodoaldo opened the scoring for the home team.
Early in the second half, Dinelson extended the lead. However, Souza pulled one back for Flamengo, who began to exert intense pressure. In the 35th minute, Léo Medeiros equalized, complicating matters for Corinthians, who saw the pressure on Paulo César Carpegiani increase even further.
Interestingly, Sunday's match marked Roger's debut in a Flamengo jersey. The midfielder, who left the São Paulo club by Carpegiani's decision, came on at halftime and helped the Red-Blacks rally.
Corinthians now has 16 points, in 16th place, one point above the relegation zone. Flamengo, meanwhile, remains in the danger zone with 12. In the next round, Corinthians plays against Atlético-PR on Wednesday in Curitiba. Flamengo, meanwhile, has a bye this round and will only play on Sunday, against Santos at Vila Belmiro.
Flamengo didn't seem bothered by playing away from home and demonstrated the agility to hold the game with their attacking system. Corinthians, meanwhile, limited themselves to counterattacks during the first half. In the fifth minute, Bruno Octávio stole the ball in midfield and passed it to Willian, who burst into the box from the left and crossed for Clodoaldo. But the striker couldn't control it in the six-yard box.
Flamengo, however, continued to be more persistent in attack. Following a free kick on the left, Renato Augusto laid off Léo Medeiros at the edge of the box, but his shot went wide. Moments later, Léo Medeiros himself took a free kick from the right; the ball deflected midway, and Felipe palmed it out for a goal kick.
In Corinthians' response, Willian delivered a great pass to Dinelson, who, from inside the box, tried to pass it to Clodoaldo, but Bruno appeared at just the right moment to intercept. Despite Corinthians' counterattacks, Flamengo continued to dominate the game. Full-back Juan crossed from the left, and Moisés headed wide.
On the next play, Juan took a shot from the edge of the box, wide. The home team saw Clodoaldo receive the ball in the box, but the defense blocked his shot. Flamengo had another chance from a set piece moments later, when Léo Medeiros took a free kick from the right wing, and Felipe parried it away.
Relying on counterattacks, Corinthians placed their hopes on Willian's speed. The number ten carried the ball to the byline and crossed from the edge of the box to Dinelson, who fired a weak shot into Bruno's hands. In the 36th minute, Willian was instrumental in the counterattack that secured the opening of the scoring.
The midfielder delivered a precise pass to Clodoaldo, who advanced at speed and slotted it past Bruno to score his second goal for Corinthians. On the next play, Willian, Corinthians' best player on the pitch, cleared the defense in midfield and unleashed a rocket, but Moisés headed it in to intercept.
At halftime, coach Ney Franco gave Roger his debut, making his first appearance for Flamengo against his former club. However, Corinthians showed a different approach in the second half. Less than a minute later, Dinelson received the ball in the box and shot, but the defense deflected it out for a goal kick.
On the next play, Wellington sent a direct shot to goal from the left, and Bruno saved it. Flamengo continued to pursue an attacking strategy, but struggled on the field and also proved more vulnerable to counterattacks. Furthermore, Timão was more relaxed about holding the ball and exploring the best way to attack the opponent.
After an exchange of passes in attack, Willian took a shot from distance, but Bruno saved it. But the black-and-white fans didn't have to wait long to celebrate. In the 17th minute, Dinelson took advantage of a lapse in the red-and-black defense and fired a low shot into the net, giving Bruno no chance.
In Flamengo's response, Felipe nearly made a difficult save from Léo Medeiros' free kick. Flamengo then managed to reduce the deficit ten minutes after suffering the setback. Roger delivered a superb pass into the box to Leonardo Moura, who crossed for Souza to head home. After the goal, Carpegiani moved quickly to try to close down Corinthians, taking off Wilson and bringing on midfielder Ricardinho.
However, the change wasn't enough to hold the score. In the 35th minute, Leonardo Moura sent a corner kick to Moisés, who rose above the defense to head the ball in. Edson cleared the ball off the line, but the rebound fell to Léo Medeiros, who equalized. After the goal, Carpegiani took off Dinelson and brought on Arce.
To complicate matters for Corinthians, Bruno Octávio committed a foul in midfield and was sent off. Flamengo continued to pose a more dangerous threat up front, but neither team was able to make any further progress.
PeléNet
Flamengo draws with Corinthians, but fires coach
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Corinthians continues its ordeal in the Brazilian Championship. This Sunday, at Morumbi Stadium, the team opened up a two-goal lead over Flamengo, ending an eight-game winless streak. But their opponents fought back to equalize 2-2, keeping the São Paulo team on the brink of the relegation zone. The red-and-blacks, on the other hand, remain in the risk group, and at the end of the game, coach Ney Franco was fired by the board.
Even playing away from home, Flamengo took the initiative early on and pressured their opponents' possession. But Corinthians opened the scoring on a counterattack in the 36th minute. After a good play between the duo of Dinélson and William, forward Clodoaldo scored.
"I was happy and the goal came again. But what's most important is the group's unity, which helps us strive for victories, which are our main objective," commented Clodoaldo, who scored for the second consecutive match.
In the second half, midfielder Roger, who had been on the sidelines at Corinthians, came off the bench and came on to make his Flamengo debut against his former club. As a result, the player, who performed well despite a long layoff (he hadn't played since April 11), was chased by the black and white fans every time he touched the ball.
"It was worth it for the debut. I was able to participate in the first goal. That's what we work for and dedicate ourselves to, to always be at our best. It's difficult, after three months without playing, to go into a game like this. Losing, then, makes it even more complicated," said Roger.
Corinthians, who had the upper hand in the second half, extended their lead with Dinélson in the 18th minute. In the 27th minute, striker Souza, who hadn't scored in nearly three months (since May 6th), pulled one back for Flamengo, ending his own drought and scoring his first goal in this Brazilian Championship. Boosted, the Rio de Janeiro team equalized with Léo Medeiros in the 35th minute. Corinthians then lost Bruno Octávio to a red card, but Flamengo couldn't turn the game around.
With the draw, Corinthians reached 16 points and remains in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone. The result deepens the club's crisis and threatens coach Paulo César Carpegiani.
As the team has not won a match since June 10, when they beat América-RN, in Rio Grande do Norte, 2-1. Since then, the black and white team has lost four games and drawn five, including this Sunday's.
On the other hand, Flamengo—which has three games in hand—dropped to 12 points and dropped from 18th to second-to-last, also hurt by Náutico's unexpected 2-1 victory over Santos at Vila Belmiro last Saturday. The poor results led the board to announce the dismissal of coach Ney Franco after the match.
With that, Flamengo's crisis, which had been eased with last Wednesday's victory over América-RN, returned to Gávea. The victory over the Potiguar team ended an eight-game winless streak and lifted the Rio de Janeiro team out of last place. However, with Sunday's draw, Flamengo's attempt at a comeback was nothing more than a "spasm."
To make matters worse, the red-and-black team could return to last place midweek, as they will once again have a bye this week—their game was scheduled against Cruzeiro, but it was postponed—while their relegation-battle opponents will play. The Rio de Janeiro team only returns to action next Sunday, to face Santos at Vila Belmiro.
Corinthians will try to get going in the championship next Wednesday, when they face Atlético-PR, in Curitiba.
Flamengo announces the return of Joel Santana
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo announces the return of Joel Santana
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Joel Santana is Flamengo's "new" coach. Shortly after Ney Franco left the position after the draw with Corinthians last Sunday at Morumbi Stadium in the Brazilian Championship, the Flamengo board contacted the coach and announced his return to Gávea.
This will be Joel Santana's third stint with Flamengo. His first, in 1996, saw him win the state title undefeated with the red-and-black team.
But it's precisely because of his last stint at Gávea that Joel Santana returns to the club. In 2005, he was hired with the difficult mission of saving the team from relegation. After an unlikely unbeaten streak since his arrival, Flamengo avoided relegation to the second division in the penultimate round.
Therefore, Joel returns to Flamengo once again with the team in the relegation zone. With the draw against Corinthians, the Rio de Janeiro team, already in the relegation zone, dropped to second-to-last place.
Joel Santana will be officially introduced at 17 p.m. this Monday at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium in Gávea. Flamengo's board also approached other coaches, but Santana was chosen because the other options were either financially unviable for the club or were employed elsewhere.
Souza celebrates the end of a long goal drought for Flamengo
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Striker Souza was one of the few Flamengo fans who had reason to celebrate after Flamengo's hard-fought 2-2 draw with Corinthians this Sunday at Morumbi Stadium in the Brazilian Championship. In the match, the player ended a long goal drought that had lasted almost three months.
In the 27th minute of the second half, Souza scored the Rio de Janeiro team's first goal with a header. The striker's last goal was on May 6th, in the Rio State Championship final against Botafogo.
Thus, Sunday's goal was the player's first in the current Brazilian Championship. Interestingly, he was the top scorer in last year's Série A, with 17 goals for Goiás.
However, Souza hasn't replicated the good form he had at Flamengo. In 24 matches for Flamengo, he's only scored ten times, including Sunday's, which was also the striker's first away from Maracanã.
Souza now awaits his trial at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). Last Sunday, against Grêmio at the Olímpico stadium, he was sent off after striking midfielder Tcheco with his arm. The enraged striker then attacked his opponent off the field as he left the pitch.
Therefore, Souza could be charged under Article 253 (assault) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD). He could be suspended for a period of 120 to 540 days. If convicted, the striker would likely be traded by Flamengo abroad, as he would be barred from playing in Brazil for a long period.
Draw removes coach Ney Franco from his position at Flamengo
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach. After the 2-2 draw with Corinthians this Sunday at Morumbi Stadium in the Brazilian Championship, the coach stepped down.
"Ney is no longer the coach. After the game, we reached a consensus, including on his part. There was no reason to insist. We are very grateful for his sensitivity, but this is a time when we need to shake things up and make a change," confirmed the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, in an interview with Rádio Globo.
The draw with Corinthians sank Flamengo to second-to-last place in the Brazilian Championship. As a result, the pressure on the coach, who had been given a reprieve after the victory over América-RN last Wednesday in Natal, returned with a vengeance.
This Sunday, Flamengo fans again heckled the coach and unfurled a banner at Morumbi Stadium with the phrase "Out with Ney Fraco," a pun on the coach's name. This same banner had already been displayed during the match against América-RN.
Furthermore, last Monday, after the defeat to Grêmio, which dropped Flamengo to last place in the Brazilian league, around 30 fans went to Gávea to demand Ney Franco's departure.
Thus, not even the coach's good track record, having won three titles in about a year at the club (2006 Copa do Brasil, 2007 Taça Guanabara and XNUMX Rio State Championship), was enough to keep the coach at Gávea.
"He was a coach who, in just over a year, completed three Olympic laps, but, unfortunately, that's our culture," continued Kléber Leite.
According to the director, Flamengo has not yet named Ney Franco's replacement. The Flamengo vice president of football said there will be a meeting next Monday in Gávea to discuss the matter. "We'll wait and see. Tomorrow [Monday] we have a whole day to see what happens," concluded Kleber Leite.
Ney Franco was hired by Flamengo in May of last year after excelling in leading lowly Ipatinga to the Copa do Brasil semifinals. Under his leadership, the team achieved 33 wins, 18 draws, and 23 losses, scoring 108 goals and conceding 101.
BalloonSport
Joel Santana returns to Fla
Coach will be introduced this Monday afternoon in Gávea
Marcio Iannacca
Joel Santana will be presented this Monday afternoon in Gávea
Joel Santana is the coach chosen by Flamengo's board to replace Ney Franco, who was fired this Sunday after the 2-2 draw with Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium. Joel will be introduced at 17 p.m. this Monday at the Rogério Steinberg Auditorium in Gávea.
Joel last managed the Rubro-Negro in 2005, when he saved the team from relegation to Série B. In the last nine games of the Brasileirão that year, the coach managed six wins and three draws. He only didn't stay at the club because he accepted an offer from Japanese football, being replaced by Valdir Espinosa.
This year, the coach worked at Fluminense, but failed to perform well. He was with Tricolor from February to April and was ousted after the team's elimination from the Taça Rio, the second round of the Campeonato Carioca, giving way to Renato Gaúcho. In ten games with the Laranjeiras team, he won five, lost four, and drew one.
Ney Franco criticizes Flamengo's board
Coach says officials didn't protect him during last week's protest
Marcio Iannacca
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Flamengo fans ask for Ney Franco's departure at Morumbi\
Coach Ney Franco arrived in Rio de Janeiro early Monday morning and admitted that, after last week's fan protests, his situation at the club became untenable. According to the former Flamengo coach, the board failed to protect him from the Flamengo fans who were at the club.
"We've weathered most of the turbulence, but this last one was unfeasible. Other people at the club involved in the organized fan groups and who didn't want the coach to stay ended up influencing him. The coach didn't have the necessary protection, especially for a club like Flamengo," says Ney Franco.
The former Flamengo coach admitted that he already knew on Monday that he would not remain in the position. According to him, any misstep would be grounds for his dismissal.
"The feeling that I would leave crossed my mind on Monday. We realized right then that, at the first slip-up, this would happen. It was obvious, and everyone knew I would leave the club," he says.
Kléber says he spoke with five technicians
Manager misleads about who will be the new coach
Marcio Iannacca
Kléber Leite, vice-president of Flamengo
Kléber Leite, vice-president of Flamengo, said late Sunday night that he had already spoken with five candidates for the position of Ney Franco, who was fired after the 2-2 draw with Corinthians at Morumbi.
"I just spoke with the fifth coach. I'll speak with all of them. I don't rule out the possibility of someone who has a job," he said, having returned before the delegation and is now in Rio de Janeiro.
The cast is expected to arrive at Galeão in the early hours of this Monday.
Leaving Roger on the bench brought Ney down
Flamengo directors were angered by the lineup for the game at Morumbi
Marcio Iannacca
The trigger for the crisis that ousted Ney Franco from Flamengo came this Sunday at Morumbi Stadium, in the match against Corinthians. Club officials were unhappy with Roger's early bench appearance. They wanted him to start from the start (watch the video below with highlights from Roger's debut).
Roger came on in the second half, when the team was already trailing, and performed well, helping Flamengo equalize. For the directors, Ney Franco made another mistake. It was his last for Flamengo.
Ney Franco at Flamengo in ten chapters
Coach stays just over 14 months at Gávea, with titles and disappointments
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Ney Franco, former Flamengo coach\
Ney Franco leaves Flamengo just over a year and two months after taking the helm. During that time, he won the 2006 Copa do Brasil, the Taça Guanabara, and the 2007 Campeonato Carioca. After being eliminated from the Libertadores, the team fell into decline in the Brasileirão. They recorded 33 wins, 18 draws, and 23 losses. Relive the key chapters in Ney Franco's history at Flamengo:
22/5/06 - Ney Franco is announced as Flamengo's new coach
Days after Waldemar Lemos's departure, Kléber Leite announced Ney as the club's new coach. The coach was enjoying a strong run with Ipatinga, eliminating Santos in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil and losing the semifinal to Flamengo.
July 26, 7 - Two months later, Flamengo wins the Copa do Brasil. The start of the Ney Franco era couldn't have been better. In the Copa do Brasil final, Flamengo defeats rival Vasco in both matches and wins a national title after 2006 years. During the celebrations, Kléber Leite praises the coach: "Without him, we wouldn't be champions."
October 4, 10 - Best derby win: 2006-4 over Fluminense. Ney Franco faces the tough test of the Brazilian Championship. Unlike in recent years, the team is not threatened with relegation. The team remains in 1th place. The highlight is a 11-4 rout of Fluminense.
March 7, 3 - Flamengo wins the Guanabara Cup. The season begins with a title. Flamengo starts the Guanabara Cup stumbling, but recovers and reaches the final against Madureira, who had thrashed them in the qualifying round. In the decisive game, Mengão turns the score around and takes home the 2007th Guanabara Cup in its history.
April 27, 4 - Technician shows off his singing skills and records a CD. Things are going so well that the technician finds time to dedicate himself to his singing career. Ney prepares to record his second CD and sings: "I was on the edge of chaos/ Total madness...". Today it almost seems like a premonition.
6/5/2007 - With grit, Mengão is the Rio de Janeiro champion!\ With less than a year at Gávea, the coach wins his third title. In a thrilling final against Botafogo, Flamengo wins on penalties and celebrates again.\
May 9, 5 - Against Defensor, the end of the Libertadores dream. Ney Franco's biggest project didn't work out. He and the entire red-and-black nation dreamed of winning the Libertadores for the second time, but the dream ended at the Maracanã. The 2007-2 victory over Defensor wasn't enough to take the team to the quarterfinals. Even so, the fans applauded the players.
May 24, 5 - Neymar completes one year in charge\ The coach achieves a feat at Gávea. He completes one year in charge. The last person to achieve such a feat was Zagallo, between 2007 and 2000. But the coach was already beginning to feel pressure with the weak start in the Brasileirão.\
23/7/2007 - Fans demand Ney's head, who cries\ One day after the defeat to Grêmio, in Porto Alegre, fans invade Gávea and demand the head of the coach, who admits that the situation is complicated: "If I said he was calm, I would be lying", he says.\
July 29, 7 Ney Franco is fired after a draw with Corinthians. Flamengo reacts, drawing with Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium, but Ney Franco doesn't survive. Before boarding the plane back to Rio de Janeiro, his dismissal is announced.
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach
Coach leaves after draw with Timão. Name expected to be announced this Monday.
Marcio Iannacca
Kléber Leite and Ney Franco in one of their last conversations in Juiz de Fora
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach. He was fired and left his position after a 2-2 draw with Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium. The team's dismal run in the Brazilian Championship—only two wins, four losses, and six draws—was the trigger for his resignation.
"It was a consensus. Ney was an extraordinary professional, but there are times for everything in life. I have to thank him for his kindness, character, and competence, but it's time for a shake-up and a change. We'll start working on a new coach," says vice president of football Kléber Leite.
The director declined to go into details or reveal the name of the new coach. Some rumors suggest Joel Santana would be the favorite, but the board initially ruled him out. In 2005, the coach managed to pull the Rubro-Negro out of the relegation zone.
"We have a few options, and I'll talk to everyone. I've already started talking to one of them," the director revealed.
In Juiz de Fora, on the eve of the match against América-RN, Ney Franco even joked that he would step down. It took just five days for the coach's prophecy to come true.
Fla wins BH Junior Cup
Rubro-Negro beats Cruzeiro on penalties and takes the tournament title at Mineirão
Flamengo Juniors celebrate winning the Belo Horizonte Cup in their category
Flamengo won the Belo Horizonte Junior Cup this Sunday at Mineirão, defeating Cruzeiro 5-4 on penalties. In normal time, the two teams tied 1-1. The match served as a preliminary to the game between Raposa and Botafogo, for the Brazilian Championship Series A.
Flamengo's goal was scored by Anderson, an own goal. While attempting to clear a ball inside his own box, the player ended up opening the scoring with a bicycle kick. Vinícius equalized for Cruzeiro.
In the penalty shootout, Jonathan missed for Cruzeiro, and Vinícius Colombiano secured the Flamengo title. The team that won the Taça BH is the same one that leaves for Malaysia on Wednesday. The youngsters will represent Flamengo in an international tournament. The club will face Ajax, Milan, and Arsenal in the first phase of the competition, which begins on the 8th.
Roger is thankful he doesn't get booed too much.
Midfielder left Corinthians in a turbulent way and debuted with good passes at Flamengo
Carlos Augusto Ferrari From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in São Paulo
Midfielder Roger celebrated his good debut with Flamengo's shirt, this Sunday, in the 2-2 draw with Corinthians, at Morumbi, in the Brazilian Championship.
"We managed to run well, play a good game. It's difficult to play a fast-paced game like that after four months. Corinthians and Flamengo are great teams," he says.
Roger came on at halftime, replacing Jaílton. After a few minutes of being lost on the field, he managed to put in a beautiful pass for Leonardo Moura to cross and Souza to head in Mengão's first goal (watch the video). Despite all of Timão's problems, he wasn't booed much by the fans. However, the few times he touched the ball, he heard some insults.
"That's what we dedicate ourselves to. I'd like to thank the Corinthians fans, who didn't curse me or boo their own team. It's recognition that I did a good job here. I was booed when I faced Fluminense. That's normal. I would be sad if they showed indifference to me," he adds.
Throw
Ney Franco is no longer Flamengo's coach
After a difficult draw with Corinthians, the coach makes an agreement with Kléber Leite and leaves the Rubro-Negro
LANCEPRESS!\ Ney Franco is no longer in charge of Flamengo. After the 2-2 draw against Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium this Sunday, the Minas Gerais coach reached an agreement with Kléber Leite, the club's vice president, and left the Rio de Janeiro club.\
The manager had been in charge of Flamengo since May 24, 2006, in the Brazilian Championship match against Santos. He replaced Waldemar Lemos, the coach until then, and won the Copa do Brasil that same year, as well as the 2007 Carioca.
Vice President of Football Kléber Leite explained the reasons for the coach's departure.
"It was a consensus among everyone, including him. It's time to shake things up. We can only thank him, but unfortunately, there's a time for everything," Kléber told Rádio Globo, before praising the coach.
"In just over a year, he's completed three Olympic laps. If I had to recommend a coach for another team, it would be him. If every relationship ended like this, it would be great," Kléber added.
Flamengo wins the Belo Horizonte Junior Cup
Rubro-Negro beat Cruzeiro at Mineirão\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo won the Belo Horizonte Junior Cup this Sunday at Mineirão, after beating Cruzeiro 5-4 on penalties. In normal time the score was 1-1. The match was a preliminary to the Cruzeiro 3 x 2 Botafogo game, valid for the Brazilian Championship.
Anderson scored the Rubro-Negro's own goal. Vinícius equalized for the Minas Gerais team. Jonathan missed the penalty kick, and Vinícius Colombiano secured the title for the Rio de Janeiro team.
The champions embark on the Malaysia International Tournament this Monday. The team will face Ajax, Milan, and Arsenal in the first round.
Fla draws against Corinthians
But Rubro-Negro could end the round at the bottom of the Brasileirão
Obina didn't shine against Corinthians, but Fla managed to draw with determination (Credit: Tom Dib)
Rafael Ximenes
Flamengo drew 2-2 with Corinthians this Sunday at Morumbi Stadium, potentially ending the round at the bottom of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo is in 19th place with 12 points, and if América-RN beats São Paulo, they'll reach 13 points. Corinthians, meanwhile, has 16 points and is in 16th place.
The need for victory made Flamengo attack Corinthians, but the first half clearly illustrated what the Rubro-Negro has been showing in the Brazilian Championship: a team that can pass the ball around and dominate the game, but struggles with a lack of creativity when it gets close to the opponent's area.
The Rio de Janeiro team came close three times in the first half, but none of them were plays worked by the midfield. The first came in the 13th minute. Léo Medeiros crossed, the Corinthians defense tried to clear, and nearly scored an own goal.
Timão was cornered in its own half and was trying to counterattack. In the 18th minute, Dinélson reached the baseline and crossed. Bruno cleared the ball, heading it past Clodoaldo. Wilson fired the ball over the rebound.
Flamengo's other two dangerous chances came from set pieces. In the 26th minute, Juan crossed, and Angelim, unmarked, headed over. Then it was Léo Medeiros' turn. Felipe saved a goal from the red-and-blacks with a well-taken free kick.
Corinthians stuck to their tactics, and in the 36th minute, it paid off. Willian led the counterattack and delivered a beautiful pass behind Moisés. Angelim arrived late, and Clodoaldo just tapped the ball past goalkeeper Bruno.
Trailing, Flamengo coach Ney Franco took off midfielder Jaílton and gave former Corinthians player Roger his debut. Despite lacking match fitness, he brought some quality to the team.
Corinthians valued possession, and a blunder by Flamengo's defense led to their second goal. Dinelson fired a shot from the edge of the box, but goalkeeper Bruno was helpless.
Just when it seemed the game was already decided and Flamengo seemed discouraged, Souza finally showed up in the Brazilian Championship. Léo Moura received a pass from Roger and crossed. Souza, opportunistic, appeared in front of the defender and simply tapped it into the back of the Corinthians net. This was the striker's first goal in the competition.
The goal galvanized Flamengo, who equalized in the 35th minute. Léo Moura crossed. Moisés headed the ball, and the defense cleared it off the line. Léo Medeiros pounced on the rebound and tapped it home.
To help the Red-Blacks, Bruno Octávio fouled Juan and was sent off. But Flamengo couldn't turn the tables. Timão hasn't won in eight Brasileirão matches.
In the next round, Flamengo will attempt to break a 31-year winless streak against Santos at Vila Belmiro. Corinthians will face Atlético-PR at Kyocera Arena.