The Globe
The melancholy of an afternoon without a coach in Gávea
Ney travels to Minas, but Souza will be missing from Fla
In the best-case scenario for the red-and-black team's planning, yesterday would have been the final training session before the Libertadores semifinal. In the reality of a team with 35 more Brazilian league games to go before returning to where it once was, yesterday afternoon at Gávea was cool both in terms of temperature and the players' emotions. With no tension in the air and coach Ney Franco free to attend to personal matters in Belo Horizonte, the melancholy outside made each player search within themselves for motivation for the long road to December.
Leonardo Moura was upset about not being pre-selected for the Copa América. Souza, suffering from a thigh strain, lamented the inactivity that will keep him out of Sunday's game against Sport in Recife. Paulinho complained about the lack of midweek games to keep him in shape. Diluted by mild emotions over eight months, the Brazilian league has a measure of each player's ambition. Two days after scoring his first goal in the draw against Botafogo, 17-year-old Paulo Sérgio still had the excitement on his face that wasn't present in the atmosphere yesterday:
- I have the greatest pleasure in being here training, the thing I like most is playing football.
Instead of the excitement of yesteryear, the moment is seen with serenity:
"We have a lot of games ahead and the possibility of returning to the Libertadores. Flamengo hasn't topped the Brazilian Championship in a while, and we need that," said Leonardo Moura.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Flamengo will face Franca (SP) in the quarterfinals of the National Men's Basketball Championship, starting Friday. Another best-of-five matchup will be between Brasília and Saldanha da Gama (ES). Uberlândia and Minas, already qualified, await their rivals. The qualifying round ends today with Paulistano and Franca.
Fernando Calazans
As you can see, dealing with altitude isn't easy. That's probably why FIFA hasn't taken the initiative to conduct a serious study on the subject. Flamengo just presented the findings of a conference in Buenos Aires, attended by Dr. José Luiz Runco. But the outcry from countries that benefit from altitude is already loud and will only get louder.
Sports Journal
Ney Franco gives complete freedom to Fla's fullbacks
Leo Schabbach
File/JS
Right-back Leonardo Moura has been one of the team's standout performers. He has the freedom to attack whenever he wants.
Since the beginning of the year, Flamengo has been known for the attacking prowess of its full-backs. With coach Ney Franco's 3-5-2 formation, Leonardo Moura and Juan have been given a bit more freedom as wingers, becoming the team's key organizers.
Coincidence or not, Flamengo has shown more consistent football in recent matches, greatly pleasing its coach. The best proof of this is that the same strategy will likely be maintained for the match against Sport, on Sunday, at Ilha do Retiro.
Yesterday, left-back Juan, responsible for the play that led to Flamengo's first goal in the classic against Botafogo, in the last round, commented on the good moment he is experiencing.
"I really enjoy playing for Flamengo. I have great visibility here and I won't leave for just any market. I'm very happy and going through an excellent phase. I know I can still improve, but this moment I'm going through is very enjoyable," said the player, who also took the opportunity to explain his role in the team's new game plan.
"When I play on the wing I have to move all the time, but I have a lot of freedom to attack," said Juan.
Right-back Leonardo Moura wasn't as happy, as despite having excelled for the Red-Blacks at the start of the season, he wasn't included in coach Dunga's preliminary squad for the Copa América. The player admitted he was eager to be called up and was disappointed not to see his name among the squad.
"I'm at a big club and I hope to be remembered. I was sad because I was expecting something. Anyway, it's difficult to talk about a subject like this," said the player.
However, this week, the full-back asserts that his focus is solely on the Brazilian Championship. He expressed awareness of Flamengo's need to win its upcoming matches to regain its footing in the competition and spoke about the team's objectives for the upcoming rounds.
"We've had some tough games at the start of the competition, and now we have two away games. I think we have the potential to win the first, against Sport. In the second, against Figueirense, our task will be easier, as they'll likely be playing with their reserves. That's why our goal is to win both," explained the full-back.
Vinícius Colombiano is promoted to the Fla professionals
Young midfielder Vinícius Colombiano, who plays for Flamengo's youth academy, will join Flamengo's professional squad this Thursday. The player is considered another promising prospect from Gávea and has the support of the club's vice president of football, Kleber Leite. The director describes Vinícius as an athlete who always plays with his head held high and who can bring much joy to the Flamengo fans.
Fla hopes to close with Dinelson by Friday
The club's board, which had hoped to finalize Dinelson's signing by Tuesday, was forced to extend the deadline until Friday. The directors decided to wait and see if negotiations progress.
"So far, there's nothing new about Dinelson's signing. He and his agent are the ones who have to resolve the situation with Corinthians," said Kleber Leite, vice president of football.
Flamengo may promote another striker from the youth team
File/JS
Ney Franco was absent from training this Tuesday and did not see young Kayke training among the Fla starters
Without coach Ney Franco, who traveled to Belo Horizonte to accompany his wife to undergo surgery, Flamengo's training was led by assistant coach Moacir Pereira and physical trainer Geraldo Fabian.
Following Paulo Sergio's promotion, training was marked by the club's new attacking prospect: 19-year-old Kayke. The player is being monitored by the coaching staff, as the professional squad currently consists of only Souza, Leonardo, and newcomer Paulo Sergio. Obina is still recovering from knee surgery and is not expected to return until July.
Kayke, who was state champion for the juniors, made a good impression and said that for now he was only called to participate in the activity.
"Nobody told me if I was staying or not. They just asked me to train," said the 19-year-old striker.
Bruno and Renato Augusto didn't show up at Gávea for the morning training session. The former was released to deal with personal matters, while the latter was scheduled to appear on a TV show in São Paulo. In the afternoon, both participated in the training session as usual.
Juan: 'I have great visibility here at Flamengo'
Left-back Juan, one of the team's main attacking weapons, said he's feeling good about life. And he has good reason to be: he's been scoring goals, making decisive passes, and playing comfortably in coach Ney Franco's system. Juan knows he can still improve and bring more joy to the red-and-black fans.
"I really enjoy playing for this club. I have great visibility here. I'm not leaving for just any other market. I'm happy, I'm in a very good moment. I know I can improve, but this moment is very important," said the full-back.
The player spoke about Ney Franco's options for setting up the team, but believes the team will be effective regardless of the chosen formation.
"The team is doing well in a 3-5-2, but we have a good base in a 4-4-2. If the 3-5-2 formation doesn't work, which I think is unlikely, we can easily go back to a 4-4-2. When I play on the wing, I run all the time but I have a lot of freedom to attack," concluded Juan.
Flamengo relies on tradition to beat Franca
Gema and Léo are not afraid of Franca's strength and believe in qualifying for the playoffs.
Eduardo Vieira
Renatto Thielle/JS
Highlight— Center Gema, one of Flamengo's biggest names, believes in the power of the jersey to overturn Franca's favoritism in the playoffs
"You let Flamengo get there, now you have to put up with them." This quote from center Gema, an idol of the Flamengo nation, demonstrates the spirit he's in for the quarterfinals of the National Men's Basketball Championship. The first match will be on Friday at 18:30 p.m. in Franca. Gema, suffering from tendonitis in his right heel, will be making a sacrifice, making the club jersey his second skin.
"Flamengo has been training hard and is on par with their opponent. The defense is very strong, and the team has every chance of overcoming Franca. There's no need to be afraid of playing in Franca. That time is over, and we're going after the win. The weight of our jersey always makes the difference," said Gema, who was twice runner-up with Flamengo in 1989 and 2004. "The time has come to be champions, and this group has what it takes. Franca has a small squad, and Flamengo has to take advantage of that. We'll have to push deep to draw fouls and put them away," Gema instructed.
He sends his message to youngsters Olivinha and Gustavo, paraphrasing American Michael Jordan. "It's in the playoffs that the men separate themselves from the boys. It's time for Olivinha and Gustavo to prove themselves. To make a name for themselves in the final. They are essential young talents for Flamengo in this final stretch of the National Championship."
For winger Léo, the responsibility must be shared by the entire team. "It's a moment for them to assert themselves. But what needs to be valued is the team. It's no use them playing well if Flamengo doesn't advance in the playoffs. We respect Franca, but we're not afraid of Franca. That's the difference."
The defensive system was also emphasized: "Since we have a light and fast team, we need to defend strongly to get out there quickly. Our defense has been improving and will be crucial to surprising Franca. We have to win an away game. Pedrocão is a historic arena, part of basketball history, but it doesn't win games alone," said Léo.
Zé Boquinha remembers the 1989 National Basketball Championship decision
In the 1989 final, Flamengo was literally screwed by the referee and lost by one point (81-80) to Sírio, in a final in Franca. Center Gema was present and the coach was Zé Boquinha, today a commentator for ESPN/Brazil.
"It was terrible. Fontana's (Geraldo) refereeing completely compromised us. He awarded a foul to Mauri, who missed the Franca player by a meter. But it was a wonderful time at Flamengo. I brought on Gema and Alberto. We were state champions in 1988, and we only lost the Brazilian Championship. In 1998, I returned and won the state championship. I have a deep connection with and affection for the Flamengo fans," said Zé Boquinha, who expects a tough run in 2007.
"From what I've seen of Flamengo, I don't believe they'll win. Franca has a team that knows its way around the world, with players who have played with Hélio Rubens since they were kids," said the coach, who knows Olivinha, the Flamengo star, well.
"Olivinha is a player who still needs to be polished. He was my player in Rio de Janeiro. He has enormous potential, is feisty, and takes on opponents. But he still alternates between good and bad moments in a game. If he works on his fundamentals, he has everything it takes to be a great player. A good playoff performance will be good for his future in basketball."
O Dia
Benfica, from Portugal, makes official an offer to sign Bruno
Player says he will decide his situation by the end of next week
Rio - According to Rádio Globo, Portugal's Benfica has officially made an offer to sign goalkeeper Bruno and bring him from Gávea. The Portuguese club has already contacted the number 1 himself, who listened attentively to the offer made by the European executives. Bruno's transfer rights are held by MSI, the group of investors who previously managed Corinthians' football team.
Throughout the early part of the season, Bruno has been hounded by several European clubs. Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Liverpool were among those who expressed interest.
However, Bruno is trying to calm Flamengo fans. He stated that the offer is highly unlikely to be accepted, given the amounts Flamengo has proposed for his renewal. The player promised that he will reach a decision on his future by the end of next week. In other words, despite saying he thinks it's unlikely he'll leave Brazil, the goalkeeper hasn't ruled out a transfer.
Claiton, Paulinho and Souza may not face Sport
The striker's case is the most delicate. He's practically out of the game.
Rio - Coach Ney Franco is expected to face Sport at Ilha do Retiro, with three serious issues. On Tuesday morning, defensive midfielders Claiton and Paulinho, as well as forward Souza, spent the entire training session in the medical department recovering from injuries. As a result, these three players are highly unlikely to face the Pernambuco team.
Claiton's problem is muscle soreness after the derby against Botafogo, while Paulinho has left knee problems, while Souza has a grade-II strain in the adductor muscle in his left thigh. The striker's condition is the most concerning, and his absence against Sport is practically a given.
More timid in attack, Leonardo Moura comments on his change in posture on the field
Player says he is more concerned with scoring and helping the defense
Rio - At the start of the Brazilian Championship, many Flamengo fans are probably wondering about right-back Leonardo Moura's shyness in the team's attack. His recent performances have certainly not been the same as those he displayed in the Campeonato Carioca. Despite scoring a goal in the 3-1 victory over Goiás at Serra Dourada, the player explains why he hasn't been a consistent presence in the Flamengo attack.
"I think it's quite normal for them to say that. What many don't realize is that I'm more concerned with scoring. I want to make a greater contribution to the defensive system," the player commented in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
The full-back also commented on Flamengo's start to the Brazilian Championship. Of course, he would have preferred to have won every match, but even with one loss, one win, and one draw, Léo Moura considers it a good start to the competition.
"It's not as excellent as it should be, but we're doing well. It's a very tough competition, and Flamengo is slowly finding its feet. For example, I believe we have a great chance of winning this match against Sport," he said.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo should not have Souza against Sport\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The top scorer in the last Brazilian Championship, when he was still playing for Goiás, striker Souza has struggled to defend his spot. In this year's edition, he only managed to play in one of Flamengo's three games, against the Goiás team, when he failed to score.\ To make matters worse, the exam he underwent last Monday revealed a grade two strain in Souza's left thigh, which should rule him out of the game against Sport, next Sunday, in Recife.\
On Tuesday, the striker was left out of full-time training. Souza remained in intensive care in the medical department. For the match against Sport, Leonardo is expected to be his replacement again, but 17-year-old Paulo Sérgio also claims to dream of the attacking spot.
"I'm calm and confident. If Ney (Franco, the team's coach) chooses me, it won't be a big deal. I like being a starter, I'll work for it, and when I'm there, I won't leave," said the striker, who scored his first professional goal last Sunday.
While Paulo Sérgio dreams of taking Souza's spot on Flamengo's team, defensive midfielders Paulinho and Claiton, who are experiencing physical problems, were held out of the morning's training. They will be monitored throughout the week to determine if they will be fit to face Sport. This Wednesday, they may be released for ball training if they perform well.
Two players also didn't show up for training on Tuesday morning: midfielder Renato Gaúcho, who recorded a show in São Paulo on Monday night, and goalkeeper Bruno, who went to Belo Horizonte to deal with personal matters. The most noticeable absence on Tuesday, however, was coach Ney Franco.
He was released to accompany his wife to surgery, which she was scheduled to undergo this Tuesday in Belo Horizonte. The coach returns to work this Wednesday. Even without Ney Franco, the coaching staff promoted young striker Caíque to the professional squad, as the club has been plagued by repeated injuries to players in the squad.
Léo Moura disappointed for not being called up by Dunga\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Right-back Leonardo Moura showed up for training at Flamengo on Tuesday, avoiding criticism of Flamengo's inconsistent start to the Brazilian Championship, where the team has four points from three matches. "It was a good start, not excellent, but good. We've had difficult games so far, but we have everything we need to go there and win against Sport. If we go in like we did against Goiás at Serra Dourada, we have everything we need to come out with a good result," commented Léo.
Leonardo Moura also admitted to being disappointed at not being included in the preliminary squad for the Copa América. The Flamengo defender, however, assured that this will not hinder him in the rest of the Brazilian Championship.
"I've been consistent and will continue doing my job to help Flamengo reach the highest possible spot," said the full-back, who refuted criticism that his performance had dropped off after the State Championship. "I'm marking more than I'm attacking, and maybe that's why people are saying this. I end up appearing less in support," he added.
While Leonardo Moura is facing some criticism at the moment, left-back Juan seems increasingly settled in at Gávea. So much so that the player downplayed speculation that he might move in the European transfer window, now in the middle of the year.
"I really enjoy playing for this club. I have great visibility here. I'm not leaving for just any other market. I'm very happy, and I'm in a great moment. I know I can improve, but this moment is very important."
Off the field, Flamengo's board confirmed it had paid the April salaries owed to the Flamengo squad. Now, the club is racing to pay off the state title it won earlier this month.
PeléNet
Souza will miss Flamengo's third Brazilian Championship match\ From the Newsroom\ In Rio de Janeiro\ Striker Souza is indeed out of next Sunday's Brazilian Championship match against Sport in Recife. Therefore, he will miss the third - and second consecutive - of the team's first four matches in the competition.\
With five days to go before the game in Recife, Souza is already ruled out and will miss Flamengo again. Souza suffered a grade-two strain in his left thigh during training last Saturday. As a result, he didn't play against Botafogo on Sunday. The forward also missed the opening match against Palmeiras due to pain in his right foot.
On Tuesday morning, Flamengo's medical department reported that Souza's chances of facing Sport were slim. However, this afternoon, the striker himself ruled out the possibility of playing on Sunday and said he will work to return to the team for the fifth-round match.
"I don't like spending too much time in the medical department. I hope to return to training this week to play against Figueirense. I want to fight for the top scorer spot, but unfortunately, I can't because of injuries," said Souza.
Therefore, striker Leonardo is expected to remain on the team. He replaced Souza in the derby against Botafogo and scored Flamengo's first goal in the 2-2 draw.
Leonardo returned to action after nearly two months out of the team due to a sprained left ankle, suffered in the Rio State Championship match against Friburguense on April 1st. However, he appeared to be fully recovered last Sunday. Another option for coach Ney Franco is 17-year-old Paulo Sérgio, who also scored a goal against Botafogo—his first as a professional.
Undefeated with three defenders, Flamengo praises the maintenance of the formation\ Vinícius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\ After the 4-2 loss to Palmeiras at Maracanã, in Flamengo's debut in the Brazilian Championship, coach Ney Franco decided to adopt the formation with three defenders in the team to give greater protection to the defense. Although the team conceded three goals in the following two games, it beat Goiás 3-1 in Goiânia and drew with Botafogo 2-2.\
Thus, the coach has already hinted that he will maintain this formation for the remainder of the competition. Undefeated with this system in this Brazilian Championship, Flamengo's players, especially the defenders, approve of the manager's choice.
"With each training session and match with the same formation, the team is getting more and more in tune. I'm already getting along with Juan on the left flank; we've been making some good plays there. It's becoming interesting, and we're likely to improve even more as training sessions and matches progress," said defender Ronaldo Angelim.
"It's important [to maintain the formation]. The team knows how to play 3-5-2 and 4-4-2. So, if it doesn't work out in the future, the team already has a 4-4-2 base. If the team does well, they'll maintain the formation. It has everything it needs to work out," said left-back Juan.
Despite the praise, the players point out that there are still flaws to be addressed. For Ronaldo Angelim, a team playing with three defenders can't afford to concede three goals in two matches.
"In my opinion, we've been playing well with this system. Of course, we're still conceding goals, despite having three defenders, and that's been quite a problem. But the team is well-marked at the back and attacks well. Neymar is playing this way, and it's good for us," he declared.
Left-back Juan agrees with his teammate. He believes the team is still seeking the balance needed to attack effectively without leaving the defense exposed.
"Absolutely. We've been talking a lot about this to try to get it right and correct our mistakes," he said. "But with training and time, this maturity will come naturally," he projected.
One of the ways Ney Franco has found to bring greater balance to a team with three defenders is to reinforce the marking of the wingers. Although the formation gives them more freedom to attack, the coach has asked Leonardo Moura and Juan to prioritize marking.
"This system frees up the wingers, but I have to play a lot inside, sometimes as a second midfielder, to help with the marking. He [Ney Franco] asks the full-backs to always be closing down. And when I have the ball, I try to attack, like I did in Goiânia, where I scored a goal. But my first thought is to help with the marking and then move out naturally," revealed Leonardo Moura.
"As a winger, I also have to directly mark the other full-back. Sometimes I have to go after him, otherwise he'll go away on his own," Juan observed.
BalloonSport
Flamengo remains reticent regarding Dinelson\ The red-black board is waiting for a response from Corinthians by Friday\ Eduardo Peixoto\
EFE\ Dinelson is coveted by Flamengo, but Corinthians is holding off on the deal\ Remember Flamengo's optimism regarding the signing of midfielder Dinelson? Well then. It's not over, but the confidence of Flamengo's directors is now more muted. All because Corinthians is delaying a decision on the player's future.\
Initially, the club's board planned to close the deal this Tuesday. Now, they've extended the deadline until Friday. Early Tuesday evening, the executives held talks and decided to maintain a wait-and-see approach.
In the opinion of Flamengo's leadership, the proposal has been made and is quite clear. Therefore, we can only wait to hear the decision. Corinthians has no interest in using the player, but president Alberto Dualib is resistant to the idea of loaning Dinelson to a rival. Another party involved in the dispute, MSI, is not opposed to the loan transfer.
Dunga's pre-list angers directors\ Flamengo's board is frustrated that Bruno and Renato Augusto were not selected\ Eduardo Peixoto\
Ag. O Globo
Out of the national team, goalkeeper Bruno wins support from Flamengo's directors. The preliminary list drawn up by coach Dunga didn't go down well at Flamengo. The club's board described as "absurd" the omission of the club's players among the 34 selected athletes. From Rio de Janeiro's football scene, only Thiago Silva of Flu and Morais of Vasco were included.
The outrage is centered primarily on two names: Bruno and Renato Augusto. Internally, the directors believe Dunga harbors ill will, particularly toward the goalkeeper. They argue that the pre-selection Diego was the red-and-black No. 1's backup at Atlético-MG.
"It's absurd that they didn't call Renato Augusto, who was the champion of the Copa do Brasil and the State Championship. I can't understand it," says football director Marcos Braz.
More than empathizing with the players' personal concerns, the executives were concerned about the depreciation of the "Flamengo brand." After all, when negotiating contracts, they use the club's visibility and proximity to the national team as a means of convincing players. Recently, Bruno himself used these words as an argument for not accepting an offer from Benfica, in Portugal.
The last Flamengo player called up to the Brazilian national team was midfielder Jônatas, in July of last year. However, before he could even report to coach Dunga, the player was sold to Espanyol.
Paulo Sergio: 'Fight with Leonardo is easy'\ Fla striker laments Souza's injury, but thinks he can start against Sport\ From news agencies\
AGÊNCIA O GLOBO\ Paulo Sergio is on the rise at Flamengo. He could be a starter on Sunday\ Full of morale after scoring Flamengo's equalizer in the derby against Botafogo, striker Paulo Sergio is aiming for a starting spot. With Souza's injury, Dindo's role may be made easier, but he will still have to compete with Leonardo for the starting spot.\
"I'm sad for Souza. I hope he comes back soon, but I think everything is working in my favor. I try to do my job, whether starting or not, I'll be happy. But I'm in contention with Leonardo for the starting spot. It's an easy fight," says Paulo Sergio, who also commented that being only 17 years old won't affect his performance.
"It's Ney (Franco, coach) who decides, and Leonardo is also a great player. My youth won't hinder Ney's decision, because if I'm in the squad, it's because I have the ability to be a starter."
Obina Effect: knee surgery revelation\ Exalted by Kléber Leite, William Amendoim will be away from the field for six months\ Eduardo Peixoto\
GLOBOESPORTE.COM\ Amendoim (left) will be out of action for six months\ Bad news for fans of Flamengo's youth teams. Last Wednesday, midfielder William underwent surgery on his right knee and is expected to be out of action for about six months.\
A standout on Flamengo's youth team, the player, also known as Amendoim, received several public compliments from vice president of football Kléber Leite and was even compared to Robinho.
This year, he played in the match against Volta Redonda for the professional team and won the state junior championship. He began experiencing pain during the final match against Vasco, and was diagnosed with a left anterior cruciate ligament injury. Flamengo's doctor, Marcelo Soares, stated that the surgery went well, and the 19-year-old patient will be discharged this Thursday.
The injury is similar to Obina's. The Black Angel underwent surgery in February and is expected to return to the field in July. He is currently working with the ball to "reacclimate" himself and overcome his fear of reinjuring his left knee.
Flamengo's youngsters try to beat Flu for the title\ Wilson and Victor Simões started at Gávea. They even had a football manager role at Rubro-negro\ Klima Pessanha\
At the end of 2005, Figueirense was going through a rough patch. They had just escaped relegation and needed a change in the club's football. José Carlos Lages, current president of Figueirense Participações and football superintendent at the time, sought reinforcement from Flamengo. It wasn't a solid defender, a talented midfielder, or a goalscoring striker. It was Flamengo's football manager at the time, Anderson Barros.
Along with the board, Barros helped change the course of the club's football, even reaching the Copa do Brasil final. Homegrown talent began to be valued, and the focus was generally on promising players.
"I was Vinícius Pacheco's agent. That's why I met Anderson Barros in 2001. I started observing his work and realized he was a decent guy, which is very hard to find in football. In 2005, we needed someone, and he was a perfect fit for the club. Today, I can say that Anderson is one of the most important people in our structure," Lages praises.
Anderson worked for many years at Flamengo, mainly in futsal, where he met Victor Simões, and in the youth soccer categories, where he won the Belo Horizonte Junior Cup alongside goalkeeper Wilson.
"I told the board these were players we could bet on. Victor, for example, is a little-known player. But he had been in Belgium for four years," explains Anderson Barros.
In their first year together in Santa Catarina, this red-and-black trio faces two old rivals in the semifinals and final. They've already played against Botafogo (watch the goalkeeper's saves in the semifinals), and now they're aiming for the title against Fluminense. Goalkeeper Wilson expects a different final from what they saw in their youth teams.
"I was in good form at Fluminense, and it was always a tough game. But I remember winning an important title against them in the Friendship Cup (a children's tournament contested by clubs from around the world)," he recalls.
Flamengo awaits Paulo Sergio's request\ But Isaías Tinoco finds it difficult to change the athlete's stage name to 'Dindo'\ Eduardo Peixoto\ Paulo Sergio has asked to be called Dindo from now on. For now, Flamengo's board has not made an official statement, but the club's football supervisor, Isaías Tinoco, is skeptical of the change's success.\
"He hasn't said anything to us yet. But once the name appears on the scoreboard, it doesn't change," says the manager.
This Tuesday, Dindo—or Paulo Sergio—trained normally at Gávea. He's starting to get used to the hype after his first professional goal.
"It all clicked yesterday (Monday). Now I'm calm, I'm going to work hard to face Sport. I'm happy to be back in training, because what I love most in life is playing soccer. I'm happy to be here," says the striker.
Against Sport next Sunday, he's expected to start on the bench. Leonardo and Renato Augusto are more likely to start as an attacking duo. Souza, injured, won't play.
Souza will not face Sport\ Striker feels pain in his left groin and will not play on Sunday, at Ilha do Retiro\ Eduardo Peixoto\
A string of injuries has been hampering Souza's fight for the top scorer spot. What was almost certain was confirmed this Tuesday. Souza, who did not play in the derby against Botafogo, remains out of the team.
The striker continues to suffer from pain in his left groin and will miss next Sunday's match against Sport at Ilha do Retiro in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship. After tactical training on Tuesday afternoon in Gávea, the player lamented his absence.
"I'm not fit. I don't like being in the medical department, but it's still really bothering me. I want to fight for the top scorer spot, but it's complicated with this series of injuries," he says.
Souza also missed Flamengo's opening match, a 4-2 loss to Palmeiras at Maracanã. At the time, the player was struggling with a problem in his right foot.
The center forward will initially return to training on the field next Thursday. He is expected to return to the team for the match against Figueirense in Florianópolis on June 10th.
Throw
Bruno and Dinelson's soap operas have another chapter at Fla\ Goalkeeper and supporter are the Gávea club's dream consumers\ LANCEPRESS!\
Two soap operas involving player negotiations intersected due to a phone conversation between Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, and Kia Joorabchian, a key figure at the MSI. The Flamengo director discussed Bruno's contract renewal and Dinelson's signing.
On June 10, Kia and Pini Zahavi, an Israeli businessman and one of Bruno's federation rights holders, will meet in London to discuss the goalkeeper's future. Kléber is willing to attend the meeting to convince them to keep the player at Gávea for longer.
Several European clubs have already expressed their desire to sign Bruno from Flamengo, including Barcelona and Liverpool. Benfica, according to the Portuguese press, is expected to submit an official offer for the goalkeeper this week.
"I don't know anything. I haven't been contacted. The only official information is that investors are willing to negotiate with Bruno," said Eduardo Uram, Bruno's manager.
The Dinelson case will also drag on for a few more days. Flamengo has already reached an agreement with the player, but his agent, Wagner Ribeiro, has been encountering difficulties in negotiations with Corinthians.
President Alberto Dualib is reportedly delaying the deal, even though his vice president, Nesi Curi, has already agreed on everything. Reports suggest Dualib is considering negotiating the player abroad.
Wagner and Dinelson, who have already given up receiving more than R$400 in debt owed to Corinthians, have not ruled out taking the case to the Sports Court.
"I've reached an agreement with Kléber, and Dinelson wants to go to Flamengo. But things are at a standstill. If he goes to court, he'll win the case within 24 hours," said Wagner Ribeiro, who rules out that possibility for now.
Kléber Leite remains optimistic:
"We've done our homework. Now, there's no point in rushing. An extra week won't make any difference."
Paulo Sérgio: 'Everything is in my favor'\ The red-black striker believes that his young age will not be a problem: 'If I'm on the team, it's because I have the conditions'\
LANCEPRESS!
Full of morale after scoring Flamengo's equalizer in the derby against Botafogo, striker Paulo Sérgio is already aiming for a starting spot. With Souza's injury, his role may be made easier, but he'll still have to compete for the position with Leonardo.
"I'm sad for Souza. I hope he comes back soon, but I think everything is working in my favor. I try to do my job, whether starting or not, I'll be happy. But I'm in contention with Leonardo for the starting spot. It's an easy fight," said Paulo Sérgio, who also commented that being only 17 years old won't affect his performance.
"It's Ney (Franco, coach) who decides, and Leonardo is also a great player. My youth won't hinder Ney's decision, because if I'm in the squad, it's because I have the ability to be a starter," he added.
Bruno and Renato Augusto train in the afternoon at Flamengo\ Players did not participate in the morning activities\ LANCEPRESS!\ After not training on Tuesday morning, Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno and supporter Renato Augusto participated in the afternoon activities in Gávea. Bruno was dealing with personal matters in Belo Horizonte, while Renato Augusto had been released after participating in a TV program in São Paulo.\
The training session was led by assistant coach Moacir Pereira and physical trainer Geraldo Fabian. Rubro-Negro coach Ney Franco is in Belo Horizonte, where he is accompanying his wife, who underwent surgery.
The new addition to the training session was forward Kayke, who won the state championship with the youth team. The player is being monitored, as Flamengo only has Souza, Leonardo, and Paulo Sérgio up front.
Marcio Braga thanks FIFA's decision
President says Fla was decisive in banning games at altitude\ LANCEPRESS!\
FIFA's ban on international matches at altitudes above 2.500 meters was imposed following a complaint from Flamengo. The Rio de Janeiro club faced a difficult time in Potosí, Bolivia, during its Copa Libertadores match against Real Potosí. This Wednesday, president Marcio Braga released an open letter thanking the organization for the decision.
Read the full text of the red-black thanks to FIFA:
Last week, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo achieved an unprecedented institutional victory, with the ban on holding an international football match at altitudes above 2.500 meters, as determined by FIFA. The measure complies with Flamengo's request, filed after the match against Real Potosi in the Copa Libertadores das Américas.
Our initiative is not intended to harm the competitive interests of Bolivia, Colombia, or Ecuador, or their clubs, whom we respect and admire. Its sole purpose is to defend the lives and physical integrity of professional soccer players. It was a victory for the spirit of fair play and humanity.
We must thank doctors Serafim Borges and José Luiz Runco, authors of the medical report that supported our thesis, Vice-President of Football Kleber Leite who coordinated our professionals, Dr. Clovis Sahione Fadel, who instructed us in the field of criminal law and lawyer Marcos Mota who took our initial verbal representation to FIFA.
And we must especially thank the president of the CBF, Mr. Ricardo Teixeira, who was responsible for the political articulation that led to the recognition of our arguments.
Flamengo, Flamengo, your glory is to fight.
Rio de Janeiro, May 30, 2007
Marcio Baroukel de Souza Braga\ President"\