The Globe
Joel vents: 'I've never seen mute football'
Acquitted, Flamengo coach mocks the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) and says that if he has to sit still and remain silent, he will no longer work in Brazil.
Photo caption: SOUZA (WITH his son Lucas) will be out of action for two games for Fla: suspended by the STJD, the striker says he has a lot stuck in his throat
Márcio Tavares
On the sidelines of the pitch, watching the brawl between Flamengo's reserves and juniors during training in Gávea, Joel Santana tried to hide his nervousness. In an interminable conversation with vice president of football Kleber Leite, he awaited the outcome of his new trial at the Superior Court of Sports Justice. Acquitted for the second time of inciting violence in the match against Santos, Joel vented his feelings in his own way.
"I've never seen football in silence. Players have to be a reflection of their coaches, and I'm a coach who thrives. I'll try to change, but if I have to sit still and remain silent, I'm not working in Brazil anymore. We're under pressure from all sides. That was a real blowout. I've worked in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and I'm going to Japan, and I've never ordered anyone to be beaten," Joel said, clarifying that he had made a mistake and wasn't transferring to Japan.
Souza says he has a lot of things stuck in his throat
Joel's outburst contrasted with Souza's. Also being tried by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), the Flamengo forward, who had already served a five-match suspension for assaulting Grêmio's Tcheco, was suspended for two more games. Holding his four-month-old son, Lucas, Souza was dripping with irony.
"Do you want to talk? Do you have a lot of things stuck in your throat too? Wait. This isn't the time, wait a little longer. Your father missed a penalty and got suspended for two games," Souza said ironically, adding that he had feared a harsher punishment. "They weren't going to hold a new trial to acquit me. I was afraid I'd get suspended for more games."
But if Joel and Souza's trial caused anxiety and tension at Gávea, the return of Roger, who served a suspension against Botafogo, tomorrow against Sport, eased the mood. Another reason for joy was the presence of Argentine Maxi in this afternoon's training session. Having recovered from a muscle strain, Maxi participated normally in today's training session, and despite the coach's disbelief, the doctors' opinion isn't so pessimistic.
"I wouldn't rule out the possibility of Maxi playing on Saturday," explained doctor Walter Martins. "His recovery was very quick, and if he makes all his movements on the field and doesn't feel any pain in the area again, there's nothing stopping him from being included in Joel's squad."
While Maxi's speed in recovering from a sprained leg injury is surprising, another Argentine also showed agility in his unexpected presence. 23-year-old midfielder Hugo Colace, who is negotiating a transfer from Estudiantes de La Plata to Flamengo, appeared in Gávea yesterday.
Hugo's contract depends on Argentine clubs
Approved by doctor Serafim Borges, who followed his routine cardiology exams, Hugo Colace, who plays as a first or second midfielder, already knew how to please the fans:
"I'm happy with the opportunity to play for Flamengo. It's the biggest club in Brazil," said Hugo, who is expected to complete his series of tests today.
However, his signing still requires an agreement between Estudiantes de La Plata and Newell's Old Boys, who hold his rights. The problem is that Flamengo has until today to sign reinforcements from abroad (for players playing in Brazil, the deadline is more flexible, until September 14th), and the club is racing against time to overcome the impasse.
"We already have the contract all defined, we just need to finalize everything. As soon as they give me the green light, it will be signed," said Michel Assef Filho, legal director.
Brazilians train for the World Cup in Germany
Diego is satisfied with the floor exercises and vault
STUTTGART, Germany. In preparation for the World Pre-Olympic Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, which begin tomorrow and run through the 9th, athletes from the Brazilian women's and men's gymnastics teams participated in podium training, the official training session, yesterday at the competition venue.
"I was very pleased with my performance, but I can improve even more. On the floor exercise, one of my specialties, except for the last step, where I made a mistake, I did well. My vault series was also very good," said Diego Hypólito.
Besides him, the team includes Danilo Nogueira, Mosiah Rodrigues, Luís Augusto dos Anjos, Arthur Zanetti, Victor Rosa, and Caio Costa. The women's team includes Daiane dos Santos, Daniele Hypólito, Jade Barbosa, Laís Souza, Khiuani Dias, Ana Cláudia Silva, and Ethiene Franco. Brazil's goal is to qualify for Beijing for the women's team and at least two athletes for the men's team.
Sports Journal
Souza is suspended for two more matches
After missing a penalty and being booed off the field in the derby between Botafogo and Flamengo, striker Souza now has another reason to lament. The player was tried again for the assault on midfielder Tcheco in the match against Grêmio and received an additional two-game suspension. He had already served five matches of the sentence from the first trial.
The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) indicted the number 9 under article 254 and what caused the increase in the sentence was not the alleged elbow on the field, but rather the slap on the head given to the opponent while he was being attended to.
Flamengo's lawyers will not be able to appeal the suspension of the red-black player.
As a result, Souza will miss Flamengo's match against Sport, this Saturday, at Maracanã, and against Figueirense, on the 5th, also at the Biggest Stadium in the World. Obina, who was on the bench against the fans' wishes, is expected to be the substitute during this period.
Losses and gains for Fla in Court
Acquitted by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), Joel is in doubt in the attack: Souza was suspended for two more games
In a lively conversation with football vice-president Kleber Leite, Joel, acquitted, will have to choose a replacement for Souza
Coach Joel Santana is once again feeling the weight of leading a team as powerful as Flamengo. When he arrived at the club a little over a month ago, the coach lived with the daily pressure of having to pull the team out of the relegation zone. Now that the bad times are over, and with a good winning streak—four in the last six games—the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) has decided to take a hard line against the Flamengo manager.
Joel was acquitted again in the second trial, yesterday afternoon, held because the rapporteurs requested a review of the case in which he was accused of inciting his players to beat up Santos players, violating Article 278. Despite the happiness of having escaped a sentence that would not have been lenient, he does not have much reason to celebrate.
Souza was not so lucky.
Just like in the coach's case, the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) decided to retry striker Souza, who had already served a five-match suspension for his red card against Grêmio. The judges decided to punish the player with two more matches, meaning he's out of tomorrow's match against Sport at Maracanã. This creates another headache for the coach's already overwhelmed mind: which attacking line-up to field?
"I'm happy to have been acquitted again; justice has been served. These things make me think about quitting coaching. You can't manage a team in silence. I'd like to thank those who judged me. As for Souza, it was unfair. He had already played five games and showed incredible improvement in his performance in the last few matches, and that's why I'm very sad for him. I haven't decided on the team yet, especially since Maxi is likely to remain out," Joel declared.
Without his starting attack, Joel will have to choose two from three players: Obina, Paulo Sérgio, and Renato Augusto. While the first two are in the position, the third would once again play in the position, but with midfielder Roger returning to the team and Toró performing well against Botafogo, Renato Augusto has lost his place in the red-and-black midfield.
Argentine Colace undergoes medical examinations and is expected to sign with Flamengo today.
Hugo Colace was in Gávea and passed the medical exams he took
Lacking another defensive midfielder, having only starter Rômulo and the under-appreciated Jaílton, coach Joel Santana is very close to receiving a new reinforcement for the midfield. Argentine Hugo Colace, 23, currently on the bench for Estudiantes, passed his initial medical yesterday and is only waiting for clearance from Newel's Old Boys, which holds the remaining 50% of the federation rights, to become a Flamengo player.
"I had some tests done today (yesterday), and I just need to complete the final medical evaluations. I'm really looking forward to playing for the club with the biggest fan base in Brazil and I hope these details are resolved soon," said Colace.
Even though the player's signing hasn't been made official, only a twist in the situation will prevent it from being announced. The transfer window for players playing abroad closes today, and only a last-minute issue will prevent the deal. Hugo Colace will remain with the club until at least the end of the year.
Juniors honored
The players who participated in the impressive third-place finish at the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia were honored by the board, enjoying lunch at a restaurant in the South Zone. Later, they defeated a team made up of players who didn't play in the derby against Botafogo 3-0. The goals came from Assumpção, who reinforced the team, Carlinhos, and Kayke, who was included in the squad to train with the senior squad for the match against Sport.
Souza is suspended for two more matches
Top scorer with 17 goals in 2006, Souza scored only twice in the Brazilian Championship
After missing a penalty and being booed off the field in the derby between Botafogo and Flamengo, striker Souza now has another reason to lament. The player was tried again for the assault on midfielder Tcheco in the match against Grêmio and received an additional two-game suspension. He had already served five matches of the sentence from the first trial.
The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) indicted the number 9 under article 254 and what caused the increase in the sentence was not the alleged elbow on the field, but rather the slap on the head given to the opponent while he was being attended to.
Flamengo's lawyers will not be able to appeal the suspension of the red-black player.
As a result, Souza will miss Flamengo's match against Sport, this Saturday, at Maracanã, and against Figueirense, on the 5th, also at the Biggest Stadium in the World. Obina, who was on the bench against the fans' wishes, is expected to be the substitute during this period.
Toró hopes to improve even more
One of Flamengo's standout players in the draw against Botafogo was midfielder Toró, a last-minute replacement for Roger, who was suspended. The young player earned his nickname because he made it rain in the youth ranks of Fluminense, the club that launched him, but at Flamengo, he's still nothing more than a drizzle. However, he warned that he can still improve his performance significantly.
"I know I can still do a lot. Ever since I put on the Flamengo shirt, I've been trying to give my best. I talked to Joel Santana and told him I was playing out of my position, and he understood. With the last coach, I didn't have this opportunity, and that's why I wasn't performing so well," said Toró.
Waiting for the chances
With Roger's return, Toró may end up losing his place and having to wait for a new opportunity in the future, but he believes he can one day be a starter for Flamengo. "I know the quality of Roger and Renato Augusto. They're different, but I went out on the field and tried to deliver. The victory didn't come, but I hope it does against Sport," he said.
Under heavy pressure from the fans, Toró had a tough time at Gávea, often not even making the bench during Ney Franco's tenure at the club. Even in the most difficult moments, he never considered abandoning ship. "Kleber Leite always told me he trusted my potential, and so did my teammates, so I never considered leaving the club," Toró added.
Red-black juniors are honored
Flamengo paid tribute to the club's youth team this Thursday. The red-and-black team won its third Rio de Janeiro state championship in 2007, the Belo Horizonte Cup, which functions similarly to the Brazilian Junior Championship, and, after a strong campaign, finished third in the Club World Cup in Malaysia.
Players and coaching staff enjoyed lunch at a restaurant in Rio's South Zone, accompanied by president Márcio Braga, who thanked the team for their strong performance. According to the director, they help maintain the maxim that "Flamengo stars are made at home."
Moyses Saubel, director of Mengão's youth teams, also praised the squad's excellent performance at the Club World Cup.
Leo Medeiros wants another chance against Sport
Suspended for his third yellow card against Botafogo, midfielder Leo Medeiros hopes to get an opportunity against Sporting this Saturday at Maracanã. The player impressed coach Joel Santana in the match against Juventude and could earn a spot in midfield.
"I want to play, whether it's for one minute or 90. I showed in the games against Juventude and Goiás that the coach can count on me, and if I play against Sport, I'll try to do my job to the best of my ability," he said.
Leo Medeiros was very sorry to be left out of such an important game as the one against Alvinegro.
"It's really hard to be out, especially in a derby that's so important to our team and has so much anticipation for our fans. I was so eager to be on the field that sometimes I'd kick the wind, thinking I was on the pitch," the player joked.
Fla and América play futsal classic at Mangueira
Wallace Teixeira
As always, the Rubro-Negra team is one of the favorites for the title
In the last Carioca Futsal, Flamengo and América were involved in a controversy that cost the Gávea club four precious points.
The Panázio incident, in which the Red-Blacks fielded an ineligible player recently signed from the Rua Campos Sales team, sparked a fierce rivalry between the clubs. Four months later, members of both teams swear the episode is in the past and that the 20:30 PM derby will be dominated only by the will to win on both sides.
"That was a problem that only involved the board. There's no reason for the players to hold any kind of grudge. Besides, it's in the past. We just want to play a clean game and start with a good win," said América manager Charles Calomino.
"All of that is in the past. The clubs have always had a good relationship and nothing that happened will affect that," Tito, coordinator of the Rubro-Negra futsal team, made clear.
As punishment for the invasion by its fans during the Carioca semifinal against Cabo Frio, Flamengo lost home court for this match. As a result, the match against the Americans will be played at the Mangueira gymnasium. Nothing more appropriate for a classic that's been around for years than being played on a large court.
FLAMENGO: Breno, Dudu, Passarinho, Michel and Gabrial.\ Coach: Cid Escarlate.\
AMERICA: Luis Antonio, Ricardo, Bernardo, Miguel and Fabinho.\ Coach: Alan Salino.\
O Dia
In a new trial at the STJD, Souza will be out of Flamengo for two more matches
Rio - Striker Souza returned to trial this Thursday afternoon for his expulsion and assault on Grêmio supporter Tcheco at the Olímpico stadium in the Brazilian Championship. Once again, as happened in the first trial held by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), the Flamengo player was able to celebrate. Previously, he was sentenced to a five-match suspension; this Thursday, he received a seven-game ban.
However, as he has already served the five games of the sentence imposed in the previous trial, Souza will only be out of the next two rounds of the competition.
Joel Santana is acquitted, but doesn't 'swallow' the second trial
Rio - Coach Joel Santana was also spared punishment by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). After being acquitted in the first trial, the Flamengo manager returned to the dock this Thursday due to an appeal from the court requesting a review of the result. In the match against Santos at Vila Belmiro, Joel was caught on television ordering his players to tackle the opponent violently.
The president of the Superior Court of Justice (STJD), Rubens Aprobatto, even requested a 40-day suspension. However, by a majority vote, the coach was acquitted. The result of the vote was five in favor of acquittal versus three in favor of conviction.
"There's no way I can stay silent on the sidelines when you're competing for qualification or a title. I'll see what I'm going to do from now on. I'll see if I can just sit there. Then, I don't even know if I'll continue playing football, because that's not my way of being. I'm vibrant. I cheer for my players," said Joel, irritated at being caught on camera.
ANOTHER ARGENTINE
Estudiantes (ARG) midfielder Hugo Colace met with Kléber Leite, the club's vice president of football, this afternoon. After the conversation, he underwent a series of clinical exams at a clinic in the South Zone. Colace is expected to sign his contract this Friday, the last day for international players to register for the Championship.
Flamengo: Roger returns to the team tomorrow, against Sport
Rio - Flamengo has turned the page on its 1-1 draw with Botafogo. Yesterday, attention in Gávea was already turning to the new challenge: the team faces Sport tomorrow, starting at 18:10 PM, at Maracanã. And this time, they'll be able to count on supporter Roger, who served a suspension for faking an injury in the match against Fluminense.
Coach Joel Santana's concern is Argentine Maxi Bianchucchi. Messi's cousin suffered a grade 1 strain in his left thigh on Sunday in the victory over Goiás and has been in intensive care since. The new darling of the red-and-black fans watched the match against Botafogo at the Maracanã and was still walking with some difficulty.
If Maxi Biancucchi is cleared by the medical department, Renato Augusto will likely be out of the lineup again. The player, who returned from injury in the match against Botafogo, performed so poorly that he was booed by the fans, and, still lacking match fitness, was replaced by Paulo Sérgio.
Sports Gazette
In recovery phase, Maxi is Flamengo's hope\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's four-game winning streak at the Maracanã Stadium was halted by a draw against Botafogo last Wednesday. Coincidentally or not, the Rubro-Negro were without midfielder Maximiliano Biancucchi, who had been the team's standout performer, for this match. Recovering from a strained left thigh, the Argentine has been undergoing intensive treatment to try to return to the team for Saturday's game against Sport, again in Rio de Janeiro. "We're hopeful. Maxi underwent treatment this morning and if he's okay tomorrow, he'll be able to train normally with the group," doctor Walter Martins told Rádio Brasil.
While coach Joel Santana hopes for Maximiliano Biancucchi's recovery, Flamengo can celebrate the return of midfielder Roger, who missed the match against Botafogo due to suspension. This means Toró is back on the bench, despite receiving a standing ovation last Wednesday.
With 25 points and two games in hand, Flamengo needs to defeat Sport to move away from the relegation zone. "Flamengo is picking up steam, and we'll have several matches at Maracanã to climb even further in the table. Our goal is to collect as many points as possible to move away from the relegation zone," commented goalkeeper Bruno.
Off the field, Flamengo is close to finalizing another signing for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. The team has been negotiating with Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace, who had been playing for Estudiantes-ARG. The 23-year-old's arrival was approved by coach Joel Santana, who has few options in the midfield.
"From what I've seen, he's a very talented player who has played with Mascherano and Tevez in a youth team tournament. He was the team captain and took penalties. I think he can help us a lot," commented the red-and-black coach.
Souza gets two-game suspension and Joel Santana is acquitted
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In addition to missing a penalty in the derby against Botafogo on Wednesday night, striker Souza brought new problems to Flamengo. In a ruling held by the Supreme Court of Sports Justice this Thursday, the player received an additional two-match suspension due to the assaults committed in the match against Grêmio, still in the first round of the Brazilian Championship. Having already served five rounds of suspension, the former Goiás top scorer, who has yet to find his form at Flamengo, will be sidelined for another two games. He was charged under articles 253 and 254, which stipulate physical assault against referees, assistants, or players, and for engaging in any violent play.
In the match against Grêmio, held on June 22nd at the Olympic Stadium, striker Souza assaulted Tcheco and was sent off. "I believe the penalty was excessive considering that Tcheco confessed to faking the foul," protested Flamengo's defense attorney, Dr. Michel Assef Filho.
A friendly verdict. After being caught on television telling his players to "beat up" Santos players, Flamengo coach Joel Santana was acquitted by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) this Thursday. This was also the decision made by the First Disciplinary Committee.
After the trial, the excitement of Flamengo's technical and legal committees was evident. "The defense appreciates the understanding of the majority of the Supreme Court, which delivered justice for coach Joel Santana," said the club's lawyer, Dr. Michel Assef Fiho.
PeléNet
Flamengo fans sell out promotional tickets
Flamengo and Sport face off this Saturday at 18:10 p.m., and the Rio de Janeiro team's fans are once again promising a good crowd at Maracanã. The 32 tickets available on sale have already been sold.
The sale began on Monday. All you had to do was exchange a can of powdered vitamins from the food company behind the promotion for a ticket to the green or yellow stands. By Thursday, they were already sold out.
Despite this, Flamengo fans who want to attend the game can still get tickets to the stadium. Tickets are being sold in Gávea, at the Rio-Sampa concert hall, on Via Dutra, in Laranjeiras, in General Severiano, in Caio Martins, at the Kappa store in Barra, and at ticket office 8 at Maracanã.
The ticket office is open from 11:17 AM to 65:12 PM. Those over XNUMX, children under XNUMX, and people with disabilities are entitled to free admission to the lower seats. Students with ID pay half price.
More than 79 tickets have gone on sale for the match between Flamengo and Sport. On the day of the game, they will still be available for purchase at ticket booths 5, 8, and 8 at Maracanã Stadium, starting at 14 p.m.
Flamengo close to announcing deal with Argentine midfielder
After the quick success of Maxi Biancucchi, Flamengo is very close to signing another Argentine player. This time, the target is midfielder Hugo Colace, from Estudiantes-ARG. The athlete was already in Gávea this Thursday.
Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace, who plays for Estudiantes, could reinforce Flamengo
Colace is 23 years old and before joining Estudiantes, he played for two other Argentine clubs: Newell's Old Boys and Argentinos Juniors. The midfielder also played for the U-20 national team.
The player arrived at the club's headquarters around 15 p.m. and met with vice president of football Kléber Leite. He then underwent some tests in Gávea and then went to a clinic for further testing.
If the midfielder passes the exams, the negotiations should be completed quickly, as the registration deadline for players from abroad ends this Friday. Another pending issue is that his economic rights are divided between Estudiantes de La Plata and Newell's Old Boys, and the clubs have not yet released him.
Last Wednesday, Colace had already been highly praised by coach Joel Santana, who highlighted his participation in the Argentina youth team alongside Mascherano and Tevez.
STJD upholds decision and acquits coach Joel Santana
Unlike what happened to Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho and Flamengo striker Souza, Flamengo coach Joel Santana was acquitted Thursday afternoon by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). He will therefore be able to manage his team normally from the sidelines in this Brasileirão.
Joel was tried under article 279 - inciting aggression, for statements made on the sidelines during the match in which the Gávea club lost 3-0 to Santos on August 5.
The coach had already been tried and acquitted on the 15th of this month, but prosecutors appealed and unsuccessfully attempted to suspend him this Thursday. Joel Santana was acquitted by a vote of five to three – two auditors requested a 40-day suspension and one requested a 30-day suspension.
"Justice was served. I expected to be acquitted. I've never seen anyone play a silent football game. I work like that and at that moment I was just letting off steam. If I have to change my way of working, I don't know if I'll continue in football. Because I support my team, but nowadays you can't say anything because there's a microphone next to you," the coach vented.
"I'm thinking a lot about what happened. We're under pressure from all sides. I receive offers from all over the world, but that doesn't happen abroad. My resume is all over the world," added Joel Santana.
With the acquittal, the coach will be able to sit on the bench for this Saturday's match at Maracanã, when Flamengo faces Sport at 18:10 pm. Last Wednesday, the red-and-black team drew 1-1 with Botafogo.
Souza's sentence extended and he will miss two more games for Flamengo
Striker Souza will miss Flamengo's next two games. The athlete's sentence was increased this Thursday in a trial at the full court of the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) following an appeal from the prosecutor's office.
Elbow strike on Grêmio rival results in two more games of suspension for striker Souza
"I was upset about those two games, but I was expecting it. I thought I wouldn't get out of it, since they scheduled a new trial. But two games go by quickly and I'll be back on the field soon," lamented the center forward, after training this Thursday, in Gávea.
Due to his expulsion in the game against Grêmio, after elbowing midfielder Tcheco, Souza was initially denounced under two articles of the CBJD (Brazilian Code of Sports Justice): 253, which deals with the practice of physical aggression against the referee, assistants or any other participant in the sporting event, providing for a suspension of 120 to 540 days, and 254, related to the practice of a violent play, with a penalty of two to six games offside.
However, in the judgment of the First Disciplinary Committee, the first accusation was reclassified to article 258, which deals with an attitude contrary to discipline and sporting morals, providing for suspension of one to ten matches.
The first time he was tried, the Flamengo striker received a two-game suspension under Article 258, and due to the inclusion of Article 254, the penalty was increased to three matches. This Thursday, by majority vote, the auditors decided to suspend Souza for five matches for the first offense and two matches for the second.
This means the player won't face Sport and Figueirense, matches that take place at Maracanã. This week, in fact, has been a bad one for the player. In addition to the punishment, Souza missed a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Botafogo last Wednesday.
BalloonSport
Zico defends Maracanã in black and red
Galinho says the club cannot be satisfied with a stadium for 30 people.
Zico is Marcanã's top scorer
Flamengo's greatest idol, Zico, is completely opposed to the construction of a 30-seat stadium in Gávea. He believes the ideal stadium for the red-and-black club is Maracanã, the venue where the current coach of Fenerbahçe, from Turkey, is its top scorer, with 333 goals in 435 matches.
"For the size of the red-and-black nation, only the size of the stadium, which for a long time was the largest in the world and the venue for our country's biggest sporting events, is enough. I don't think we can be content with stadiums with a capacity of 20 to 30 when much smaller clubs have larger stadiums," Zico states, according to Renato Maurício Prado's column in the Rio de Janeiro newspaper "O Globo."
According to him, having Maracanã is something that only depends on Flamengo:
- I believe that having a black and red Maracanã is not an unrealizable dream, but a reality that depends only on the will and interest of our club's directors.
The State Department of Sports and Recreation recently hired a consulting firm to propose a new management model for the stadium. Privatization has already been ruled out by Secretary Eduardo Paes, but a condominium concession could benefit a state club. The firm's studies are expected to be completed in October.
Flamengo president Marcio Braga has already expressed interest in participating in the bidding process, but says that this does not make the project to build a new stadium in Gávea unfeasible.
'It's the biggest club in Brazil', praises Colace
Player goes to Gávea, but the deal still depends on release from the Argentine club
Eduardo Peixoto
Hugo Colace, a potential Flamengo reinforcement, goes to Gávea and praises the club
Flamengo remains cautious and avoids announcing the signing of Hugo Colace. However, this Thursday, the Argentine made his desire to transfer to the Red-Blacks very clear.
"I'm very happy. It's the biggest club in Brazil," declares the 23-year-old midfielder.
He arrived mid-afternoon, underwent cardiology exams with Dr. Serafim Borges, and was approved. He then spent about an hour inside Fla's football department negotiating the terms of his contract. Accompanied by three agents, the midfielder left the club feeling optimistic.
"There are a few things left to finalize, like completing medical exams. But I really want to stay and hope we can get everything sorted out," says Colace.
But it's not just the orthopedic exams—scheduled for this Friday—that are a concern for Flamengo. The deadline to register the player ends this Friday, and there's a pending matter. His economic rights are divided between Estudiantes de La Plata and Newell's Old Boys, and the president of the latter club could not be reached to authorize the negotiation.
Kayke, the top scorer, is on the bench
Player finds success in Malaysia and gets opportunity with Souza's suspension
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo's training camp gained a new member on Thursday night. After excelling at the U-19 Club World Championship in Malaysia, striker Kayke was named in coach Joel Santana's squad for the match against Sporting this Saturday.
In the tournament in Asia, the player scored five goals, finished as the second-highest scorer, and attracted interest from European clubs. With renewed morale, he participated with ease in Thursday's training session, scoring one of the goals in the youth team's 3-0 victory over the reserves, and convinced coach Joel Santana to include him in the squad for the match.
"Kayke has a very powerful shot. And he also has great passing ability," says Adílio, the youth team coach.
At 19, the striker has a contract with Flamengo until 2009. He has only played one professional game (coming on in the second half of the match against Internacional). Interestingly, Kayke scored all of his goals in the youth ranks, and his tally now exceeds 200.
Márcio Braga congratulates juniors
Players receive lunch and a greeting from the president after third-place finish in Malaysia
Eduardo Peixoto
Márcio Braga congratulates the U-19 team on their campaign in Malaysia
Flamengo's third-place finish in the U-19 World Championship earned them a lunch with the president. This Thursday, the Flamengo players visited a steakhouse in Rio's South Zone and received congratulations from Márcio Braga.
- I wanted to thank you for representing Flamengo so well - says the director, to applause.
The red-and-black U-19 team lost in the semifinals to Manchester United, but emerged as a sort of moral champion of the tournament. The delegation was led by youth division coordinator Rivelino Serpa and director Moyses Saubel.
"The Manchester coach came to talk to me and admitted that Flamengo was stronger and had bad luck against them. It was very gratifying. Everyone was rooting for our team," says coach Adílio.
The standout players of the campaign were striker Kayke, defender Anderson Bamba, and midfielder Erick Flores. All received inquiries from European teams.
Acquitted, Joel threatens to quit football
Flamengo coach complains about persecution of his profession and censorship of his work
Eduardo Peixoto
Joel Santana says coaches are heavily persecuted and pressured
In a ruling this Thursday, the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) once again acquitted coach Joel Santana of inciting Flamengo players to hit opponents during the match against Santos. Despite his relief, the coach spoke out.
Joel stated that if the persecution of coaches continues, he will consider abandoning his career.
"We (coaches) are under pressure from all sides. If I have to stay silent, not say anything in the coaching area, I'll quit my career. They're taking away everything good about football. That was a rant. Anyone who plays pick-up games knows that," the coach declares.
Despite his disagreement, the coach thanked the STJD auditors for the acquittal.
- They are to be congratulated because justice was served - he says.
While his fate was being decided in downtown Rio, Joel sat on the sidelines and calmly watched the reserves train against the juniors. He was informed of his acquittal by phone and smiled.
Maraca's strength is Fla's gas
Goalkeeper Bruno reminds that the team will play several home matches until the end of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno had his hands full in the second half of the derby against Botafogo on Wednesday night. The Gávea goalkeeper saved his team from defeat on at least three occasions (watch one of them in the video below). Despite the match's result, the player continues to bet on the strength of the Maracanã to keep Flamengo away from the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship. "The penalty was our chance to win, and we wasted it. But Flamengo is improving, and we'll have several matches at the Maracanã to climb even higher in the table. Our goal is to collect as many points as possible to get away from the relegation zone. We'll go after it," he says.
In the last five games at the stadium, Rubro-Negro has won four and drawn one. The next two games will be at Maracaí: Sport, this Saturday, and Figueirense, on Wednesday.
Throw
Juan: the top-scoring full-back of the 2007 Brasileirão
Flamengo full-back follows in the footsteps of Gabriel, Paulo Baier and Mancini
Juan has been Flamengo's main player in recent games (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
Rafael Ximenes
The last few editions of the Brazilian Championship have produced some prolific full-backs. This year, it appears to be Flamengo's left-back Juan's turn. The player has been improving in recent matches and has scored important goals for the Red-Blacks.
Juan's numbers in the Brazilian Championship are very good and have been improving with each passing game. He is second in assists in the competition, with nine assists, and has already found the net five times—both in the last two matches. Flamengo has had two full-backs who scored a lot of goals in recent years, both of whom played on the right. Leonardo Moura scored seven goals in 2005, and Rafael scored eight in 2003.
However, in terms of goals scored, he's still far from being the all-time leading full-back in a Brazilian Championship. In this regard, Gabriel wins, having scored 2005 goals for Fluminense in 16. Another standout of the year was Michel Bastos of Figueirense, with ten.
Paulo Baier also excelled in the position. In 2003, for Criciúma, he scored nine goals, and in 2004, for Goiás, he scored 15, the second-highest total in history. This year, he has six goals, but he plays in midfield.
Some of these full-backs ended up in European football: Cicinho, who went to Real Madrid, Mancini, to Roma, and Michel Bastos, who is at Rennes (FRA). The Flamengo player, who is seen as the new star in his position, has also been scouted by foreign football, but Flamengo is already working to renew his contract until 2010.
Toró praises Joel's arrival at Flamengo
Flamengo midfielder Toró, after playing one of his best matches for Flamengo, attributed his recovery to the arrival of coach Joel Santana. For the player, who left to a standing ovation from the fans, the fact that Joel gave him the chance to play in his true position was crucial to his "rebirth."
"Since Professor Joel arrived, he's been preparing me for this moment. He gave me a chance in the position I've always played, and that was very rewarding. I hope to play even better next time," he says.
Toró knows the competition in the team's midfield is fierce, and therefore, at least for now, he's not aiming for a starting spot. According to him, only time will tell if he's truly capable of starting in matches.
"The quality of the players is very high. Roger and Renato Augusto are outstanding players. Even so, Joel knows what he's doing. I hope to have many more opportunities to help Flamengo even more," he comments.
Léo Medeiros is now available to play for Sport
The red-black midfielder did not face the classic against Botafogo
Midfielder Léo Medeiros was unable to play in the classic against Botafogo, this Wednesday, at Maracanã, for the Brazilian Championship, as he was suspended for the third yellow card, but he guarantees that he is ready to return and face Sport, this Saturday, at the Biggest in the World.
"I want to play, whether it's for one minute or 90. I showed in the games against Juventude and Goiás that the coach can count on me, and if I play against Sport, I'll try to do my job to the best of my ability."
Léo Medeiros is the team's second-highest scorer with three goals. He commented on how awful it was to watch the match from the sidelines.
"It's really bad to be out, especially in a derby that's so important to our team and has so much anticipation for our fans. I was so eager to be on the field that sometimes I'd kick the wind thinking I was on the pitch," joked the Minas Gerais native.
Midfielder Colace is in Gávea for medical examinations
Argentine could be confirmed as a new reinforcement today
Argentine midfielder Colace is close to being announced as Flamengo's new signing for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship. The player met with vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, this Thursday and has already been referred to doctor Serafim Borges, with whom he will undergo the necessary medical examinations.
If approved, the midfielder will sign a contract, the duration of which has yet to be determined, with the Gávea club. But Flamengo needs to act quickly to secure Colace in the Brasileirão. The competition's international transfer window closes next Friday.
Maxi has a chance to play against Sport
Argentine recovers from left thigh injury
Argentine Maxi had been performing well for Flamengo until he suffered a left thigh injury in the Brazilian Championship match against Goiás last Sunday at Maracanã. But Flamengo fans could have some good news for Saturday's match against Sport, also at the World's Biggest Stadium. Club doctor Walter Martins is optimistic about the athlete's recovery.
"I'm hopeful I can count on him. He's working with Dr. Runco, the coaching staff, and Joel Santana. If all goes well, he'll start physical training today (Thursday) and will be able to train with the ball," the doctor said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.