THE GLOBE
One step away from paradise
Fla seeks victory in Brasilia to become national basketball champion
Photo caption: FLAMENGO TEAM salutes and applauds the fans, after the victory over Brasília, last Sunday, at Maracanãzinho
Claudio Nogueira
Flamengo could join the ranks of Brazilian basketball champions today. At 20 p.m. in Brasília, at the Asceb Gymnasium, they face Universo/Brasília. A win will take them 3-0 in the decisive series and win the National Men's Championship for the first time.
Brasília only needs to win today to force a fourth game on Thursday in the Federal Capital. Brasília will also need to win in the potential fourth game to secure a fifth on Sunday at Maracanãzinho, as the red-and-black team had the better campaign.
Brasilia coach wants to change attitude
In the first two matches of the best-of-five tournament at Maracanãzinho, coach Paulo Chupeta's team crushed Brasília: 93-66 on Friday and 91-76 on Sunday. Despite boasting highly skilled players like brothers Marcelinho and Duda, Flamengo—three-time state champion and runner-up in the South American League—combines the talent and play of Coloneze and Alírio; the game vision of Hélio and Fred; and the team spirit of Amiel, Fernando Mineiro, Wagner, Maicon, and Marcellus, who sometimes start on the bench.
"We have ten or eleven top-level players. Everyone helps and knows their importance. It's a strong, focused team, ready to be champions," says Fernando, in his first season with the club. "It's a great feeling to be here. We trained hard to get where we are."
Champion with Brasília in 2007, Alírio praises Flamengo's awareness:
"We did our homework. We're going to Brasília determined, because they'll try to equalize the series. But here, there's no such thing as a win-win!
Considered the best player in the country, Marcelinho recalls the 2007 semifinals. Uberlândia beat Franca twice but was eliminated after losing three in a row. The winger notes that Brasília has experienced players and predicts a tense match:
- The court is tough. It's where they play. But we'll have fans there, and not just any fans. It's Flamengo, who supported us throughout the championship.
Responsible for the group's cohesion, coach Paulo Chupeta warns:
"We have to stay focused. Their responsibility has increased significantly, as they have to win three matches. But we want to make it 3-0. This is a winning team!"
While there's confidence in Gávea, in Brasília, coach Lula Ferreira is trying to revive the squad. Although Flamengo played well, Brasília left a poor impression:
"We're on the ropes. We're going to play like we're condemned to death. We don't have to think about winning three games, but one at a time. We have to change our attitude."
Valtinho acknowledges that the team didn't overcome the rival defense and was poor at shooting three-pointers.
"We have to do something. The balls aren't falling. In the championship, our performance was better," he admits.
BROADCAST: Sportv
In his meeting with Zico, Caio receives more lessons from a world champion
Coach listens to members of the '81 generation to win at Flamengo
Photo caption: CAIO JÚNIOR and Zico meet hours after Sunday's Fla-Flu match
It wasn't just the victory in his first Fla-Flu match that made coach Caio Júnior's Sunday special. That night, the coach fulfilled a dream: for the first time, he met his idol Zico, who had watched the game at Maracanã. The coach, who had already met Júnior, has also been talking with Andrade and Adílio, who work at Flamengo. For him, the closeness with the man who made history at Gávea is part of the secret to winning for the red-and-black team.
"When I was Coritiba's manager, I gave former players access to the club. At Palmeiras, I took Ademir da Guia to meet the team. Zico, Júnior, Andrade, and Adílio have history at Flamengo. It's crucial to listen to them, and I have the humility to do so," said Caio.
- In the conversation, it was clear that he is an up-to-date coach and is having a great start - praised Zico, who said he is rooting for Fluminense in the Libertadores.
In the interview after the classic, Caio revealed his wish, which came true on the program "Esportvisão", on TV Brasil:
- It was incredible. I had just said that and, hours later, I was in Zico's car, and he gave me a ride home. He treated me very well. He's authentic and down-to-earth. I was pleased to know that his reading of the game was similar to mine.
For Caio Júnior, the connection between midfield and attack is Flamengo's biggest challenge. In training for the match against Figueirense on Saturday at Maracanã, he will test Marcinho up front, with Renato Augusto in the middle, providing the playmaking. Diego Tardelli will serve a suspension.
SPORTS JOURNAL
A seven-month unbeaten run in the Brazilian Championship
At Maracanã, Flamengo is unbeatable. Their last loss in the Brazilian league was in October of last year.
Eduardo Lacombe, Bernardo Peirão and Nathan de Lima
File/JS
Ibson celebrates the winning goal against São Paulo on October 2007rd of last year. It was the most impressive victory of the XNUMX Brazilian Championship.
Many factors led to Flamengo's strong run in last year's Brazilian Championship. One of them was the strength of its fans. Its last home loss in the Brazilian Championship was to Fluminense, 2-0, on October 2007, XNUMX. Before the match against Internacional, coach Caio Júnior warned: "We have to take advantage of the next four games, which are at Maracanã, to get a head start in the competition." Half the work is already done. Flamengo has already beaten Internacional and Fluminense. Now, all that's left is Figueirense next Saturday and São Paulo in the sixth round. If it maintains its strong home record, it's quite possible that Flamengo will take over the lead in the competition and make its fans dream of a sixth Brazilian championship once again.
To achieve this objective, coach Caio Júnior established a scheme of short goals, which should keep the team motivated round after round.
"In leagues with points, there's no point in thinking about the last round. We always need to think about the next game and work with short-term goals. The players know this. Our goal was to get six points in the first 12 games we played without being the home team. We already have four points. Furthermore, we want to get ten points in four rounds. It's not for everyone, but we can't delude ourselves with that," he said.
And the coach seems to be right when he says that a start to a competition like this is quite rare, especially in recent years. Flamengo hasn't had such a good start since the 1986 Brazilian Championship. That year, they beat Paysandu 4-1 in their opening match. They then drew XNUMX-XNUMX with Goiás and capped off their opening streak by defeating América-RJ and Ponte Preta.
Tickets
Flamengo fans who want to help the team maintain its unbeaten streak can now purchase tickets for the match against Figueirense, Saturday at 18:10 p.m. at Maracanã. The green and yellow stands cost R$30; the white stands cost R$40; special seats cost R$120; and regular seats cost R$20. There will be a half-price promotion for all sections.
Fla plays training match in Gávea
Ibson and Kleberson participated in the activity
The red-and-black squad trained this morning at Gávea. Starting at 8:30 a.m., the starters began physical training, while the reserves, who didn't participate in the Fla-Flu last Sunday, participated in a practice match against Ok Performance, a team made up of players without a club.
The 6-2 scoreline didn't matter much. What really mattered was the return of midfielders Ibson and Kleberson, who had recovered from muscle injuries.
The team was formed with: Diego; Luizinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho (Thiago Sales) and Egidio; Jaílton (Rômulo), Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi (Paulo Sergio) and Obina.
Bruno: 'What matters are the three points'
Goalkeeper downplays victory over Flu and values the result
The narrow 1-0 victory over Fluminense doesn't worry goalkeeper Bruno. For him, what matters is the result—in this case, Flamengo's three-point lead in the standings and second place in the Brazilian Championship with 10 points.
It was a small score, but it was worth the same three points as a four- or five-goal rout. We won the game. That's what matters," said Gávea's number 1.
The goalkeeper celebrated the team's return to good form after their early elimination from the Libertadores: "The important thing is to forget the past and look to the future."
Kleber: “Nobody leaves here”
Ursula Nery/JS Archive - 16/2/07
Kleber agrees with the criticism of the bad administrations that have passed through Flamengo
Flamengo continues to negotiate Íbson's continued presence at Gávea. Besides Flamengo, São Paulo is also reportedly interested in the player. However, agent Eduardo Uram denies this.
"In Brazil, I only negotiate with Flamengo. Porto won't sell Ibson for just 4 million euros. São Paulo won't buy Ibson," the agent assured.
In fact, yesterday, Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, stated that no signed players will be traded. According to him, Internacional expressed interest in Jônatas and Egídio, but neither was released.
Answer
Kleber accused Brazilian soccer's greatest idol, Pelé, of participating in what he called one of the worst administrations in Flamengo's history, under former president Edmundo Santos Silva. The accusation was a response to the former player's statements that Flamengo is poorly managed and, if it were organized, could sustain itself solely through the sale of licensed merchandise. Kleber expressed anger at the statements, particularly the one that Flamengo is poorly managed.
"He's absolutely right. So much so that he (Pelé) participated in one of the club's worst administrations, that of Edmundo Santos Silva, together with ISL (a Swiss sports marketing company that was a partner of the club at the time), which was very harmful to Flamengo and to this day, brings us negative results," he stated.
Come on, Mengão! Let's be champions!
If they beat Brasília, Flamengo will win their first National title
Eduardo Vieira and Pedro Ivo Almeida
Public Relations
Winger Marcelinho is ready to shine in the Nacional final
After nearly five months of competition, Flamengo takes the court today at 20 p.m. to face Universo/BRB from Brasília at the ASCEB gymnasium, seeking victory and, consequently, the National Basketball Championship title. The match will be broadcast live on SporTV.
The Gávea team, which led the competition from start to finish and has yet to lose in the playoffs, leads the final series 2-0 and needs just one more victory to secure its first national title.
After doing their homework with relative ease, winning both matches in Rio, 93 to 66 and 91 to 76, the Rio team knows that the story in Brasília will be completely different.
"We did our part playing at home and opened up a good lead in the series. Now we're putting all the responsibility on them. We'll keep up our pace to pursue this unprecedented title for the club," said winger/guard Duda.
The team's coach, Paulo Chupeta, also knows that the away situation changes a little, becomes more difficult, but he believes that if the team can maintain the same attitude they have been adopting in the decisive matches, they will win the title.
"Theoretically, playing away from home changes the situation a bit. But as I spoke to the players after Sunday's match, we have to approach the Brasília match as if it were our first. The group is showing total commitment to the goal of being champions and is focused the entire time on winning the title. The team's determination and collective spirit have made all the difference in this playoff. And to be champions, we need to maintain this attitude," he said.
Amiel is still in doubt
Flamengo's winger Amiel, who missed the first two matches of the championship finals, traveled with the group to Brasília, but is still not guaranteed a spot in the third match. He still has calf pain and is doubtful.
Throughout its history, Flamengo has reached the final of the National Basketball Championship twice. The first time was in 2000, when they were defeated by Vasco, and in 2004, they lost to Uberlândia. Now, everything indicates that history will change with the celebration being red and black.
Universe x Flamengo
Universe\ Valtinho, Ratto, Rossi, Estevam and Spillers\ Coach: Lula Ferreira\
Flamengo\ Marcelinho, Duda, Hélio, Alírio and Coloneze\ Coach: Paulo Chupeta\ Location: Asceb Gymnasium, in Brasilia\
THE DAY
Full throttle start
Flamengo hasn't had such a good start to the Brazilian Championship in 22 years. Caio Júnior is thrilled
Janir Junior
Rio - Flamengo hasn't had such a good start to the Brazilian Championship in 22 years, with 10 points from four rounds (three wins and one draw). Since the points system was implemented in 2003, Flamengo has had the following points from its first four matches: 2003 (eight points), 2004 (three), 2005 (seven), 2006 (six) and 2007 (five). The streak could be even better, as the next two games will be played at Maracanã, against Figueirense and São Paulo.
"We got another good win. It's always important to win at Maracanã. After being eliminated from the Libertadores, we're on the right track in the Brasileirão and regaining the fans' trust," said Leonardo Moura, who scored the penalty in the victory over Fluminense on Sunday.
And Caio Júnior, undefeated as the team's manager, celebrates the fact that his short-term goals are being met. "Starting the Brazilian Championship well is important, as we've secured points that will be valuable later on. This run is very good, which is essential in a long championship like the Brazilian Championship," he analyzed.
After yesterday's day off, the team is training full-time today. Caio Júnior plans to speak with Diego Tardelli, who was sent off in a childish manner against Fluminense. Last week, the striker had already been reprimanded for arriving late to training.
Ibson and Kleberson participate in a training match at Gávea
Rio - After Monday's day off following the Fla-Flu victory, the Flamengo players returned to training Tuesday morning at Gávea. The training sessions were different for those who took the field on Sunday and those who didn't. While the group that beat Fluminense 1-0 on Sunday only did physical training, the remaining players participated in a training match against OK Performance, a team made up of players currently without a club, almost all of whom are unknown.
The new additions to the activities were the returns of Kleberson and Ibson, who were out of the last two matches due to muscle injuries and are now fit to face Figueirense, next Saturday, at Maracanã.
Despite being unknown, the Ok Performance team gave them a hard time in the first half and Fla won by just 2-1, with Maxi and Obina scoring. Paulo Sergio (2), Ibson and Éder completed the 6-2 rout in the second half.
Flamengo trained with: Diego; Luizinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho (Thiago Sales) and Egidio; Jaílton (Romulo), Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi (Paulo Sergio) and Obina.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Juan highlights the strength of Fla's squad\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While in recent years Flamengo began the Brazilian Championship fighting for the bottom of the table, this time the Rubro-Negro team has started in a more encouraging fashion. In four rounds, the team won three games and drew one, only losing the lead to Cruzeiro on goal difference. One of the main reasons for the strong campaign so far is left-back Juan, who admits that the Flamengo squad needed strength to overcome the trauma of their unexpected elimination from the Copa Libertadores. "The elimination from the Libertadores was tough, but our group is strong, and the results show it. The squad is strong, and that could make a difference in the Brazilian Championship," he commented.
The Flamengo full-back, however, recognizes that Flamengo cannot rest on its laurels with the good results it has achieved so far in the Brazilian Championship. Juan warns of the challenges that a points-based competition can bring.
"I think we've made a good start, and the challenge now is to maintain it. It's harder to maintain it throughout the championship than to achieve in four rounds what we've already achieved. That's why we have to keep working to stay ahead," he emphasized.
Stay Day - Away from the field, vice president Kléber Leite assured that he is not considering negotiating any players this summer. The director recently rejected offers from Internacional for reserve left-back Egídio and midfielder Jônatas.
Flamengo returns and wins training match\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - This Tuesday morning, Flamengo's squad returned to coach Caio Júnior to continue training at Gávea. The starters who faced Fluminense over the weekend in the Brazilian Championship took the opportunity to improve their fitness. The first training session of the week takes place this Wednesday. Caio Júnior took advantage of this Tuesday morning to observe the players who didn't start in the derby. In a training match against OK Performance, an amateur team with players currently without a club, the Flamengo coach monitored the performance of players such as midfielders Renato Augusto, Kleberson, and Ibson. All three are competing for a spot in the team that faces Figueirense next Saturday at Maracanã.
Flamengo, who won 6-2, played in the training match with the following formation: Diego; Luizinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho (Thiago Sales) and Egidio; Jaílton (Rômulo), Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi (Paulo Sérgio) and Obina. The goals were scored by Maxi, Obina, Paulo Sérgio (twice), Ibson and Éder.
Mobilization - This Tuesday, Flamengo began selling tickets for the match against Figueirense, in the fifth round of the Brasileirão. Around 40 people are expected to attend Maracanã on Saturday. The green and yellow stands cost R$30,00, the white stands R$40,00, while the seats are being sold for R$20,00.
Tickets will be sold at the Gávea ticket offices, Olaria Stadium, Parque Terra Encantada, Fluminense ticket offices, and Maracanã ticket office. There will be no ticket sales at the latter on Wednesday, as the stadium will be occupied for the Copa Libertadores match between Fluminense and Boca Juniors.
Caio Júnior celebrates his campaign and is praised by his teammates\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - With ten points after four rounds, Flamengo only loses the Brazilian Championship lead to Cruzeiro on tiebreakers, as the Minas Gerais team boasts a better goal difference. The campaign has been pleasing the red-and-black coach. "I've been actively participating in the last few Brazilian Championships, which are points-based, and I know how difficult it is to get ten points in the first four games. But we can't assume we've already achieved anything. We have to maintain balance and focus, taking things one stage at a time," emphasized Caio Júnior.
And, little by little, the coach has been winning over the Flamengo players, who were used to Joel Santana's style.
"He's already putting his style of work into practice, making the changes he wants. And thank God things are working out, and we're managing to pick up points. I hope we can keep it up," said defender Ronaldo Angelim.
And the Flamengo players should have more peace of mind for the rest of the Brazilian Championship. In addition to the strong results achieved on the field, the squad also received news that April salaries were paid last Friday, thanks to an advance from Flamengo's new sports equipment supplier. May salaries will also be paid with the remainder of this amount.
Tardelli's expulsion should give Renato Augusto a chance\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - A reserve since coach Caio Júnior took over at Flamengo in early May, Renato Augusto is close to receiving his first start under the new Flamengo manager. The chance will likely come next Saturday, when the Rio de Janeiro team hosts Figueirense at the Maracanã stadium. Striker Diego Tardelli was sent off against Fluminense and will have to serve a suspension. As a result, Marcinho is expected to move upfield, while Renato gets the chance to start in midfield, his preferred position.
The outsider in the race for Tardelli's spot is Obina, who came on well against Fluminense. But the fact that he has similar characteristics to Souza, the starting striker in the red-and-black team, could hinder the favorite of the red-and-black fans.
Caio Júnior won't begin testing his options until Wednesday, at the first training session of the week. After Monday's day off, the squad will return on Tuesday to work full-time, focusing on physical training. During the return training session, the coach is also expected to take the opportunity to reprimand Diego Tardelli for his red card in the derby.
'PELENET
Fla plays training match in Gávea
Ibson and Kleberson participated in the activity
The red-and-black squad trained this morning at Gávea. Starting at 8:30 a.m., the starters began physical training, while the reserves, who didn't participate in the Fla-Flu last Sunday, participated in a practice match against Ok Performance, a team made up of players without a club.
The 6-2 scoreline didn't matter much. What really mattered was the return of midfielders Ibson and Kleberson, who had recovered from muscle injuries.
The team was formed with: Diego; Luizinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho (Thiago Sales) and Egidio; Jaílton (Rômulo), Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi (Paulo Sergio) and Obina.
Ibson and Kleberson train and are available to Caio Júnior
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Caio Júnior will have even more options when it comes to starting Flamengo. This is because Ibson and Kleberson trained normally during Tuesday's training session at Gávea. Both players reinforced the reserve team against Ok Performance, a team made up of former players.
Both Ibson and Kleberson (f) were injured and did not play on Sunday
Both Ibson and Kleberson were injured and missed the match against Fluminense (1-0 win) on Sunday at Maracanã in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship. However, they should be available for the Rubro-Negro's match against Figueirense on Saturday, also in Rio de Janeiro.
Another new addition to the squad is the presence of Dininho. The defender could also be on the bench against the Santa Catarina team.
The team that is being observed by Caio Júnior is the following: Diego, Luisinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho and Egídio; Jaílton, Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi and Obina.
GLOBOESPORTE
Recovered, Ibson and Kleberson participate in a training match in Gávea
Reserves face a combined team of former players this Tuesday morning
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Ibson trains normally and returns to Fla on Saturday
After Monday's day off, Flamengo's players woke up early on Tuesday. While the players who faced Fluminense did physical training, the reserves participated in a training match against a team with the curious name: OK Performance.
The team, made up of unknown players who were unemployed, made things difficult for Flamengo. In the first half, they secured a tight 2-1 victory, with goals from Maxi and Obina. Then, with the lineups changed, Flamengo took off. Paulo Sergio (2), Ibson, and Éder completed the 6-2 rout.
The new additions to the training session were Kleberson and Ibson. Both missed the last two matches due to muscle injuries and are now available to face Figueirense next Saturday at Maracanã.
Flamengo trained with: Diego; Luizinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho (Thiago Sales) and Egidio; Jaílton (Romulo), Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi (Paulo Sergio) and Obina.
Special spectator in Gávea
Urubu watches training on Tuesday morning from the marquee of the red-black stands
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Fans didn't attend the Brazilian league's second-placed team's practice session on Tuesday morning. But that didn't mean the players were left alone. A vulture, the club's mascot, perched on the edge of the Gávea marquee and calmly watched the practice match between Flamengo and OK Performance.
Flamengo plays for the National title
The Rio de Janeiro team takes the court against Brasília this Tuesday needing a win to be crowned champions. Their rival's path to the title is much longer.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Brasilia
Flamengo and Brasília play the third game of the final. The Rio de Janeiro team is one win away from a first-ever title.
Flamengo is one win away from securing its first National Championship title. And the triumph could come this Tuesday in Brasília, when the Rio de Janeiro team faces the home team in the third leg of the final. The match, at 20 p.m., will be broadcast live on SporTV.
"Theoretically, playing away from home changes the situation a bit. But as I discussed with the players, we have to approach the Brasília match as if it were our first. The group is showing total commitment to the goal of being champions and is focused on winning the title all the time," comments Flamengo coach Paulo Chupeta.
The Red-Blacks lead the best-of-five series 2-0. Brasília must win their next three matches to secure their second title. If necessary, the fourth match is scheduled for Thursday, also in the Federal Capital.
"Flamengo did its homework. Now it's the Universe's turn to do its part, winning both games in Brasília to bring the final back to Rio de Janeiro. To do that, we need to improve our posture on the court and play with more intensity," says Brasília coach Lula Ferreira, who won the championship in 2003 with Ribeirão Preto.
Confrontation between the teams
Flamengo and Brasília have faced each other 11 times in the competition's history, with the three-time Rio de Janeiro champion winning six times compared to the current Brazilian champion's five. In the 2008 National Championship, Flamengo prevailed in all four meetings. Flamengo played 13 away games and suffered two defeats, against Uberlândia and Rio Claro.
Police ban Flamengo shirts from the match between Fluminense and Boca Juniors
Rubro-Negro cheerleaders receive notice that their uniforms will not be tolerated in this Wednesday's match at Maracanã
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Shield unites Flamengo and Boca Juniors
Flamengo and Boca Juniors' match against Fluminense is permitted, but with restrictions. Flamengo's cheerleaders were warned by Maracanã police that the red-and-black uniforms are prohibited.
There will be a thorough search at the stadium entrance to prevent Flamengo shirts or any other Flamengo-related items from entering the stadium. The goal is to curb excessive provocation during the match.
Shirts sold out
It is estimated that the area reserved for Boca fans - two "slices" of blue seats - will be occupied by 5 people, including Argentines and supporters.
There's a huge demand on the streets for the newly created Fla-Boca jerseys. The initial 1.500 units were sold for R$25, and a new shipment had to be ordered.
Fluminense and Boca Juniors will decide a spot in the Copa Libertadores final this Wednesday at 21:50 p.m. at the Maracanã Stadium. The first leg, in Buenos Aires, ended in a 2-2 draw. GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be following the match live. TV Globo will broadcast the match.
Kléber Leite agrees, but mocks Pelé's statement about Flamengo
Former player said he felt sorry for Flamengo because of poor management. The director responds: "Pelé participated in one of the worst seasons in the club's history."
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Kléber Leite did not save Pelé from criticism
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, didn't miss the opportunity to respond to Pelé's statements. Last Monday, Pelé expressed his sympathy for the club due to its mismanagement. He said a club with such a high level of influence couldn't "go through what it's going through."
Upon learning of the opinion, the red-black leader responded.
"He (Pelé) is right. He just forgot to mention that he also participated in one of the worst administrations in the club's history, which was Edmundo Santos Silva's, along with ISL. To this day, we suffer from that evil management," Kléber recalls.
In the late 1990s, the Swiss company ISL entered into a partnership with Flamengo, investing US$80 million, with Pelé as one of the intermediaries. However, the money management was disastrous, and the partnership ended in legal battles and the inheritance of millions in debt to Flamengo.
Recovered, Ibson and Kleberson participate in a training match in Gávea
Reserves face a combined team of former players this Tuesday morning
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Ibson trains normally and returns to Fla on Saturday
After Monday's day off, Flamengo's players woke up early on Tuesday. While the players who faced Fluminense did physical training, the reserves participated in a training match against a team with the curious name: OK Performance.
The team, made up of unknown players who were unemployed, made things difficult for Flamengo. In the first half, they secured a tight 2-1 victory, with goals from Maxi and Obina. Then, with the lineups changed, Flamengo took off. Paulo Sergio (2), Ibson, and Éder completed the 6-2 rout.
The new additions to the training session were Kleberson and Ibson. Both missed the last two matches due to muscle injuries and are now available to face Figueirense next Saturday at Maracanã.
Flamengo trained with: Diego; Luizinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho (Thiago Sales) and Egidio; Jaílton (Romulo), Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi (Paulo Sergio) and Obina.
THROW
Marcinho talks about his moment at Fla
Flamengo player speaks confidently about the team and its future in the Brasileirão. It's the best start since '86
LANCEPRESS!\ Attacking midfielder Marcinho spoke during the morning training session at Gávea about his personal situation at Flamengo. The player started playing in midfield after Caio Junior's arrival. Under Joel, he was used up front. Even so, he is the team's top scorer this season. Regarding his new role, he said:\
"It's been a bit difficult at first. With the sequence of games, everything returns to normal. The most important thing is that I play, regardless of position. I always had it in my head that I had to work hard and look for my opportunity."
Regarding the team's strong performance in the Brasileirão, the player says he's happy with Flamengo's momentum. He emphasizes that it's been a long time since the club had such a strong start, and he urges the fans.
"Before I came to Flamengo, the team wasn't performing well in the Brazilian Championship, but they've been doing well since last year. The fans have to be satisfied with our work and should fill the Maracanã stadium on Saturday. The championship is long, and we're on the right track. We'll improve as the games go by."
Marcinho also commented on Fluminense. The Tricolor, which lost 1-0 to Flamengo, has been resting players due to the Copa Libertadores.
"Fluminense is focused on the Libertadores. Today we're aware of the importance of the Brasileirão. For them, it's the least important thing right now. If the other teams aren't appreciating it, that's their problem," he concluded.
Léo Moura becomes top scorer against Rio rivals
The full-back has already scored against Botafogo, Fluminense, and Vasco. In the last Fla-Flu match, he was the decisive scorer for the red-and-blacks.
Léo Moura celebrates against Flu
Cassius Leitao RIO DE JANEIRO
Rodrigo Benchimol RIO DE JANEIRO
A Flamengo fan since childhood, right-back Leonardo Moura knows all too well the impact that classic matches have on the club's well-being and the good mood of Flamengo fans. With this in mind, the player reached an important milestone last Sunday. He became the third player in the current squad to score against Flamengo's three main rivals (Vasco, Fluminense, and Botafogo).
Midfielder Jônatas and forward Obina are the others who have already scored against their archrivals. For Léo Moura, this feat has a special meaning, especially when it comes to derbies.
"I'm happy to know that I'm another player to reach this milestone. It's great to score in classics. With this goal in the Fla-Flu match, I was able to help Flamengo reach the top of the Brazilian Championship," he emphasized.
Despite deciding the last Fla-Flu match at the very end of the match, the right-back doesn't believe this was his most important goal against his eternal rivals since joining Flamengo. Interestingly, Leonardo Moura's unforgettable goal doesn't count toward the statistics because it was scored in a penalty shootout:
"Of course, that victory against Fluminense was remarkable. But what I consider most important was last year's Carioca final, when we had to decide on penalties against Botafogo. My shot was the last, I shot into the goalkeeper's right corner and helped Flamengo win the title."
Leonardo Moura, who coincidentally has played for the Rubro-Negro's three biggest rivals, has scored five goals in derbies for his beloved club. Three of them came against Botafogo. Vasco and Fluminense each conceded one goal.
Cristian believes in the Brasileirão being held in stages
The midfielder agrees with Caio Junior and is considering his next opponent. But he's confident of a strong campaign.
Cristian cautiously about the future (Credit: Paulo Sérgio Guimarães)
LANCEPRESS!\ Highly praised by the fans, midfielder Cristian is enjoying Flamengo's good run in the Brasileirão. In four matches, they have three wins and one draw. The red-and-blacks are already thinking about their sixth title, but caution is one of the player's virtues, as he only thinks about the next game.\
"We have to think step by step. Now it's Figueirense, and we have to respect them. Staying at the top is difficult. Everyone will want to knock Flamengo down. We'll give it our all to win this title that the club needs and the fans deserve."
In the victory against Fluminense on Sunday, Cristian started. But the midfielder, who has previously played as a third-choice defender, trusts the coach to decide who to field and where.
"It's Caio Júnior's choice. Being praised by the coach is very important. I'll try to hold onto my starting spot. Flamengo's midfield is well-served, and the coach benefits from that."
Juan and Léo Moura are decisive for Fla
Together, full-backs are responsible for 41,5% of Flamengo's goals this season. Sunday was no different.
Juan and Léo Moura, key players on the team
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo's goal in last Sunday's derby only confirmed a common trend in the Rubro-Negro's recent games. Once again, Flamengo's full-backs played a decisive role in the final result of a match.\
Juan, who plays on the left, won the penalty. And Léo Moura, who plays on the right, took the penalty with precision and sealed the game.
Since the start of the season, Flamengo has scored 65 goals and 27 of these (41,5%) were scored by one of the starting full-backs or came from passes from one of them.
Having scored six goals and provided six assists in 2008, Leonardo Moura hopes to maintain his good form and help Flamengo secure victories:
"The most important thing is to keep scoring goals and providing assists for teammates. That way, the team will be able to maintain consistency at the start of the season."
Flamengo wins training match this Tuesday
Paulo Sérgio scores twice in a 6-2 victory over Ok Performance. Éder scores again.
Paulo Sérgio stands out in training
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo beat Ok Performance, this Tuesday morning, by 6 to 2. The goals were scored by Maxi, Obina, Ibson, Eder and Paulo Sérgio (2). The young striker has not been getting opportunities among the main team and had a good performance in the training match.\
Éder, another player who hasn't been playing, scored again. He came on for Renato Augusto at halftime.
The team went onto the field with: Diego, Luisinho, Leonardo (Rodrigo Arroz), Dininho (Thiago Salles) and Egídio; Jaílton (Rômulo), Ibson, Kleberson and Renato Augusto (Éder); Maxi (Paulo Sérgio) and Obina.
Márcio Braga celebrates agreement with supplier
Flamengo president details contract with Vulcabrás. Club to receive R$180 million
Márcio Braga with the shirt with question marks
Flamengo has already announced a new sports equipment supplier. And it will be a profitable deal for the club's coffers, generating approximately R$180 million over the five-year contract. President Márcio Braga, in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes, expressed his satisfaction with the club's new partnership and discussed the company's new goals.
"Olympikus wants to produce Flamengo's complete line. We signed the best contract in our history and the best in Latin America. In addition to sports equipment, they will build 10 stores in shopping malls and a museum where our products will be sold," he stated.
Vulcabrás's Brazilian nationality also influenced the president's decision to partner with the company. Nike, a former supplier, is American.
"We chose Vulcabrás because it's a Brazilian company that will create jobs in our country. Furthermore, it's a very large group, with 32 factories and expected revenues of R$4 billion this year."
Flamengo successfully separated itself from Nike through legal action. Regarding the possibility of the North American company appealing the contract termination, the club's vice-president of legal affairs, Adalberto Ribeiro, said:
"There's no clause containing a three-month ban. We understand that Nike breached the contract, and the club considered it terminated. In fact, we've already signed a new sports equipment supplier," he told Rádio Brasil.