The Globe
A special game for Renato Augusto
After the disappointment at the U-20 World Cup, the player hopes to shine again at Fla
Photo caption: RENATO AUGUSTO (left), alongside Leonardo Moura, Ibson and Roger: meeting of Flamengo's elite
Márcio Tavares
Flamengo returns tomorrow, all at once, to coach Joel Santana and midfielder Ibson. Not to mention Roger, who will be playing his first match against Santos for the red-and-black team, starting from the start – he came on at halftime against Corinthians on Sunday. But the match at Vila Belmiro is also being seen as a return for Renato Augusto, who hopes to rediscover in the Brazilian Championship the joy of playing that eluded him at the U-20 World Cup.
It's the ideal game to mark the comeback of Renato Augusto, who embarked for Canada full of dreams, but the World Cup, in the end, ended up being a nightmare for everyone who dreamed of the international spotlight.
Psychologist says young man is ready to shine
The player, the board's darling, has been a source of concern since his return to Gávea because he seemed to be keeping his head down, despite his consistent assertions to the contrary. In fact, the 19-year-old, who traveled to Canada hoping to shine in a high-profile competition, returned feeling as though he had missed a golden opportunity to establish himself on the world stage as one of Brazilian football's most promising young talents.
To complicate matters, he found the team in the relegation zone and saw the dismissal of a coach who had given him a major boost in his career, Ney Franco. To make matters worse, he continues to be played out of position. His preference has always been midfield, not attack. Although he doesn't complain, all of this has taken a toll on him emotionally.
"He feels like he's turning things around," says psychologist Paulo Ribeiro. "I spoke with Renato Augusto this week. On a personal level, he's experiencing a moment of happiness. But the team's failure at the World Cup left him returning from Canada with a sense of unfulfillment. He felt he missed a great opportunity to secure his place in the competition. But nothing to an alarming degree."
For Joel Santana, Renato Augusto's rise is everything the coach dreams of. He knows the team needs to prove on the field that it has found the ideal formation. One of Joel's obstacles is the lack of rhythm of Ibson and Roger, who are responsible for fueling the attack, formed by Renato Augusto and Obina. Ibson hasn't played since May, and Roger played 45 minutes last Sunday. "This has to be gradual," says Joel.
Sports Journal
Fla scheduled to face Peixe
Roger, Ibson, and Obina. The three players who represent the red-and-black team's hopes for a comeback in the Brazilian Championship are in the lineup of coach Joel Santana for next Sunday's match against Santos at Vila Belmiro. The coach lined up the team in a 4-5-1 formation and stated that the players are ready to achieve a good result away from home.
"I enjoyed the training sessions. We had a very intense workload, and I think the players performed well. I was going to conclude this afternoon's training session with some set-piece work, but I tried not to push the group any further. Now, we'll see how the team performs out there," Joel said in a statement to Rádio Tupi.
The team that will enter the field for the game against Peixe is the following: Bruno, Léo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, Renato Augusto and Roger; Obina.
Joel Santana gets his hands dirty
Coach changes predecessor Ney Franco's entire scheme for the match against Santos
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
Joel Santana (R) talks to the players to explain the tactical changes
Less than a week into his tenure at Flamengo, coach Joel Santana is starting to get his act together. Knowing he'll face a tough match tomorrow against Santos at 16 p.m. at Vila Belmiro, Santana has changed his tactics. He's named defender Irineu in the starting lineup and will debut midfielder Ibson.
Roger will also have his first opportunity to start the match. Joel intends to truly tactically challenge the old fox, Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
"Many players have just arrived, and the team is still being formed. Football isn't a cake recipe that just needs to be baked in the oven. But we're going to seek victory at all costs," explained the manager.
Joel tested two formations in yesterday's training session at Gávea. The first, a 4-5-1 formation, beat the reserves 2-0, with goals from Obina and Juan. In the second period, the coach rested Roger and the Bahia striker, bringing Biancucchi and Paulo Sérgio into the starting lineup. With this new formation, the reserves won 1-0, with a goal from Leonardo, a fact that may have been decisive in the coach's decision to select the starting lineup: Bruno, Léo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger, and Renato Augusto; and Obina.
"I think I'll field the same team that started the training session. I started with just one striker and we scored two goals, then I opted for two up front and we conceded one. It's reasonable to say that we're more defensive if we play 4-5-1," Joel said.
Ace up your sleeve
The key asset in this scheme implemented by the coach will be the supporter Ibson. He will be responsible for marking when the team is defending and creating plays when attacking.
While the starting lineup had only one striker, the reserve was deployed more offensively. Four players in the position started the match: Paulo Sérgio, Leonardo, Biancucchi, and Souza, with only defensive midfielder Paulinho marking the midfield.
The main difference between Joel's Flamengo and Neymar's is speed. The new coach has been pushing his players to come out faster on the counterattack.
Ibson: 'Fla has to play like a big team'
Set to face Santos, midfielder Ibson will celebrate his return to Flamengo next Sunday at Vila Belmiro. And the player can't hide his excitement. A standout performer in recent training sessions, Ibson's only focus is on putting in a strong performance against Santos.
"May that day come soon. I spent three weeks distressed because I couldn't help my companions," he told Rádio Tupi.
The player laments Flamengo's current situation in the Brazilian Championship, in 19th place (relegation zone), but says it is time for the team to show its strength again.
"We're a little sad and upset to see where the team is. Now, we have to take advantage of the games in hand and enter the field like a great team," he emphasized.
Biancucchi eager to debut for Fla
Forward Biancucchi has a strong chance of making his Flamengo debut tomorrow against Santos at 16 p.m. at Vila Belmiro. Joel Santana hasn't confirmed this, but the player will be on the bench and is expected to be used throughout the match. In yesterday afternoon's training session at Gávea, the forward had a strong performance in the second period, playing in the starting lineup in place of Obina, who was rested. Coach Joel Santana praised the Argentine.
"Biancucchi is a new player. He's being watched in training. He's fast, quick, a true attacking player. I'm hopeful that if he comes in, he can show the good football he's been showing in training," said Joel Santana.
Flamengo is second-to-last in the Brazilian Championship, with 12 points from 12 matches. Biancucchi, who joined the club in early July, is hoping for the chance to showcase his technique to the Flamengo fans and help the Gávea club achieve a campaign worthy of its traditions.
"I'm really looking forward to starting to play alongside my teammates. I'm a little anxious about playing, but I'm calm. I've already adapted to the group, especially because they treat me very well. I'm sure that Flamengo will get out of the uncomfortable position it's in," said the player, who, in yesterday's training session, made the most of his individual moves, drawing applause after beautifully dribbling past defender Ronaldo Angelim while playing for the reserve team.
Friendly is the attraction before the State Championship
While the Futsal State Championship doesn't begin, the teams face off in friendlies to maintain their game rhythm. Today, it's Flamengo and Cabo Frio's turn to face off. The friendly will be held at the Cabo Frio Municipal Gymnasium and will begin at 11 a.m.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet two squads that will likely be fighting for the title. Cabo Frio, now under Rodrigo Barreto's command, wants to show that the Rio de Janeiro title was just the first of many. "We're going to fight for the three titles this semester: the State Championship, the Interior Games, and the Southeast Cup," stated Rodrigo.
Flamengo will introduce new faces, such as pivots Gabriel and Sixel, formerly of Vasco da Gama, and former Americans Hélcio, Rafael, and Vítor Magrão. "Flamengo is stronger now," assured coach Cid Escarlarte.
Iata Anderson
It's been a long time since I've seen a defensive player as skilled as Léo Moura on the field. I'm talking about him again after he was booed by the fans for throwing a ball out to assist the opponent. Against Corinthians, he received the Fair Play Trophy for this gesture. After that, he played the ball extensively. He has the humility to recognize his limits, the common sense to strive for improvement, and the awareness that he can go further. It's easy to play soccer, but it's difficult to be Leonardo Moura, a healthy role model. He must be a proud father, leaving such a great legacy for his son.
O Dia
FLA: An indigestible writing
The last red-and-black victory at Vila was 31 years ago. And with Vanderlei on the side
Marluci Martins
Rio - Flamengo hasn't beaten Santos at Vila Belmiro in 31 years. When they last won (2-1, in 1976), Vanderlei Luxemburgo was still a player, wearing the red-and-black jersey, and, ironically, scored a goal. Today, he's Santos' coach, and Flamengo's hope, against their former hero, is named Obina.
In his debut tomorrow as Flamengo coach, Joel Santana innovated: against Santos at Vila Belmiro, he will use only Obina up front. He hopes this won't mean isolating his striker.
“With Obina alone, I have more freedom to let my full-backs and midfielders loose,” argues the coach.
In training, it worked. While Obina was alone in attack, the starting lineup scored two goals: he and Juan both scored. When Joel replaced Obina with Paulo Sérgio and Roger with the Argentine Maxi, the reserves prevailed, and Leonardo scored.
"With two center forwards, the team became more vulnerable," observed Joel Santana, certain that he chose the best formation for tomorrow's game at Vila Belmiro.
Joel's star in yesterday's training session was Íbson. The midfielder, who hasn't played since May, was one of the standout performers and earned praise from the coach.
"He's a player with strong marking ability, but he also knows how to attack. He's a modern player," said Joel.
Íbson, who last wore the Flamengo shirt at the beginning of 2005, confessed to being anxious about tomorrow afternoon's return.
"I'm desperate for this day to come. I was anxious for three weeks, because I could only train without helping my teammates," he said. "It was difficult to see Flamengo in such a difficult situation and not be able to do anything to help," the supporter added.
Support visit
Coach Joel Santana was touched by the visit of veteran Júnior, who went to Gávea yesterday to wish him good luck.
"He and Zico always treated me with kindness and respect. Júnior came to give me a hug, and I think it's really cool that he did. Last time, in 2005, he called to congratulate me on my work. I have a lot of respect for Júnior," Joel said.
Espanyol asks high for Jônatas
Jônatas has been pushing hard to return to Flamengo, but Espanyol is unwilling to release him. In an interview with the newspaper 'Marca,' Paco Herrera, the Barcelona club's sporting director, assured that the player will only leave for €2,5 million (R$6,4 million).
"A loan isn't in our interest right now. If someone wants Jônatas, they should pay him so we can recoup the investment we made. If not, he has three more years on his contract with us and there's nothing more to say," said the Catalan club's director. Paco Herrera assured that, in a conversation with Jônatas, he warned him that his desire to return to Flamengo would not prevail.
"We spoke with the athlete and explained the situation. He has his reasons, and we respect them, but our decision has already been made," he said.
Not even the possibility of Souza—who will be tried tomorrow and could miss the Brazilian Championship—being involved in the negotiations moved the Spanish executives: "In December, at the end of the season in Brazil, we'll be able to talk about it. But right now, nothing is set in stone. Flamengo is in a bad spot and wants to strengthen its squad to have a good campaign. That's why they want Jônatas. But if they don't have the money, that's not our problem."
Souza is barred and will not face Santos
Club manages to register Ibson and Maxi Bianchucci with the CBF
Rio - This Friday, coach Joel Santana confirmed the suspension of striker Souza, who will be tried on Monday at the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for assaulting Grêmio supporter Tcheco. Obina will be the only striker against Santos at Vila Belmiro. If it's a suspension, Souza will face an even longer suspension, having already been tried for a red card in this Brazilian Championship.
Flamengo has successfully registered midfielder Ibson and forward Maxi Bianchucci with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). As a result, the Argentine will be on the bench as an option for the second half of the match in São Paulo.
Jônatas only returns to Flamengo permanently
Spanish players refuse to release the defensive midfielder
Rio - If Flamengo truly wants to sign defensive midfielder Jônatas from Espanyol in Spain for this Brazilian Championship, they will have to pay the full €2,5 million (approximately R$6,4 million). This news is already good news, as the Spanish club had previously denied any possibility of releasing the player to return to Brazil.
According to reports from newspapers "Marca" and "Sport," Espanyol's CEO Pedro Tomás and sporting director Paco Herrera said a meeting was held and the decision was made. The Spanish club refuses to release the player on loan, meaning Flamengo will only repatriate Jônatas if they buy his transfer.
"Our idea is clear. We want the player to stay here. We paid a fee for him, and he's a club asset. He must understand that he cost money and contracts exist to be respected. So, Jônatas stays," said Paco Herrera.
Sports Gazette
Lula blames past governments for the lack of incentives for sports
Brasília (DF) - After expressing solidarity with all the athletes who participated in the Pan American Games at a festive ceremony at the Planato Palace, President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva took the opportunity to once again criticize the lack of investment by previous administrations this Friday. According to Lula, no other administration has placed as much importance on sports as the current one. "Everyone who has served in the Federal Government, all the state governors and all the city halls, always put sports on the back burner. When they appointed someone to the Ministry of Sports, the only topic of discussion was soccer; they never gave the slightest importance to other sports," the president rebuked.
According to Lula, criticism regarding the spending on hosting the Pan American Games reflects the thinking of past governments. "We needed to show the world and ourselves that we have the ability to host an event like this and transform Brazil into an Olympic powerhouse," he added.
The President also assured Rio de Janeiro residents that the robust security system established in the capital, with the assistance of the National Security Force, will be maintained. "Rio tested a project that will be used again. The system can also be tested in other cities experiencing security problems," he promised.
Joel confirms team in 4-5-1\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - As expected, coach Joel Santana used Friday afternoon's training session to confirm that Flamengo will use a 4-5-1 formation in the match against Santos on Sunday at Vila Belmiro. In Friday's training session, Obina and Juan scored the goals in the starters' 2-0 victory. "I liked the team in training; the movement was good. I think we finished the training tactically. I was also going to work on set pieces, but I preferred to rest the team," said the manager.
Obina will be the only striker on the Flamengo team, overtaking Souza, who will be on the bench. Flamengo will start with the following lineup: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger, and Renato Augusto; Obina.
Coach asks for calm with Obina at Fla. Fábio Luciano excited.\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After several months recovering from a serious right knee injury, striker Obina surprised everyone by returning to Flamengo ahead of the deadline set by the club's doctors. The player has played in the Rio de Janeiro team's last two matches, but according to fitness coach Ronaldo Torres, the Flamengo favorite's conditioning is still not optimal. "People have to be a little patient with Obina. The fans can't put all that pressure, that burden on Obina, because he'll gradually improve," commented Ronaldo. On Sunday, in the match against Santos, Obina will be the only striker in coach Joel Santana's squad. Besides Obina, another player who will be on the field despite not yet being 100 percent physically is midfielder Ibson, who hasn't played since May. "I think he might start to feel a little tired around the middle of the second half, but it's all very natural given the fact he hasn't played in a long time," he added.
Ronaldo Torres took over Flamengo's fitness training only last Tuesday, when he returned to Flamengo alongside Joel Santana. The coach admits he's had little time to work with the players, but believes the team can already show physical improvement against Santos. "We've only had a short time to work, and we did a good job this week. The players complained a bit of muscle pain, which is normal, but they'll definitely be much better against Santos," he assured.
Midfielder Roger, who will start on Sunday and is also working to reach his best condition, approved of the intense week of training. "I think this faster pace in training is really good. We have to move a lot. Go, come back, and push ourselves to the limit until we can't take it anymore. Only then can we prepare well to get results," said the midfielder, who made his Flamengo debut last Sunday, coming on as a second-half substitute against Corinthians.
Defender Fábio Luciano, who was introduced last Thursday, is out of this Sunday's game and remains in Rio de Janeiro to improve his fitness. Despite having signed a contract only until the end of the Brazilian Championship, the player denies using Flamengo as a stepping stone to return to European football. "I want to help Flamengo during this difficult time; I have no intention of leaving here. Flamengo is big enough, and there's no better place to be with such a large fan base," emphasized the defender, who took the opportunity to confirm that he has fully recovered from pubic surgery.
At 32, the player arrived at Gávea with high morale, having had his signing approved by coach Joel Santana. "Fábio will start when he's fit, but I don't know yet who he'll replace. We didn't go far to find a backup," explained the red-and-black coach.
Still without Fábio Luciano, Flamengo travels to Santos this Sunday. Coach Joel Santana is expected to field his team with the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger, and Renato Augusto; and Obina. Flamengo, which has played only 12 games in the Brazilian Championship, has 12 points and is in second-to-last place. Even with a win against Santos, Flamengo will not escape the relegation zone this round.
"We don't have to think about the future. We're going step by step, pursuing our goals. The only thing I'm saying is that Flamengo is too big to get used to staying at the bottom of the table," said Joel Santana.
PeléNet
'Excess' of new developments at Flamengo worries Joel Santana
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Second-to-last in the Brazilian Championship, with 12 points—but four games in hand over most of its rivals—Flamengo needs to beat Santos next Sunday at Vila Belmiro to begin its bid to escape the relegation zone. And for this match, the Rio de Janeiro team will have several new players. Even though he's the one who made the changes, coach Joel Santana admits he's concerned.
"The players are still arriving. Roger will start for the first time, as will Ibson. And the team will also play differently," commented the coach.
In addition to promoting Ibson's return and starting Roger for the first time, Joel Santana also changed the team's tactical formation. In place of former coach Ney Franco's 4-4-2, he introduced a 4-5-1.
Thus, Souza was benched, leaving Obina as the team's only striker. The coach also made a defensive change: defender Irineu, who was benched by Ney Franco after scoring the own goal that sealed the red-and-black defeat to Grêmio, returns to the team in place of Moisés.
"I liked the team's performance in the first part of training, but there's still a lot we need to improve. Otherwise, we wouldn't be in second-to-last place," said Joel Santana.
To compensate for the potential lack of chemistry, the coach promises a very "catchy" team. In training sessions this week, the coach demanded a lot of commitment from the team in marking.
Therefore, he gave a preview of what Flamengo's performance against Santos should be like. "I want a strong team in defense, but with joy when playing. If we can achieve this performance on the field, it's a good result," he said.
Joel defines Flamengo's team for the match against Santos
Vinicius Barreto Souto\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After a week of training to get to know the group, coach Joel Santana named Flamengo's starting lineup for next Sunday's match against Santos at Vila Belmiro in the Brazilian Championship. In addition to the coach, midfielder Ibson has also confirmed his return.
Another player who will start for the first time is midfielder Roger, who made his debut last Sunday against Corinthians, coming on in the second half. In defense, defender Irineu, who was dropped by former coach Ney Franco after scoring the own goal that sealed the defeat to Grêmio, returns to the team.
In attack, Souza was left out. Flamengo's only forward, who will play in a 4-5-1 formation, will be Obina. During Friday's training session at Gávea, Joel repeated the starting lineup he trained with throughout the week, but the coach only confirmed the team this afternoon.
"This team that did the first part of the training will be the one that starts the match on Sunday", confirmed Joel, who will line up Flamengo with Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, Renato Augusto and Roger; Obina.
Starters win 2-0\ Thus, the fans are highly anticipating the debuts of Ibson and Roger as starters. Especially since the two were the team's standout performers in Friday's training session, which the starters won 2-0. The goals were scored by striker Obina and left-back Juan.\
In the second part of the activity, Joel put forward Paulo Sérgio in place of Roger (to save the reinforcement) and Argentine attacking midfielder Maxi Biancucchi in place of Obina - who was also preserved.
As a result, striker Souza appears to be undervalued by the coach. Despite this, Joel said he will include last year's Brazilian Championship top scorer on the bench.
Botafogo president says Fla is welcome at Engenhão
Cizenando Cipriano\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Last Wednesday, when Botafogo president Bebeto de Freitas submitted the club's proposal - the only one presented - to manage the João Havelange Olympic stadium, the Engenhão, in the bidding process promoted by Rio de Janeiro city hall, Flamengo's president, Márcio Braga, accompanied him.
This Friday, when the transfer of the management of the sports equipment to Botafogo fans was made official, the team's director explained the support provided by Braga and the meaning of the term "partnership", used by the red-black team at the time to justify its presence at the event and its interest in the success of the black-and-white offer.
"It was an act of solidarity from him, Márcio, with all the work we're doing. This is very important for Botafogo. The management of Engenhão will be solely ours; there's no other option in this regard. But of course, if Flamengo intends to play there, the stadium will be open," commented Bebeto de Freitas.
The General Severiano club, through Companhia Botafogo, created to represent it, partnered with a European bank and a company (also European) specialized in managing sports arenas to take control of the project for the next 20 years.
The stadium was built specifically for the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, which took place in July. Before being made available to the Rio de Janeiro team, however, the Engenhão stadium will host the Parapan American Games from August 12th to 19th.
BalloonSport
Fla regularizes Ibson and Maxi
Both appear in the BID and both go to Santos for Sunday's game
Eduardo Peixoto
Maxi Biancucchi is ready to play
The debut of Ibson and Maxi Biancucchi depends solely on Joel Santana. This Friday, both were regularized and are eligible to face Santos next Sunday at Vila Belmiro.
Flamengo had the two players' documentation ready, but were only able to register them this Friday because it was the official opening day of the foreign transfer market.
- I'm very happy and I want to play soon - says Maxi Biancucchi.
The Argentine will be on the bench. Ibson, in turn, will wear Flamengo's number 7 jersey against Santos.
Holders win collectively
Obina and Juan score the goals. Roger and Ibson organize Flamengo's midfield.
Eduardo Peixoto
In the final training session before the match against Santos, Flamengo's team left fans optimistic. With a strong midfield performance, the starters defeated the reserves 2-1, with goals from Obina and Juan. Leonardo pulled one back for the reserves.
The highlight was the participation of the duo Roger and Ibson. The two worked well and provided especially good support to the full-backs. Obina opened the scoring, and after a cross from Leonardo Moura and a deflection from Anjo Negro, Juan headed in the second. Flamengo trained with: Bruno; Leo Moura, Ronaldo Angelim, Irineu and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger and Renato Augusto; Obina.
In the second half, Joel took off Roger and Obina and brought on Paulo Sergio and Maxi Biancucchi. Leonardo took advantage and reduced the deficit for the substitutes.
"I enjoyed the training session. Initially, the same team I started will be fielded against Santos. We have a game plan, and the important thing is to play well and get a win right away," says coach Joel Santana.
Midfield fatigue is a concern
Ibson and Roger may not be able to play the full 90 minutes against Santos
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro, get in touch
\ Everything is going well in Flamengo's training sessions. The new midfield, Ibson and Roger, are getting along. However, there's an invisible enemy that could harm the team in the match against Santos: fatigue.\
The two haven't played 90 minutes in a long time. Roger says that if he gets tired, he won't hesitate to ask to leave:
- I don't know how long I can last, but I'll try to help Flamengo as best I can. If I get tired, I'll leave, no problem.
Against Corinthians last Sunday, Roger played the entire second half. Joel Santana knows there's no point in keeping him on the field exhausted.
- He's the brains of the midfield, but if he gets tired he'll stop being a thinking player - declares the coach.
Ibson recalls that he spent three weeks of nearly full-time training leading up to the debut. Although he knows he's behind his teammates, he believes he'll be able to play the entire match.
"We've had weeks of intense training. I think we can handle it," he declares. Flamengo fans hope so, too.
Fla says Maycon Santana is back
The board guarantees that in 45 days the internet star will be at the training center
Flamengo has scheduled the return of young Maycon Santana for mid-September. According to an official statement released by the club, the "internet star" has been released to spend 45 days in Adustina, in the interior of Bahia.
The extended vacation was due to the youth and junior team's tour. According to Flamengo, there will be no training for the 15-year-old during this period.
He arrived at the club after officials received a flood of emails alerting them to a YouTube video of the boy. Last Thursday, a colleague told GLOBOESPORTE.COM that Maycon asked to return to Bahia because he missed his family.
Women's football gains ground in Gávea
Marta and company's success prompts club to open school for teenagers
Flamengo has decided to embrace the cause of women's soccer. Starting August 7th, the club will offer girls spots at its soccer academy.
However, there are a number of prerequisites for aspiring Marta: being a club member, being 13 years old, presenting a medical certificate, and wearing a uniform. According to the schedule, classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 14 p.m. in Gávea.
Espanyol only releases Jônatas for €2,5 million
The Catalan club's sporting director says he will not accept negotiating the player on loan.
Espanyol makes signing Jônatas even more difficult
After announcing on their official website that midfielder Jônatas would not be loaned to Flamengo, Espanyol officials are hinting at the possibility of negotiating the player. In the Spanish newspapers "Marca" and "Sport," the club's sporting director, Paco Herrera, and CEO Pedro Tomás, confirmed that a meeting held on Wednesday decided that the athlete would remain in Barcelona.
"Our idea is clear. We want the player to stay here. We paid a premium for him, and he's a club asset. He must understand that he cost money, and contracts are there to be respected. So, Jônatas stays," says Paco Herrera in an interview with the newspaper "Sport."
However, the Catalan club would be willing to negotiate the player for €2,5 million (R$6,4 million). The sporting director claims that Jônatas asked to be loaned to Flamengo, but the response was negative.
"A loan isn't in our interest right now. If someone wants Jônatas, let them pay him so we can recoup our investment. If not, he has three more years on his contract with us, and there's nothing more to discuss. We spoke with the athlete and explained the situation. He has his reasons, and we respect them, but the decision has been made," he revealed to the newspaper "Marca."
Jônatas didn't adapt to Espanyol's squad and asked to return to Brazil, to Flamengo. This Wednesday, Flamengo considered the possibility of selling striker Souza for the defensive midfielder. Apparently, the Barcelona club's sporting director is unaware of the Rio de Janeiro club's interest.
"We can consider a trade, but these are complicated transactions. In December, at the end of this season, we can talk about it. But right now, nothing is set in stone. Souza? I don't think Flamengo will accept him coming now. The team is in a bad phase and wants to strengthen itself well to have a good season, which is why the club wants Jônatas. But if there's no money, that's not our problem," he says.
Throw
Fábio Luciano is only expected to debut in 15 days
Fla's physical trainer has already prepared a special plan for the player, who has not played since last April.
Edgard Maciel de Sá
Signed as a solution for the Rubro-Negra defense, defender Fábio Luciano hasn't played since April, when he was playing for Cologne in Germany. Lacking match fitness, he didn't participate in Friday's training session, only running around the pitch.
According to Flamengo's fitness coach, Ronaldo Torres, the player will be available to coach Joel Santana in two weeks.
"We've already done all the tests and starting tomorrow (Saturday) we'll have something more concrete. But I can say that in another two weeks he'll be cleared to play," Torres assured.
The trainer also explained the special work that will be done to get the defender in shape as quickly as possible.
"I've already prepared a special training plan for him. Fábio will train full-time on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday... Our assessment of him has made significant progress after the isokinetic evaluation, which assesses muscular balance. From what I've seen, he's doing well in this area, which could even speed up the process," he said.
Following the fitness coach's predictions, Fábio Luciano will now be fit to play in the match against Palmeiras on August 19th at Parque Antática.
Ibson wants Jônatas at Fla right away
LANCEPRESS!
Ibson, recently signed by Flamengo, can't wait to reunite with Jônatas, with whom he previously played for Flamengo. Ibson, who highlighted the delay in finalizing his former teammate's signing, emphasized that it would be important to leave the Espanyol (ESP) midfielder free to negotiate his fate at this time.
Souza's defense begins to be prepared
Striker will be tried next Monday for his expulsion against Grêmio
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Striker Souza's trial will be next Monday, at 18 pm, at the First Disciplinary Committee, but Flamengo's board is already working on the player's defense.
Souza elbowed Grêmio supporter Tcheco and then punched him after he was already off the field. He was charged with violating Article 253 (physical assault against the referee or his assistants, or any other participant in the sporting event) and Article 254 (violent play).
If convicted, the Flamengo striker's minimum sentence is 120 days, and he would be out of the Brazilian Championship, which ends on December 2. After serving 60 days, the defense can try to convert the remainder of the sentence into social actions.
According to legal director Michel Assef Filho, the defense is studying the video to try to get the attacker off the hook. Assef believes Souza's testimony on Monday will be crucial. The defense will also bring a witness and use a video of Tcheco, who claims he faked receiving the elbow.
Argentinian Maxi hopes to make his debut by scoring a goal
Striker reveals anxiety for his debut with the Fla shirt
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After coming into the starting lineup in the second half of Friday's training session, Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi revealed he's excited about his debut for Flamengo. He also said he hopes to start scoring goals.
"I'm very happy and calm. I was well received by the group, which is great. Of course, I'm anxious, but I'm in good physical shape and hope to score a goal on my debut," said the Argentine.
Coach Joel Santana took the opportunity to praise the striker's characteristics.
"He's a very fast player, and if he comes on during the match, he'll have a good game. He has dynamic football, which is very important in today's sport," the coach explained.
Joel's starters win collectively in Gávea by 2 to 1
Obina and Juan scored, while Leonardo scored
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Flamengo's starting lineup won Friday's training session at Gávea, 2-1. The team performed well in the first half, which ended 2-0 for the main team, with goals from Obina and Juan.
In the second half, coach Joel Santana replaced Obina and Roger with Paulo Sérgio and Maxi Biancucchi and the reserves ended up scoring with Leonardo.