The Globe
Fla and Santos fight at Vila Belmiro for better days
Rubro-negro debuts Ibson and Joel Santana and may launch Maxi
SANTOS, SP. Flamengo and Santos, two giants of Brazilian football—together with seven Brazilian titles, three Libertadores Cups, and three World Cups—face off at 16 p.m. at Vila Belmiro, seeking redemption. For the Rio de Janeiro team, which is debuting coach Joel Santana and midfielder Ibson, and featuring Roger in the starting lineup for the first time, this is a key match.
In the relegation zone, with just 12 points, Flamengo must start a comeback now, or risk starting to really struggle in the Brazilian Championship. Joel's mission is the same as the one he faced in 2005: to get the team out of the danger zone. But now, instead of having eight games to play, he has a good margin: 26 matches.
Another new addition to the red-and-black team is Argentine Maxi Biancucchi on the bench. Santos, which hasn't lost to Flamengo at Vila Belmiro since 1976 (2-1, with a goal from current Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo), will be without Carlinhos and Rodrigo Souto, both suspended.
Santos: Fabio Costa, Marcelo, Domingos and Adaílton; Alessandro, Adriano, Dionísio, Rodrigo Tabata and Kléber; Marcos Aurélio and Kléber Pereira. Flamengo: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson and Roger; Renato Augusto and Obina. Referee: Evandro Rogério Roman (PR).
TRANSMISSION: Rede Globo and Rádio Globo
Fernando Calazans
The fourth premiere
How many times has Joel Santana made his Flamengo debut? The news spreads quickly in the sports section: today's, in a dangerous match against Santos at Vila Belmiro, will be Joel's fourth "debut" in the Flamengo tunnel. Before that, he worked at Fluminense, and wasn't very successful, delivering poor results. However, Joel retains the fame and prestige of having been "The King of Rio."
State champion in all clubs, Joel Santana was the coach who, during good seasons, led the best teams here.
The Flamengo he's returning to today is far from a good team. It's suffering, suffering greatly, with the numerous dreadful signings made by the current administration, signings inspired by the "Ipatinga" phase the club experienced and still experiences.
Reader Sérgio Cardoso takes the trouble to list, by position on the team, more than 80 players hired during this administration, a number I can't reproduce here because it would take up space for my colleagues working in the sports section. But there are interesting names like Valentim, China, Dimitri, Augusto Recife, Goeber, Marabá, Deni, Dimba, Dill, Josafá, Peralta, Jajá, Eder Daloon, Lugão... What happened to so many players, my God, that after all this, the team ended up in the relegation zone of the Brazilian Championship, in second-to-last place?
The question remains: will Joel be able to collect survivors from among this wreckage to assemble a team capable of leaving the unwanted zone?
Compared to the names above, the level of signings (few) has actually improved considerably. Íbson is a good player (in this Flamengo midfield, that's for sure). Roger can also help Joel, at least until the day he decides to put on his flip-flops or compete in the Campeonato da Ilha de Caras. Fábio Luciano, I don't know how he is doing, having been away for so long, but I've seen him play well here in Brazil. Who knows?
Joel will have his work cut out for him, a lot of it. The main thing, if it were up to me, would be to make Flamengo play like Flamengo, and not like the honorable but modest Ipatinga.
So Vasco hasn't gone back to playing like Vasco? Why can't Flamengo play like Flamengo? Yes, they can.
Renato Mauricio Prado
Joel Santana makes his Flamengo debut, facing Santos, led by Vanderlei Luxemburgo, at Vila Belmiro.
It's not quite the quarry it was in the past (because, without Zé Roberto, the "fish" lost a lot of its talent), but it's still an indigestible game.
The red-black team will only have one player in attack, but Joel guarantees that the team will not be defensive:
- My full-backs are moving forward, Ibson is too, Roger has very attacking characteristics, and Renato Augusto will play alongside Obina. We have a lot of respect for Santos, but we're going for it.\To be confirmed.\
Sports Journal
Fla will have absences against Santos
Team goes to Vila Belmiro without Souza, Moises and Léo Medeiros
Striker Souza is one of the absences in Joel Santana's return to Flamengo
Flamengo will face Santos this Sunday at Vila Belmiro, at 16 pm, in the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship. The team from Gávea isn't doing well in the competition and needs an away win to try to escape the relegation zone. Flamengo has 12 points and the same number of matches played. Corinthians, the first team outside the relegation zone, has 17 in 15 games.
Newly appointed coach Joel Santana will be without Souza, Moises, and Léo Medeiros for this game. The forward and midfielder are experiencing pain in their right thighs, while the defender has an injured right knee.
The team that will take to the field will be: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger and Renato Augusto; Obina
Double dose of re-release
Flamengo faces Santos, at Vila Belmiro, in a game that marks the return of Joel and Íbson
Thiago Bokel
Joel Santana gives instructions to Íbson and Renato Augusto
After a busy week, which began with the dismissal of coach Ney Franco and the arrival of Joel Santana, Flamengo faces Santos today at 16 p.m. at Vila Belmiro in the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship. Sitting in second-to-last place in the standings with just 12 points, the team desperately needs a positive result to ease the tense atmosphere hanging over Gávea.
The big problem is that Flamengo has never beaten Santos at Vila Belmiro in the Brasileiros. Their only victory came in a friendly match on July 21, 1976, when the red-and-blacks won 2-1, with the winning goal scored by then-unknown full-back Vanderlei Luxemburgo, now Santos' coach.
In the quest for better days, Flamengo fans will see two major changes to the team today. The first is on the bench, with Joel Santana in his fourth stint with the club. In his previous three stints at the club, the coach never lost in his debut. There were two wins and one draw.
The second new development will be seen on the field. Midfielder Ibson, a revelation from the club's youth academy who previously played for Porto in Portugal, will experience the sensation of wearing the red-and-black jersey again after approximately two and a half years away from Gávea. However, it's not yet known whether Ibson will be able to play the entire match, as he hasn't played in an official match in exactly three months. His last appearance was on May 5th, against Nacional da Ilha da Madeira.
Another player who could also feature during the match is Argentine Biancucchi, who has already been registered and will be an option on the bench. The unknown cousin of Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been showing great agility in training and claims to have already adapted to Rio de Janeiro.
With the spirit of a completely renewed team, with a new tactical scheme, the 4-5-1, Flamengo intends to surprise Santos, to begin a run that will take the team out of the relegation zone and bring prosperity to Gávea.
Old news in Gávea: Souza won't play
Souza is out of another Flamengo game in the Brazilian Championship
Coach Joel Santana received some bad news after yesterday morning's training session at Gávea. Striker Souza, who was expected to be on the bench but likely would have been used in today's match, as Obina is not yet in peak physical condition, felt pain in his right thigh and did not travel with the rest of the group to Santos.
This isn't the best of times for the top scorer in the last Brazilian Championship. After arriving at Flamengo as a major signing this season and playing a key role in the team's Carioca title triumph, Souza has only scored once in this season's Brazilian Championship, having been sent off twice and missed seven of the team's 12 matches in the competition.
Souza had already been suspended for three games due to his red card against Figueirense. Since he received another red card against Grêmio, the striker could end up being sidelined for 120 days, a move that would virtually guarantee his departure from Gávea.
Flamengo's board is already considering loaning the player to a foreign club if the suspension is actually lifted. A possible trade with Espanyol was considered during the week to expedite midfielder Jônatas' arrival at Gávea. However, the Spanish executives declined to negotiate.
Aware that he may be living his final days at Flamengo, Souza is already showing the same enthusiasm as in the past. Coach Joel Santana, concerned about the athlete's emotional state, had a long conversation with him upon arriving at the club, attempting to revive his good form.
Joel makes several tactical changes
In just five days at Flamengo's helm, coach Joel Santana is already beginning to give his own face to the team, which was previously predominantly defensive under Ney Franco. Newly arrived at the club, defensive midfielder Cristian has already seen the changes the new coach has made.
"The team is faster, exploiting counterattacks with great speed. But I think this is also due to the characteristics of the new players who have joined. Now everyone has to 'carry the piano,' although Jaílton and I continue to be the main defenders," Cristian analyzed.
The division of responsibilities at Flamengo is so varied that Joel hasn't yet decided who will be the team captain for today's match. It's very likely that full-back Leonardo Moura, who recently wore the armband alongside Ney Franco, will continue in the role. However, the possibility of goalkeeper Bruno and midfielder Roger donning the armband hasn't been ruled out. The number 1 doesn't seem concerned about the indecision.
"It doesn't really matter, because on the field I'll guide my teammates whether I'm captain or not. I hope the group isn't worried about it either. We have to be aware that we can't stay in this position in the table," the goalkeeper hoped.
Léo Medeiros out of action at Fla
A starter in recent games alongside Ney Franco, midfielder Léo Medeiros was absent from training last Friday at Gávea. He suffered an injury to the adductor muscle in his left thigh and is undergoing treatment. The medical department expects him to be out for two weeks.
Defender Fábio Luciano, introduced on Thursday, walked around the pitch in his first training session with Rubro-Negro.
Cabo Frio defeats Flamengo
Goalkeeper Higuita, who was Cabo Frio's hero in winning the State Championship, had a good performance in the friendly match held in the city of Região dos Lagos. Photo: Disclosure
Solidarity spoke louder yesterday, when fans turned out in large numbers at the Cabo Frio Municipal Gymnasium to watch the charity match between the local team and Flamengo. The money raised will be used to pay for the treatment of little Victor, the son of Mangueira, the coach of Drogaria do Povo, who had an accident last month.
The fans' good deeds were rewarded with a well-fought match that ended in a 5-4 victory for the home team. The organizers left the stadium very pleased with the turnout. "About a thousand fans showed up at the stadium. We also noticed that many people bought more than one ticket to support Victor," said Carlos Magno, the local team's supervisor.
The match was balanced. Flamengo, with a new look, surprised the reigning Rio de Janeiro champions by playing on equal terms. Despite the loss, the game served to demonstrate the team's strength.
"The reinforcements we signed are performing better than expected. We have everything we need to have a good championship," said Rui Machado, Futsal Director at Gávea. Cabo Frio, meanwhile, felt the lack of matches and almost lost a home win. "Flamengo came with a good team and surprised us, as we hadn't played in a long time," said Rodrigo Barreto, coach of the Cabo Frio team.
CABO FRIO: Higuita, Daniel (1), Bruno Ciro (1), Tiago and Érick. Entered: Felipe Simas (1), Marquinho, Romulo Cabeça, Conrado, Vítor Hugo (1) and Wellington (1).\ Coach: Rodrigo Barreto.\
FLAMENGO: Breno, Sixel, Passarinho, Dudu and Hélcio. Entered: Michel (1), Marquinho (1), Gabriel (2) and Raphael.\ Coach: Cid Escarlate.\
Marcos de Castro
Bath-in-Cuia
Injustices
Marcos de Castro castro@jsports.com.br
The relationship between a soccer player and a club has never exactly been what you'd call a good one. And that relationship between a coach and a club, perhaps even worse. Flamengo rudely fired coach Ney Franco. In Ney's penultimate game, the team won against América de Natal in Juiz de Fora. Someone might say, "Oh, but América, etc., etc." It doesn't matter, a win is a win, and the club found it again in this match. Then came Corinthians, in São Paulo. Flamengo was trailing 2-0: with Ney Franco's changes, they equalized and almost won in the last minute.
Perhaps because of the previous victory, perhaps because of the brilliant comeback in this away draw against a big team, the fact is that Ney Franco was fired as soon as the game ended. Is that understandable? In his one year at Flamengo, he won the state championship, had a great run in the Copa do Brasil, and was on his way to rebuilding the club in the Brazilian Championship, after starting the season without half a squad, which only now could he field a full squad.
Joel Santana arrived. Very good, he's a top-notch coach. The fans welcomed him warmly. But the wound remains open from the way they kicked Ney Franco out. That hurts.
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."
Roger: 'I feel patrolled'
Midfielder talks about retiring in four years and vents: 'There is prejudice when a player talks to anyone on equal terms'
Marluci Martins
Rio - This will be Roger's first match as a Flamengo starter. And, just as he prepares mentally for the match against Santos, the midfielder is already planning his retirement: Roger, now 28, plans to play only four more games. Not that he's tired of football. What's killing his plans is the prejudice he considers himself a victim of. Back then, as a boy, his green eyes were an obstacle he had to overcome. Actress Deborah Secco's boyfriend, in a rant to 'Ataque', laments that his education and fluency make "people take everything the other way."
—Even with the skill you have, your hiring was surrounded by doubts. Is there any prejudice against you?
— Yes, there is. When a player starts appearing in another level, when a player talks to anyone on equal terms, they take it to the other side.
— Could this happen because you're dating a famous person again?
—I think so, but there's no way to choose that. It just happened. If I take Deborah (Secco) to a restaurant, a concert, or a play, there's always a photographer nearby. That's why I appear so often in magazines that aren't about football. And I don't even like giving interviews to these publications because I'm afraid of damaging my career. But no one can say I drink or go out dancing at night. I fulfill my obligations and schedule and eat well.
— Do you feel in any way patrolled?
"It pisses me off. I just want to play for four more years. The fact that I'm thinking about hanging up my boots when I'm 32 has a lot to do with it. I love what I do, I'm fulfilled, but I feel like I'm being policed. I turned professional early, at 17, and because of that, I lost a lot of time traveling and concentrating. I want to go to college to study Physics, a subject I always enjoyed in school. I was also good at Chemistry and Math."
— Does prejudice affect those who studied and were born into a good family?
—Not quite. I was raised by my mother and lived in a very humble building on Governador Island, right at the foot of Morro do Dendê. I rode the bus back and forth and only bought a car, a white, falling-apart Uno, when I became a professional. But I have an education. My mother gave me an education, and I know how to behave in any environment.
— Have you ever been told that players can't have green eyes?
— And how!!!! In the youth divisions, that's what I heard most. Now, nobody says that. I did well in my profession, right? But I'm getting older and my eyes aren't so green anymore (laughs).
— Are you getting married?
— I've been dating for eight months. We're not planning...
— Did your relationship with Adriane Galisteu end in friendship?
— It was an intense relationship, but I never spoke to her again. Each person reflects on it and then we'll figure out what to do.
— With your heart in order, what do you hope for professionally?
—Get Flamengo out of this difficult situation. I haven't played since April, when I got injured, and I'm just thinking about improving this team's quality so we can focus on a better qualification.
— Are you still missing out on establishing yourself in the Brazilian national team?
— There's still time, right? I have to get back to performing well, and Flamengo is putting together a good team.
— Are you still missing out on establishing yourself at a European club?
"I spent almost three years in Portugal (Benfica), and when I returned, leaving Brazil was no longer my goal. Financially, I'm a stable man. I achieved the standard here in Brazil that international football would have given me."
Sports Gazette
Joel debuts to get Flamengo out of the rut against Santos
Helder Júnior and Gazeta Press
Santos (SP) - Annoyed by the unexpected stumbles at Vila Belmiro throughout the Brazilian Championship, such as against Náutico and América-RN, Santos will return to play at its stadium at 16 p.m. this Sunday against Flamengo, in an attempt to learn from its own mistakes. The key to victory is patience. "It will be a tough game. Everyone who faces Santos at Vila Belmiro tends to shut down. We need to stay calm to take advantage of the best chances," commented right-back Alessandro, who was revealed by Flamengo itself. Goalkeeper and captain Fábio Costa goes further: "We don't need to worry about Flamengo, but only about ourselves. That way, we can win again at home."
Peixe is still trying to maintain the momentum from its victory over Atlético-MG at Mineirão Stadium in the last round and prove it can compete for a spot in the Copa Libertadores or even the title. However, in this Sunday's match, the team will still be without its most recent acquisition: Serbian Petkovic, who had a distinguished stint with the Rio de Janeiro club, has only just begun training to regain his best physical condition and has not yet been regularized.
Midfielder Pedrinho, who has been playing for Santos in the number 10 jersey, also doesn't know if he'll be available. He suffered a muscle strain in his left thigh and was already out of the victory over Atlético-MG. "Pedrinho still complains of pain in the area. But it will depend on ball training. It's very close, but you never know," speculated doctor Carlos Braga.
The solution coach Wanderley Luxemburgo found for the starting lineup against Atlético-MG is unlikely to be repeated. Kléber won't be moved to midfield because Carlinhos is serving a suspension, meaning the full-back will return to his original position. "But I'm available if the coach needs me," Kléber stated. Midfielder Rodrigo Souto is also out due to suspension, but young Adriano returns to the team after being sidelined for the same reason. Rodrigo Tabata is expected to return to Santos' playmaker position.
On the other side, Flamengo debuts coach Joel Santana, hired to try to pull the Rio de Janeiro team out of the relegation zone, where it sits with 12 points. Just as in 2005, the coach arrived to end a crisis amid poor results. The experienced coach admits he has a lot of work ahead of him, but expresses confidence that he can succeed in his endeavor.
"A team like Flamengo can't get used to losing. Traditionally, the club must always be fighting at the top. We'll work hard and hope the team can get a win this Sunday. We know it's not easy to beat Santos at Vila Belmiro, but other teams have done it in this Brazilian Championship, and we know we have what it takes," the manager recalled.
To secure three points in his debut, Joel Santana is betting on a team with five midfielders and just one striker. The coach wants to exploit the spaces left by Santos to counterattack. Confirmed in the starting lineup for the first time since joining Flamengo, midfielder Roger seems to be in tune with Joel's message.
"We'll play on the opponent's field, where they play very well, but in our current situation, we'll have to play with an open mind and go for the three points at Vila Belmiro," he noted. Joel Santana also made defensive changes for his debut. Irineu, who had been overlooked by coach Ney Franco in recent matches, has been given another chance and will partner Ronaldo Angelim.
Souza is injured and will not be on the bench against Santos
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo will be without striker Souza for this Sunday's match against Santos at Vila Belmiro. The player felt pain in his right thigh during Saturday's recreational training session at Gávea. He was immediately taken to the medical department and began treatment. He would be an option on the bench, as coach Joel Santana decided to field only one striker, and Obina was chosen. As a result, Souza may have played his last game for Flamengo in last Sunday's match against Corinthians at Morumbi Stadium. The athlete will be judged this Monday for his red card in the match against Grêmio, when he attacked opposing midfielder Tcheco twice. First, with an elbow to the face. Then, off the field, he slapped his opponent in the face.
He was charged with two articles, and the minimum sentence is 120 days. But to make matters worse, he's a repeat offender, having received a red card against Figueirense for assaulting an opponent. He was also suspended for three games on that occasion.
Depending on the outcome of the trial, Flamengo's board has already announced that it may terminate the athlete's contract.
PeléNet
'Kind' in the face of threats, Santos tries to expand Flamengo's crisis
Bruno Thadeu\ In Santos\
Santos hopes to improve its record against teams in the relegation zone and wants to put together another good run in the Brasileirão against Flamengo on Sunday at 16 p.m. at Vila do Conde. Second-to-last, the Rio de Janeiro club sees its "new" coach, Joel Santana, as its hope for redemption in the tournament.
Santos' home record against the teams in danger in the National Championship is poor. The team was beaten in Baixada by América-RN and Náutico, in 20th and 18th place, respectively. Juventude, in 17th place, has yet to play in Vila do Conde in the competition.
"With all due respect to Náutico and América, we couldn't have lost those games. I hope Santos has learned from this and overcomes Flamengo. It's interesting to know that Flamengo won't be left behind, as they're going through a difficult time and need to win to prove themselves to the new coach," analyzes Santos winger Alessandro.
Pleased with Santos' performance in the win over Atlético-MG on Wednesday, Vanderlei Luxemburgo is expected to stick with the 3-5-2 formation. Without Petkovic, the new signing, and with Pedrinho still a doubt, Kléber could be kept in midfield. To this end, Luxemburgo is considering using defensive midfielder Dionísio on the left (Carlinhos is suspended).
Adriano replaces Rodrigo Souto, who is serving a suspension. Another victory in the Brazilian Championship will restore the goal of finishing the first half of the season among the top four, emphasizes Fábio Costa.
"Apart from Botafogo and São Paulo, all the other clubs are in the mix in this Brazilian Championship. Santos plays its next two games at home. That's six points that could put us close to the top four," he noted.
The match at Vila marks a few debuts for Flamengo. Midfielder Roger makes his first start; Maxi Biancucchi, cousin of Barcelona's Lionel Messi, could be a reserve. After a stint with Porto-POR, midfielder Ibson makes his return in the red-and-black jersey.
In his fourth term as club manager (the previous ones were in 4, 1996, and 1998), Joel Santana introduced changes. With the shift to a 2005-4-5 formation, Obina plays alone up front. In defense, Irineu, relegated by former coach Ney Franco, gets a second chance.
Defender Moisés, forward Souza, and midfielder Léo Medeiros are out injured. Despite being at the bottom of the table, the Rio team feels "unfairly" for having played only 12 games. Even at a disadvantage, Flamengo still needs to address numerous shortcomings, Santana believes.
"I liked the team's performance in training. Roger will start for the first time, as will Ibson. The team will play differently, but there's still a lot to improve. Otherwise, we wouldn't be in second-to-last place," he acknowledged.
Souza claims thigh pain and will not travel with Flamengo
From the Editorial Team\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Joel Santana has one less player for the match against Santos this Sunday at Vila Belmiro. Striker Souza, who was scheduled to be on the bench, complained of pain in his right thigh after training this Saturday and will not travel with the red-and-black team.
The player reported the problem after the activity, having participated normally in the recreational training session held for all the athletes. However, after the training session, he left the field complaining of pain and will remain in Rio de Janeiro.
This Monday, the center forward will be tried in the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for his red card in the match against Grêmio. As he was mentioned in two articles and is a repeat offender, he is unlikely to escape a suspension.
If Souza doesn't travel, Joel Santana will at least have Argentine striker Maxi Biancucchi, cousin of Barcelona's Lionel Messi, on the bench. This is the first match in which the athlete, who previously played in Paraguayan football, has been included.
In the starting lineup, Ibson makes his return and will be joined in midfield by Roger, who will be starting for the Rio de Janeiro club for the first time. Up front, Obina will play alone in a 4-5-1 formation.
The Flamengo team to face Santos at 16 pm, at Vila Belmiro: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger and Renato Augusto; Obina.
BalloonSport
Souza banned from the match against Santos
On Saturday morning, the striker felt pain in his right thigh and was missing from the Fla bench.
Souza will not face Santos this Sunday at 16 p.m. at Vila Belmiro. Flamengo forward Souza will not be on the field for the match against Santos this Sunday at 16 p.m. at Vila Belmiro. He felt pain in his right thigh early in the recreational match played this Saturday morning at Gávea and was ruled out by the Flamengo medical department.
In addition to Souza, who would be on the bench, coach Joel Santana will also be without defender Moisés and midfielder Léo Medeiros, who didn't even train on Friday. They didn't take the field this Saturday at Gávea. Moisés is out due to pain in his right knee, and Léo Medeiros is experiencing pain in his right thigh.
Flamengo has already lined up with: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger and Renato Augusto and Obina.
Fábio Luciano sweats his shirt in Gávea
Defender, recently signed by Fla's board, runs around the field this Saturday
From news agencies in Rio de Janeiro
The latest signing by Flamengo's board, defender Fábio Luciano, was at Gávea this Saturday and ran around the field for an hour. He arrived at 9 a.m. and stayed until 10 a.m. sweating it out alongside fitness coach Ronaldo Torres.
At 10 a.m., coach Joel Santana gathered the players in the middle of the field and talked for 15 minutes. He then led a recreational session. Flamengo faces Santos this Sunday at 16 p.m. at Vila Belmiro in the 16th round of the Brazilian Championship.
Throw
Souza banned from the match against Santos
Moisés and Léo Medeiros are also out of the game
Souza felt pain in his right thigh during training this Saturday (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
LANCEPRESS!
Forward Souza will not be on the field for Flamengo's match against Santos this Sunday at Vila Belmiro. He felt pain in his right thigh early in the recreational match played Saturday morning at Gávea and was ruled out by the Flamengo medical department.
In addition to Souza, who would be on the bench, coach Joel Santana will also be without defender Moisés and midfielder Léo Medeiros, who didn't even train on Friday. They didn't take the field this Saturday at Gávea. Moisés is experiencing pain in his right knee, and Léo Medeiros is experiencing pain in his right thigh.
Flamengo has already lined up with: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Irineu, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson, Roger and Renato Augusto; Obina.
Joel doesn't care about his bad record at Vila
Flamengo coach highlights reaction in the 2005 Brazilian Championship
Edgard Maciel
Flamengo hasn't defeated Santos at Vila Belmiro in 31 years. In fact, Flamengo has never beaten Santos at the stadium in an official match. The loss against the São Paulo club, however, doesn't worry coach Joel Santana, who makes his debut as Flamengo manager this Sunday, at the opposing team's home ground.
"These numbers don't matter. Statistics don't matter. I hope to get another good win in the opening game," Joel said.
The coach hopes to start Flamengo's comeback in the Brasileirão this Sunday. He recalled his time in charge of the team in 2005, which helped save Flamengo from relegation:
- In 2005, when I debuted, we drew 2-2 with Juventude away from home after being 2-0 down. In the locker room after the game, the players felt like they could win. That reaction was the spark that helped us get out of the bad situation we were in, and we'll fight for that now too.
Joel has doubts about Fla's scheme
However, the coach has already announced the players who will face Santos.
Natalino still doesn't know what scheme he will adopt (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
Coach Joel Santana will play his first match as Flamengo's coach in the Brazilian Championship this Sunday, against Santos at Vila Belmiro. The coach's only question is what strategy to use against Vanderlei Luxemburgo's team.
radio l! - We're going with a game philosophy within a tactical system that we're putting into practice. We'll see which one fits our players best - he says. (Click and listen)
However, Joel confirmed the players who will start the match in Friday's training session.
Joel guarantees that Fla is ready to beat Santos
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo coach Joel Santana assures his team is ready to face Santos this Sunday at Vila Belmiro. The manager intends to reap the rewards of the work done throughout the week.
"I hope to get there and get a good result. We did well during the week. Now we just have to wait for the game and try to get the win," he says.
Joel hopes to erase once and for all the phase that Rubro-Negro was going through before his arrival, making the fans remember the good times they had when the coach passed through Gávea in 2005.
Juan applies to replace Renato at Fla
The full-back practices free kicks, but remembers that the squad has other good free kick takers.
LANCEPRESS!\ After training this Saturday, left-back Juan spent about half an hour taking free kicks with goalkeeper Paulo Victor. And he performed well.\
"I'm training for that. I'm a candidate to replace Renato on the penalty kicks. We still have other good takers, like Léo Moura and Roger," Juan recalled, hoping that whoever takes the penalty kicks can adequately replace Renato, who has transferred to Al-Nasr.
The midfielder left for Arab football in July and is still Flamengo's top scorer this season, with 13 goals.
Ibson reveals anxiety about his return to Fla
Midfielder says he's going to play video games to forget the match
LANCEPRESS!
Ibson will make his Flamengo debut this Sunday against Santos at Vila Belmiro. A native of Gávea, he played for Porto before returning to the club that made him his name, and he's eager to get back on the field.
"I'll have to find a way to relax so I don't have to think about the match. I'll play video games in the training camp because I'm so anxious," he said.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Ibson will play further forward, assisting Roger in setting up plays.