THE GLOBE

Joel is just waiting for Diego Tardelli to line up Fla

Rubro-negro will know tomorrow if the striker's documentation is regularized with the CBF and Ferj

Flamengo resumed activities this Carnival season after a Sunday off, with changes expected in several areas. While the board is tying up sponsor changes (Nike is expected to give way to Lotto for sports equipment), on the field, coach Joel Santana is beginning to confirm the substitutions he announced on Saturday, following the rout of América.

Joel is taking advantage of his excellent start to the season, with five consecutive wins—a first since 2003 under Evaristo de Macedo—to test his options on the bench this Thursday against Volta Redonda. He confirmed Rodrigo and Kleberson in place of the suspended Fábio Luciano and Toró. At right back, Luizinho replaces Leonardo Moura, who is with the Brazilian national team in Dublin.

The other change is expected to be Diego Tardelli in Marcinho's place. The change, however, still depends on bureaucratic details that will be defined by the CBF and the Rio de Janeiro Federation tomorrow. If the documentation is in order, the team will be as follows: Bruno, Luizinho, Rodrigo, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jailton, Jônatas, Kleberson, and Ibson; Diego Tardelli and Souza.

Despite scoring three goals on Saturday, Obina remains on the bench. Pleased to no longer face the old criticism that he's overweight, the Bahia native stated that he's enjoying his good form:

"I lose weight with every goal I score. It's always like that. People like to talk about it, but I'm calm. If I wasn't scoring, it wasn't my weight that was to blame, but rather the lack of opportunities and my playing pace," he said.

Until the game against América, Obina believed he was experiencing a run of bad luck. A run of bad luck that required support from his teammates.

"I even said to Souza, 'My ball just won't go in.' He told me to stay calm and he was going to score. And he did. I'm much more relieved," said Obina, who turned 25 on January 31.

THE DAY

Flamengo: With the team already qualified, Joel Santana will use the last rounds to test players

Rio - Having qualified for the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup, Flamengo will have some new players in its match against Volta Redonda on Thursday at the Maracanã. Therefore, coach Joel Santana began experimenting with tactical drills yesterday afternoon at Gávea. The coach replaced Marcinho in the starting attack.

The player didn't sit on the bench last Saturday because his situation hadn't yet been resolved. According to officials, he would already be cleared to face the team from the Steel City. Tardelli is expected to debut on Thursday.

With Leonardo Moura in the national team, and Fábio Luciano and Toró suspended, the coach named Luisinho, Rodrigo, and Kléberson among the starters. "This is the first time I've been able to field players who were improving physically. It's important to be able to give everyone rhythm. I liked their defensive posture and also their approach to the game. I'll see how the team performs in training tomorrow (today) and then confirm the starting lineup," said Joel.

Despite scoring three goals against América, Obina started the game as a substitute, but didn't make any demands. "I have no reason to demand anything. I'll keep working to one day be a starter and then stay," he mused.

Flamengo's youth team, three-time state champions, drew 1-1 with Boavista yesterday at Gávea. This was the third draw in five games for the Flamengo team, which sits in third place with nine points.

Obina does not demand a place among the starters

Rio - The three goals scored in the 4-0 victory over América didn't take away Obina's composure. The striker assured today that he will never demand a starting spot from coach Joel Santana. For him, the group's focus must be solely on helping the team throughout the season.

"I recognize the good work that players like Souza and Marcinho have done. My goal is to continue helping the team and scoring goals when I can. I have no reason to demand anything. I will continue working to be a starter in a team and then stay in the game," commented the striker.

Coach Joel Santana made a point of highlighting Obina's importance to the red-black squad.

"He's not a starter or a reserve. He's a wild card we have and has played more than some starters. Obina knows his importance to Flamengo and so he will continue to be as important as he has been until now."

SPORTS GAZETTE

After ending his three-goal drought, Obina is not pressing for a spot\ Gazeta Press\

Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo fans' idol, Obina broke his spell after five months without scoring, scoring three goals in a 4-0 rout of América on Carnival Saturday. The result kept the Flamengo team with a 100% record in Group A of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the Campeonato Carioca, and a spot in the semifinals guaranteed. Despite this, the striker is not considered a starter, and Marcinho and Souza are expected to continue as the starting duo in Thursday's match at 19:30 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã, against Volta Redonda. Nothing to worry the player.

"My concern is to help the team when I can get on the field and score goals. The drought was making me upset, as even my family was starting to demand it. But I want to be always available. Joel Santana knows what he's doing and can count on me whenever he needs me," said Obina.

The player, however, ruled out that his continued presence on the bench was due to him sharing Souza's characteristics, which would prevent the two from playing together. "Against América, we played together, we moved around a lot, and I think it worked out well. So that has nothing to do with it."

Despite maintaining the attacking duo, Flamengo will undergo changes. With midfielder Toró suspended due to a third yellow card, Kléberson will start in the match against the team from the Steel City. Defender Fábio Luciano, sent off in Saturday's match against América, will also be out, and Rodrigo will get a chance, while Léo Moura, who is with the Brazilian national team, will be replaced by Luizinho.

With that, Rubro-Negro should form with: Bruno, Luizinho, Rodrigo, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Jônatas, Kléberson and Ibson; Marcinho and Souza.

The squad trained on Monday, when they returned, but the team will only be defined in Wednesday's tactical training.

PELENET

Diego Tardelli trains with the starters this Monday at Flamengo

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

After a Sunday off, Flamengo's players returned to training as usual on Monday afternoon. Joel Santana led a tactical training session and named Diego Tardelli in the starting lineup, replacing Marcinho.

Diego Tardelli is expected to start the game against Volta Redonda on Thursday.

This Thursday, Flamengo, already qualified for the semi-finals of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship, faces Volta Redonda, at 19:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in the sixth round of Group A.

In the other positions, right-back Luizinho replaced Leonardo Moura, who is with the Brazilian national team. Defender Fábio Luciano and midfielder Toró, both suspended, were replaced by Rodrigo and Kléberson, respectively.

During the move, the red-black coach took off Jaílton and put Cristian in, opening up the possibility of resting some starters, as Flamengo is just playing through the fixtures until the end of the qualifying phase.

Therefore, the team can face Volta Redonda with the following formation: Bruno, Luizinho, Rodrigo, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton (Cristian), Jônatas, Kléberson and Ibson; Diego Tardelli and Souza.

Obina: "This is not the time to create controversy"

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Obina was the star of Flamengo's 4-0 victory over América last Saturday in the State Championship. Having scored three goals, the striker was expected to earn a starting spot. However, the Flamengo fans' favorite will remain on the bench.

Obina says this is not a time for controversy

This Thursday, Flamengo, already qualified for the semi-finals of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship, faces Volta Redonda, at 19:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, in the sixth round of Group A.

"I'm calmly on the bench. I just want to help the team. When Joel Santana needs me, I'll be ready. This isn't the time to create controversy," he emphasized.

During Monday's training session at Gávea, Joel Santana ruled out Marcinho and decided to bring on Diego Tardelli. During this move, the Flamengo coach never included Obina in the starting lineup.

In the other positions, right-back Luizinho replaced Leonardo Moura, who is with the Brazilian national team. Defender Fábio Luciano and midfielder Toró, both suspended, were replaced by Rodrigo and Kléberson, respectively.

Therefore, the team can face Volta Redonda with the following formation: Bruno, Luizinho, Rodrigo, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Jônatas, Kléberson and Ibson; Diego Tardelli and Souza.

Luizinho says he's ready to replace Flamengo's international player

From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\

Leonardo Moura remained with the Brazilian national team for a friendly against Ireland on Wednesday in Dublin. This means Luizinho will have a chance at right back for Flamengo in the match against Volta Redonda on Thursday at 19:30 pm (Brasília time) at the Maracanã stadium, in the sixth round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship.

As the starter is one of the red-and-black team's standouts at the start of the season, Luizinho hasn't been getting many chances under coach Joel Santana. However, the player hopes to perform well in Thursday's match.

"A strong group needs to have replacement parts. This is a great opportunity and I hope to respond. I promise to do my best," he told Rádio Brasil.

Luiz Antonio de Oliveira was one of Flamengo's signings for the 2007 season, after having had successful stints with Ipatinga and Cruzeiro. With his contract renewed for another year, the full-back is already planning his future.

"I'm very happy at Flamengo and that's why I decided to stay. But when my contract ends, I'll have to return to Cruzeiro, as I have a contract with them until the end of 2009," he concluded.

GLOBOESPORTE

Back at Marquês de Sapucaí, Joel parades for Mocidade Independente

After five years away from the pitch, Flamengo's coach returns in style, surrounded by his family. The coach guarantees that the team is very close to hitting its stride in the 2008 season.

Marcio Iannacca

Flamengo coach Joel Santana paraded for Mocidade this Carnival Monday, a feat he hadn't done in five years. Excited about the festivities at Marques de Sapucaí, the Flamengo coach named his favorites and discussed his return to samba school parades.

"It's been a while since I've been here. It's a beautiful festival. I liked Viradoura, Portela, and Mocidade did well. Vila Isabel is also beautiful, and we still have the Beija-Flor parade," the coach analyzes.

After discussing samba, the conversation with Flamengo's coach eventually turned to soccer. Aware that Flamengo is enjoying a good season, Joel Santana stated that the team needs to be careful in the next stage of the Taça Guanabara, the first round of the Campeonato Carioca.

"On paper, our team looks very good. Let's see if the other pieces fit together. We have to be careful in the knockout round. It's just one game, and anything can happen. We can't let up," says Flamengo's coach.

Interestingly, Joel Santana was in the box below where Romário stood with his friends. The red-and-black coach took the opportunity to chat with the short one.

"I went over to say hello to Romário. Interestingly, he's in the box above me. We had a chance to chat," says Joel Santana.

'I lose weight with every goal,' Obina jokes

Flamengo striker says that after scoring three times people will forget about the scales

Eduardo Peixoto

All it takes is for Obina to go a period without scoring for insinuations about his weight to start to surface. Not even statements from Flamengo's fitness coach, Ronaldo Torres, assuring that the striker is far from the "chubby" group, improve the situation.

But against América, Obina scored three goals (watch the video) and left the field shirtless. No one questioned his alleged "love handles."

"I lose weight with every goal I score. It's always like that. People like to talk about it, but I'm calm. If I wasn't scoring, it wasn't my weight that was to blame, but rather the lack of opportunities and my playing pace," declares the Bahia striker.

But before his breakthrough against América, the Flamengo player believed he was experiencing a run of bad luck. He missed two consecutive goals and lamented to Souza.

"I went up to Souza and said, 'My ball won't go in.' He told me to stay calm and I'd score. And it worked. I'm much more relieved. I got my belated birthday present," says Obina, who turned 25 on January 31st.

Joel tests Tardelli in the starting lineup

Despite scoring three goals, Obina is among the reserves in Monday's activity.

Eduardo Peixoto

With qualification for the Guanabara Cup semifinals secured, coach Joel Santana began experimenting with Flamengo. During a tactical drill on Monday afternoon in Gávea, the coach put Diego Tardelli in the starting lineup.

The player was not on the bench last Saturday for bureaucratic reasons. However, he is expected to be fit to face Volta Redonda on Thursday at Maracanã. He trained in Marcinho's place.

Despite scoring three goals against América, Obina started the game as a substitute. The other changes were expected. Suspended Fábio Luciano and Toró were replaced by Rodrigo and Kleberson, respectively. At right back, Luizinho replaces Leo Moura, who is on international duty in Dublin, Ireland.

Flamengo trained this Monday with: Bruno; Luizinho, Rodrigo, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Jônatas, Kleberson and Ibson; Diego Tardelli and Souza.

Fla has the best start since 2003

But, that year, the team lost the sixth match to Fluminense by 3-0.

Eduardo Peixoto

Obina scored three goals in the last game

Five consecutive wins right at the start of the season. Flamengo hadn't had such a positive start to a season since 2003. That year, under Evaristo de Macedo, the team achieved four wins in the State Championship and one in the Copa do Brasil.

Later, when they faced the first derby of the year, they fell badly. They lost 3-0 to Fluminense at the Maracanã. The team's main player was left-back Athirson. Up front, Jean, Zé Carlos, and Fernando Baiano rotated in the starting lineup.

The debut was against Friburguense and Athirson scored both goals in the narrow 2-1 victory. The following triumphs were over Americano (4-1), Volta Redonda (2-0), Cabofriense (2-1) and Botafogo-PB (4-1). The latter, for the Copa do Brasil.

This year, Joel Santana's team started the Carioca with five comfortable wins and secured a spot in the semifinals with two rounds to spare. Their next match will be on Thursday against Volta Redonda.

"Overall, it's fine. But our team hasn't quite gelled yet," warns the red-and-black coach.

THROW

Obina: 'If I were the coach, I would pick me'

Despite his good performance against América, the red-black striker will have to wait to be a starter for Flamengo

Obina is expected to be on the bench against Volta Redonda (Credit: Cleber Mendes)

LANCEPRESS!

Obina came on as a second-half substitute in the 4-0 victory over América last Saturday and scored three of the team's four goals. But even the striker's excellent performance didn't guarantee his starting spot in Flamengo's attack. However, the Flamengo fans' favorite, in a relaxed manner, disagreed with coach Joel Santana's decision.

"If I were the coach, I would pick me (laughs). But this isn't the time to create controversy, it's to help Flamengo in their quest for the title," joked the striker, who praised Diego Tardelli, a possible starter in the match against Volta Redonda:

"Diego Tardelli has great qualities, as do Marcinho and Souza. I have to always remain humble and keep working so that when I become a starter, I don't leave."

Coach Joel Santana explained the striker's situation:

"Obina isn't a reserve. He's a wild card. You (the press) can see that he's one of the players who's played the most. Obina needed those goals to regain his confidence."

Flamengo's darling is relieved to be scoring goals again

Obina says he took the weight off his shoulders after going five months without scoring goals

Obina prepares to score one of the goals against América (Credit: Cléber Mendes)

Cassius Leitao RIO DE JANEIRO

Guilherme de Paula RIO DE JANEIRO

When he came on for Marcinho at half-time in the match against América last Saturday, Obina never imagined that, in addition to getting Flamengo out of trouble, he would end their goal drought in style.

The striker hadn't scored since September 12, against Cruzeiro, in the Brazilian Championship, and he scored three straight away to put an end to the run of bad luck he was going through.

In an interview with LANCENET!, Obina did not hide his relief at finding the net again.

"For me, it was a belated birthday present. My family was asking for it, and thank God I scored three goals and helped Flamengo," said the striker, who turned 25 last Thursday.

Regarding the fact that he's constantly coming on during matches, Obina maintains respect for the coach's decision. He promises to fight for a spot on the team:

"I'll keep working the same way, with seriousness and dedication. When Joel needs me, I'll be ready to play."

Obina sees no problem in forming an attacking duo with Souza, despite the two having similar characteristics. The Flamengo favorite believes that their movement is good enough for them to command the attack.

"Against América, since I came on, we've both been looking for the game the whole time. We're capable of playing together without any problems. However, Flamengo has other players who can play in the starting lineup," he admitted.

Joel Santana: 'Nobody is a child anymore'

Coach says he didn't need to ask athletes to behave during Carnival\ LANCEPRESS!\

Carnival, which could be a source of concern due to the temptations offered by the Marvelous City, isn't a concern for Flamengo coach Joel Santana. After the rout of América, the manager expressed complete confidence in the players' good behavior during the festivities.

According to Joel, he didn't even need to ask his athletes to take care of themselves during Carnival because they were responsible men.

"No one is a child anymore. The trust has already been placed in them, and there was no need for a speech. Everyone knows what they have to do, and what bothers them is excess. No one would trade three or four days for a whole year," the coach stated.

Joel also recalled Fla's training schedule for this Carnival to highlight that it will be the start of the week like any other.

"We play on Saturday and have Sunday off. And we'll train on Monday and Tuesday," he said.

The Flamengo commander, however, admitted that he will have an active role in Rio's Carnival. Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel and Salgueiro were the schools chosen by Joel to parade this year.

Joel doesn't know if he will use reserves against Fluminense

The team will play the classic with Fluminense already qualified for the semifinals\ LANCEPRESS!\

Next Sunday, Flamengo will take the field against Fluminense in their first derby of the year, having already qualified for the Guanabara Cup. Three days later, they will make their Libertadores debut. Since they will be playing against a rival who has qualified for the semifinals, coach Joel Santana could rest his starters. But he prefers not to consider that at the moment.

"Let's first focus on Volta Redonda and see where we stand in the standings after that game. Then we'll focus on Fluminense. The decision about the team that plays against Fluminense won't be mine alone, but rather the coaching staff's," he said.

Flamengo faces Volta Redonda next Thursday, at Maracanã.