THE GLOBE
In Rio, Flamengo holds a motorcade.
In Rio, Flamengo celebrated their national title, won the day before yesterday with a 101-96 victory over Universo/Brasília in Brasília, with a parade of electric floats from the International Airport to Gávea. Along the route, the athletes waved and threw shirts and caps to the fans. In the streets, drivers honked their horns. The truck encountered some Fluminense supporters, but without incident.
"Flamengo is different. I had been a Brazilian champion with Telemar/Rio de Janeiro, but I hadn't experienced this before," said Marcelinho, who scored 40 points in the decisive game. "In the first two quarters of the final, I made a lot of mistakes, but I knew I would contribute in the end."
Visibly moved, coach Paulo Chupeta praised the Flamengo fans:
Yesterday (the day before yesterday), there were more Flamengo fans in the gymnasium than Brasília fans.
Flamengo prepares mission in Portugal for Ibson.
The future of the midfielder, who is returning to the team, worries the coach.
Photo caption: IBSON TRAINS at Gávea: half-time on Saturday, against Figueirense
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
After yesterday's training session at Gávea, coach Caio Júnior and Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, had a long conversation on the pitch. Midfielder Ibson was one of the main topics. The coach intends to bring him back into the team on Saturday against Figueirense, in one of the last four games before the end of his loan from Porto to Flamengo. However, Caio is concerned about the uncertainty surrounding Ibson's future. He learned that the situation will not be resolved for at least two weeks, when Kleber plans to travel to Portugal.
The punishment imposed by UEFA, suspending Porto from the next Champions League, has made the Ibson issue no longer a priority for the Portuguese club, which could delay negotiations. In the first contact made by Flamengo, Porto informed them that the problems preventing Ibson from playing for the club remain. Specifically, the coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, is the issue.
New injury puts Renato Augusto in doubt.
The Portuguese want to use Ibson as a bargaining chip in the European market. This, on the one hand, forces Flamengo to create a strategy to pay, with money or players, to keep the midfielder. On the other hand, it weighs heavily on Ibson's wishes, who may refuse offers from clubs where he does not want to play. So far, Greek clubs have shown interest in Ibson. São Paulo may be another interested party. Yesterday, Ibson warned that, in Brazil, he would only negotiate with Flamengo.
"We have alternatives and, in 15 days, I intend to go to Portugal," said Kleber Leite.
"It would be important for me and for the player to know in the coming days what will happen," said Caio Júnior, who is thinking about planning the team's future.
Another concern is with Renato Augusto. He was supposed to start on Saturday, but he's now doubtful due to muscle pain in his left thigh. In 2008, various injuries have plagued the midfielder, who has already had facial surgery, suffered muscle pain in his right thigh, and sustained a blow to his right leg.
"I'm upset because we planned everything with conviction, but he felt uncomfortable. We can't take any risks now," lamented Caio Júnior.
Without Renato Augusto, Caio trained the team with Marcinho and Souza in attack, fielding Toró, Cristian, Ibson, and Jônatas in midfield. He is also considering the possibility of starting Maxi, replacing Cristian or Jônatas.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Renato Augusto may miss Flamengo's match against Figueirense.
Midfielder Renato Augusto seems to be going through a turbulent phase in his career. Constant injuries have plagued the Flamengo player, who may miss the match against Figueirense on Sunday. The player left training last Tuesday complaining of pain in his left thigh and will be evaluated by the medical staff.
The problem for coach Caio Junior is compounded by this new injury to Renato Augusto, since Diego Tardelli, sent off in the Fla-Flu derby, will not be able to face Figueira. Thus, the options for the attack are reduced to Obina and Souza, as Marcinho would have to be the attacking midfielder if Renato Augusto is indeed out of the game.
Ibson participates in training and should play on Saturday.
Flamengo held a tactical training session and a team practice this Wednesday at Gávea. The only change was the inclusion of Ibson, who took the place of Diego Tardelli, suspended for the next match against Figueirense at the Maracanã. With this change, Marcinho was moved to the attack, where he will play alongside Souza.
In training, Flamengo lined up with: Bruno; Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Toró, Jônatas and Ibson; Marcinho and Souza.
Renato Augusto: Midfielder Renato Augusto felt pain in his left thigh and did not participate in training. His inclusion in the starting lineup this weekend is not yet confirmed.
Cristian says teams will do everything to bring down Flamengo.
File/JS
Aware that all teams will enter the game with the intention of stopping Flamengo, who are currently enjoying a good run in the Brazilian Championship, midfielder Cristian concluded that life for Flamengo in the competition will become difficult at the start of each round.
"Staying on top is difficult. Everyone will want to take Flamengo down. We're coming in with everything to win this title that the club needs and the fans deserve," emphasized the player, who also expressed confidence by indicating the Rio de Janeiro club as one of the four favorites for the Brazilian title.
"We've been working hard. We went through some difficulties last year. We know it's hard to be down there. We have to think step by step. Now, we're facing Figueirense and we have to respect them."
Flamengo is the runner-up in the Brazilian Championship, with 10 points. Cruzeiro has the same number of points, but holds an advantage over Flamengo in tiebreakers.
Emotion takes over all Flamengo fans.
After the final whistle, the Flamengo players were overjoyed and celebrated the title wildly on the court with the fans who had cheered the team on the entire time.
"We really wanted to make history and we finally did it. Now we can celebrate, we are Brazilian champions. We also want to thank this wonderful crowd that encouraged us the whole time," said point guard Hélio.
Coach Paulo Chupeta also celebrated enthusiastically with the fans, saying he believed in victory the entire time, even when the team was behind on the scoreboard.
"I told them that all they needed to do was stay calm, get our defense in order, and the attack would flow naturally. That's what happened at the end of the game, now it's just time to celebrate. I don't even know how to explain what I'm feeling, I don't know whether to cry or shout, it's so much happiness. I really wanted to be here with my wife and daughters, hugging them," said the very emotional coach, who will lead the Brazilian National Team in the South American Championship in July.
Julieta is training and will be a symbol of the Flamengo spirit.
Eduardo Vieira
Public Relations
Argentinian Julieta (E), next to Marina, poses with the flag.
Back at Flamengo, Argentine center and muse Julieta Kruger already feels at home and says she's ready for her debut in the Brazilian Women's Water Polo Super Trophy tomorrow at 16 pm against Paineiras at the Julio Delamare Aquatic Park. She has been training since Monday night and hopes to repeat the success of 2006, when she was state champion and won silver at the João Havelange Games.
"From what I've observed in training, the current team is stronger than the 2006 team. The presence of the Canetti sisters (Marina and Cecília) adds a lot of quality. I hope to play a good game against Paineiras and win," said Julieta, who had a long trip to Brazil.
The plane had problems and she had to make a long stopover in Curitiba, waiting 8 hours for her connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro. But in true Argentinian style, she didn't want to be spared and trained with her teammates. "I'm tired, but I want to get integrated quickly."
Julieta's presence tactically modifies Flamengo, which already has one of the national team's centers, Marina Canetti, who had a great season with Florentia in Italy. "I don't see any problem playing alongside Marina. I can drop back to the second center position and help the team. I just want to help Flamengo," commented Julieta, who plays for Fisherton in her home country, the runner-up in the Argentine Summer Championship.
Flamengo's main opponent will be Pinheiros, who are undefeated for 31 games or three and a half years and have stars like Camila Pedrosa, Melina Teno, Fernanda Palma, Flavinha and Luíza Carvalho. But nothing scares Julieta: “Nothing is impossible in water polo. The game is decided in the water. I know Pinheiros' marker (Zablith), whom I faced in the South American Championship in São Paulo.”
THE DAY
Caio Junior has doubts about the match against Figueirense.
Rio - Coach Caio Júnior used today's afternoon training session at Gávea to experiment with the team. Later, in the press conference, he stated that he has some doubts regarding the lineup for Saturday's game against Figueirense.
“I really have some doubts. I tested some players in the team like Maxi, Obina, Marcinho and Jônatas. Ibson is confirmed in the team, but I'll wait to decide about the rest. I have many quality players in midfield and it's not possible to field everyone. For the remainder of the Brazilian Championship, the quality of the squad is very important. It's what makes the difference.”
Caio Júnior lamented Renato Augusto's absence from today's training session. According to the manager, the number 10 would have been given a chance in Saturday's game.
"I was very upset about Renato's problem. The plan was for him to start against Figueirense. He trained for 30 minutes yesterday and felt some muscle discomfort. We can't take any risks, and he'll only play if he's 100%."
Caio Junior wants Ibson to stay.
Janir Junior
Rio - At the end of yesterday's training session at Gávea, Caio Júnior had a long conversation with the vice-president of football, Kléber Leite. Among other topics, they discussed Íbson's stay at Flamengo. The midfielder, whose federative rights belong to Porto, is on loan until June 30th. That means he only has four more games in the Brazilian Championship before returning to Portugal.
The first of these is against Figueirense, on Saturday, at the Maracanã. The player, who missed the matches against Internacional and Fluminense due to thigh pain, is already slated to replace Diego Tardelli, who is suspended. “I’m pain-free. I worked a lot on my physical conditioning last week. I want to help Flamengo, who are on a good run in the Brazilian Championship. I’m recovered and available for Caio Júnior,” said Íbson.
The midfielder does not wish to return to Portugal: “I hope these aren’t my last four games. I have a great desire to help Flamengo become Brazilian champions, a title the club hasn’t won since 1992.”
In Portugal, coach Jesualdo Ferreira is not a fan of the player and does not look favorably upon his return. However, there is a possibility that Porto, which is out of the next Champions League, could negotiate his transfer to another club on the continent. In Brazil, São Paulo appears to be interested, but Íbson rules out any transaction with another team in the country.
Caio Júnior hopes for a quick solution to the situation. The coach heard from Kléber Leite that a strategy is being put together to keep the player. “I’m concerned about Íbson. The player needs to know what’s going to happen, what his future holds. He’s working very hard,” the coach stated.
Yesterday, Caio Júnior led a tactical training session at Gávea. Íbson trained alongside Toró, Cristian, and Jônatas in midfield, with Marcinho and Souza in attack. Later, the coach tested Maxi in Jônatas's position. With this formation, the Argentinian will go to the attack, with Marcinho dropping back to midfield. Another option is Obina alongside Souza up front.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Renato Augusto doesn't train and Ibson becomes the starter. (Gazeta Press)
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Still complaining of muscle pain, midfielder Renato Augusto did not participate in Flamengo's training session this Wednesday at Gávea. As a result, coach Caio Júnior included Ibson in the starting lineup, indicating that this player should replace Diego Tardelli, who will be serving a suspension, against Figueirense next Saturday. Since Ibson is a midfielder, Marcinho will be moved forward again to the attack, where he will once again partner with Souza. The player has already stated that he has no preference for position and only wants to remain a starter for Flamengo.
Otherwise, Caio Júnior kept the same team that defeated Fluminense last Sunday in the fourth round. For the game against Figueirense, defender Dininho – recently signed from Palmeiras – may be on the bench. The player has been training well with the reserves.
Flamengo also expresses solidarity with Botafogo in the chaos at Aflitos stadium. (Gazeta Press)
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The Rio de Janeiro clubs seem united off the field. After Vasco, through a statement by its president Eurico Miranda, Flamengo also expressed solidarity with Botafogo for the incidents that occurred in last Sunday's match against Náutico. Through an official statement published on its official website, and signed by the president of the Deliberative Council, Walter Felippe D'Agostino, Flamengo presents "protests of indignation, repulsion and solidarity for the truculent acts committed by the police of the State of Pernambuco".
Serginho could replace Juan at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - On Wednesday, information emerged that Flamengo may attempt to sign left-back Serginho, who recently left Milan. The Rio de Janeiro club would consider signing Serginho if left-back Juan leaves Gávea in the middle of this year. Juan has been approached by several European clubs in recent weeks, and his departure could help improve Flamengo's financial situation, although vice-president Kléber Leite has stated that he does not intend to part with any players.
Serginho, 37 years old, is also of interest to Vasco.
Good for the coffers – This week, Flamengo won a lawsuit in the 18th Civil Court of Rio de Janeiro, where Pelé Sports was demanding R$ 23 million from the Rubro-Negro for the Rio team's participation in the defunct Copa Mercosul. But the legal department avoided defeat by proving that the contract was only valid for the Supercopa dos Campeões, another competition that no longer exists.
Cristian promises to continue working to remain a starter. (Gazeta Press)
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Caio Júnior has some doubts about the team that will face Figueirense on Saturday. But one player has a defined position on the field and seems to be establishing himself among the starters: Cristian. The midfielder, who had been relegated to the bench under Joel Santana, is excited to continue in the main team.
“Every time I get asked about whether I'll continue as a starter or not. Whoever comes in wants to do their best, and that's what I've been trying to do. I try to mark the way the coach asks me to, and I'm happy to know that I'm pleasing him. I can't stop now. But whoever Caio chooses, we have to accept it and keep working,” said Cristian.
Tribute – Before the game against Figueirense, the board is planning a big celebration to honor the Flamengo basketball team, which won its first-ever Brazilian championship last Tuesday night. The players are expected to parade with the trophy on the Maracanã pitch.
PELENET
Doctor admits that R. Augusto's "head" may be shaken.
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Marcelo Soares acknowledged that midfielder Renato Augusto's psychological state could be seriously affected. The Flamengo doctor commented on the fact that the playmaker felt discomfort in his left thigh when he was hoping to play in the match against Figueirense at 18:20 PM at the Maracanã, for the Brazilian Championship.
"The emotional factor is starting to become a concern, as it affects the athlete's self-esteem. He had recovered from one problem (pain in his right thigh) and then suddenly had another," he said, specifying how the midfielder's recovery process will be.
"We always work at the limit of pain. Since Renato can't train, he'll be exercising in the weight room so he doesn't remain inactive during this time," he concluded.
With Renato Augusto practically ruled out, coach Caio Júnior is expected to bring back Ibson, who has recovered from injury, to the team. This would move Marcinho to the attack, forming a partnership with Souza. The midfield would consist of Cristian, Toró, Jônatas, and Ibson.
Another, less likely option would be to keep Marcinho in midfield and field Maxi Biancucchi or Obina up front. In this case, the Argentinian has an advantage due to his playing style.
Caio Júnior talks with Kleber Leite about Ibson's future.
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Ibson's contract with Flamengo ends on the 30th of this month. The midfielder, who belongs to Porto, in Portugal, is expected to leave the club. Concerned about this situation, coach Caio Júnior, after Wednesday's training session at Gávea, had a brief conversation with the club's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite.
The Flamengo director believes Ibson will stay. The player, who ruled out a possible transfer to a Brazilian club, also wants to remain at Flamengo, but everything depends on the Portuguese club.
Besides Ibson's continued presence on the team, the conversation between Caio Júnior and Kleber Leite focused on potential signings. The name of midfielder Datolo, from Boca Juniors-ARG, was mentioned on Wednesday. However, Flamengo's vice-president of football denied any interest in the player.
While Ibson remains on the team and reinforcements haven't arrived, Flamengo is focused on Figueirense, their opponent this Saturday at 18:20 PM at the Maracanã, for the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship. With ten points, losing to Cruzeiro on goal difference (7 to 4), Flamengo occupies second place in the competition.
Unless anything changes, Caio Júnior is expected to field the following team against the Santa Catarina side: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jônatas, Cristian, Toró and Ibson; Marcinho and Souza.
Marcinho admits difficulties readjusting to midfield.
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Originally a midfielder, Marcinho made his name at Flamengo, initially as a forward. However, with the arrival of Caio Júnior, the player returned to his original position, as the attacking line has been formed by Souza and Diego Tardelli.
However, readjusting to his "habitat" has been complicated. Coincidence or not, Marcinho's performance has dropped since he returned to playing as a midfielder. But he assures that this is only a matter of time.
"It's been difficult for me to readjust. But it's only now. I'll be back to normal soon. As the games go by, I'll improve," stressed the midfielder, who doesn't mind the constant changes in position.
"For me, there's no problem at all. The important thing is that I'm playing. I want to get on the field and help the team, whether in attack or midfield," he said.
Marcinho's readaptation process, however, may suffer a brief interruption. Renato Augusto, who is injured, may not be able to replace Diego Tardelli, who is suspended, in Saturday's game against Figueirense at the Maracanã.
With this, the expectation is that Ibson will return to the team, which would see the number 22 shirt player return to the front line.
GLOBOESPORTE
Ibson dismisses interest from São Paulo: 'In Brazil, I only negotiate with Flamengo'
Midfielder says he's distanced himself from news about his future, but rules out a transfer to another Brazilian club.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Ibson doesn't know what his future holds.
The countdown to the end of Ibson's contract is relentless. With 26 days left before he is to leave Flamengo – at least temporarily – the player maintains a calm demeanor and remains focused exclusively on the club.
"My son liked it," he explains, with a stubble. He assures that he has given up reading newspapers and GLOBOESPORTE.COM about his future.
"I don't want to know anything. I've stopped everything," he says.
Staying at Porto is difficult. Coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who is not a fan of Ibson, remains in charge of the Dragons. There is interest from some European clubs and also from Brazilian clubs. This week, São Paulo emerged as a possible destination for the midfielder.
"In Brazil, I only do business with Flamengo," he states, in few and direct words.
Maxi excited about Joel being replaced by Caio: 'I didn't get my chance'
Argentine expresses relief at the departure of the coach, who went on to manage the South African national team.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Maxi felt more at ease with Caio Júnior. Every week, a player reveals dissatisfaction with Joel Santana's management of Flamengo. This time it was Maxi Biancucchi's turn to criticize the lack of opportunities given to him by the coach, who left Gávea in early May and went to South Africa.
Despite not yet being a regular starter under Caio Júnior, the Argentinian is visibly more enthusiastic. He participated in last Sunday's Fla-Flu derby and initiated the play that led to the winning goal.
- Joel's time at Gávea ended, and a new job with Caio began. What bothered me was that I didn't get my chance. I work to have that opportunity, and the moment Caio arrived, it made me feel more at ease - says the player, who arrived at Gávea in 2007 and enjoys prestige with the fans for his speed and commitment.
Before Maxi, the list of athletes who criticized Joel's preference for certain players included Gavilán, Éder, Diego Tardelli, Cristian, and Jônatas.
Caio Júnior talks to Kléber Leite and asks for a resolution with Ibson.
The coach and manager spent more than 20 minutes on the Gávea pitch chatting about Flamengo's squad for the remainder of the Brazilian Championship.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Ibson still doesn't know if he'll stay at Flamengo.
Training ended at Gávea, players were dismissed, and the day was drawing to a close. As the sun set, coach Caio Júnior and Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, paid little attention to the lack of light and chatted for 20 minutes.
On the agenda are the (possible) changes to the squad for next season. Flamengo is preparing to resist offers from the European market and try to retain Ibson, whose contract expires on the 30th.
"It had been a few days since I last spoke to Kléber. A manager has to talk to the coach. I think that's normal because we exchange ideas," says Caio Júnior.
The coach confirmed that the situation of the number 7 player worries him. This Wednesday, Ibson warned that in Brazil he will only negotiate with Flamengo.
"Ibson's situation is a concern for me. We had a conversation to find out what will happen. It will cause him anxiety in the coming days," the coach predicts.
According to Caio, Flamengo has a strategy to renew the contract.
"Something will be done in the next few days," he promises.
Datolus?
On Wednesday, information circulated in Gávea that Flamengo was negotiating with Dátolo, from Boca Juniors.
- Who? - asks Kléber Leite, before letting out a loud curse word and saying sarcastically:
Yes, he's coming. Riquelme, Palacio, and Palermo too.
Flamengo celebrates title with motorcade.
In a sound truck, champions parade from the airport to the Gávea headquarters.
From Rio de Janeiro news agencies
National champion Flamengo delegation participates in a motorcade upon returning to Rio de Janeiro.
After winning their first-ever national title, the Flamengo delegation was greeted with a celebration upon their return to Rio de Janeiro. Players and coaching staff participated in a motorcade on a sound truck, to the sound of the Flamengo anthem, from the airport on Ilha do Governador to the club's headquarters in Gávea.
Many cars accompanied the route, congratulating the Flamengo athletes on their unprecedented achievement for the club.
Upon arrival, in the arrivals hall, many fans wearing Fluminense jerseys who had come to Rio to support their team in the Libertadores semi-final were seen, and the Flamengo fans present (about 30 people with instruments and flags) insulted their rivals. No disturbances, however, were reported.
On Tuesday night, Flamengo won their first-ever Brazilian title by defeating Brasília 101-96 in a match played in the federal capital.
Ibson replaces Diego Tardelli in tactical training at Gávea.
Renato Augusto will be sidelined due to pain in his left thigh.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Ibson is expected to return to the team next Saturday.
Coach Caio Júnior is starting to shape Flamengo's lineup for Saturday's match against Figueirense at the Maracanã. In the first tactical training session of the week, the team had only one change compared to the previous lineup. Suspended Diego Tardelli made way for Ibson. The midfielder missed the last two matches due to pain in his left thigh adductor.
Marcinho was moved to the attack alongside Souza. Renato Augusto was absent from this afternoon's training session. The player felt pain in his left thigh during Tuesday's practice match and underwent physiotherapy. His inclusion in the starting lineup is uncertain.
- He felt some discomfort, but there's no injury. If he improves, he'll train tomorrow (Thursday) - says doctor Marcelo Soares.
In the team practice that followed the tactical work, Caio Júnior gave another hint about the changes he might make to the starting lineup against Figueira. He tested Maxi Biancucchi in place of Jônatas, making his team more offensive.
Questions
In the press conference, the coach confirmed that the idea is to put Renato Augusto in Tardelli's position and Ibson in midfield. This would mean Cristian or Jônatas would leave the team.
If Renato Augusto is indeed out, Maxi and Obina will compete for Tardelli's spot, and Marcinho would play in midfield. Caio Júnior said that the uncertainty only arises because Flamengo has a quality squad, especially in midfield.
- You can't climb everyone. It gives me a headache. But in the long run, that's what will make the difference.
Players appeal for physical trainer Ronaldo Torres to stay on.
Initially, the person responsible for Flamengo's physical conditioning will join Joel Santana in South Africa at the end of this month.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Agency/EFE
Joel (pictured) awaits Ronaldo's arrival to take charge of the South African national team. Joel Santana left Flamengo almost a month ago. The players have already recovered from this loss. But to avoid another change in the coaching staff, the squad is mobilizing and is expected to schedule a meeting with Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite.
The goal is to request that Ronaldo Torres remain with the team. The physical trainer has a verbal agreement with the South African national team and would join Joel at the end of this month. However, there is a clamor for him to at least be able to juggle both jobs.
Ronaldo arrived at Gávea in July 2007 and participated in the surge that lifted Flamengo from second-to-last place to third. That year, he received public praise from president Marcio Braga during the team's run to the state championship and the Libertadores Cup.
'LANCE
After being forgotten by Joel, Maxi returns to the scene.
The striker was cheered after the victory against Fluminense and, with Tardelli's expulsion, may get a chance.
Maxi was cheered by Flamengo fans last Sunday (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
Guilherme de Paula in Rio de Janeiro
Rodrigo Benchimol in Rio de Janeiro
Seeing Maxi downcast at Gávea was almost routine. But the arrival of Caio Júnior gave new hope to the Flamengo striker, and that hope increased even more with the outpouring of affection from the stands. In the 1-0 victory against Fluminense, the fans asked for him to be in the starting lineup, the coach complied, and they even gave the Argentinian a standing ovation after the game.
With Diego Tardelli suspended and Renato Augusto injured, Maxi is once again in contention for a starting spot after a long time. However, this is unlikely to happen on Saturday against Figueirense at the Maracanã. But he celebrates regaining his self-confidence.
– This kind of support is very important. It shows that Flamengo fans haven't forgotten me. When I heard my name called, my desire to play was even greater – admitted the striker, before revealing his dissatisfaction, without holding any grudges, at having been used sparingly by coach Joel Santana:
"I was bothered by not having a chance. But Caio Júnior made me feel more at ease. Joel's cycle ended and a new one began. I have to be prepared so that when I get the chance, I'm ready," Maxi concluded.
At Gávea since August 2007, he has experienced both success and ostracism. And not even the offers he claims to have received were able to extinguish his desire to establish himself at Flamengo. With a contract until June 2009, Maxi was approached by a Brazilian club and one from abroad. But he didn't reveal the names.
"I thought about it a lot, but I didn't accept, because I've always wanted to be recognized here since I arrived. I want to win titles. Flamengo is a great club and I consider this the best opportunity of my career. I've always been confident that things would change and this will happen slowly," concluded Maxi, eyeing a chance as a starter. Why not?
Ibson's fate is close to being decided.
The player's contract is expiring soon, and the board is trying to keep him.
Caio Junior is worried about Ibson's fate (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS! Midfielder Ibson is the main character in one of the issues that most worries Flamengo: his contract is coming to an end and the player would have to return to Porto. The player, however, assures that he has switched his mind off these matters and only wants to focus on the present:
Radio L! - My mind is only on Flamengo and my recovery. I want to help the team win another title. (Click here to listen more)
After Wednesday's training session, coach Caio Júnior was seen talking to Flamengo's director, Kléber Leite, and stated that a decision is already being made.
- We talked about technical issues and about Ibson. I think it's very important, both for me and for Ibson, to know what's going to happen with him. Kléber told me that there's a strategy to solve this problem - the coach informed.
Flamengo celebrates basketball title in motorcade
Flamengo fans parade through the city streets atop a sound truck, singing the club's anthem. [LANCEPRESS!]
The Flamengo delegation, champion of the National Men's Basketball Championship, is already in Rio, after landing at around 17 p.m. in the lobby of Tom Jobim Airport. Currently, players and coaching staff are participating in a motorcade, riding a float and playing the Flamengo anthem, from the airport on Governador Island to the club's headquarters in Gávea.
Many cars follow the route, saluting the red-and-black athletes for the club's unprecedented achievement.
Upon arrival, in the arrivals hall, many fans wearing Fluminense jerseys who had come to Rio to support their team in the Libertadores semi-final were seen, and the Flamengo fans present (about 30 people with instruments and flags) insulted their rivals. No disturbances, however, were reported.
Flamengo's youth team players are invited to a tournament.
The team has been invited to participate in the Porto Seguro Cup in June, against teams from Brazil and Spain. | LANCEPRESS! |
Flamengo's junior team has been invited to participate in the Porto Seguro Cup, from June 23rd to 29th, in Porto Seguro, Bahia. The competition will feature four other Brazilian clubs (Santos, Vitória, Bahia and Palmeiras), as well as three Spanish clubs (Mallorca, Villarreal and Ibiza).
Former defender Rogério Lourenço, who coaches the youth team, will lead the Flamengo youngsters. Flamengo is in Group B alongside Bahia, Palmeiras, and Villarreal.