The Globe
Kleber warns that Roger has to face reality to stay
Flamengo director says player traveled in proposal to renew
Coach Joel Santana didn't seem very enthusiastic and said he would consult doctors, physical trainers, physiotherapists and physiologists before deciding whether or not to continue with Roger in 2008. Today, the player's future should begin to be decided in a meeting between Kleber Leite, Flamengo's vice president of football, and the player's agent.
The payment of the equivalent of US$500 to Corinthians has already been agreed upon. But a financial settlement between Flamengo and Roger seems a long way off. And a quote from Kleber suggests a stalemate is imminent:
"His proposal has to be in line with Flamengo's reality, with real numbers. His agent was a bit off base during the initial contact."
Kleber authorized businessman Claudio Guadagno to negotiate with Al Nassr for the repatriation of supporter Renato. But he wouldn't arrive until May.
Márcio has lunch with Nike representatives
Flamengo is also chasing real numbers in other areas. One of its homework tasks is negotiating a contract renewal with Nike. The club currently earns around R$7 million/year. Since São Paulo receives R$15 million/year, the goal is to at least double that.
"We have a year to renew our contract, but our marketing team has already started negotiations. We had lunch with four Nike directors. One of them came from the United States to learn more and address the current issues. One thing is certain: the company knows it needs to significantly improve its supply chain," said president Márcio Braga, who is expected to soon receive a visit from Nike's strong competitor, Reebok.
A ball worker, a new Toró returns to Granja
Volante rediscovers dreams and nightmares in Teresópolis
ALEXANDRE PATO trains at Granja Comary with the Olympic team
TORÓ TRIES TO control the ball during training: midfielder returns to the national team after undergoing a profound change
Pedro Motta Gueiros
TERESÓPOLIS. In the youth divisions, the goalscorer was carried on the shoulders of the Tricolor fans and his mother, determined to spare him growing pains. Toró lived on cloud nine until he collapsed during a U-17 training session in 2003. Along with the ligaments in his right knee, part of his hopes were shattered. To speak to the soccer gods again, as in Gilberto Gil's song, he had to lick the ground of the castles of his dreams. Stripped of the vanity of being a star, it was as a midfield worker that he ascended to the heavens again.
Under the blessings of Dunga and the Finger of God, the midfielder consolidated a piece of his life that was broken at the same Granja Comary where he appeared yesterday with the Olympic team.
- It was there on that field - he recalled, pointing to the auxiliary lawn, which was not used yesterday by the team that will face the Brazilian team on Sunday.
Now a Flamengo player, Toró stepped firmly onto the same field where the senior national team's stars train. He walked as if he were being decorated after his heroic season with Flamengo. Almost two years after leaving Fluminense and his calling as a goalscorer, he became a defensive midfielder and found a new path.
"It's great to be back; the call-up crowned the whole year," said the king of steals, who made humility his greatest asset. "There are times when we have to give up what we imagined. In football, you have to be willing to help in any way you can."
Toró and his teammates have a head start in a race in which not all will make it to Beijing. Of the 18 players going to the Olympic Games, three are over the 23-year-old age limit, and many are expected to come from Europe. Those who played in the Brazilian Series A and B and are at Granja only have the advantage of training for four days under Dunga, who doesn't know when he'll reconvene with the Olympic team. The only certainty is that there will be 15 days of preparation before the debut in August. For Dunga, the most important thing is performance on the field, not individual prestige. This is where Toró's chances increase.
"We're tired of seeing everyone bet on a star, only for another to arrive quietly and end up as the standout," Dunga said, the group as open as his observations. "The real truth is the field."
Toró and Thiago united before the Libertadores dispute
Even if by unexpected means, Toró's return confirmed a gamble by Fluminense. Grêmio's Diego Souza is another who had to leave the Tricolor to gain recognition. At a club that prides itself on its youth academy, curiously, its only player on the national team is Thiago Neves, who wasn't trained there. After denying signing contracts with Fluminense and Palmeiras and having his commitments and lies exposed, Thiago wore the national team jersey yesterday as a purifying cloak. With it, there's no legal dispute or financial issues surrounding him:
"It's a real blow to end the year like this. Because of everything I've been through, the call-up was my Christmas present."
Alongside Toró, Thiago will have a special year. Besides the battle for a spot in Beijing, the two have a unique competition for their clubs, which are participating in the same Copa Libertadores for the first time:
- Each one will try to take their team further, but it's cool to be together on the team representing Rio.
In Teresópolis, the bad weather suited the occasion. Amid lightning and thunderstorms, Toró was back. During training, it rained heavily until the sun emerged from behind the mountains along with a huge rainbow. After the storm, come the Olympics.
Fla basketball plays semifinal
Flamengo, the leader of the qualifying round of the Men's State Basketball Championship, faces Liga Macaense (fourth place) today at 19 p.m. at the Juquinha gymnasium in Macaé, in the first match of the best-of-three semifinals. Tomorrow, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama play at the Municipal Stadium in Tijuca.
Sports Journal
Fla will be tried on Thursday
The season is over, but Flamengo is preparing to face one of its biggest rivals of the year again, the Superior Court of Sports Justice.
According to the club's legal director, Michel Assef Filho, the appeal of the case of the beer can thrown in the game against Grêmio, which resulted in Rubro Negro being suspended for one match, has been scheduled for next Thursday, December 13th.
In the first trial, the country's most popular club ended up defeated, but thanks to a suspension effect, the team led by Joel Santana was able to face Atlético-PR in front of more than 80 thousand people, guaranteeing, at the time, a place in the Libertadores.
Even if the punishment is upheld by the STJD, Fla will be able to play at Maracanã in the opening match of the 2008 Campeonato Carioca, as the penalty can only be served in national tournaments.
"If the punishment remains, we won't be able to play the first match of the Brazilian Championship, since the penalty only applies to competitions organized by the CBF," said the lawyer.
Kleber Leite denies speculation
The vice-president of football said that Fla will not hire many players for 2008
The Flamengo rumor mill began to heat up this week. In addition to the possible departure of defensive midfielder Cristian, which is unlikely to happen, names like forwards Alex Mineiro, currently at Atlético Paranaense, and Dodô, formerly of Botafogo, were floated, but the club's board categorically denied each of the speculations.
Regarding Alex Mineiro, who will probably sign a contract with Palmeiras in the next few days, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, confessed that he had spoken to the striker, but as he was practically confirmed with the São Paulo team, Flamengo's board of directors gave up.
"I looked him up, but he told me he had made a deal with Palmeiras, and the matter was over. It's an outdated issue," said Kleber Leite.
Regarding the possible interest in Botafogo's top scorer, Dodô, the director was categorical in his response, saying that few signings will be made and denying that he wants striker Dodô.
"Flamengo will bring in players, as long as they have quality. We're going to sign very few. We'll only meet the coach's needs. We'll hire for quality, not quantity. We never considered Dodô. Not because of his qualities, but because we have players with the same characteristics on the roster. The news is untrue," he stated.
Coach Joel Santana recently announced that Flamengo will make approximately four signings, all for the first team. According to Joel, if the team needs players to fill out the roster, he will bring up the youngsters from the youth academy, who have been performing well throughout the year.
Bruno increasingly absolute
MSI has reportedly already accepted the proposal for the goalkeeper and only a few details separate Fla from a happy ending.
Nathan de Lima and Thiago Bokel
The most consistent player of the season, Bruno wants and should continue at Fla for 2008
Ever since Flamengo qualified for the Copa Libertadores, vice president of football Kleber Leite stated that the board's priority would be to retain goalkeeper Bruno, a negotiation he considered very difficult. More than a week after this statement, the outcome of this agreement is heading towards a positive outcome.
Yesterday, Bruno's manager, Eduardo Uram, in an interview with Rádio Manchete, gave excellent news to the huge red-black fans.
"The group of investors who hold Bruno's federation rights (MSI) already has Flamengo's offer in hand. We have to finalize the contract length now, but I believe his chances of staying are high; after all, Flamengo made an excellent offer," explained Eduardo Uram.
Despite the goalkeeper's representative confirming that Flamengo has already submitted an offer to MSI, Kleber Leite preferred to be more cautious. He still wouldn't confirm that the deal is close, but he also doesn't deny that the goalkeeper is likely to remain at Gávea.
"There's no way MSI would have accepted, since Flamengo hasn't submitted an offer yet. What I can say is that talks are well underway," the director stated.
Although Kleber continues to deny that the offer has already been made, club insiders claim that MSI has already accepted Flamengo's proposal. The biggest hurdle now is how many installments the rights acquisition will be divided into. The board intends for Bruno to remain at Flamengo for the next four years, but this also needs to be finalized.
Felipe discarded\ With all the mystery surrounding the outcome of this case, one thing is certain: Bruno is getting closer and closer to staying at the club for the Libertadores.\
Another indication that this could happen is the fact that the vice president of football denied any interest in Corinthians goalkeeper Felipe, who was being considered in the case of the current number 1's departure. The 2008 goalkeeper, to the joy of the fans, should be the same this year.
Léo Medeiros wants to renew with Flamengo
Midfielder Léo Medeiros spent most of Flamengo's 2007 games on the bench, but that didn't make him unimportant. In addition to starting a few matches, Léo Medeiros came on in several matches and was trusted by both Ney Franco and Joel Santana.
The player hasn't yet renewed his contract with Flamengo, but that should happen soon. Léo Medeiros himself guarantees this.
"It's a positive balance, along with the entire group. My contract ends on the 31st, and Kleber has already said he's going to renew it. I'm waiting for us to have a conversation. My hope is to stay and continue the good work I've been doing," the midfielder told Rádio Bandeirantes.
Léo Medeiros also took the opportunity to celebrate his former club Ipatinga's promotion to the Brazilian Championship's Série A. "I'm happy because it was the club that launched me. They achieved their goal, and that's good," said Léo.
Joel will use Fla's kids in 2008
Flamengo's board, along with fitness coach Ronaldo Torres and coach Joel Santana, held a meeting this past Tuesday afternoon (December 04th) in Gávea. The meeting was held to plan for the 12 season, in which the club will compete in the Campeonato Carioca, the Copa Libertadores, and the Campeonato Brasileiro. Coach Joel Santana has stated several times this week that he hopes to have an even better team than this year's and plans to reach even higher.
After the meeting, Joel outlined what fans can expect for next year. "We're in talks to decide our plan. What's certain is that more than 80% of the current squad will remain with the Club."
When asked about signings, the coach made a point of emphasizing that they will only be impactful, as he intends to use the youngsters from the youth team.
"To play for Flamengo, you need a strong resume. It's difficult to play here. We'll make the right signings, and we'll also use our youth players, who are three-time Rio de Janeiro champions and OPG champions. They're players who were nurtured at the club and know what it's like to wear this jersey," Joel said in an interview with Flamengo's official website.
Macaé and Fla open the semifinal
Teams face each other today in Norte Fluminense in the first game of the best-of-three series
Point guard Fred's skill is one of Fla's triumphs
After the tight match that concluded the first phase of the State Championship, Flamengo and Macaé face off again today at 19 p.m. in the city of Northern Rio de Janeiro. But unlike last Friday, when there was little to play for at the Juquinha gymnasium, tonight's duel will kick off the championship's semifinal playoffs.
It was in this gymnasium that Macaé defeated Fluminense and nearly overpowered Vasco and Flamengo. Of the Gávea team, point guard Fred is the one who best understands the strength of the Macaé team at home.
In 2004, he played for the team he will now have to help defeat. He was Macaé's main organizer in the State Championship that year. The Rio de Janeiro team reached the semifinals (Campos won the series 3-2). In the fourth game of the match, he left the court to a standing ovation from the fans.
"I knocked down a shot in the last second and we tied the series. It was the biggest celebration," he recalled.
His performance in that match made him one of the most beloved athletes in the city. This year, playing for the red and black colors, he received the undivided affection of the people of Macaé.
"It's normal to be booed when you return to a city you once played for. It's like that in soccer and basketball, but in Macaé it was different. I was greeted and realized I'd made many friends there."
Eternal friendship\ One of the friends the red-black team refers to is center Marcelão. The two played together in that State Championship and today they are on opposite sides.\
"Fred is one of the best point guards in Brazil. It's great to play with him because he's a great assist player. He knows how to find the best positioned teammate," said the player, who played for Flamengo before playing for Macaé.
"I only have good memories from there. The best of all was when I played alongside Oscar, who for me was the best. I'll also never forget the fans," he said.
Marcelão guaranteed that the affection he feels for today's opponent will remain off the court when the match begins.
"We watched a DVD of our last match. We've already reviewed our mistakes, and I guarantee that everyone will do their best to win."
MACAÉ\ Daniel Caçamba\ Leandro\ Ricardo Giannechinni\ Cristiano Bayerle\ Marcelão\
Coach: ÊnioVecchi
FLAMENGO\ Fred\ Marcelinho\ Amiel\ Colonezi\ Wagner (Alirio)\
Coach: Paulo Chupeta
Federation confirms dates for final matches of the competition
Marcelinho (Fla), Cipriano (Vasco), Marcelão (number 9 from Macaé) and Sucatzky (Fluminense) lead their teams towards the title
After a meeting on Wednesday afternoon with representatives from ESPN Brasil, where it was decided that the broadcaster will cover the semi-final and final games of the championship, the Rio de Janeiro State Basketball Federation (FBERJ) confirmed the dates and locations of the games.
Semifinals:
06/12 - Macaé - Macaense League x Flamengo - 19 pm\ 08/12 - Gávea - Flamengo x Macaense League - 19 pm\ 09/12 - Gávea - Flamengo x Macaense League - 17 pm (if necessary)\
07/12 - Club Municipal - Fluminese x Vasco da Gama - 20 pm\ 09/12 - Club Municipal - Vasco da Gama x Fluminense - 10 am\ 10/12 - Club Municipal - Vasco da Gama x Fluminense - 19 pm (if necessary)\
Finals:
12/12 - Maracanãzinho - 20:30 pm\ 13/12 - Maracanãzinho - 20 pm\ 15/12 - Undefined Location - 18 pm (if necessary)\
NOTE: If a third match is necessary, it cannot be held at the Maracanãzinho Gymnasium, as it is already rented for an ecumenical event.
FBERJ president Alvaro Lionides spoke about expectations for the final games of the competition.
"I believe we're doing everything possible and impossible to give back to sports fans in our state what they truly deserve. A championship of excellent technical quality, with three major clubs reaching the semifinals, something we haven't seen in a long time. I'm sure the fans will see some great games and fill the stadiums for these final matches. Six years later, the state championship will once again be decided at Maracanãzinho, the true temple of Rio de Janeiro and national basketball. It's a gift to all basketball fans in Rio de Janeiro," said the president.
Maria Helena Braun
By Letter
Flamengo, with great pride!
Maria Helena Braun mbraun@jsports.com.br
The end of 2007 couldn't have been more rewarding for Flamengo. The demonstration of strength, unity, loyalty, spirit, love, and passion displayed in the stadiums was crowned with an unexpected initiative: a nation of 35 million passionate fans was recognized as a Cultural Asset of the City of Rio. And that's truly what Flamengo fans represent.
We know that Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, Tricolor, and others, driven by rivalry and passion for their clubs, may not agree, but if we consider it from the perspective of a city's heritage, the honor is more than just. Or do you doubt that this fan base is a global attraction? That tourists from other parts of Brazil or the world want to see, experience, and feel firsthand the emotion that flows when the crowds gather at Maracanã? Would Maracanã itself, a Rio heritage site, be the same without Flamengo fans? That immensity of concrete takes on an indescribable value when the nation is present, with its flags, chants, and that energy. It's hair-raising. You have to see it up close to fully grasp what we try, but cannot describe with words.
The fans carried the team to the Libertadores, finished third, were awarded the best in the Brasileirão at the Municipal Stadium, and are now considered a Carioca Heritage site. And how wonderful it would be if this immense fan base realized that now, more than ever, as a symbol of a city, they need to set an example of politeness, civility, and courtesy, cultivate peace, and keep acts of violence out of the stadiums. The fans have adopted chants that are far more engaging than offensive ones. The time has come to definitively change this image of vandalism. Out with the vulgarity and in with the thrilling spectacle. Flamengo fans need to be in the news exactly as they are now: for their role, sometimes as supporting actors, sometimes even as protagonists of a team's campaign. I doubt Flamengo fans enjoy seeing headlines involving their fans in fights and riots. Therefore, as a city's calling card, the time has come to set a good example. Let's hope they understand the magnitude of this honor and the responsibility it represents. It's a title that, as far as I know, is unprecedented and an unforgettable Christmas gift.
O Dia
Flamengo: Kléber goes shopping
Cartola is looking for a striker to be the red-black fans' Christmas present
Rio - It's a time for celebration, parties, and speculation in Gávea. While Father Joel Santana makes his plans for a 2008 filled with achievements, vice-president of football Kléber Leite is working to announce a major attacking reinforcement before Christmas as a gift to the fans, though he won't name names.
In December 2006, Kléber secured the difficult contract renewal for goalkeeper Bruno, and he hopes to repeat the feat. According to the director, Bruno's renewal is a priority. Kléber plans to make the goalkeeper a symbol of the club and leverage his image to be used in the club's marketing.
The contract would be for five years, and Flamengo would acquire almost all of Bruno's economic rights, which belong to a group of investors linked to the Israeli Pini Zahavi. "This time, the negotiations will be faster," promises Kléber, who denied speculation that he was considering Dodô, who already has a verbal agreement with Fluminense.
For Kléber, the striker wasn't a 'differentiated player' who would bring immediate results. "I hope there will be news by Christmas, yes. But whoever was spreading the word that Dodô would come to Flamengo scored an own goal. Not because of Dodô's qualities, but because he has characteristics similar to those of the strikers here."
While waiting to finalize any signings, Kléber Leite is also working to keep midfielder Cristian at Gávea. He denied any Russian offers for the player. The club purchased 50% of the player's economic rights for US$500. The remaining 50% belongs to Atlético-PR. The Russian offer would be US$1 million for each club involved in the negotiation.
Regarding Roger's stay, the manager said the coaching staff approved his continued presence. According to Kléber, the player's agent hasn't contacted anyone in Gávea, but he hopes to find a quick solution.
Flamengo makes offer to buy Bruno permanently
Rio - Having decided to do everything possible to keep goalkeeper Bruno at Gávea, Flamengo's board of directors sent a proposal to the investment group MSI, which owns the number 1's economic rights, to acquire Bruno permanently and put an end to this matter. The goalkeeper's agent, Eduardo Uram, already has Flamengo's offer in hand. Now, they await a response from MSI's executives.
"I'm very excited, I fully believe that Bruno will stay at Flamengo for a long time. I never thought otherwise," said vice president of football Kléber Leite.
In São Paulo, reports emerged that the club has already begun working to find a replacement if its attempt to acquire Bruno fails. Corinthians goalkeeper Felipe was reportedly offered a deal, but Kléber Leite denied this.
Russian football should be Cristian's destination
Rio - Russian football is expected to be the destination for defensive midfielder Cristian if he leaves Flamengo. After leaving Atlético Paranaense for Gávea and emerging as one of the pleasant surprises of the last Brazilian Championship, the player has been hounded by a lucrative offer from an interested party in Eastern Europe, who has even made an official offer to take him away from Brazil.
Last week, Flamengo agreed to purchase half of Cristian's federation rights for R$500, with the remainder going to Furacão. According to reports, the Russian club's offer is worth US$1 million to both parties involved: Flamengo and Atlético Paranaense.
At Gávea, even though they know the player wants to stay and coach Joel Santana is counting on Cristian's talent, everyone thinks it will be very difficult to keep him.
Sports Gazette
Secretary denies exclusivity of Maracanã to Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In a lecture given during Footecon 2007 this Wednesday, Rio de Janeiro's Secretary of Tourism, Sports and Recreation and president of Suderj, Eduardo Paes, ruled out the idea of the Maracanã being managed solely by Flamengo. In his lecture, "Maracanã: Feasibility Studies and Possible Management Models," Paes argued that the stadium should be the "temple of football" and, to that end, it should welcome other fan bases from the city. "The Maracanã cannot be just for one club. It should host Flamengo games, but also Fluminense, the great classics of Rio de Janeiro football, and even Brazilian national team matches. This is the desire of the people," the president asserted.
Paes revealed that the largest entertainment companies (Luso Arenas and AEG) are interested in managing the Maracanã, which is known worldwide. "It turns out that the model we envision includes clubs, so these investment groups should look to Flamengo and Fluminense. If it were me, I'd dress up as a bride and wait for the most handsome husband to marry me," he joked.
While the administration's plan calls for a major modernization of the stadium, some aspects remain untouchable, such as the inability to change the name, which will continue to honor journalist Mário Filho. Similarly, no changes to the external architecture are being considered.
Fla wants to keep Bruno and returns from loan. Cristian could leave\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - With the Brazilian Championship over, Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, believes that the priority of maintaining the core squad that qualified for the Copa Libertadores has been practically fulfilled, with only the remaining remaining decision regarding the continued presence of goalkeeper Bruno, whose federation rights are tied to MSI, the investment fund that managed Corinthians' football team. Flamengo plans to formulate a proposal to acquire the player permanently. Furthermore, there is the possibility that some players currently on loan to other clubs will remain at Gávea to complete the squad, which will be split between the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Carioca in the first half of the year. "There is indeed a possibility that some of those who returned will remain with us for 2008," the director stated, without wanting to reveal any names.
What's certain, however, is that one of them won't be returning: left-back Gérson Magrão, who was on loan at Ipatinga-MG.
But while some may arrive, others may leave Gávea. Midfielder Cristian is in the plans of Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, which has made a €2,5 million (approximately R$7 million) offer for the player's federation rights, which are split between Atlético-PR and Flamengo.
"Cristian has an offer to leave Flamengo. In fact, he's the only player on the roster with an offer. But we don't intend to negotiate with him, as we want a strong team for the Copa Libertadores, and he's in the coaching staff's plans. There's no point in receiving a truckload of money, because money doesn't get on the field, doesn't make good passes, and doesn't score goals," said Kléber Leite.
As for reinforcements, the priority is to sign a striker. This Wednesday, it emerged that Dodô, who recently left Botafogo and had agreed to a contract with Fluminense, had opened negotiations with Flamengo. The player is currently on vacation in São Paulo.
Flamengo will hire few reinforcements for the Libertadores\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - In a meeting held on Tuesday between coach Joel Santana and Flamengo's executives, it was decided that the club will sign a limited number of reinforcements for next season. In addition to midfielder Kléberson, signed two months ago but who will only be able to play in January, Flamengo intends to sign a maximum of five more reinforcements. "Flamengo's squad is very good and proved that in the Brazilian Championship. When we have all the players we need, we can pull off a run, leaving the relegation zone and advancing to the Copa Libertadores. That's why we don't need a lot of reinforcements. We need to attack the wound and bring in players to fill the positions we need and bring in new players to join the team," said vice president of football Kléber Leite.
Joel Santana agrees with the manager's opinion. For the coach, there's no reason to bring in players who aren't top-notch to "swell" the squad. He understands that, in cases of extreme need, there's the option of turning to the youth teams.
"Flamengo already has a good squad. Of course, we need some reinforcements, but we can't just sign players for the sake of it. We have to carefully analyze the players' resumes, because if they're not the best, we can fill the gaps with players who came up through the youth ranks. This way, we value those who have been with us since the beginning," said Joel Santana, who handed Kléber a list of names.
Rio de Janeiro natives enter the fray for Alex Mineiro. Palmeiras isn't afraid.
Felipe Held, special for Gazeta Esportiva.Net
São Paulo (SP) - Palmeiras has seen another club enter the fight to sign striker Alex Mineiro for the 2008 season. After hearing from agent Marcelo Robalinho that the player's chances of going to Parque Antártica had diminished due to the club's failure to qualify for the Copa Libertadores da América, a club that qualified for the South American competition expressed interest in the player and could potentially sell the center forward: Flamengo.\ Still in Curitiba, finalizing the details of his departure from Atlético-PR, Alex Mineiro is expected to arrive in São Paulo this Thursday. While the player waits for the player to arrive in the São Paulo capital, Robalinho is receiving offers from clubs that dream of signing the 32-year-old striker for 2008. Palmeiras has made no secret of its desire, but now it will have to 'battle' with the Rio de Janeiro club.\
"Yesterday (Wednesday), Kléber Leite (Flamengo's vice president) called Alex Mineiro, but the player asked for the contact to be made with me," the agent revealed in a telephone interview with Gazeta Esportiva.Net. "No offers have been made from them. For now, I have offers from Fluminense and Palmeiras," he added, before addressing a meeting with Palmeiras representatives to discuss the matter.
"Alex is coming to São Paulo tomorrow (Thursday) and then we'll talk about the offers he has to play in Brazil or abroad, but he's not very satisfied with the offers from abroad. Today I'm supposed to talk with Toninho (Cecílio, football manager), Savério (Orlandi, director), and Gilberto (Cipullo, vice)," he added.
On Monday, the agent told GE.Net that the Parque Antártica team's failure to qualify for the Libertadores had complicated Alex Mineiro's move to Verdão. "He would even like to play for Palmeiras, but the problem is that he really wants to compete in the Libertadores. The team's failure to qualify could be detrimental, as Alex has an offer from a club that has qualified," he recalled. On Wednesday, the agent maintained his tone: "The Libertadores is a differentiator that Flamengo and Fluminense have. But there are other clauses in the contract that could influence it."
Despite the strong competition and Robalinho's statements, Palmeiras says it's calm, according to Savério Orlandi. "We're not afraid of losing anything simply because there's nothing yet. We've simply expressed interest. He's an experienced player who has received some offers from abroad and may want to establish financial independence. I'll still meet with his agent to formalize our interest," he downplayed.
Contributed by Paulo Amaral
PeléNet
Confident in Bruno's permanence, Fla denies interest in Dodô
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo strongly believes in keeping Bruno, who plays for MSI (former partner of Corinthians). According to Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, if everything goes through, the goalkeeper will stay at Gávea for another five seasons.
"This is our goal. We are working with businessman Eduardo Uram and I believe we can find a definitive solution for a five-year contract with Bruno," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
In addition to Bruno's continued presence, reports emerged that the club could sign striker Dodô, who was released by Botafogo about three weeks ago. However, according to Kleber Leite, none of that will happen.
"Dodô was never considered, simply because we have players with similar characteristics. This information is not true," concluded the director.
Striker Alex Mineiro, who failed to renew his contract with Atlético-PR, is in Flamengo's plans. The club is expected to announce its first signings by Christmas.
Dodô, who is of interest to Fluminense, avoids talking about Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
In addition to Fluminense, Flamengo is also reportedly interested in signing striker Dodô, whom Botafogo released about three weeks ago. However, according to the player, who is currently enjoying a vacation in São Paulo, his future will be decided soon.
"It will be decided in a few days, through my lawyer, Carlos Portinho, who is negotiating the termination of my contract with Botafogo. I feel honored to have been approached by representatives of major clubs in Brazil and abroad," he said, through his press office.
However, according to Dodô's own statements, the striker should, at least at the beginning of the season, continue living in the Marvelous City.
"Regarding leaving the country, it depends on many factors. I'm more inclined to stay than to leave. Rio de Janeiro is my home, a place I love very much," he added.
Regarding Fluminense, the Tricolor's executives are awaiting the striker's trial, as he could face a FIFA trial due to his doping. At Laranjeiras, everyone is certain the former Botafogo player will be signed.
Like Flu, Flamengo is trying to sign Alex Mineiro
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
It's not just Fluminense that's chasing Alex Mineiro. Flamengo is also trying to secure the former Atlético-PR striker for the 2008 Copa Libertadores.
The player spoke with the vice-president of football at the club, Kleber Leite, and stated that he is very close to agreeing his transfer to Palmeiras.
Kleber Leite denied that Flamengo would be trying to sign strikers Dodô, also coveted by the Laranjeiras club, and Bruno Moraes, currently at Porto, in Portugal.
Flamengo beats Paulista and remains undefeated in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
After debuting with a victory over Palmeiras, Flamengo secured another victory in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, currently being held in Rio Grande do Sul. This Wednesday, in a Group A match, Flamengo defeated Paulista 1-0, with a goal by Welinton.
With six points, Flamengo remains top of its group. In the next round, the Rio de Janeiro team faces Internacional on Sunday at 13 p.m. (Brasília time).
Flamengo ends its participation in the first phase against Náutico, on the 12th. The top two from each group (there are four) advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Eduardo Paes: "Maracanã will not only belong to Flamengo"
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Eduardo Paes, president of Suderj and Rio de Janeiro's Secretary of Tourism, Sports, and Leisure, threw cold water on Flamengo fans and executives. This Wednesday, during Footecon, the politician warned that Maracanã cannot be managed by a single club.
"Maracanã won't just be Flamengo's. It can't be just one club's. The stadium should host Flamengo games, but also Fluminense, as well as the big Rio de Janeiro football derbies and Brazilian national team matches. This is the people's desire," he emphasized.
According to Eduardo Paes, the Maracanã bidding process, which has no set date, is attracting numerous companies, especially those outside Brazil.
"The biggest companies in the entertainment industry (Luso Arenas and AEG) are interested in managing the Maracanã. It turns out that the model we envision includes clubs, so these investment groups should look at Flamengo and Fluminense. If it were me, I would dress up as a bride and wait for the most handsome husband to marry me," she said, provoking laughter.
Finally, the secretary warned that, regardless of the winning company, whether allied with a club or not, the name of Maracanã (Mário Filho Stadium) will not be changed.
"There is no possibility whatsoever of changing the name. Just as we are not considering changes to the external architecture," concluded Eduardo Paes.
BalloonSport
Flamengo and Macaé open semifinals in Rio
Rubro-negros, who play at home, won the two previous clashes against their rivals
Marcelinho's Flamengo faces Macaé in the Rio State semi-final
The semifinal stage of the Men's State Basketball Championship begins this Thursday. Flamengo, the competition's leader, travels to Macaé to face the home team at 19 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Municipal Gymnasium. With the best record in the qualifying stage with 27 points (13 wins and one loss), winger Marcelinho Machado's team aims to start the match well, respecting and recognizing the strength of the Macaé team - fourth place with 23 points (nine wins and five losses).
In the first phase, Flamengo won both games played between the two teams: 97 to 78 (in Gávea, in the first round) and 101 to 99 (in Macaé, in the second round).
"We played them last week and only managed to win in the final seconds. Macaé has a well-organized team that works the ball well and has shown its strength throughout the competition. Everything that's happened so far is a clean sweep. The semifinal was our first objective, and it's a different competition, especially since it's a best-of-three, because whoever comes out on top is in a very good position. We have to maintain our style of play, with a strong defense and a fast start. We have to impose our game and fight for the win, which is very important," said Marcelinho.
The second leg of the match will be this Saturday morning, December 8th, at 10 am (Brasília time), at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium, in Gávea. The other semifinal will be played between Vasco da Gama and Fluminense, with the first leg this Friday, December 07th.
Three teams stand out in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship
Inter, Fla and Galo win and appear as favorites in the competition held in the South
The Brazilian Under-20 Championship concluded its second round this Wednesday, and three teams are already emerging as favorites: Internacional, Flamengo, and Atlético-MG. After two rounds of competition, all three teams won their matches and are seeking to qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament held in Rio Grande do Sul.
There are four groups made up of five teams, with the exception of Group 3 which has four members, and the top two from each group advance to the quarterfinals.
Check the situation of each group in the competition:
1 GROUP
In Passo D'Areia, Internacional easily defeated Palmeiras with a 4-0 rout and, having already beaten Náutico 2-1 in their opening match, are now top with six points. Flamengo is hot on their heels and is only in second place due to goal difference, having also won both of their games: 1-0 against Palmeiras in their opening match and the same score against Paulista on Wednesday. Verdão, Timbu, and Paulista all failed to score.
NEXT ROUND 07/12 15:30 PM Palmeiras x Náutico\ 07/12 17:30 PM Internacional x Paulista\
2 GROUP
At the PUC Sports Complex, Grêmio, after helping push Corinthians into the second division of the Brazilian Championship, defeated the São Paulo team 2-0 in the juniors and is the sole leader of the group with six points, having beaten Goiás 3-0 in the opening match. Paraná took over second place this Wednesday after beating Fluminense 2-1. The Tricolor from Rio had started by defeating Timão 1-0 and is in third place.
NEXT ROUND 07/12 19pm Grêmio x Paraná\ 07/12 21pm Goiás x Corinthians\
3 GROUP
In Alvorada, due to the four-team bracket, only the first round took place this Tuesday. Cruzeiro defeated Figueirense 3-0, and Atlético-PR defeated Santo André 2-1. Raposa and Furacão can secure qualification in the next round, which takes place this Thursday, with another victory.
NEXT ROUND 06/12 15:30 p.m. Cruzeiro x Santo André\ 06/12 17:30 p.m. Atlético-PR x Figueirense\
4 GROUP
In Caxias do Sul, Galo is singing louder, having already beaten Botafogo 1-0 and Coritiba 2-0, to become the clear leader. Santos, who beat Juventude 2-0 in their opening match but lost 2-1 to Botafogo on Wednesday, only leads the Rio de Janeiro club on goal difference.
NEXT ROUND 07/12 15:30 PM Botafogo x Juventude\ 07/12 17:30 PM Santos x Coritiba\
Coaches discuss tactical schemes
Joel, Caio Júnior and Espinosa comment on changing tactics depending on the opponent
Fred Huber
Joel Santana speaks at Footcon
The closing ceremony of the 4th International Football Forum (Footecon 2007) took place Wednesday evening at a hotel in Rio de Janeiro's west zone. The final topic of discussion was whether to use tactical schemes based on the opponent. Coaches Joel Santana of Flamengo, Caio Júnior of Palmeiras, and Valdir Espinosa, formerly of Vasco, offered their opinions on the matter.
The red-and-black manager didn't seem too keen on the idea of changing the game's format depending on the match. He believes that, as he did this season, the best way to achieve success is to create a system tailored to the characteristics of his players.
"This winning system we've used this year was already adopted in 2005. The important thing is to know the people working with you, the entire club. I don't like to define a scheme with numbers, but with players. Football isn't a cookie cutter. The formation has to be flexible to adapt to the game. It's also important to know the opposing coach's style, because it's difficult to change the way they play," says Joel.
Caio Júnior emphasized that it's only possible to adapt the team to the opponent's needs when you have versatile players on the roster. According to him, it's important to be able to make changes to the team's play style without having to make substitutions. The coach revealed that he always takes the opponent's characteristics into account when preparing the team for matches.
"To adapt your team to the opponent, you need to have a deep understanding of your players and their personalities. At Palmeiras, I had some players with this trait, like Wendel and Makelele. The tactical system is defined according to the characteristics of your players. It's important to always analyze the opponent to have a consistent and up-to-date database. I also like to assemble the reserve team in training based on how the opponents play," he says.
Of the three coaches, Valdir Espinosa was the most opposed to changing the team's formation from match to match. He believes the team needs to maintain its own signature style of play and impose its own rhythm, both at home and away.
"I don't like change. I prefer my team to play its own way, to impose itself. In any tactic, the key to success is for the player to understand what you want and position themselves well. On my Vasco team, there were two players who understood this well, only two out of 22," he complains.
Bruno's renewal is well underway
The goalkeeper's agent says the biggest issue is the length of his contract with Flamengo.
Eduardo Peixoto
Bruno must renew his contract with Fla
Flamengo's main saga at the end of this season could have its final part drastically shortened. And with a happy ending for the club. Goalkeeper Bruno's contract, it seems, is set to be renewed. While in previous negotiations, the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, always preferred caution, this time he is quite enthusiastic about a quick conclusion.
"I'm just waiting for a response from the investors, but I've always been quite optimistic. Flamengo's proposal is excellent, and the investors have already taken note. The only detail that hasn't been resolved yet is the contract length," explains the representative.
In the initial terms of the Rubro-Negro, the contract would be for five years and the club would buy almost all of Bruno's economic rights, which belong to a group of investors linked to the Israeli Pini Zahavi.
Kléber Lei expects a gift until Christmas
Speculation takes over Gávea, but the director denies the names mentioned
Kléber Leite expects good reinforcements by Christmas
Flamengo's speculations are constantly swirling. They started with Amoroso, then Felipe, and this Wednesday, they reached Dodô. All of these possibilities were treated ironically by the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite. But he promises to get serious soon.
The manager is working behind the scenes to present fans with a major reinforcement before Christmas.
"That's the goal. I hope we can do it. If not, patience. They're making up a lot of stuff," Kléber declares.
For now, Flamengo has not confirmed negotiations with any player. Supporter Renato, currently in the United Arab Emirates, has been mentioned by people close to the board. As he has done in recent negotiations, Kléber decided to centralize the information.
- Reinforcements are discussed only between me and Joel - says the vice-president of football
Paes: 'It's unfeasible for Maracanã to be only for Flamengo'
Rio's Secretary of Sports and Tourism says stadium cannot serve just one club
Márcio Iannacca and Thiago Lavinas
Eduardo Paes, Secretary of Rio
Rio de Janeiro's Secretary of Sports and Tourism and president of Suderj, Eduardo Paes, said this Wednesday during his talk at the 4th edition of Footecon, the International Football Forum, in Rio de Janeiro, that it would be unfeasible for Maracanã to be solely the home of Flamengo, as Flamengo's directors have expressed interest in on several occasions. He pointed to a study conducted this year that found Maracanã would only be economically viable if it served Rio de Janeiro's four major clubs.
"It would be unfeasible for the Maracanã to be just Flamengo's stadium or the stadium of a single club. The Maracanã has to serve everyone. Flamengo, Fluminense, Vasco, Botafogo... The Maracanã needs to be the temple of football," said Eduardo Paes.
The secretary also presented improvement projects for Maracanã. Among them would be the construction of "Baixo Maracanã," a themed area with bars, cafes, and sports stores that would be open daily, not just during games. Additionally, there are renovations to the aquatic complex and the construction of a new, modern athletics track.
"Maracanã welcomed around three million fans this year. We're finishing a presentation to show to clubs and companies. We're also going to do a big presentation for the press," he said.
Throw
Kléber mocks alleged interest in Dodô
Kléber Leite considers the hypothesis of the striker wearing the red-black shirt crazy, and remembers that Fla has Souza
Kléber denies interest in Dodô
Fred Gomes RIO DE JANEIRO
Speculation that striker Dodô could wear the Flamengo jersey, published by the newspaper "Extra" this Wednesday, was denied by the club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite. According to the director, the Gávea club already has Souza, a striker with similar characteristics to the former Flamengo player, according to Kléber.
"Zero chance. This is crazy. We've never mentioned Dodô's name and we never will," he says, speaking to LANCENET!
Kléber claims that Souza is the box man that Flamengo needs, insisting that there is no chance of the Top Scorer wearing the sacred mantle.
- They invent all sorts of things - the leader laughs.
Kléber confident in Bruno's permanence
The director wants to follow the same path with Bruno that Ceni followed at São Paulo.
Before making any signings for next season, Flamengo wants to secure one of its key players this year: goalkeeper Bruno. Besides being a quality player in a position where many teams have struggled, the goalkeeper is deeply identified with Flamengo fans, which is why Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, is doing everything possible to keep him.
The main stumbling block for Flamengo is the goalkeeper's investors, who want to sell him, if possible abroad. But Kléber believes the player will stay at Gávea.
"Everything is on track, our good relationship with Eduardo Uram will help us in our relationship with the player's other investors," the director told Rádio Tupi.
The Flamengo board's idea is to buy the player and do with him what São Paulo did with Rogério Ceni.
- We want a five-year contract with Bruno and to follow a similar trajectory to Rogério Ceni at São Paulo - said the director.
Regarding other clubs' interest in the goalkeeper, Kléber is not worried, as he knows what the goalkeeper wants for him.
"I'm not worried about that, because he's interested in staying at Flamengo. The offer could come from Brazil or abroad; he wants to stay at Gávea. Given such a strong desire, we have to sign him," he concluded.
Kléber Leite dismisses Alex Mineiro
Manager confirms he looked for a striker, but says he already has a defined future
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that he approached striker Alex Mineiro. However, the director stated that there is no longer any chance of the striker joining the club, as he has already decided his future:
- Indeed. I looked for the player, but he's already signed with Palmeiras - he said.
One of the player's agents, Bruno Paiva, told LANCENET! this Wednesday that Kléber Leite called Alex Mineiro wanting to sign him.
Ney Franco: 'Joel gave the team a new lease of life'
Coach highlights his three titles in one year at Fla
Atlético-PR coach Ney Franco returned to Rio de Janeiro to participate in the 4th International Football Forum (Footecon) and commented on Flamengo's incredible run in the Brazilian Championship, the team he coached until Joel Santana arrived.
For Ney, Joel was the solution to change the atmosphere at Gávea, which was already worn out after the early elimination in the Copa Libertadores, by Defensor-URU.
"The arrival of Ibson and Fábio Luciano was crucial. Maxi gave us more attacking options, and Cristian fit in well in midfield. Now, Joel has been crucial in giving the team a boost, as the players were deeply affected by our early elimination from the Libertadores, where we lost on Wednesday. We made our Brazilian Championship debut against Palmeiras on Sunday, losing 4-2, with everyone feeling down. After that, we only played away from home, and Flamengo needed a new lease of life, so the board decided to change the coach," Ney told Sportv.
The coach warned that it is not easy to coach teams like Flamengo and Corinthians, but he also highlighted that there are few coaches who, in one year leading the red-black team, lift three trophies.
"Coaching Flamengo and Corinthians, you're subject to criticism. But at Flamengo, in one year and two months, I managed to do three laps of honor around the Maracanã, something many coaches don't do in ten years. If I manage a team the size of Atlético-PR today, it's because Flamengo opened its doors to me," the coach added.
Flamengo wins the Brazilian Junior Championship
Coach Adílio's team gets second win in two games
Flamengo won its second match in the Brazilian Junior Championship, currently being played in Rio Grande do Sul. This time, the victim was Paulista, making its debut in the competition. Defender Wellinton scored the only goal of the match.
With the result, coach Adílio's team reached six points in two games (they had already beaten Palmeiras 1-0) and are in the lead of Group 1. The other members are: Internacional and Náutico.
In the next round, Rubro-Negro will have a day off and the team will return to the field on Sunday, against Internacional.
Marcio Braga: 'Corinthians is great'
The president of the red-black club is betting on the São Paulo club's comeback.
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo president Marcio Braga believes that Corinthians' relegation to the Second Division will not diminish the club. He believes that Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez will have the opportunity to make plans in 2008, which will allow the club to grow even further and advance.
radio l! - I'm sure the fans will actively participate in the Brazilian Championship, even in the Second Division. Corinthians will teach the country a great lesson. Corinthians is a great club - he says. (Click and listen)
Marcio Braga praises Flamengo fans
Executive announces that Flamengo's football team will separate from the club in 2008
LANCEPRESS!
The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, César Maia, announced that he will recognize Flamengo's fans as a Cultural Asset of the City and the president of Flamengo, Marcio Braga, did not hide his happiness and assured that, this season, the Nação Rubro-Negra proved that it is the biggest fan base in the world.
radio l! - There's no other club that, when it's home field, has 1.396.000 paying fans. They pay to support Flamengo. That's what will take us to Tokyo - he says. (Click and listen)
The director explained that, in 2008, Flamengo will give autonomy to football, separating the sport from the club and transforming it into a business society, so that resources can be managed directly within the football budget.
radio l! - This will consolidate the club as an important Olympic sports center in Brazil and that's what we want - he says. (Click and listen)