THE GLOBE
Captain plans retirement with title at Fla
At 33, Fábio Luciano wants to stop after the Brazilian Championship
The three question marks emblazoned on Flamengo's jersey while a new sponsor is still pending are fitting for the club's current situation. With the European transfer window approaching, Juan and Ibson are the most likely names to leave the club in the second half of the year. Considered the biggest prospect to emerge at Gávea, Renato Augusto has had physical problems meeting expectations and is out of tomorrow's game against Figueirense at Maracanã. The defensive balance point, captain Fábio Luciano, is already showing signs of fatigue. At a time of year when the routine of knockout matches has given way to entire weeks of training for the Brazilian Championship, the defender is preparing for what could be the last travel marathon of his career.
"I was twice runner-up in the Brazilian Championship. It's time to be champion; it has to be now. Otherwise, never again," he said, as he made plans for retirement at the end of the year. "There's a good chance; the end is approaching."
An idol at two major clubs, a champion with Flamengo and Corinthians, Fábio feels fulfilled and free to leave the scene with his duty fulfilled.
- My contract lasts as long as I want. As long as we're winning, the boat will keep moving.
In 12 matches against Figueirense in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo won three and lost six. In addition to Renato Augusto, who has a left thigh injury, Flamengo will be without Cristian, who sprained his left ankle. In yesterday's training session, Maxi partnered Souza in attack, while Toró, Jônatas, Ibson, and Marcinho formed the midfield. Despite being dropped back to initiate plays, Leonardo Moura approved of the new formation.
"The team is faster with Maxi; he plays on the wings, which makes things easier. Since we lost a man marking the middle, now when one full-back goes forward, the other has to close him down."
SPORTS JOURNAL
Tardelli could face a 540-day ban for assault
Striker Diego Tardelli could be suspended by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) following his red card in the match against Fluminense. He kicked Maurício without the ball and was charged under Article 253 (physical assault against the referee or his assistants, or any other participant in the performance). His trial will take place next Monday. Tardelli could face a sentence of 120 to 540 days if convicted.
Cristian and Renato Augusto\ In addition to Diego Tardelli, midfielders Cristian, who sprained his left ankle, and Renato Augusto, with muscle pain, will also miss the match against Figueirense next Saturday at Maracanã. Ibson and Maxi are expected to replace them.\
Flamengo Juniors compete in three competitions
Bernardo Peirão and Nathan de Lima
While preparing for the Malaysian World Cup and the BH Cup, Flamengo's youth team will participate in another international competition, the Porto Seguro Cup, which will be held from June 23rd to 29th in the coastal city of Bahia. The competition, organized by Márcio Granada Sports Marketing with the support of the Porto Seguro city hall, will feature Brazilian and Spanish teams. The eight clubs participating in the tournament will be divided into two groups of four, which have already been defined. Group A will feature Santos, Vitória, and Ibiza and Mallorca (Spain). In Group B, Flamengo will face Palmeiras, Bahia, and Spanish side Villareal, the very opponents of Flamengo's debut match on the 23rd.
The team will be led by youth coach Rogério Lourenço and will have goalkeepers Marcelo Carné and Diego, full-backs Michel, Rafael and Jorbison, defenders Michel Pereira, Lucas and Cristiano, midfielders Hugo Sória, Luiz, Saba, Guilherme Camacho, João Vitor and Bernardo, and forwards Paquetá, Paulo Sérgio, Diego Maurício and Juninho.
World
Players not traveling with the delegation will continue their training at Ninho do Urubu, as is the case with defensive midfielder Wellington Pecka. One of the team's key midfielders, Pecka has received offers from other clubs and Traffic, but has assured that he will stay with Flamengo until at least the end of the Malaysia World Cup.
"For now, I'm staying at Flamengo. I'm confirmed to play in the World Cup. Expectations are high. We have to improve every year. I still don't know what will happen from now on. I have that offer from Traffic and some other inquiries from European clubs, but nothing concrete. Now my attention is focused on Flamengo and the World Cup," said Pecka.
Injury that confuses the midfield
Renato Augusto's injury complicates Caio Júnior's life
Nathan de Lima
Just as everything was beginning to become clear in coach Caio Júnior's mind, several factors left him still unsure about how to field his team for this Saturday's match against Figueirense at Maracanã. He already had a practically defined lineup, with Renato Augusto in the middle, alongside Ibson and Toró. The only position still undefined was the second midfielder. Jônatas and Cristian were competing for the position during the week. However, with Renato Augusto sitting out yesterday's training session due to pain in the adductor muscle in his left thigh, everything planned will have to be revised.
"My intention was for Renato to start the match, but I'll have to wait to see if he's truly unfit. That's why I tested other formations, including Marcinho and Maxi. Obina himself came on very well and deserves a chance to start. He provides excellent dynamics, and if he can play well during games, he'd be a good starter too. Maxi is also doing very well. He moves a lot and made the best play in the last match. Anyway, I have this headache regarding how to organize the team, but this is good for Flamengo," said Caio Júnior, who tested several formations in yesterday's training session: he started the training session with Toró, Cristian, Ibson, and Jônatas in the middle. He then swapped Jônatas for Marcinho, leaving Maxi Biancucchi in attack, alongside Souza. Shortly after, it was Obina's turn to enter the starting lineup, replacing the Argentine.
Doctor Marcelo Soares explained Renato Augusto's situation. According to the doctor, Augusto isn't injured and shouldn't be out of action on Saturday for the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship. "Renato is experiencing discomfort in his left thigh muscle, but it's not an injury. We prefer to rest him today. If he feels better tomorrow, he'll train and be cleared. If not, he's unlikely to play on Saturday," the doctor explained.
Feet in Brazil and head in Porto
The three-time Portuguese champion's punishment leaves Ibson's situation even more uncertain.
Bernardo Peirão and Nathan de Lima
JS file
Ibson is a player for Porto, Portugal
Rio de Janeiro/RJ - After missing two matches due to a right thigh muscle injury, Íbson was confirmed yesterday by coach Caio Júnior in the team that will face Figueirense on Saturday at Maracanã. What's striking, however, is the difficult and dramatic situation he's facing off the field. Unsure of his future, he receives more news about the situation with each passing day, but none of it is decisive. Yesterday, the news that Porto is out of the Champions League further raised the player's expectations. Along with Íbson, Caio Júnior is also anxious about the situation. Yesterday, the coach spoke for about an hour with vice-president of football, Kleber Leite. The agenda included the plan to retain the player, as well as possible replacements.
"It's a bad situation, for him and for me too. I spoke with Kleber, and he assured me that there is a plan and that a decision should be made in the next few days. In any case, I liked Íbson's training, and he will play on Saturday," he said. An incident in Europe, however, may have ruined any chance of Flamengo renewing the player's contract. Accused of attempting to bribe two referees in the 2003/2004 season, Porto, the team that holds his rights, was punished and removed from the next Champions League. This has negatively impacted the Portuguese club's financial well-being, as it will no longer be able to count on the competition's high fees and bonuses in its budget.
According to the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, the situation, which was already difficult, has become almost impossible.
"Flamengo has nothing to offer Porto and has never shown any interest in buying him; they only want him on loan. Currently, the starting player in that position is Lucho Gonzalez, who plays for the Argentine national team and has a strong market there. With Porto only competing in the national championship, it's easier for them to take Íbson and pass on Lucho. It's much more interesting and profitable," he said.
Upon hearing the news, Kleber Leite was quite irritated. According to him, it doesn't matter what the player's agent says. He assures that Flamengo has a plan and is already working on it. "We've already started our plan. Let's see if it works," he said.
Flamengo's basketball team is greeted in a motorcade
Dhavid Normando/JS
Still at the airport, Marcelinho lifts the National Basketball Cup
Last Tuesday night, Flamengo won the Brazilian Men's Basketball Championship for the first time in its history by defeating Brasília in the final. The team, led by forward Marcelinho, wowed in the competition and delivered by far the best performance. This unprecedented feat was widely celebrated, and last Wednesday, the entire team and coaching staff participated in a motorcade through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. The route from the airport to the south zone was filled with cheers and chants of "we're champions."
The players paraded in a fire truck and were accompanied by several Flamengo fans, many of whom were in cars following the truck. The procession concluded upon arrival at Gavéa, Flamengo's headquarters.
Some Fluminense fans were present at the airport and some arguments were witnessed, however, no major disturbances were recorded.
Eduardo Lacombe
The Red and the Black
The technicians
Eduardo Lacombe lacombe@jsports.com.br
I come from a time when coaches weren't the stars they are today. They were recognized only by those who loved tactics and studied them. They weren't called "professors." They were addressed simply as "sir." Or rather, as "your," the Brazilian term popularized. It wasn't "Mr. So-and-So." But "Mr. So-and-So."
And one of the best coaches of those times was former player Tim. Few knew his real name: Elba de Pádua Lima. He was born in São Paulo and came to Rio in the 30s, winning three Carioca championships with Fluminense.
He was one of those coaches who, as was said at the time, knew how to change the team at halftime. He would change the players' posture, their roles on the field, and achieve memorable victories. In Argentina, he was an idol at Racing Club. And from there, he brought the striker Doval to Rio, who went on to have a career at Flamengo and Fluminense. Today, his Tim would be called a teacher. And, curiously, he would be one of the few to deserve such treatment.
I say this because this week has been full of talk about two Rio de Janeiro coaches: Caio Júnior, who is beginning to change Flamengo's style of play, and Cuca, who worked at Botafogo, did an excellent job, but left without winning a single title. Is it unfair to blame Cuca for Botafogo's poor results? Perhaps. But it's the inexorable law of life. Like Cuca, the aforementioned Tim team had two excellent teams at Bangu, in 1964 and 1965. They didn't win the Rio de Janeiro championship, despite their enormous competence.
This topic is occupying my attention today because I fear Caio Júnior may follow the same path. He's making changes at Flamengo that should be carefully considered and analyzed. But some fans are already accusing him of destroying Joel's team.
And if his changes don't work out, he'll be accused of dismantling a team that Joel left ready and finished.
THE DAY
Tererê-San becomes a star in Gávea
A little dog is a star attraction at Flamengo. The team has to do its homework tomorrow against Figueirense.
Ricardo Mota
Rio - Flamengo is enjoying a calm moment with its strong campaign and second place in the Brazilian Championship. Yesterday, while the players were training for tomorrow's match against Figueirense at the Maracanã, Tererê-San, the dog belonging to the club's press officer, was the star off the field, participating in the recording of a TV show.
On the field, the goal is to get three more points to stay at the top of the table and, in the near future, win the Brazilian Championship, a title that has not come to Gávea since 1992.
At Maracanã, Flamengo has already beaten Santos, Internacional and Fluminense, and hopes to do the same against Figueirense and São Paulo (their opponent after the Santa Catarina team).
“We respect Figueirense, but it’s important that we do our job at home,” said defender Fábio Luciano.
At 33, the captain is already seeing the end of his career, and without a Brazilian title under his belt, he reminds us that now is the time: "There's a good chance this will be my last Brazilian Championship. So, this is the year to be champion. It's tough, but we have what it takes."
The defender knows that to have a smile at the end of the competition in December, he needs to do well in the present. "We'll only see the results at the end of the year, but it's the games now that decide. We have to save points," he said.
In the red-and-black's good form, the Libertadores is already in the past, but with each success of rival Fluminense, the ghosts of América-MEX and top scorer Cabañas return. "It's like I said, it doesn't mean anything to me if they're in the final. I have to think about Flamengo," said Fábio.
Yesterday, Caio Júnior practically defined the team for tomorrow: Bruno; Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Toró, Jônatas, Íbson and Marcinho; Maxi and Souza.
Cristian and Renato Augusto are injured. Diego Tardelli, sent off against Fluminense, was charged with assault by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) and faces a sentence of 120 to 540 days.
Maxi gets a chance alongside Souza
Rio - Flamengo held a tactical training session this Thursday morning, in Gávea, preparing for Saturday's game against Figueirense, at Maracanã,
Cristian, with a sprained left ankle, and Renato Augusto, with muscle pain, did not participate in training and have been ruled out by the medical department for Saturday's match. Goalkeeper Bruno, who is feeling unwell, also missed training, but is not a threat to the game.
Caio Júnior set up the starting team for the activity with Diego, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jônatas, Toró, Ibson and Marcinho; Maxi and Souza.
Fábio Luciano is indifferent to Flu's classification
Rio - Defender Fábio Luciano once again showed indifference about the 2008 Libertadores. When asked about Fluminense's qualification for the competition's final, the red-black captain was quite sincere.
"It's important for football, since it's a Brazilian team and there's a rivalry with the Argentines, but for me it doesn't interfere at all. My work and that of the Flamengo team would be the same if they were eliminated," he said in an interview with Rádio Globo.
Léo Moura: Figueirense usually makes good Brazilians
Rio - Right-back Léo Moura demanded his teammates' full attention for Saturday's match against Figueirense at Maracanã. For the number 2, the red-and-black team will have to fight hard to maintain its unbeaten run in the Brazilian Championship.
"The goal is to win every victory at home. Of course, we'll respect Figueirense, but at Maracanã, Flamengo has to win. In the fans' minds, Figueirense may be a weak team, lacking tradition, but we respect all our opponents. They've had good Brazilian Championships, and when you don't pay enough attention to an opponent, you lose the match," he warns.
Léo praised the arrival of Argentine Maxi in attack, but made a point of remembering that Cristian's departure somewhat diminishes the team's defensive power.
"Maxi is as fast as Tardelli and will be crucial up front. We full-backs have to be more alert. If Cristian doesn't play, we'll lose a specialist protecting the defense. So we have to be careful that when one goes forward, the other stays in defense," he explains.
Tardelli is denounced by the STJD
Rio - The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) has charged striker Diego Tardelli with assault following his red card in the derby against Fluminense last Sunday, according to the website Justiça Desportiva. Tardelli became hostile towards Fluminense's Maurício and pecked him on the leg.
The trial of the number 11 is scheduled for next Monday, the 9th. The center forward will be tried under article 253 (practicing physical aggression against the referee or his assistants or against any other participant in the show) and could receive a sentence ranging from 120 to 540 days.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Flamengo has four players suspended\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo is having a good run in the Brazilian Championship and, after four rounds, remains undefeated. But the Rubro-Negro could face problems in its upcoming matches. This is because four starters are suspended with two yellow cards: goalkeeper Bruno, defender Fábio Luciano, midfielder Toró, and striker Souza.\ And these cards will already be missing for Flamengo this Saturday, when the team faces Figueirense in the fifth round. Sent off against Fluminense, striker Diego Tardelli will be unable to play and will be replaced by Argentine Maxi.\
"Maxi is as fast as Tardelli and will be crucial up front. We full-backs have to be more alert," said right-back Leonardo Moura.
Board mobilizes for Ibson's permanence\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While coach Caio Júnior prepares Flamengo's squad for this Saturday's Brazilian Championship match against Figueirense, the board is mobilizing to try to keep Ibson, whose loan with Porto ends at the end of this month. Within two weeks, vice president Kléber Leite is expected to travel to negotiate directly with the Portuguese directors. The Flamengo coach makes no secret of his expectation that the matter will be resolved quickly. "I spoke with Kléber, and he assured me that there is a plan and that a decision should be made in the next few days," he said. And if it depends solely on Ibson's will, Flamengo will have the player at Gávea for much longer.
"I've never hidden from anyone that I want to stay. I want to help Flamengo win the Brazilian Championship. The club hasn't won the competition in a long time, and I hope to give the fans this title as a gift," the player commented.
RIVALRY - At the beginning of the year, Flamengo made winning the Copa Libertadores its priority. But along the way, the team was surprised by América-MEX and was eliminated in the round of 16. Out of the competition, the red-and-blacks saw rival Fluminense secure their place in the final. Even so, Flamengo's players insist they didn't overwhelm Tricolor in their match against Boca Juniors last Wednesday.
"For the football itself, it may have been important, as it's a Brazilian team that defeated an Argentine team, and there's a whole rivalry between the two countries. But for me personally, it doesn't change anything whether they qualify or not. It doesn't change anything for us here at Flamengo either, as we'll continue our work the same way abroad," assured defender Fábio Luciano.
Flamengo faces problems on Thursday\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Caio Júnior didn't have good news during his training session at Gávea Stadium this Thursday morning. Starting with midfielder Cristian and midfielder Renato Augusto, who didn't even take to the field. The former is suffering from a sprained ankle, while Renato complains of muscle pain. Both were ruled out by doctor Marcelo Soares and will miss the Rubro-Negro's match against Figueirense at Maracanã Stadium on Saturday, in the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship. Goalkeeper Bruno, who is expected to play, but had a scare this Thursday, was Bruno. Complaining of feeling unwell, the player had to leave the training session and go straight to the locker room where he was examined by the Rubro-Negro doctors.
On a difficult day, Caio Júnior saw his starting lineup lose 2-0 to the reserves. For the match against Figueirense, the coach is expected to field the following lineup: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim; Toró, Jônatas, Ibson, and Marcinho; Maxi and Souza. Argentine Maxi replaces Diego Tardelli, who was sent off against Fluminense and will serve a suspension.
The match will be the third in a four-match series at Maracanã. The team, which defeated Internacional and Fluminense in recent rounds, will also face São Paulo on the 14th. Although the Santa Catarina team doesn't have the same tradition as its other opponents in this sequence, the order at Gávea is to respect Figueira.
"The Brazilian Championship is a balanced tournament. Teams that fight to be champions, and teams that fight for other things, always go after victories. We need to respect Figueirense, which is a very well-organized club. But it's important for us to get the win to stay ahead," said Flamengo defender and captain Fábio Luciano.
PELENET
Bruno leaves training; Cristian and Renato Augusto are banned
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Caio Júnior was without three key Flamengo players in training this Thursday at Gávea Stadium. Goalkeeper Bruno left early due to nausea. Cristian and Renato Augusto, injured, remained in the physiotherapy room and will miss the Flamengo's match against Figueirense this Saturday at 18:20 PM at Maracanã Stadium, in the fifth round of the Brazilian Championship.
Goalkeeper Bruno left Flamengo training early because he was feeling sick
The goalkeeper won't be a problem. The midfielder, however, suffered a sprained left ankle, while the midfielder has been complaining of severe pain in his left thigh.
Without these players, Caio Júnior led a collective effort (a 2-0 victory for the reserves) and replaced Cristian with Jônatas. Up front, Maxi Biancucchi will partner Souza.
In this way, Flamengo can face Figueirense with the following formation: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jônatas, Toró, Ibson and Marcinho; Maxi Biancucchi and Souza.
With ten points, losing to Cruzeiro on goal difference (7-4), Rubro-Negro occupies second place in the competition. In four matches, there were three wins (Santos, Internacional and Fluminense) and one draw (Grêmio).
Fábio Luciano "celebrates" Fluminense's qualification
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Even though he plays for a rival of Fluminense, Flamengo defender Fábio Luciano was pleased with the Tricolor das Laranjeiras' qualification for the Copa Libertadores final, after defeating Boca Juniors-ARG 3-1 on Wednesday at the Maracanã, in the second game of the international competition's semifinals.
"It was good that Fluminense beat Boca Juniors because of the great rivalry that exists between the Brazilian and Argentine teams. But, for me, this result doesn't affect our work. Even if their team had been eliminated, our focus would have been the same," said the defender.
Thinking about Flamengo's next match in the Brazilian Championship, against Figueirense, on Saturday, Fábio believes that his team will not find it easy at Maracanã.
He completely refuted the fact that the Santa Catarina team were, theoretically, inferior to the Rubro-Negro's four previous opponents in the competition: Santos, Grêmio, Internacional and Fluminense.
"I don't consider Figueirense a weaker team. In my opinion, everyone competing in the Brazilian Championship can fight for the title. Therefore, we need to win to stay in the top spots. Furthermore, they have a good structure and experienced players," he said.
After four rounds of the national competition, Rubro-Negro sits in second place, level on ten points with leaders Cruzeiro. Caio Júnior's team trails on goal difference: four to seven.
Tardelli reported for assault
Player was sent off in last Sunday's classic against Fluminense
TAYNÁ JORDAO
Despite beating rival Fluminense in the weekend's Brazilian Championship, Flamengo could be out for up to 540 days due to Diego Tardelli's expulsion in that match. The player will be charged with assault in a trial to be held next Monday, June 9th, starting at 18 p.m., by the First Disciplinary Committee of the Superior Court of Sports Justice. The rapporteur for the case is Dr. Flávio Zveiter.
It's worth remembering that the athlete will serve the automatic suspension in the match against Figueirense, in the fifth round of the competition, on June 7th. If he is punished, coach Caio Jr. will not be able to count on the striker from the sixth round, in which he will face São Paulo.
Click here to access the STJD trial schedule.
In the 23rd minute of the second half of the match that took place at the Maracanã stadium, on June 1st, the player was sent off, with a straight red card, for kicking an opponent's ankle when the game was stopped.
Diego Tardelli was charged under article 253 (Practice physical aggression against the referee or his assistants, or against any other participant in the sporting event) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD) and could face a suspension of 120 to 540 days.
The red-and-black team is having a great campaign in the Brasileirão, occupying second place in the table, behind only Cruzeiro, due to the lower goal difference, which is one of the tiebreaker criteria.
GLOBOESPORTE
On the home side, Flamengo celebrates the Brazilian title in a restaurant
Moved by the performance of a samba group, the red-and-black delegation celebrates an unprecedented achievement near the club's headquarters, in the Leblon neighborhood
Matias Zibecchi From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Two days after securing its first Brazilian title, Flamengo's basketball team celebrated the feat at a restaurant in the Leblon neighborhood, near the club's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Around 200 people, including players, coaching staff, directors, and friends, gathered in a festive atmosphere, enlivened by a samba group performance that began around 22 p.m.
"Flamengo's greatness comes from its titles. The more victories we win, the stronger we are, the more fans we have, and the greater our return. We want to demonstrate the importance of a massive football club having the distinction of being strong in Olympic sports," says Patrícia Amorim, the club's director of Olympic sports.
Coach Paulo Chupeta, point guard Hélio, winger Duda, and center Coloneze arrived a little later, already at a Copacabana hotel with the Brazilian national team, which is preparing for the South American Championship in Chile, starting July 1st in Puerto Montt. Hélio explains the secret behind Flamengo's successful campaign, which has recorded 28 wins and only three losses throughout the competition:
"We built a bubble, and the group closed in so tightly that nothing could affect us. Some players already knew each other, and we became friends off the court as well. Everything worked in our favor; each of us is going through a special moment. The team was very well put together, with rotation options and tactical variations."
At Maracanã, Figueira has a good record in matches against Rubro-Negro
In the three duels, the team from Santa Catarina obtained two victories and one defeat
Figueirense continues training to face Flamengo on Saturday at 18:20 p.m. away from home in the fifth round of the Brasileirão. At Maracanã, Figueira has the historical advantage: in three matches, with two Santa Catarina wins and one loss, Figueira has scored five goals and conceded four.
Despite the favorable record, midfielder Rodrigo Fabri, who has already played for the Rio de Janeiro team, knows that caution is needed when talking about Flamengo.
"They're a dangerous opponent playing at home, but we're aware and have a quality squad that will do everything to get a positive result," says the player.
The first match between the two teams in Série A took place on November 11, 1973, at Orlando Scarpelli, ending with a 1-0 victory for the Rio de Janeiro team.
In the history of the competition, there were twelve games with three draws, three victories for Flamengo and six victories for the black and white team from Santa Catarina, who scored twenty goals and conceded twelve.
'This might be my last chance to win the Brazilian title,' says Fábio Luciano
Defender declares again that retirement is near and intends to complete his career with Flamengo's sixth championship
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Fábio receives guidance from Caio: imminent farewell, but with a Brazilian title
One player agrees with Flamengo fans: winning the Brazilian title has become an obligation. Toiling with the idea of retiring at the end of this year, captain Fábio Luciano is betting everything on 2008.
"Because if I don't do it now, I'll hardly get another chance. This will probably be the last Brazilian title I'll compete for," he declares.
Fábio has repeatedly stated that his contract with Flamengo is the last of his professional career. But he doesn't want to set a date for his departure.
- The contract lasts as long as I want - he says, smiling.
At 33, he has amassed a trove of titles throughout his career. With Corinthians, he won the Rio-São Paulo, Paulistão, Copa do Brasil, and the Interclub World Cup. He also participated in the Brazilian national team's victorious campaign at the 2003 Confederations Cup and Fenerbahçe's second Turkish championship.
Having played for Flamengo since July 2007, he lifted the Rio de Janeiro championship trophy. His extensive list of titles still lacks the Brazilian championship.
- It's now or never - he says.
After four rounds, Fábio has good reason to be confident of a special end to the year. The Red-Blacks are second in the standings with ten points. Their next challenge will be on Saturday against Figueirense.
Tardelli is reported for assault
Flamengo striker's trial at the Superior Court of Justice (STJD) takes place next Monday. Sentence ranges from 120 to 540 days.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Diego Tardelli's peck on Maurício during last Sunday's Flamengo-Flu match not only earned him a red card (watch the incident in the video below). This Thursday, the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) charged the Flamengo forward with assault. This information comes from the Justiça Desportiva website.
The trial will take place next Monday, June 9th. Tardelli will be tried under Article 253 (physical assault against the referee or his assistants, or any other participant in the performance). If convicted, the sentence ranges from 120 to 540 days in prison.
The center forward is out of this Saturday's match against Figueirense because he is serving an automatic suspension.
Dog steals the show in Gávea
Animal recorded a program for the GNT channel and was pampered by players and directors
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
A small dog mobilized nearly a dozen people for the filming of a GNT program about Flamengo fanatics. Tererê-San, who belongs to Marilene Dabus, press officer for the Flamengo presidency, became a popular attraction in Gávea. He received affection from president Marcio Braga, vice president of football Kléber Leite, and even favorite dog Obina.
Renato Augusto and Cristian will be out of Fla's squad on Saturday against Figueirense
Players are vetoed by doctors and do not face the Santa Catarina team
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Maxi will have a chance in attack
First, Flamengo's press office announced: Cristian is out of the match against Figueirense on Saturday. Five minutes later, another announcement: Renato Augusto will also miss the match.
The midfielder sprained his left ankle during training on Wednesday and woke up with a swollen area. He underwent treatment, but left Gávea with difficulty walking and was ruled out.
Renato Augusto's problem dragged on throughout the week. He felt discomfort in his left thigh during Monday's training match against OK Performance and didn't participate in any further activities.
Doctor Marcelo Soares personally informed coach Caio Júnior about the absences. This means Maxi will have a chance in attack, and Jônatas will remain in midfield.
Fla's likely lineup: Bruno; Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Toró, Jônatas, Ibson and Marcinho; Maxi and Souza.
Bruno falls ill and leaves Flamengo training
The goalkeeper was sick. Cristian and Renato Augusto did not participate in the training session won by the reserves.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Bruno didn't feel well during Fla's training session
The strong sun knocked Bruno out this Thursday morning. Feeling sick, the goalkeeper left Flamengo's training session early and headed to the locker room. He was evaluated by doctor Marcelo Soares and cleared to leave, but is not a concern for the game.
The No. 1 wasn't the only player absent from the match. Cristian, with a sprained left ankle and a severe limp, and Renato Augusto, with pain in his left thigh, remained in the physical therapy room. Both are out of the match against Figueirense this Saturday at Maracanã.
In the half-hour training session, the starters had Toró, Jônatas, Ibson, and Marcinho in midfield, with Souza and Maxi in attack.
However, the reserves won the activity 2-0, with goals from Éder and Obina.
New sports equipment supplier promises not to disappoint Flamengo
Vulcabrás Group's football director says the Rio de Janeiro club will be its most important property. The contract is the largest in Latin America.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Fla shirts have question marks
The three question marks provide a preview of Flamengo's new sports equipment supplier. Curiosity about the launch of the collection of approximately 40 pieces, scheduled for July, is only growing. However, Flamengo fans are concerned about how Olympikus will behave to fulfill the contract, which could reach a record R$170 million over five years.
The previous company had several supply issues. Often, there were no uniforms for sale, nor were there any at the club. To avoid the same problems, the Brazilian company guarantees that it did extensive research before signing with Flamengo.
"It was planned. We want to enter football through the front door. We're very proud to have been chosen by the club with the largest fan base in the world. We can't disappoint, and I know we won't. We have to take care of the launches to show that we have the capacity to fulfill what was agreed upon," declares Tullio Fornicula Filho, football director of the Vulcabrás group.
Following the signing of the new contract, several hypotheses emerged. The first was that Olympikus would give Flamengo a "gift" in the form of a soccer player. The other suggested the formation of a strong men's volleyball team, a sport in which the Brazilian brand has a tradition.
- There's nothing like that - Tullio assures.
The company will build ten Flamengo stores across the country. The main one will be in Gávea and will be accompanied by a modern museum that, according to Flamengo itself, would be the envy of European clubs.
"The most important store will be in Gávea. It will be connected to the museum and will undoubtedly become a tourist attraction in Rio. The others will be in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions. Flamengo has another contract with a company to operate in other parts of the country," says the director of Olympikus.
THROW
Léo: 'Flamengo has to win at Maracanã'
The full-back talks about the responsibility of beating Figueirense at home, even though he respects the opponent
LANCEPRESS!
This Saturday, Flamengo faces Figueirense at Maracanã in the fifth round of the Brasileirão. The team has ten points and is second in the tournament. The fans' excitement for another victory is natural, but Léo Moura, despite his confidence, doesn't allow this spirit to permeate the field with his team.
"We have to respect Figueirense, but at Maracanã, it's Flamengo. They don't have any big names, but we always have to respect those who are there because they always have a great Brazilian championship. It's the kind of game that many people overlook. That's where we need to pay even more attention."
Léo Moura has dropped back a bit since Caio Junior took over at Flamengo. The new coach gives Juan more freedom and asks the right-back to hold his position more. Accustomed to attacking, he accepts the new approach well. He even offers advice to the manager.
"Caio likes to have the ball more often, coming from behind. Juan, on the other hand, positions himself a little more up front. Our team has a lot of quality players playing in the middle. I think if Caio values this, it could work out well."
Regarding the possible departure of Cristian, who suffered a sprained left ankle, the full-back is concerned.
"The team has to be a little more vigilant with Cristian's departure. He's a player who scores more. Jônatas, on the other hand, comes out more often, so everyone has to be a little more alert."
For the side, Fla will be faster with Maxi
Leo Moura thinks the Argentine plays in a similar way to Diego Tardelli\ LANCEPRESS!\
Without Diego Tardelli, who is suspended, and Renato Augusto, who is experiencing left thigh pain, Flamengo will have Maxi in attack against Figueirense this Saturday at Maracanã. The forward will get his first chance in the starting lineup under Caio Júnior.
Leonardo Moura commented on what the team will look like with the Argentine's arrival. For the full-back, Maxi plays similarly to Diego Tardelli.
"The team is faster with Maxi. He likes to play on the wings, just like Tardelli, who plays there too. It's been working well," said Leonardo Moura.
Fabio Luciano praises Thiago Silva
Rubro-negro doesn't see anyone playing at the level of the tricolor defender in Brazil
LANCEPRESS!\ Fluminense defender Thiago Silva's performances are catching the attention of Fluminense fans, Brazilian national team coach Dunga, and even rivals. Flamengo defender and captain Fabio Luciano considers his teammate one of the best in the country.\
"He's a great player. He could be considered one of the best in the country. I don't see anyone playing like him in Brazil or abroad. I've played abroad and I can say that. He's young, and it's good to see players in our position with that quality. I hope he has a successful career," Fabio Luciano told Rádio Manchete.
Diego Tardelli is reported to the STJD
Sent off against Fluminense, striker will be charged with assault
Diego Tardelli will be tried this Monday
LANCEPRESS!\ Diego Tardelli's sending off against Fluminense could result in a suspension longer than one game. The Flamengo forward was charged by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) under Article 253 (assault) and will be tried next Monday. The sentence could be 120 to 540 days.\
Diego Tardelli was sent off in the 23rd minute of the second half for kicking Maurício. Match referee Péricles Cortez noted the incident in the match report. However, Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Asseff Filho, doesn't believe the striker will be punished for assault.
"Anyone who saw the play doesn't need to have legal knowledge to know that it wasn't an assault. I'll try, at the very least, to get him disqualified," Michel said.
Flamengo reconnects with Warner Bros.
After Nike's departure, the club is once again seeking approval. Bruno's uniforms need approval. LANCEPRESS! With Nike's departure and the agreement with Olympikus, Flamengo will be able to resume negotiations on a product licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Bruno's jersey collection, in fact, is subject to this re-establishment.
After all, the use of characters like Taz and Spider-Man requires approval from the American company with which Flamengo had almost signed a contract in 2007.
"We've resumed negotiations with Warner. We'll have a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss this," Ricardo Hinrichsen revealed.
Cristian and Renato Augusto banned from the game
Ibson and Maxi will be Flamengo's new players against Figueirense
LANCEPRESS!\ Flamengo will have three players missing for the match against Figueirense this Saturday at Maracanã. In addition to Diego Tardelli, who is suspended, Cristian and Renato Augusto have been ruled out by the medical department.\
The number 10 was supposed to replace Diego Tardelli, but he has been experiencing pain in his left thigh throughout the week and participated in training. The midfielder sprained his left ankle in Wednesday's training session and has difficulty walking.
With these absences, the team's new additions will be Ibson and Maxi. The midfielder, having recovered from a left thigh injury, would already be a starter. The forward benefited from Renato Augusto's injury and will start alongside Caio Júnior for the first time.
Fabio Luciano doesn't care about Flu
Flamengo captain shows indifference to rival's qualification for the Libertadores final
Fabio Luciano doesn't care about Flu (Credit: Gilvan de Souza)
LANCEPRESS!
Fluminense's qualification for the Copa Libertadores final resonated in Gávea. But Fábio Luciano, the team's captain and leader on and off the field, seemed indifferent to Wednesday's result - the Tricolor defeated Boca Juniors 3-1. When asked, the number 3's answer was simple.
radio l! - It's good for Brazilian soccer. For me, it doesn't affect anything. If they had qualified or been eliminated, my job would still be the same. (Click here to hear more)
Meanwhile, Fábio Luciano praised the tricolor defender Thiago Silva.
"He's a very good defender, one of the best in the country. He's young and very strong," he praised.
Regarding the Brasileirão and the expectation of maintaining the good start, Fábio showed respect for Figueirense, this Saturday's opponent:
radio l! - For me, it's the same respect as always to achieve victory. There are many experienced players like Cleiton Xavier and César Prates. (Click here to hear more)
He also spoke about a possible achievement, which would be Flamengo's sixth title and the first of his career.
"I was runner-up once, and it's time to win. This could be one of my last opportunities to do so," the captain concluded.
Paulo Chupeta: 'Flamengo is the greatest in the world'
Coach of the B team and the Gávea team is full of praise for the red-black fans
LANCEPRESS!
Coach of the men's basketball team B and Flamengo, the team with which he won the Men's National Championship, Paulo Chupeta never tires of praising the greatness of the Gávea club.
For Chupeta, the constant mass presence of the red-black fans proved that Flamengo is the biggest club in the world.
radio l! - Flamengo is the biggest in the world. Both in Brasília and Espírito Santo we had the majority of the fans and this all makes us feel at home - he says (click and hear more)