The Globe
Renato Augusto replaces Maxi
In the game he considers the most important of the year, Joel will change Fla's attack
DESPITE THE light rain and the cold, fans gather on the boardwalk to watch from a distance the Flamengo players training on the sands of Leblon Beach.
Márcio Tavares
To avoid being left out and win what he considers the game of the year for Flamengo in terms of the fight for a spot in the 2008 Copa Libertadores, coach Joel Santana entered the week of the match against Santos with two certainties. The first was that it would be beneficial to begin training in a different environment. Therefore, he took the players to a training session on the sands of Leblon Beach. The second, more important and objective, conviction: Argentine Maxi has dropped significantly in performance and will be replaced on Sunday at Maracanã by Renato Augusto, who regains his starting position and is the ideal partner for center forward Souza, another returning to the Flamengo attack.
"Maxi has really had a drop in performance. I'll start choosing the team tomorrow (today), but the idea is to put Renato Augusto in his place," said Joel, who is betting heavily on his recovery in this match. "This Sunday's game is the most important of the year for Flamengo. It's much more important for us than for Santos, who will decide their situation at home. Santos is a great team, has an experienced coaching staff, Petkovic, Pedrinho, and Vanderlei knows the club well... It's going to be a very difficult game. Our responsibility is great, and we have to win these three points."
Club puts tickets on sale online
Renato Augusto agrees with Joel. He's aware that the time has come for everyone to put in the extra effort in the quest for the Libertadores and is excited about his rise. Praised by Joel after his strong second-half performance, despite the loss to Cruzeiro, the striker knows he can do better and that everyone expects a lot from him.
"I think my score on Sunday could have been a seven. But I can do better. I'm improving, getting more game rhythm, and I hope to do better starting from the start," said Renato Augusto after training on the beach.
Only the goalkeepers, who remained at Gávea, and defender Ronaldo Angelim, still out of the regular schedule because he's undergoing tests to determine why he fell ill during the match against Corinthians, didn't participate in the rush and physical exertion on the heavy sand, due to the light rain. The commotion nearly clogged Avenida Delfim Moreira, near Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco. Cars, vans, and buses stopped or slowed down to watch the players train. But not everything was overt fanboying: a driver, in a car with a megaphone—which, by the way, didn't work—antagonized left-back Juan. He was outraged.
To fill the Maracanã and break the Brazilian Championship's revenue and attendance records again, in another private battle with São Paulo, Flamengo launched advance sales, using both traditional ticket outlets and online purchases. On the second day, 24.398 tickets were sold, 44 of them online. A small number that didn't surprise the Flamengo board.
"It's definitely going to be a new record. With this average of 11 tickets per day, 79 tickets will be sold out by Sunday. But I think traditional sales will outperform online sales for a long time because a very small segment of our fans have access to computers, whether at home, at work, or at an internet cafe," said Flávio Pereira, Flamengo's director of fundraising.
Besides breaking the record, Flamengo's board has another concern: preventing speculation about the team's future from hampering the team in this final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. A meeting with Joel Santana, which would have begun to decide the team's future, was postponed until December. Before the end of the Brazilian Championship, there is no talk at Gávea about purchases, trades, loans, sales, renewals, or releases.
Brazilian Championship attendance record is also a source of controversy
In addition to the fifth trophy, clubs are battling for the highest-grossing game in the competition.
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Besides competing for their fifth championship trophy, Flamengo and São Paulo are battling for the Brazilian Championship attendance record. And amidst a new controversy. In the game in which the São Paulo club secured the title and set the record, against América-RN, the 6.281 fans who received promotional tickets were considered paying fans in the ticket window.
São Paulo had established that anyone who purchased two tickets for the match against Cruzeiro, played ten days prior, would receive a free ticket. The match had 69.874 paying spectators, including those who participated in the promotional tickets. However, in the ticket information itself, in the section detailing promotional tickets, the revenue for these tickets is zero. These tickets were included in the revenue from the match against Cruzeiro.
Even without these tickets, São Paulo would have surpassed Flamengo. The attendance for the match at Morumbi would have been 63.593 paying spectators, compared to 63.189 for the Flamengo-Grêmio match. But the red-and-black team's attempt to break the record against Santos on Sunday would have been easier. Flamengo has already sold 24 tickets for this match.
The São Paulo federation explained that it considers the beneficiaries of the promotion as paying, since they purchased tickets, which were subject to taxes, for the game against Cruzeiro.
Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, avoided inflaming the rivalry. He offered a mild irony:
"The competition is natural. And sometimes, for some purposes, mathematics isn't an exact science. But Flamengo will be the attendance champion against Santos and runner-up against Atlético-PR."
Sports Journal
Mengão on the road to war
Flamengo prepares for a battle against Santos on Sunday for a place in the Libertadores
Thiago Bokel and Tiago da Costa
Souza pulls off a tough race on the wet sand. All to win the battle at Maracanã.
Yesterday afternoon's training session on the heavy sand of Leblon beach, due to the rain that has been lashing the city, truly felt like preparation for a real war. This is how Flamengo coach Joel Santana and his players began their training this crucial week, aiming for the match against Santos on Sunday at Maracanã.
The battle itself will pit two direct competitors against each other for a spot in next year's Libertadores.
Despite this, the Vila Belmiro club is in a more comfortable situation, as, with a four-point advantage over the red-blacks, they can even afford to play for a draw, which would leave them in an excellent position.
Despite this factor, manager Joel Santana does not expect any kind of ease in this match against Santos, managed by Vanderlei Luxemburgo, and has already described it as “the game of the year” for his team.
Stumble
"We stumbled last Sunday (against Cruzeiro) and burned our last bullet. We're still competing for the most coveted prize in the championship right now, the Libertadores. It's the game that will decide our entire year. I hope the players are aware of this, because I'm very confident we'll come away with a victory at Maracanã," warned Joel Santana.
Fishless tide
And while the committee's confidence in success is high, the players' is no different. Souza, who returns to the team after serving a suspension for his third yellow card, briefly described the group's sentiments regarding this "war."
"Whoever comes in has to give their all to win. This is the game that will decide our future. I don't know if Santos feels the same way, but Flamengo has to win no matter what. The team is motivated, and we won't let the tide turn," said the striker, one of the team's top scorers in the Brazilian Championship, alongside Juan, Léo Moura, and Ibson, with five goals.
For Maracanã to truly become a cauldron for frying the “Peixe”, the support of the fans will be essential.
As of yesterday afternoon, almost 25 tickets had already been sold, a sign that the territory will be just as Flamengo likes it, like a typical war arena.
Flamengo announces birthday party schedule
Flamengo announced its festivities on Tuesday, November 15th, marking its 112th anniversary and its glorious history. In addition to traditional events such as the Alvorada do Remo (Remo Altitude), Chocolate Amigo (Friendly Chocolate), and Reco-Reco na Boca Maldita (Reco-Reco na Boca Maldita), the event will also feature artists, friendly matches, and cultural, musical, sports, and social activities.
According to the event organizers, several Flamengo artists have already confirmed their presence on November 15th. Renowned bands and singers will also be taking part in the event.
On this day, the Chapel of Saint Jude Thaddeus - the club's patron saint - will be inaugurated and will be located on the FlaBoutique avenue, in front of the swimming pools.
Check the complete schedule:
7am - Dawn at Remo\ 8am - Chocolate Amigo at Boca Maldita\ 9am - Professional Field - Game between Artists\ 9:15am - Inauguration of the new Bathrooms/Changing Rooms\ 9:30am - Inauguration of the Chapel of Saint Jude Thaddeus\ 10am - Ecumenical Act at Boca Maldita\ 10am to 16pm - Children's recreation at the Playground\ 10:30am - Inauguration of the waterfall at the Social Pool\ 10:30am - Reco-Reco at Boca Maldita\ 10:45am - Delivery of the works at Field II\ 11am - Delivery of the renovation works at the Medical Department\ 11:15am - Visit to the improvements at the Tennis Department\ 14pm - Samba circle with the “Friends of Hassan”\ 16pm - Meeting of choirs at the Noble Hall\ Official presentation of the Flamengo Choir\
The shows will start at 12pm, after the matches on the professional field.
City Council celebrates Flamengo's birthday
The Rio de Janeiro City Council will participate in the celebrations marking the 112th anniversary of the founding of Clube de Regatas do Flamengo and the inclusion of Flamengo Week in the official Rio de Janeiro city calendar. Councilwoman Patricia Amorim will host a grand celebration in the institution's plenary session on Tuesday, the 13th, at 18:30 p.m.
On this occasion, Patricia will also award the Pan-American Sports Merit Medals to some of the club's athletes (Diego and Daniele Hypólito, Jade Barbosa, Vitor Rosa, Marcelinho, Mariana Brochado and Ricardo Prado).
Flamengo Week was created by Patricia Amorim and sanctioned by Mayor Cesar Maia a month ago. Thus, the week that includes the club's anniversary—November 15th—will be named Flamengo Week.
Ronaldo Angelim's heart is strong
Even if it's unlikely, Ronaldo Angelim could bolster the red-and-black defense in next Sunday's match against Santos at Maracanã. This is because no problems have been detected in the medical test results already available.
The player complained of palpitations and malaise during the match against Corinthians on October 31st and asked to be substituted. Since then, he has not performed any physical activities, having missed the loss to Cruzeiro. According to club doctor Walter Martins, if the player's clinical condition is normal, the decision on his starting lineup will be made by the coach.
"Some tests have already come back and shown no problems, but others take up to 48 hours to complete. So far, everything is fine, and depending on Joel's decision, he may be fit to play. I can't guarantee he'll be out," he said.
Cristian should stay for another three years at Fla
Despite Kleber Leite, vice president of football, denying it, the club's planning for 2008 is still in full swing. Midfielder Cristian, considered a key player in the club's recovery in the Brazilian league, could remain with the club for another three years.
According to Josias Cardoso, the player's agent, Fla needs to pay off the purchase of the federation rights, worth US$500, from Atlético-PR by December.
"The contract is already done. The loan was made because Flamengo wanted to see if Cristian would adapt to Rio. Now, seven months later, I can guarantee that he will stay at the club," said the agent. The news left Cristian elated: "I'm happy, because my desire has always been to stay at Flamengo."
Juan is criticized again in Gávea
Questioned by fans, Juan fights to avoid relegation in the club's hierarchy
While Flamengo is making an impressive run in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, with a significant improvement in the team's performance on the field, left-back Juan seems to be going against the grain. After a strong start to the season, his performance has declined and he's already drawing criticism.
To make matters worse, yesterday, a fan who was driving along the Leblon beachfront used a megaphone to insult the number 6.
"I also expected to perform better. I know I haven't performed well in the last few games, but I try not to get discouraged so as not to throw away the entire year's work. It's difficult to maintain consistency until the end. These moments pass, and just like me, the team has to stay focused on a Libertadores spot," commented Juan.
In the last match at Maracanã, against Corinthians, the athlete was booed by the fans, who despite the 2-1 victory, were enraged by his performance.
"I was booed in the game against Corinthians, but that's normal. We were losing the game, and I ended up missing a goal. I'm not a striker, and that happens. But that's in the past; we're focused on beating Santos, and hopefully we can achieve that goal," he said.
O Dia
Flamengo's fifth consecutive victory: justice decides
Rubro-Negro will take action to prevent the trophy from going to São Paulo
Marluci Martins
Rio - It wasn't even that difficult to secure the Brasileirão title. All it took was a round ball. But if São Paulo wants to take home the trophy, it'll have to work hard. Flamengo will try to block its desired destination in the common courts.
In fact, a co-owner is the one taking legal action, since, by leaving the sporting sphere, the club would risk being punished by FIFA and the CBF. The idea is to race against time, to the point of preventing the trophy honoring the only five-time Brazilian champion from being awarded to the São Paulo club at the ceremony initially scheduled for December 3rd.
"The trial will take about two years, but an interim injunction will be requested to secure a preliminary injunction," said lawyer Michel Assef, who is president of the administrative council and will likely defend the case.
The claim of the co-owner, whose identity remains confidential, will be based on his interest in the club's assets. Michel Assef has no doubt that the fight is a win-win situation.
“The chance of the 1987 title being recognized is 100 percent,” assured the lawyer who, in the 90s, was vice-legal director, president of the deliberative council and the fiscal council of Flamengo.
FLAMENGO X SAO PAULO
If the 1987 title had been recognized by the CBF, Flamengo would have brought the trophy of its only five-time champion to Gávea in 1992, when it won the Brazilian championship for the fifth time. Fifteen years later, the dispute is still in the air. Michel Assef, despite pursuing the path of justice, still prefers a peaceful solution.
"Ideally, we'd have one game at Morumbi Stadium and another at Maracanã Stadium, between Flamengo and São Paulo, to decide who wins the trophy. Can you imagine how much the television network would pay for those games? It would cover everyone's 13th-month salary," he suggested.
Joel does the math: two more wins
The game of the year. That's how the match against Santos, Sunday at Maracanã, is being billed. Coach Joel Santana has already calculated what the team needs to reach the Libertadores:
"I think with two more wins, we're through. This Sunday's game is the most important of the year." Joel's words are the only motivation for the team. September's salary is late, as are 17 bonuses for Brasileirão victories and the state title prize.
IN THE DOCK
Tomorrow, Flamengo will be tried for incidents in the match against Vasco. And on Friday, the club will be a defendant again. Referee Sálvio Spínola alleged that a mortar and a can were thrown at him during the match against Grêmio. The penalty: one in ten at home.
Time closes for side Juan
The weather turned bad in every sense of the word yesterday in Leblon. On the rainy day, Flamengo held its training session on the beach, which cost left-back Juan dearly, as he was insulted by a fan.
Using a megaphone, the fan insulted the player as he drove past the training site in an imported car.
It was Flamengo's return match after the 3-1 loss to Cruzeiro at Mineirão Stadium. In that match, Juan played so poorly that he was replaced by Roger, and Toró was moved to the wing.
Not everything was sad yesterday in Leblon. While there was a lone protest, the majority, on the contrary, supported the Flamengo players. Several drivers eased off the accelerator on Avenida Delfim Moreira to see their idols up close, causing a traffic jam.
The biggest traffic jam will be on Sunday near Maracanã Stadium. As of 17 p.m. yesterday, 24.398 tickets had been sold for the match against Santos. Sales resume today at 11 a.m. Fans can also purchase tickets online (www.ingressofacil.com.br) or by phone (4003-3345).
The players, the coaching staff and president Márcio Braga will go to the Church of São Judas Tadeu, in Cosme Velho, tomorrow afternoon.
Ronaldo Angelim is out of action again for Flamengo
Rio - Coach Joel Santana will still not have defender Ronaldo Angelim back for the match against Santos next weekend at Maracanã. Against Corinthians, in the 2-1 comeback victory, the Flamengo defender fell ill on the field and had to leave. For this reason, he did not face Cruzeiro, and since he has been out of training for almost ten days, he will not be available for the Flamengo manager.
The player will undergo several tests, and according to the Gávea club's medical department, the results will only be known next Friday. With Ronaldo Angelim ruled out, Joel Santava is expected to continue with Thiago Sales alongside Fábio Luciano in defense.
Poll: Internet users choose Ibson as the star of the 2007 Brasileirão
Rio - In a poll conducted by the reporting team at "O DIA ONLINE," Flamengo midfielder Ibson was named the star of the 2007 Brazilian Championship. Nearly eight thousand votes were cast, and the Flamengo player received 28,58% (2.249 votes). In second place, with 1.483 votes (18,85%), was the option indicating that we had no star player in the Brasileirão this year. Defender Thiago Silva of Fluminense came in third with 1.236 votes (15,71%).
Check out the results of the poll below: "Which player can be considered the star of the 2007 Brasileirão?"
1 - Ibson, from Flamengo / 28,58% (2249 votes)\ 2 - Nobody. This year there were only losers in the championship / 18,85% (1483 votes)\ 3 - Thiago Silva, from Fluminense / 15,71% (1236 votes)\ 4 - Rogério Ceni, from São Paulo / 12,21% (961 votes)\ 5 - Conca, from Vasco / 8,50% (669 votes)\ 6 - Dodô, from Botafogo / 8,10% (637 votes)\ 7 - Acosta, from Náutico / 3,90% (307 votes)\ 8 - Felipe, from Corinthians / 3,50% (275 votes)\ 9 - Josiel, from Paraná / 0,65% (51 votes)\
Total: 7868 votes
Sports Gazette
Flamengo sells almost 25 thousand advance tickets\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Determined to secure a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores, Flamengo is expected to see a packed Maracanã stadium on Sunday when it faces Santos in the penultimate round of the Brazilian Championship. By the end of Tuesday, 24.398 tickets had been sold, according to the Flamengo board.\ While the crowds are strong, coach Joel Santana hopes his team can also play its part on the field. The coach knows this game is crucial for Flamengo's ambitions.\
"A win against Santos will be crucial for our championship ambitions. I believe that with two more wins, we'll qualify for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. This Sunday's game is the most important of the year for Flamengo. On the field, the team has to match the strength coming from the stands," said Joel.
Flamengo owes prizes and may lose fans against Furacão\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo is facing some behind-the-scenes problems. The Flamengo board reportedly failed to fulfill a promise to pay off part of its debt to the squad by last Monday and is reportedly owing 15 bonuses for victories, in addition to not having paid the bonus for winning the Campeonato Carioca. Fearing further problems within the group, the directors postponed a meeting previously scheduled for this Tuesday until after the Brazilian Championship. The meeting was to discuss the possible signing of reinforcements for 2008.
Flamengo's lawyers are also working off the field. On Thursday and Friday, the club will face the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) for incidents in matches against Vasco and Grêmio, respectively. If punished, the club may have to face Atlético-PR on the 25th without the support of its fans.
Last week, Flamengo began selling tickets for the game against Furacão, but the STJD prosecutor himself, Paulo Schimidt, has already confirmed that the strategy will not prevent a possible punishment of closing the Maracanã gates for this match, if the Rio de Janeiro club is found guilty by the STJD auditors.
Angelim is unlikely to face Santos and Maxi could lose his place\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While coach Joel Santana lamented some of Flamengo's defensive blunders against Cruzeiro, for the match against Santos he will likely be without one of his key players: Ronaldo Angelim. Sidelined from training, the defender is expected to be released only after doctors receive the results of tests to determine the cause of his discomfort against Corinthians. "He's undergoing all the tests and hasn't trained for nine or ten days. And it's humanly impossible to put an athlete who hasn't trained for ten days into such an important match," acknowledged fitness coach Ronaldo Torres in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
This Tuesday, after Monday's day off, the red-and-black squad trained physically on Leblon beach. Starting this Wednesday, when he leads the first ball training session, Joel Santana will be able to observe Rodrigo Arroz alongside Fábio Luciano. It's most likely, however, that the red-and-black coach will give young Thiago Salles another opportunity in the Rio defense.
Uncertainty also surrounds Flamengo's attack. Dissatisfied with Maximiliano Biancucchi's performance in recent matches, Joel Santana could take the Argentine out for the match against Santos. In this case, Renato Augusto and Roger would compete for a spot alongside Souza, the only guaranteed starter after serving an automatic suspension. The former has the advantage in the battle for better physical condition. "Renato Augusto has been training longer and is in better physical condition than Roger," said Ronaldo Torres.
Favorite in the race, Renato Augusto avoids controversy. "Unfortunately, I've suffered some injuries that have hindered me. But I've been working very hard and I'll leave it to Joel to decide what's best for Flamengo. I'm ready to play if he needs me," assured the Flamengo midfielder, the subject of speculation about a possible transfer to Chelsea at the end of the year.
PeléNet
Flamengo doctors investigate Angelim's heart problem
Bruno Rousso\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo may no longer be able to count on defender Ronaldo Angelim in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship. The player complained of an abnormally rapid heartbeat and has been sidelined until the problem is identified and detailed by the club's medical department.
The defender felt unwell during the 2-1 victory over Corinthians last Wednesday at Maracanã, in the 34th round of the national competition. For the following game, a 3-1 loss to Cruzeiro at Mineirão, Angelim was ruled out and replaced by Thiago Sales.
"His case is under investigation. He complained of a shooting in his heart. And this heart issue is always a very serious matter. He's out indefinitely, until he undergoes all the tests. We can't predict his return for now," explained Flamengo doctor Serafim Borges.
With Ronaldo Angelim out, coach Joel Santana will keep young Thiago Sales alongside Fábio Luciano in the red-and-black defense. The team's next match will be against Santos on Sunday at 18:10 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã Stadium, in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship.
Joel believes that two more wins will put Flamengo in the Libertadores
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Coach Joel Santana simplified the math for Flamengo to secure a spot in the next Copa Libertadores. According to the Flamengo manager, his team simply needs to win its next two Brazilian Championship matches.
Of the last three matches in the National Championship, Flamengo will play two at Maracanã: they face Santos on Sunday at 18:10 pm (Brasília time) and Atlético-PR on the 25th. The last match, however, will be away. On December 2nd, they face Náutico at Aflitos.
"This game against Santos is crucial for us, as is the next one. If we get the next six points, we'll definitely secure this spot," the coach said.
With 55 points, Flamengo currently occupies fourth place and is closely followed by Palmeiras (fifth, also with 55) and Grêmio (seventh, with 54). Sixth is Fluminense (55), but they are not in the fight, since they already have a place in the Libertadores guaranteed by having won the Copa do Brasil.
Cruzeiro, with 57, is the third best positioned in the Brazilian Championship, behind second-placed Santos, with 59, and already champion São Paulo, with 73.
Flamengo vs Santos: almost 25 thousand tickets sold
Flamengo fans continue to buy tickets for the match between the Red-Black and Santos, Sunday, at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship. According to the club's press office, 24.938 tickets were sold on Tuesday.
Tickets can be purchased as usual this Wednesday, from 11am to 17pm, at the following locations: Gávea (Flamengo), RioSampa (Nova Iguaçu), General Severiano (Botafogo), Caio Martins (Niterói), Laranjeiras (Fluminense), Loja Kappa (Barra da Tijuca) and ticket office 8 at Maracanã. 79.984 tickets are available to fans.
The Rio de Janeiro board expects the attendance record for this competition (São Paulo vs. América - 69.874) to be broken. Of the ten biggest, seven are Rubro-Negro games: Flamengo 2 x 0 Grêmio (63.189), Flamengo 2 x 1 Corinthians (62.026), Flamengo 0 x 2 Fluminense (61.042), Flamengo 1 x 0 São Paulo (59.098), Flamengo 1 x 1 Sport (51.552), Flamengo 1 x 0 Fluminense (49.828) and Flamengo 1 x 1 Vasco (49.495).
Flamengo prepares a big party for its 112th anniversary
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo plans to hold a grand celebration on the 15th, marking its 112th anniversary. The event will feature a series of concerts, as well as cultural, sporting, and social activities. The concerts will kick off with friendly matches on the professional soccer field.
According to the club's press office, many artists who support the club have already confirmed their presence at the celebration. However, the names of these "stars" have not yet been announced.
BalloonSport
Ibson turns '23 and a half'
Flamengo supporter jokes about his new age and says his son is his greatest gift
Eduardo Peixoto
Ibson smiles at Flamengo's beach training session
Party? Only on December 2nd. And even then, only if Flamengo secures their Libertadores spot. Celebrating his birthday this Wednesday, November 7th, midfielder Ibson has almost nothing to complain about the special date. Except, of course, his new age.
- How old? Oh, 23 and a half! You can put it there - he says, laughing.
In Rio de Janeiro, the number 24 is associated with the "deer" in the animal game. That's why Ibson avoids even pronouncing the number. When choosing gifts, he remembers his son Júnior, who was born seven days ago.
"He was my biggest birthday present. He's already home and brightening my days," says the athlete.
When analyzing his professional career, Ibson recalls that he once felt embarrassed to look at the Brazilian Championship table. After all, when he debuted, Flamengo was in second-to-last place, with a paltry 12 points.
"I didn't even look. But now, after everything that happened, I make a point of checking. It's actually nice to see our position," he says, referring to fourth place with 55 points.
The player is the red-and-black's top scorer in the Brazilian Championship, with six goals. In a poll on GLOBOESPORTE.COM, he is easily the leader in the election for "team's best player" in the competition.
Cristian is almost certain in 2008
Agent and player confirm agreement to renew with Flamengo for three years
Eduardo Peixoto
Cristian should stay at Gávea in 2008
One of Joel Santana's midfield "ants", midfielder Cristian is almost guaranteed a place at Gávea in 2008. His loan contract with Flamengo ends at the end of this year, but there is another contract signed for another three seasons.
To make it valid, Rubro-Negro must pay Atlético-PR US$500 by the end of this year. According to the player's agent, Josias Cardoso, the situation is almost settled between the two boards.
"The contract is done. This loan until the end of the year was another way for Flamengo to secure a deal with Atlético-PR regarding his adaptation. And, after these months at Gávea, that's no longer an issue. I can guarantee he'll stay," he told GLOBOESPORTE.COM by phone.
Happy and excited at Flamengo, the midfielder also considers himself part of the plans for next season.
"I hear things are going well. I'm happy because from the beginning I always said I wanted to stay here," he says.
Rubro-Negro blog creates 'unique fifth runner-up'
Flamengo fans remember that São Paulo has been Brazilian runner-up five times
'Penta Vice Único' shirt created by a blog to mock São Paulo
The debate between São Paulo and Flamengo fans about which club is the first five-time Brazilian champion is never-ending. Now, fans who created a blog in honor of Flamengo (flamengoeternamente) have created a version of the jersey made by São Paulo's sports equipment supplier that claims the club is the "Unique Five-Time Champion." For the red-and-blacks, it's the "unique five-time runner-up."
This is because Tricolor Paulista came second in the Brazilian Championships of 71, 73, 81, 89 and 90, and is the only club with so many second places in the most important competition in Brazilian football (see the image above).
Abelão wants to help Flamengo
And strength can come in the games against Cruzeiro and Palmeiras, competitors of Rubro-Negro
Coach Abel Braga talks to the players during training.
Flamengo has an ally in its fight to secure a spot in the Copa Libertadores. Inter coach Abel Braga guarantees his team will do everything possible to beat Cruzeiro and Palmeiras. The goal, of course, is to secure a spot in the Copa Sudamericana. But, in addition, Abelão is giving his Flamengo friends a boost, as Raposa and Verdão are vying for a spot in the top four with Mengão.
"Inter is aiming for the South American. We'll do everything we can to get there. We'll try to win all three games, regardless of who benefits. If I could help anyone, it would be Flamengo, because I'm a good friend of Joel, and there are players there I've worked with and really like, like Roger and Ibson. I'm friends with Márcio Braga too," he says.
Abel's comment stemmed from a question about the benefit Grêmio, like Flamengo, would gain from potential Colorado victories over Cruzeiro and Palmeiras. The coach offered a caveat.
- I'm good friends with Mano too.
Friends, but interests separate. Grêmio and Flamengo fans will frown upon learning that Abelão, in partnership with Inter's board, has decided to give the players a vacation after the match against Cruzeiro this Saturday. They will have eight days off, followed by a week of training before the match against Palmeiras.
Joel: 'With six points, the little wave comes'
Flamengo coach projects qualification for the Libertadores Cup with victories at Maracanã
Eduardo Peixoto
Flamengo players during training on the beach
Joel Santana often says he wants Flamengo to see a bright future at the end of the Brazilian Championship. On this rainy Tuesday with gray skies, the coach, sheltered by a huge umbrella on Leblon Beach, calculated that his next visit to the stadium would be under strong sunshine to celebrate their spot in the Copa Libertadores.
In fourth place with 55 points, Rubro-Negro, according to its coach, will be guaranteed a place in the South American tournament if it wins its next two games at Maracanã, against Santos and Atlético-PR.
- If we win both games, we'll definitely have a spot - declares Joel.
The first obstacle will be São Paulo's Alvinegro, second in the Brasileirão. At Gávea, everyone knows that the match will be the equivalent of a final.
"It's the Brazilian Championship final for us. For all that matters to the club, it will undoubtedly be the game of the year," says the Flamengo coach.
On the sly, Fla plans 2008
Managers meet in Gávea after Tuesday's training session and seek reinforcements
Eduardo Peixoto
Kleber Leite is already thinking about assembling Flamengo's team for 2008
The external discourse within Flamengo's boardroom focuses exclusively on the fight for a spot in the Copa Libertadores. But despite the deflection tactics, the club is working behind the scenes to assemble its 2008 squad.
On Tuesday night, the club's top brass met at the football department in Gávea to discuss potential signings. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, spoke with several agents, listened to suggestions from other participants, and outlined goals.
The plan involves retaining coach Joel Santana. The deal is almost sealed. The coach, who is highly regarded, has carte blanche—but not entirely—to appoint reinforcements. Some directors recall the disastrous preferences of Ney Franco, who set up an Ipatinga "branch" in Gávea in early 2007.
The main goal is to renew the team's backbone. Of the starting lineup, Bruno, Fábio Luciano, Jaílton, and Cristian's contracts expire at the end of the year. Of these, only the latter has advanced negotiations to stay. There's also the matter of Roger. The player is a management bet for 2008, and the trend is for his three-year contract to be renewed.
Regarding reinforcements, calls and more calls to agents. Washington was offered, but the deal didn't progress. The directors are cautious and avoid disclosing names so as not to offend the players who, at this moment, are crucial to the bold planning of the next season. In other words, the formation of the next team is intrinsically linked to qualification for the Copa Libertadores.
Flamengo president despises Sport
Márcio Braga doesn't care about the threat from Pernambuco residents: 'I don't argue with them'
Eduardo Peixoto
Márcio Braga is ironic when commenting on Sport's "tribute" to São Paulo
No offensive responses or irritation. The news that Sport plans to commission a billboard to honor São Paulo's five-time Brazilian championship was met with disdain and a dose of irony by Flamengo president Márcio Braga. The Flamengo director says he has ignored the Pernambuco club since 1987, the year of the controversial Copa União.
"It's only fair that they put up that billboard. If they want to spend their money this way, great! I haven't argued with Sport in 20 years. I don't think they have any sportsmanship. They always seek political, judicial, and backroom solutions, and that doesn't elevate the sport. It's something for provincial teams," Braga declares.
Flamengo, champion of the Green Module (equivalent to the First Division), and runner-up Internacional, refused to play against Sport and Guarani, the teams that won the Yellow Module (Second Division). The CBF awarded the title that year to Sport, fueling the rivalry between the two clubs.
"More than 180 million Brazilians know that Flamengo is a five-time champion. I'm not going to entertain that discussion now," says president Márcio Braga.
Throw
Fans even show up for training in the rain
Around 50 fans go to Leblon Beach to support the Flamengo team
The rain that fell in Rio de Janeiro meant that Flamengo's training session this Tuesday afternoon was held on Leblon beach.
Even with the bad weather, the red-black fans, with around 50 people, turned out in large numbers to support the players and the coaching staff.
On the beach, fitness trainer Ronaldo Torres led an intense activity, aiming for the game against Santos, on Sunday, at Maracanã.
The only players absent from the beach training session were goalkeepers Bruno, Diego, and Marcelo Lomba, who did some special training at Gávea. Leonardo also did some weight training at the club's headquarters.
Flamengo's doctor analyzes Angelim
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo doctor Walter Martins analyzed the injury suffered by defender Ronaldo Angelim, who missed the team's 3-1 loss to Cruzeiro at Mineirão stadium in the Brazilian Championship last Sunday. According to the doctor, a diagnosis regarding the severity of the injury will only be available after Thursday.
Walter also highlighted that the other Rubro-Negro doctor, Serafim Borges, will evaluate him.
radio l! - We'll do another analysis of what happened to better understand the gravity of the situation. Serafim will review the situation and give a deadline for your return - he says. (Click and listen)
Joel hopes to repay the fans' affection
The red-black coach considers a place in the Libertadores as a title
Coach Joel Santana said Tuesday that he intends to return all the affection he's been receiving from Flamengo fans. For him, the support from the stands is an extra boost for the entire team to strive for victories.
The expectation of a packed Maracanã stadium next Sunday against Santos doesn't surprise Joel. The proximity of a Libertadores spot is a reward for the fans, according to the coach.
"We have to give a positive response to the fans on Sunday. They're buying tickets, they're going to pack the Maracanã, and they deserve our reward. Today, a place in the Libertadores is a title for us. The fans' turnout at training is an added motivation," he declared.
Fábio Luciano believes in qualification
Defender tries to forget the defeat to Cruzeiro and only thinks about Santos
One of those responsible for Flamengo's growth in the Brazilian Championship, defender Fábio Luciano highlighted that the Rubro-negro remains in the fight for one of the spots in the Copa Libertadores, even after last Sunday's defeat to Cruzeiro.
For the Flamengo captain, next Sunday's match against Santos will be of fundamental importance for the club's ambitions of reaching the South American competition.
"It's a very balanced championship. Our goal remains the same. We'll try to play well in this decisive match against Santos and fight for a spot," he emphasized.
The red-and-black defender made a point of emphasizing the opponent's qualities, especially his coach.
"Santos is a very well-organized team with a sensational coach. They're practically qualified, but they'll come to Rio to try to win," he declared.
Renato Augusto could start on Sunday
Supporter can be selected in attack alongside Souza
LANCEPRESS!
After playing only the second half of the 3-1 loss to Cruzeiro, midfielder Renato Augusto is expected to start next Sunday against Santos in the 35th round of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo's fitness coach Ronaldo Torres believes the player will be fit to play the full 90 minutes by then.
The player himself feels confident to play.
"I'm prepared, I felt much better. I even told Ronaldo that I didn't feel a thing in the match against Cruzeiro, and that the game was very exhausting, with the strong sun and the high grass. I hope I can play the whole match," said the midfielder, who could be selected as a striker in place of Maxi Biancucchi in the match against Santos.
- Everyone knows that my position is in midfield, but if I have to play up front, it's no problem - the player told Rádio Tupi.
Leonardo is released for physical preparation
The striker has not played a match for Flamengo since September 29th
Without participating in a match since September 29, when Flamengo defeated Atlético-MG 1-0, striker Leonardo was released this Tuesday for physical preparation and worked in the weight room at Gávea.
Having recovered from an injury to his right foot, Leonardo will try to be used by Joel Santana in the three remaining matches of this Brazilian Championship.
Signed from Paraná at the start of the season, the striker played just 23 games for Flamengo, scoring six goals: three in the Carioca and three in the Brasileiro.
Flamengo celebrates week of training
Player recovery could help Joel Santana build the team
Flamengo's fitness coach, Ronaldo Torres, is very pleased with the entire week the red-and-black team will have to prepare for the match against Santos next Sunday at Maracanã. According to him, the last few weeks have been very taxing for all the players.
"Having the whole week to work is great. In Natal, the very high temperature at three in the afternoon took a toll on the athletes physiologically. Then, the return trip was also tiring, and last Sunday, the heat at Mineirão Stadium wore the players out. I'll be working on the beach to regain my fitness," he said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
After feeling unwell during the match against Corinthians, defender Ronaldo Angelim is undergoing a series of tests to determine the cause of his symptoms. Renato Augusto could start against Santos, while Roger is expected to be a substitute.
"Angelim is undergoing tests and hasn't trained since Friday. Physically, it's impossible to put him in the game against Santos. Renato Augusto has been training for longer, has been doing physical work, and came on strong in the last game. Roger has been out for longer and isn't yet fit to play 90 minutes," the fitness coach commented.
Renato Augusto could be coach Joel Santana's option to replace Argentine Maxi Biancucchi, who hasn't been playing well.
Two wins at Maraca could give Flamengo a spot
In the next two games, draws for Verdão and a defeat for Grêmio will be enough.
Fans will fill the Maracanã against Santos (Credit: Cleber Mendes)
When Flamengo was hovering in the relegation zone, some saw the match against Náutico in the final round as a potential "Battle of the Afflicted." But there's nothing like one day (or game!) after another.
If the team maintains its performance at Maracanã in the next two Brasileirão games and a combination of results helps, something previously unimaginable could happen: a place in the Libertadores could come in the penultimate round.
For that to happen, Flamengo will have to beat Santos and Atlético Paranaense at the World's Biggest Stadium to reach 61 points. It's worth noting that, at Maracanã, Flamengo won 11 of its 18 matches in this year's Brazilian Championship. The stadium's record is 70,3%.
Palmeiras, which has the same number of points as Flamengo (55), will face Fluminense (at home) and Inter (away). With two draws, they would reach 57, and not even a win in the final round would be enough to upset Flamengo's qualification. With 54 points, Grêmio will face very different opponents. In the next round, the nation will be rooting for São Paulo to win the clash between the Tricolores at Morumbi Stadium. The following game will be against the already relegated América-RN in Natal.
If they lose to Tricolor Paulista, even a victory over the Rio Grande do Norte club won't give Grêmio a chance of catching Flamengo. If these projections are confirmed, Grêmio will finish, at worst, in fourth place, a position that guarantees a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores.
Joel Santana isn't optimistic enough to believe the spot will come early. The red-and-black manager, who lamented the loss to Cruzeiro, has his own calculations:
"It was a key game, against a direct rival who was struggling, and we were doing well. But we're moving forward. I think with two wins and a draw, we'll secure our spot."