The Globe
Fla gains one Argentine and loses another
After a 4-1 victory over Figueirense, in which they were heavily pressured by their opponents and booed by their fans, the Flamengo fans are already accustomed to the twists and turns of the football world. Yesterday, while midfielder Hugo Colace was being introduced, his fellow countryman Maxi was injured again and will not play for Flamengo against Internacional tomorrow in the South.
- You have to be very calm - lamented Maxi.
His words serve as a guide for Flamengo's current situation. Until the start of the second half of Wednesday's game, the team was on the brink of defeat, the crisis of the relegation zone. From this adversity came hope. In addition to the returns of Fábio Luciano, Souza, Juan, and Roger, who were suspended, the team gained the options of Toró and Paulo Sérgio, who stood out in the rout.
"Flamengo is like that, when everything seems very difficult, we see our future stars on the field," said coach Joel, without euphoria. "The red light is still on."
To help Joel in his fight, the club brought in a defensive midfielder known as El León in Argentina. Estudiantes paid US$60 for a loan until June 2008 and an additional US$160 for 25% of the player's rights.
Sports Journal
What a phase, Renato Augusto!
Number 10 attributes poor performances to physical problems and Joel asks for patience with the player
Nathan Lima and Thiago Bokel
Wallace Teixeira
Joel consults the notes on his inseparable clipboard. In the background, Renato Augusto, who is going through a period of low inspiration.
The mild atmosphere that settled over Gávea after Wednesday's significant win over Figueirense was contrasted by only one concern: Renato Augusto. Since returning from the U-20 World Cup in Canada, the player has been unable to replicate the strong performances that earned him the title of fan favorite.
But the bad moment, according to the player himself, has an explanation.
"Since returning from the World Cup, I've had a series of injuries that have hindered me. My last pain-free match was the debut against Palmeiras. After that, I only had two days of training and then the derby against Botafogo came up. But the fans don't care about that, only the results. I've never been booed before, but this is important because it increases my experience," he said.
The support provided by coach Joel Santana and his teammates has been crucial to Renato Augusto's recovery. In tomorrow's match against Internacional at Beira-Rio, he will once again be expected to play as a makeshift attacker. However, this won't be a problem.
"Sometimes I can't just think about myself. If it's better for the group for me to play up front, I'll do it without a problem. I'm hungry, what I want is to play, no matter the position, but my preference is midfield," admitted Renato Augusto.
Coach's Support\ For the red-and-black coach, patience is needed with the supporter. He believes that the number 10 will soon recover his good form:\
"We need to be calm with Renato. He's a talent, very important to the team and will still give us a lot of joy," predicted 'Father Joel'.
The coach's biggest question for this crucial match is who will replace the suspended Cristian. The red-and-black manager hasn't yet decided between Toró and Léo Medeiros to start. Jaílton, who has clearly lost his place, is playing on the outside and is unlikely to start.
Maxi feels injured again and is out
The new darling of the Flamengo fans, striker Maxi Biancucci has again suffered a left thigh injury and will not be able to face Internacional tomorrow at Beira Rio. The player was participating in a training match against Bonsucesso, which the Gávea team won 1-0, with a goal scored by striker Souza, who returns to the team.
The Argentine's return was the fans' great hope for the match, but Maxi was ruled out by the club's medical department.
"I was coming back, but I felt my leg again. You have to be patient, I'm calm. Every player wants to play and it's no different for me. I've only had this happen once in my career," said the striker.
An Argentine 'lion' in Gávea
Wallace Teixeira
Colace said his nickname was due to his dedication to marking
Flamengo unveiled its latest international signing for this year's Brazilian Championship yesterday at Gávea: Argentine defensive midfielder Hugo Colace. He arrives to join the squad or perhaps earn a starting spot, as coach Joel Santana only has young Rômulo to play. Colace won last year's Clausura Tournament with Estudiantes de La Plata, but fell out with the coach, former Argentina international Diego Simeone, and chose to leave his home country.
"I was playing for Estudiantes and was fascinated by the possibility of coming to Flamengo. I wanted a change of scenery," said the player, who is known to Estudiantes fans as "El Leon" (the Lion). The Argentine explained the origin of his nickname.
"They call me 'El Leon' because I'm always biting the bullet, I usually play with a lot of heart and desire," explained Colace.
New Mancuso?\ In the 90s, Flamengo had an Argentine defensive midfielder who won over its large fan base. Mancuso is remembered to this day for the grit he displayed in the undefeated 1996 Rio de Janeiro State Championship victory. Revered to this day by Flamengo fans, the player had a habit of not changing his shirt after matches. Hugo Colace confided yesterday that he shares the same habit.\
"I don't like to trade shirts either. I keep them all for myself," said Colace.
To acquire Colace, Flamengo paid US$160 for 25% of the player's economic rights. He signed a contract until June 2008 and can renew for another four years.
Roger makes mea culpa at Fla
After the 4-1 thrashing of Figueirense last Wednesday at Maracanã, the mood in Gávea was more relaxed this Thursday afternoon. Coach Joel Santana will have the return of the starters who were absent from the team in the rout. Among the players, midfielder Roger has been a constant absence and has already been scolded by Joel. The athlete admitted he has been acting childishly.
"He's right. I know when I'm wrong and I have to own up to it. I was also upset about missing another game. I'll be more careful not to harm the team," said Roger.
Roger also explained his conduct and stated that he always tries to give his best on the field.
"It's no excuse, but sometimes we try to do more than we're asked to. Excessive willpower doesn't always help us," the supporter emphasized.
Flamengo and Vasco is postponed again
The date of the match between Vasco and Flamengo, still part of the first round of the Brasileirão, has been postponed again. Rescheduled for October 16th (Tuesday), the game will now be played on the 18th of the same month (Thursday), at 21:45 pm, at Maracanã.
The second round match, in turn, remains scheduled for September 16 (Sunday).
A day of great futsal in the State Championship
Rafael Oliveira
Holidays are a day for beaches, sun, and futsal. Three second-round matches from the State Championship are spiking this afternoon. The highlight is the match between Macaé and Flamengo. The match will be played in Macaé, starting at 18 p.m.
Both teams won their opening-round matches and now face each other in a match filled with fond memories for one player in particular. Winger Leco knows both teams very well, having already experienced unforgettable moments.
"I was very happy at Flamengo. It's a club that I will definitely keep close to my heart. But my reality now is Macaé. I was there for four years before going to Gávea and I was always treated very well by everyone," said the player.
Leco played in the last Carioca championship for Flamengo. With Flamengo, he reached the semifinals of the competition, where he was eliminated by Cabo Frio, coached by the same Sávio who now manages Macaé.
"Leco has already had three spells at the club and is one of those athletes we can always count on," revealed Sávio.
For Flamengo, the challenge won't be an easy one. After all, the club will be playing on a larger court than its own. This, in fact, was one of the team's weaknesses in the last Carioca championship, when they didn't win a single game on larger courts.
"Since Monday, we've been training on a court much bigger than ours. The idea is to try to adapt to the dimensions we'll find there in Macaé," said the red-and-black coach Cid Escarlate.
Other Games\ The round still has two more games scheduled for this afternoon. At 16 p.m. in Rio das Ostras, Cabo Frio and América will face off. As punishment for the brawl involving their fans in the Carioca final against Teresópolis, the team from the Lagos Region will not have home court.\
American coach Alan Salino hopes to count on the support of the local fans.
"There's usually a rivalry between neighboring cities. I hope this is the case and that the people of Rio das Ostras will come to the gym to support us."
Rounding out the day, Teresópolis and Canto do Rio play at 17 p.m. at Pedrão Gymnasium. While the home team seeks recovery, the Niterói team seeks a second victory.
O Dia
Flamengo: El León already shows his claws
Hugo Colace introduces himself and warns his opponents that he's coming in with a bite.
Janir Junior
Rio - 'Portunhol' was the official language at Gávea yesterday. While Maxi Biancucchi was struggling with his Portuguese to lament his potential to miss another match against Internacional tomorrow at Beira-Rio due to a muscle problem in his left thigh, another Argentine, Hugo Colace, was introduced as a reinforcement for the red-and-blacks.
At 23, arriving from Estudiantes in Argentina, Colace showed his calling card: in one fell swoop, he said he dreams of wearing the captain's armband, wearing the number 5 jersey, playing in front of a packed Maracanã stadium, and, to boot, revealed his nickname: El León. He explains why: "I come in biting." One can only hope the lion is fiercer than El Tigre Ramirez, who played for the club last year.
Colace, who signed a contract until June 2008, has already felt the pressure of playing for Flamengo. After watching the draw with Botafogo, the midfielder was at the Maracanã on Wednesday.
Between hot dogs, he asked the members of the Urubu Guerreiro fan club why they were demanding a fight. "That's how it is here. If you don't give your blood, you're done," he heard as a reply.
"Mancuso said this crowd is impressive. What I saw at Maracanã is magical," said El León, who played for Argentina's youth teams.
Joel only knows the player through DVDs and said he was impressed. Colace will be registered and is in shape to debut. And he says: he's hungry as a lion to eat, after the hot dog, the ball.
'BEING BOOED IS EMBARRASSING'
With each game, the question resonates louder: what's wrong with Renato Augusto, who once again had a subpar performance against Figueirense? The player, upset, opened up after yesterday's training session.
Renato commented on the issue. "You touch the ball and there's booing. This creates instability. I'm going through a difficult time in my life, and I get upset because being booed is embarrassing," Renato stated.
At 19, the player admitted that if his bad spell had happened last year, he wouldn't have had the emotional strength to handle the pressure. "Today, I'm more mature. On the one hand, the boos were good for me to learn from," he said.
Renato Augusto revealed that, after the injury, he fought hard against Botafogo: "I was in pain, but I wanted to play. I don't shy away from responsibility, and I even understand the fans, as I've been in the stands and booed and cursed too. But things will start to change. I promise."
At the club, everyone, from the doorman to the president, came together to support the player, considered a promising player for the red and black team.
Roger returns promising to police himself
After being called out by Joel Santana for receiving what he considered to be "nonsensical" cards, Roger didn't create controversy, despite emphasizing that the Flamengo coach didn't need to make such a comment. The player's justification for the repeated suspensions was excessive willpower.
"Joel is right, but he didn't even need to comment, because I'm a professional and I know he was wrong. I'll be careful, because I was upset myself. It's not an excuse, but all of this is an excess of desire to help the team out of this situation," said Roger, who returns to the team against Internacional.
For this match, considered very difficult by everyone at the club, Joel will also have the return of Fábio Luciano, Juan and Souza, who served suspensions.
Midfielder Cristian received his third yellow card against Figueirense and is out of the game. Joel will still choose his replacement between Toró and Léo Medeiros. Jaílton would be the coach's other option.
For Maxi's place, who participated in the training match against Bonsucesso yesterday in Gávea, but left the field during training, the option should be Paulo Sérgio or Renato Augusto playing further forward.
The delegation leaves this morning for Porto Alegre, where there will be a training session in the afternoon, when Joel will define the team.
Maxi Biancucchi feels pain again and will not play against Inter either.
Rio - Argentine Maxi Biancucchi felt pain in his left thigh again in a training match against Bonsucesso this Thursday and was ruled out for the match against Internacional on Saturday.
Despite the bad news, Flamengo should have the return of Souza, Roger and Juan, who were suspended and could not face Figueirense.
Sports Gazette
Flamengo presents Argentine Colace\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace was introduced this Thursday afternoon in Gávea as Flamengo's newest signing for the Brazilian Championship. The player was with Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina and signed a contract until June 2008, but with the possibility of a four-year extension. The athlete is known as El León. At 23, he began his career with Argentino Juniors and played for the Argentine under-15, under-17, and under-20 national teams.
Colace said he sought information about Flamengo from Mancuso, the last Argentine idol to play for Flamengo. After watching Flamengo's 4-XNUMX victory over Figueirense at Maracanã, he reiterated the former player's praise for the fans.
Roger apologizes and wants to help Fla again
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Despite being happy with the 4-1 victory over Figueirense, Flamengo midfielder Roger decided to apologize for the suspensions he has been receiving in the Brazilian Championship. After receiving a scolding from coach Joel Santana, the player made it clear that he will do everything in his power to avoid continuing to play. "I know when I'm wrong and I have to admit it. I was also upset about missing another game. I'll be more careful so I don't harm the team," said the midfielder, who was unable to play last Wednesday due to a suspension from the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD).
According to Roger, his eagerness to help the Red-Blacks on the field ended up hurting him. "It's no excuse, but sometimes we try to do more than they ask. This excess doesn't always help us," he explained.
This Saturday, the midfielder could play against Internacional in an attempt to help Flamengo move away from the relegation zone. The Rio de Janeiro team currently has 29 points, sitting in 14th place.
Joel Santana relieved with the rout: “It was do or die”\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The rout over Figueirense this Wednesday brought relief to Flamengo. Coach Joel Santana didn't hide his feelings, noting that a slip-up against the Santa Catarina team at Maracanã would leave the Rubro-Negro in a delicate position in the standings. "In a league played on a points system, every game serves as a decider. But against Figueirense, it was truly do-or-die. If we slipped up, we'd have to watch Atlético Paranaense open up a gap, Figueirense itself would have to move up in the standings, and Juventude would have to close in on us. Not to mention that Náutico and Paraná haven't even played yet. Therefore, these were three strategically earned points from a direct battle with these teams," explained the coach, famous for demonstrating his tactics to his players using a clipboard.
Flamengo's next match is against Internacional at Beira-Rio. In the first round, at Maracanã, they drew 2-2 in a match in which midfielder Alex missed a penalty for the Colorados.
"I remember that game was very difficult for our team, because we fell behind twice, and their team was having a great night. But we showed great resilience and managed to equalize late in the game, when many thought our team was already defeated. I hope we can get a win at Beira-Rio, although I know the difficulty will be even greater than in the first round, as we will now play in Porto Alegre," Juan estimated.
Debt settlement – Flamengo's board of directors received a proposal from the Pinto de Almeida real estate group for the club to lease the Morro da Viúva building for 13 years as part of the debt incurred in the 90s, which currently amounts to around R$44 million. After this period, the debts would disappear and the club would receive the property back.
Flamengo's board will send the proposal for analysis by its deliberative and fiscal council, which is scheduled to meet next Monday evening.
Joel will have reinforcements against Inter\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Fresh from the 4-1 thrashing of Figueirense, which lifted the team out of the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo turns its attention to this Saturday's match against Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium. Coach Joel Santana will wait until Friday's training session to decide on his lineup, but he will have far more options than he had for the match against the Santa Catarina team. Defender Fábio Luciano, left-back Juan, midfielder Roger, and forward Souza, all suspended, are available to the coach, as is defender Ronaldo Angelim, who has recovered from a left thigh injury. The bad news is midfielder Cristian, who is suspended after receiving his third yellow card against the Santa Catarina team.
Expectations are high for Maxi's possible return, as he recovers from a left thigh strain that has sidelined him for the team's last three games. The Argentine is optimistic about his performance, but the lineup depends on his performance in training this Friday.
"I'm free of the pain, which was very bothersome and hindered my performance. We'll wait and see how things progress until the match. I adapted quickly to Flamengo and already feel a strong connection with the fans. That's why it's really hard to be out, and I intend to return as soon as possible," Maxi stated.
Joel Santana avoided revealing the lineup and wouldn't even comment on Cristian's potential replacement. However, Léo Medeiros is emerging as a strong option.
"The players who participated in the match against Figueirense didn't even train this Thursday, making it difficult to make any predictions about the team. What I can say is that we'll be stronger, as several players are returning from injuries and suspensions, giving me a wider range of options. We'll consider the best formation, as it will be a very tough match," predicted the Flamengo manager.
PeléNet
Argentine Maxi Biancucchi is out of action again for Flamengo
Striker Maxi Biancucchi will be out for Flamengo once again. The striker, who was recovering from a left thigh strain, felt pain again in a training match this Thursday at Gávea.
Maxi actually took the field for the training match against Bonsucesso, but left early in the training session with the players who didn't start last Wednesday's match. The striker was later examined by doctors and ruled out for the match against Internacional this Saturday in Porto Alegre.
Without the Argentine player, coach Joel Santana has a few options for starting the team. The first, but least likely, is to keep the attack that defeated Figueirense, with Paulo Sérgio and Obina, but the former is unlikely to remain in the starting lineup.
This leaves three players competing for two spots. In addition to Obina, Souza will be available again after serving a suspension, and the two forwards could form a partnership against Inter.
The other option would be to move Renato Augusto up front. This is because Roger returns to the team, and the midfielder would lose his place. This way, the two center forwards would compete for a spot in the lineup.
Besides Maxi, defenders Fabio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim did not participate in the training match and only walked laps around the field. However, both are expected to travel with the group to Porto Alegre this Friday.
Flamengo presents Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace
Flamengo's protracted negotiations with Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace came to an end on Thursday afternoon. The player, who was already in Rio and had been frequenting Gávea since last week, was finally officially presented at the club's headquarters.
Colace, 23, was playing for Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina and signed a contract with Flamengo until June 2008. A four-year extension is also possible.
Before signing with the Gávea team, the player asked for advice from another Argentine midfielder well known to the red-black fans.
"Mancuso said the fans are wonderful, and I was able to confirm that in the last two Flamengo games I watched at Maracanã. The fans are beautiful," said the player, who was present at the matches against Sport and Figueirense.
In addition to his conversation with Mancuso, the new Flamengo signing also revealed his nickname: El León. "I'm a player who shows a lot of grit on the field, and that's why they call me 'Lion.' I like to be used as a holding midfielder and preferably wear the number 5 jersey," he said.
Hugo Colace began his career with Argentino Juniors, and also played for Newell's Old Boys, as well as for the Argentine U-15, U-17, and U-20 national teams. With the national team, he won the South American and Pan American Championships.
Former Gremista, Rômulo can repeat double joy at Flamengo
A Grêmio fan as a child and a Flamengo fan since his youth career, midfielder Rômulo from Rio Grande do Sul experienced a double joy last Wednesday when the team defeated Vasco da Gama, their archrival. Next Saturday, the player could repeat the feat, this time on the field, in the match against Internacional at Beira-Rio.
"Wednesday was perfect. I was a Grêmio fan there. But because of everything I've experienced here and the fans, I have affection for Grêmio, but it doesn't even compare to what I feel for Flamengo. The game against Inter is incredibly important, we're on the rise at Maracanã and we need to get the three points," said the player.
Rômulo was born in Caxias do Sul and began his career with Juventude. While still in the youth ranks, however, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he played for Flamengo, winning numerous titles in the youth divisions (State Youth Championship in 2000, State Children's Championship in 2002, State Youth Championship in 2004, and three-time State Junior Champion in 2005, 2006, and 2007).
In the professional league, the midfielder got his first opportunity in a derby. On March 6, 2005, coach Cuca brought the player on in a 2-2 draw with Botafogo.
This season, he gained more space with the arrival of coach Joel Santana. Against Náutico, he entered the team and never left the starting lineup, playing in eight consecutive games. Since then, Flamengo has lost only one game, against Palmeiras in São Paulo.
"Thank God things are happening for me. I'm very happy and I hope to continue like this," Rômulo told Rádio Brasil.
Without much competition in the Flamengo squad, Rômulo may have to prepare to compete for the position. Since last week, Flamengo has been negotiating with Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace, who could be officially presented this Thursday.
"It doesn't worry me at all. I believe in my potential, and if it comes, it will be a healthy fight. If it's to add value, I'm happy because I'm rooting for the best for Flamengo," he emphasized.
BalloonSport
Roger owns up to his mistakes
Midfielder says he's wrong to receive so many cards and apologizes
Marcio Iannacca
Roger has been training hard in Gávea
Thursday was much quieter in Gávea, as Flamengo is once again out of the relegation zone in the Brazilian Championship. For the next match, against Internacional on Saturday in Porto Alegre, coach Joel Santana will be able to count on the return of several starters. Among them is Roger, who has been absent from the team on occasion due to suspension. The midfielder, who has already been reprimanded by the coach, admitted that he has been slacking on some occasions.
"He (Joel) is right. I know when I'm wrong and I have to own up to it. I was also upset about missing another game. I'll be more careful not to harm the team," explains Roger.
The midfielder took the opportunity to make a brief defense of his actions, with great humility, so that the fans know that he has been trying to do his best on the field.
- It's no excuse, but sometimes we try to do more than we're asked to. Excessive willpower doesn't always help us.
Maxi regrets having felt injured
The Argentine will miss the Rubro-Negro once again due to a muscle problem.
Marcio Iannacca
Striker Maxi Biancucchi lamented being left out of the squad again. This time, the Argentine won't face Internacional at Beira-Rio in the Brazilian Championship. He underwent a test this Thursday at Gávea and felt a muscle injury in the back of his left thigh again.
- Of course it's a pain, but I'm really eager to return to the team and help Flamengo - says the Argentine.
Maxi explained how he felt the injury again.
"I was kicking a ball and felt the same spot as the previous injury again. I don't need to get nervous; I need to work hard and be patient," says Maxi.
Leo Medeiros is Joel's wild card
Coach praises the technical quality of the player, who was Ney Franco's favorite
Marcio Iannacca
Leo Medeiros has firmly established himself at Flamengo. When Ney Franco was the coach, he was one of the Minas Gerais manager's most trusted men. Now, under Joel Santana, the Minas Gerais midfielder is considered the wild card of the Flamengo squad.
"Leo Medeiros is a versatile player. He's suitable for any situation. He can play as a defensive midfielder, a third man, or even a full-back. He's a very creative player, has quality, and rarely misses a pass," says Joel Santana.
The coach took the opportunity to explain why he preferred to bet on Egídio instead of starting the match against Figueirense with Leo Medeiros at left back.
"The team was in a lot of flux. I talked to the coaching staff and we decided to make as few changes as possible," reveals the red-and-black coach.
Fla beats Bonsucesso in training match
With goals from Juan, Souza and Assumpção, Rubro-Negro wins with authority in Gávea
Marcio Iannacca
Flamengo's reserves, reinforced by Fábio Luciano, Juan, Roger, and Souza, defeated Bonsucesso 3-0 in a training match held at Gávea Stadium this Thursday. Juan, Souza, and Assunpção scored the Flamengo goals.
The move also highlighted a new problem for Argentine Maxi Biancucchi. Early in the session, he left the field complaining of pain in the back of his left thigh, the same pain that had kept him out of Flamengo's last few Brasileirão matches.
Coach Joel Santana has been closely monitoring the developments, but has not yet named his team for Saturday's game against Internacional at Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.
Colace will debut against Vasco on the 16th
Trainer says Argentine arrived overweight and needs to improve his fitness
Marcio Iannacca
Hugo Colace is presented in Gávea
Argentine Hugo Colace, presented this Thursday as Flamengo's reinforcement for the rest of the Brazilian Championship, is being prepared to debut for Rubro-Negro in the classic against Vasco, on the 16th. The midfielder needs six days of physical work before being handed over to coach Joel Santana.
Colace's training schedule is intense. He will work full-time on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, he will only train in the morning. Early next week, until Wednesday, the Argentine will again train in two shifts. On Thursday the 13th, according to fitness coach Ronaldo Torres, the midfielder will be available to Joel Santana.
Ronaldo Torres explains the conditions under which Colace presented himself to Flamengo.
"He arrived overweight and needs to improve his work threshold. He'll work full-time every day. On Wednesday or Thursday, he'll be cleared for Joel," says the trainer.
Fla finally has a blue balance in the Brazilian Championship
The last time Rubro-Negro achieved this feat was in the João Havelange Cup, in 2000
Juan is Fla's top scorer in the Brasileirão
After seven years, Flamengo finally returned to a positive goal difference in the Brazilian Championship. The feat hadn't been achieved since the João Havelange Cup in 2000, when the team played 24 matches, scoring 42 goals and conceding 37. Since then, the team has consistently remained in the red.
Now, in 2007, after 22 games, the team once again scored more goals than it conceded. In the current Brazilian Championship, Flamengo scored 35 goals and conceded 34, a balance that placed them in 14th place in the national tournament.
In recent years, Flamengo has struggled to find a top scorer. In 2005 and 2006, midfielder Renato, now playing in Arab football, was the team's top scorer at the end of both seasons. In 2007, the Flamengo forwards haven't performed well. Obina and Souza, for example, have three and two goals, respectively. Juan is the top scorer for the Gávea team, with five.
Throw
After 'El Tigre' in Fla, comes 'El León'
Hugo Colace says he is known in Argentina as a lion
Hugo Colace is known as a lion because of his markings (Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!\ In his first interview as a Flamengo player, Argentine Hugo Colace showed personality. Besides saying he would like to be the team's captain in time, the midfielder explained why he accepted the red-black offer.\
"I was at Estudiantes and I was fascinated by the possibility of coming to Flamengo. I wanted a change of scenery," said Hugo Colace, who is known in Argentina as "El León."
Regarding his nickname in his country's football, the midfielder explained its origin:
- It's because I'm always biting on the marking - said the player who prefers to wear the number 5 shirt.
In 2005 and 2006, Flamengo had another foreigner with a similar nickname, Paraguayan Cesar "El Tigre" Ramírez. After finding the net in the first few games, the player's performance declined and he left Flamengo.
Fla equals its longest unbeaten streak of the season
The red-black team hasn't asked for a win in five matches in the Brazilian Championship
Obina scored his in yet another Mengão unbeaten match (Credit: Cléber Mendes)
Rodrigo Mandarini
Flamengo equaled its longest unbeaten streak this year with Wednesday's rout of Figueirense. The red-and-black team has now gone five games without defeat. Since the 2-1 win against Palmeiras at Palestra Itália on August 19th, Flamengo hasn't lost. In the Brasileirão, this is the best moment for Brazil's Most Beloved.
During this unbeaten streak, Flamengo won three matches—Juventude, Goiás, and Figueirense—and drew two—Botafogo and Sport. The team earned 11 points and moved out of the relegation zone. All five games of this streak were played at the Maracanã stadium.
In the previous streaks, Flamengo had gone five games unbeaten, but in two different competitions. The first time, in the first five games of the season, Flamengo won four matches in the State Championship and drew one in the Libertadores. The first loss of the season was to Madureira, 4-1, on February 17th.
After this streak, Flamengo only went five games unbeaten again in April. At that time, while still competing in the Libertadores, the team recorded two wins in the continental competition, two in the state championship, and a draw.
On Saturday, Flamengo travels to Porto Alegre to face Internacional. If they don't lose, the team will reach its longest unbeaten streak of the year.
Check out Flamengo's three longest periods of the year without defeats:
25/01 Flamengo 2 x 0 Cabofriense\ 31/01 Americano 1 x 2 Flamengo\ 04/02 Flamengo 1 x 0 Boavista\ 11/02 Flamengo 3 x 3 Botafogo\ 14/02 Real Potosí 2 x 2 Flamengo\
01/04 Friburguense 1 x 2 Flamengo\ 04/04 Maracaibo 1 x 2 Flamengo\ 08/04 Flamengo 4 x 1 America\ 18/04 Flamengo 1 x 0 Real Potosi\ 29/04 Flamengo 2 x 2 Botafogo\
23/08 Flamengo 4 x 0 Juventude\ 26/08 Flamengo 3 x 1 Goiás\ 29/08 Botafogo 1 x 1 Flamengo\ 01/09 Flamengo 1 x 1 Sport\ 06/09 Flamengo 4 x 1 Figueirense\
Colace happy to play for Fla
LANCEPRESS!
Hugo Colace, Flamengo's newly signed midfielder, couldn't hide his joy when he was introduced this Thursday at Gávea. For the player, wearing the red-and-black jersey is crucial for his career.
Colace has already been registered and could even be available to coach Joel Santana for the match against Internacional next Saturday at Beira-Rio. The Argentine also commented on Flamengo's fans.
radio l! - This fan base is huge, perhaps the biggest in South America. I'm very happy to be able to play for a club like Flamengo - he says.
Colace called Mancuso to find out about Fla
Steering wheel said he was a fan of the former player and also doesn't like to exchange shirts\ LANCEPRESS!\
Flamengo's new signing, Argentine Hugo Colace, is modeled after a compatriot who was successful at the club in 96 (winning the State Championship with Joel Santana) playing in the same position, as a defensive midfielder: Mancuso.
"I know Mancuso was an idol here. He's one of my idols too," he said.
"El León" even called the former player to get more information about the new club and heard praise, especially from the fans.
- We talked and he told me that Flamengo fans are exciting - said Hugo Colace, who has the same habit as Mancuso: not exchanging shirts with opponents at the end of the game.
Mancuso did not trade because he considered the opposing player an enemy.
- I don't like to trade either. I like to keep them all - said Hugo Colace.
Colace's arrival doesn't worry Romulo
The young player considers the dispute for the defensive midfield position to be normal.
LANCEPRESS!
With Colace's arrival at Flamengo, the competition for the club's defensive midfielder position becomes even more intense. One of the players in the position who should be concerned about the Argentine's arrival is Rômulo, Joel Santana's bet for Flamengo. However, the young player prefers to avoid controversy and remains humble.
"I'm not worried about Colace's arrival because I believe in my potential. The competition will be healthy. I just want Flamengo to grow and for me to be able to contribute," the player said in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Rômulo, who has been playing frequently as a starter for Flamengo, is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to score his first goal with the Manto Sagrado:
- Yesterday (Wednesday) I almost scored a header. It's maturing. I don't have much time to practice finishing, but I'm getting better and better at scoring.
Braga defends free tickets
Flamengo president refuses to accept excesses and attacks the Federation
LANCEPRESS!
The controversy over ticket distribution continues. Flamengo president Márcio Braga defended the distribution of tickets—about 350, according to the director—to club employees and players' families. The same number is offered to opponents when Flamengo plays at home.
Such a measure is seen naturally by Braga:
- What's wrong with that? - he asked.
Despite supporting such procedure, the leader condemns the excesses, which according to him, come from the Federation.
"The Federation has 200 seats and another thousand tickets. What for? To play politics with the League, to win votes... To steal from the clubs," concluded Márcio Braga.