The Globe
Basketball
Flamengo's team is one win away from the Men's State Championship final
Rubro-negro faces Macaé, in Gávea, in the second match of the semifinals
WING MARCELINHO is one of Flamengo's highlights in the State Championship
A win today will secure Flamengo a spot in the final of the Men's State Basketball Championship. After defeating Macaé 90-82 the day before yesterday in Macaé in the first leg of the semifinals, Flamengo will face the team from the North of Rio de Janeiro again, this time at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium in Gávea, at 19 p.m.
Flamengo's standout point guard Marcelinho believes it will be another evenly matched match. He emphasizes that his team's experience and maturity must be used as weapons to secure a spot in the championship final and a chance to fight for a third state title.
"We've been able to win close matches thanks to the maturity this group has achieved, but on the other side, we'll also have a team of experienced players, and this means we must be fully focused. They need a win to avoid elimination, so they'll have to take risks, and we can't afford to rush into their game. We need to dictate our pace and exploit attacks intelligently. It'll be another game decided by the details, due to the level of both teams, but we'll be playing at home and deciding a spot in the final, so we can't afford to make mistakes," said Marcelinho, also captain of the Brazilian national team.
If necessary, the third and decisive match of the series will be played tomorrow, starting at 17 p.m., in Gávea. Flamengo has 32 state titles and is the current two-time champion.
Yesterday, at Clube Municipal, Vasco defeated Fluminense 74-67 in the first match of the State Championship semifinals. Tomorrow, the two teams face off at 10 a.m. at the same venue. A victory guarantees the São Januário team a place in the finals.
Payment method delays Bruno's life
Investors accept Flamengo's offer for the goalkeeper but reject request for installment payments
Although offers have emerged from two Italian clubs, goalkeeper Bruno appears increasingly close to a permanent transfer to Flamengo. Businessman Eduardo Uram revealed yesterday that the group of European investors who own the player's rights have accepted Flamengo's offer to acquire Bruno.
The only obstacle hindering the transaction's completion is the payment method. Investors refused to accept the ten-month installment plan proposed by the club, but the prospect of a quick solution is real.
"It's not even a stalemate. I believe we can resolve the matter within a week. They didn't accept the installment plan because the two Italian clubs proposed payment upfront. But there's a chance we can get around that requirement," said Uram.
The agent did not confirm whether Flamengo would actually pay €2,5 million (approximately R$6,5 million) to keep the goalkeeper for five years. One way to raise funds for Bruno's transfer, who is spending his holidays in Minas Gerais, would come from Fla-TV, which is scheduled to go on the air in January.
But vice president of football Kleber Leite says there are other alternative sources of income that will be used to ensure Bruno doesn't leave Flamengo.
"We're excited because the plan we've put together to keep Bruno is very good. There's one key detail in this entire negotiation that leads me to believe we'll have a happy ending: Bruno wants to stay at Flamengo. Since these days, it's basically the player who decides their own future, I'm optimistic about the situation," said Kleber Leite.
According to the vice president of football, Flamengo isn't expected to introduce any new players before Christmas. The club hasn't yet received its outstanding Petrobras sponsorship payments, which were withheld by order of the Public Prosecutor's Office:
- The release process is underway and being considered. We'll make four, or a maximum of six, hires.
Joel's Selection Scale Awards Hierarchy
If the opponent is the team aiming for the Olympics, where everything revolves around gold, silver, and bronze medals, coach Joel Santana decided to follow the line of consistency. Lacking the time and resources to select the Brazilian Championship team, Joel opted for the most objective approach to assembling the team he'll coach in Sunday's festive match, replacing Muricy Ramalho:
"I haven't thought about it very deeply yet, but my idea is to choose the winners of the Ballon d'Or. It's the most sensible thing to do, right? Any gold medals that don't come will be replaced by the Silver Ballon d'Or, and so on."
Joel Santana is enjoying a victorious end to the year. Relieved and with his ego boosted by having lifted Flamengo out of the relegation zone and into the Copa Libertadores, he's resumed his habit of walking around the city without fear of provocation or pressure. Voted one of the three best coaches in the Brazilian league in a poll, he manages the team by flying blind. Nothing can dampen his spirits.
"I know Rogério Ceni and Alex Silva won't be here. So, their immediate replacements will be. I'll know exactly when I get to the hotel on Sunday. Then I'll have a better idea of what we'll be putting on the field. But one thing is certain: everyone at the Engenhão will play. It's a festive game, and everyone will be involved.
To help him tomorrow, the coach is counting on his longtime squire Ronaldo Torres, the fitness coach who helped him pull Flamengo out of its predicament in the Brazilian Championship. According to the announced criteria, Joel's selection will be: Felipe, Leonardo Moura, Breno, Miranda, and Kleber; Hernanes, Richarlyson, Ibson, and Valdivia; Acosta and Josiel.
Sports Panorama
OUR FAULT: Flamengo won the Brazilian championship four times in 1987 and not the fifth as we wrote last week
Sports Journal
Toró is of interest to German football
Supporter Toró is on fire. Besides being called up by coach Dunga to the Olympic team, which will play a friendly against the Brazilian Championship team tomorrow at 16 p.m. at Engenhão Stadium, the player has received an offer from a German football club, but no one at Gávea would reveal who the offer came from.
Torozinho, as he is affectionately called by coach Joel Santana, had not been playing a great role at Flamengo until the middle of the year, and therefore, many within the club are approving the athlete's possible departure, but if it depends on the coach and his teammates, Toró will remain at Gávea until the end of his contract, which ends only in October 2010.
The player is just 21 years old and stood out in the youth ranks of Fluminense, where he earned his nickname for making it rain on the field, before transferring to Flamengo in 2006.
Cristian must stay in Gávea
Cristian should not transfer to Russia
The situation may seem complicated, but midfielder Cristian's continued presence at Gávea is much more certain than anyone imagined. Despite receiving a multi-million dollar offer from Russia's Lokomotiv Moscow, the player is expected to fulfill his recently signed contract with Flamengo until the end.
The thing is, the Russian club recently changed coaches and the new coach doesn't know the characteristics of the red-and-black player, which will likely cause the Moscow team to call off negotiations.
Cristian's agent, Josias Cardoso, said that the new Russian coach will still consider whether the athlete is of interest or not, and warned that the chances of him leaving Flamengo are very slim.
"There's a new coach at Lokomotiv Moscow. He doesn't know Cristian well yet, so he'll need to analyze the player to make sure he fits the team's needs before the signing can be completed. I'd say the chances of this deal not happening are 75%," said the agent.
Besides the change in leadership at the Russian club, another factor is contributing to Cristian's continued presence at Gávea. According to sources close to the player, he is enjoying his life in Rio de Janeiro and has reportedly stated that he would like to continue working with coach Joel Santana next season.
Cristian arrived at Flamengo in the middle of this year with a lot of disbelief from the fans, but after good matches, the player gained the trust of coach Joel Santana and quickly secured a starting spot on the team.
Angelim is not afraid of the possible signing of a defender
Flamengo is looking to sign an experienced defender to play alongside captain Fábio Luciano next year. Despite his apparent lack of prestige, Ronaldo Angelim, who played the position for much of the Brazilian Championship, isn't worried about the competition.
"We have to sign really good players. Big names, like Fábio Luciano. We have to bring in people who can solve the problems. Just because I'm a defender doesn't mean I don't want another player in my position here. The more quality, the better for Flamengo," the player stated.\ Defender Angelim says he will fight for a starting spot in the Rubro-Negra team.\
"But of course that doesn't mean I'm giving up. I'll always be fighting to be a starter. We'll have a good fight and the decision will be up to Joel (Santana)," the defender warned.
Toró wants to establish himself in the national team to win his first gold medal in Beijing
Supporter Toró is experiencing a pivotal moment in his recent professional career. The Flamengo player is on the Brazilian Olympic team and will have the chance to win an unprecedented gold medal at Beijing 2008 and make his mark on Brazilian football history.
But to do so, Toró knows he'll have to remain in Dunga's squad. To that end, he promises to give his all, both in training and matches with the Brazilian national team and with Flamengo.
"I'll try to work hard at Flamengo too to stay on the Brazilian national team. That's my goal," said Toró, who will be playing alongside midfielder Thiago Neves of rival Fluminense. However, for Toró, the rivalry between Flamengo and Fluminense has had no impact on their relationship.
"It's an honor to play alongside Thiago Neves, as well as Alexandre Pato and all the others. But now I just want to work and stay among them here in this team," Toró declared in an interview with Rádio Bandeirantes.
Al-Nasr demands US$13 million from Flamengo for Renato
Supporter Renato's current club is asking a lot to release him before May
Flamengo fans will have to wait a little longer to see Renato Abreu in a Flamengo jersey. Following rumors that the player had terminated his contract with Al-Nasr in the United Arab Emirates, Renato clarified his situation through his press office.
"This is just speculation. I hope to fulfill my contract at Al-Nasr, as I'm adapted to the country. The quality of life is amazing, and the games are spaced well apart, so I can enjoy my wife and daughters. I want to return to Brazilian football one day, but for that to happen, any club interested will have to negotiate directly with Al-Nasr," the player stated.
In addition to Flamengo, Renato has been approached by Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Internacional. To remove him from the club before May 31st, interested parties will have to pay a $13 million fine. Upon returning to Brazil, the midfielder will prioritize Flamengo in negotiations.
Jônatas - Kleber Leite confirmed that Flamengo is interested in bringing back midfielder Jônatas, currently at Espanyol. However, he expressed caution regarding the negotiation: "There is interest, but it's not as easy as they say. This will drag on for at least another two weeks," he added.
Flamengo remains 5 points behind rival Vasco
This Sunday (December 09th) will be the final stage of the 12 State Rowing Championship. This 2007th and decisive stage will take place at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas starting at 4am and will feature the participation of the main rowing clubs in Rio de Janeiro. The Rio teams will compete in 9 events that will take place on the lanes of the Lagoon.
Flamengo needs to win as many races as possible to try to turn things around in the Championship, as it trails its main rival, Vasco da Gama, by five points. Even though the red-and-black team won the last two races, it remained behind leader Vasco.
After the 3rd Regatta, Vasco remains with 195 points, Flamengo is second with 195 and Botafogo is in third place with 69.
If they beat Macaé, Flamengo will secure a spot in the final.
The first finalist could be announced today. Flamengo and Macaé face off at 19 p.m. in Gávea, and if Flamengo emerges victorious, they will face Vasco or Fluminense for the title. To reach his third consecutive final, coach Paulo Chupeta is counting on a player who knows his opponents' style of play very well: winger Amiel, who until May played for Saldanha da Gama, a Espírito Santo-based club that represents Macaé in the state championship.
Amiel played for Saldanha for a year and a half, long enough to now serve as an informant for the red-black coach.
"Since Nacional, the team has changed coaches and lost Sandro Varejão. But the main characteristics remain. We used to play in a system where everyone was good at shooting three-pointers. And this dynamic persists," said the Cuban, who pointed out the most dangerous players on the opposing team.
"Leandro, Gianechinni, Caçamba and Lucas. We have to be very careful with them."
Accustomed
Playing for the Vitória (ES) team, Amiel won a Capixaba Championship and finished eighth in the National Championship this year.
"I made a lot of friends there, and when we play against each other, we joke around. But now I'm a Flamengo fan, and I give everything for my team. I can maintain my friendships without compromising my professional life."
This year, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo have faced each other five times. So far, the red-and-blacks have won four (one in the National Championship and three in the State Championship, with their opponents playing as Macaé).
The Macanese team needs to win today's match to tie the semifinal series. This would force a third match, which would be played on Sunday, also in Gávea.
FLAMENGO
Fred, Marcelinho, Amiel, Alírio and Coloneze.
Coach: Paulo Chupeta.
MACAÉ
Marcelão, Leandro, Daniel Caçamba, Cristiano and Lucas.
Coach: Enio Vecchi.
Location: Hélio Maurício Gymnasium, in Gávea, 19 pm
O Dia
Bruno is now part of Flamengo
Rubro-Negro agrees to purchase the goalkeeper's federation rights for R$6,5 million
Martha Esteves
Rio - Flamengo yesterday signed goalkeeper Bruno. The club will pay €2,5 million (approximately R$6,5 million) to keep him for another five years. This amount will be paid in ten installments, with funds that would have come from Fla-TV.
What remains to be decided is the percentage of Bruno's economic rights that will belong to Flamengo. Bruno is in Belo Horizonte on vacation.
Regarding midfielder Jônatas, vice president of football Kléber Leite is confident he can repatriate the player, currently at Espanyol in Barcelona, which owns the midfielder's federation rights. According to the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, the European club will only discuss the negotiation at the end of the season. But Uram did let slip that there's a good chance the midfielder will return to Gávea next year.
"Espanyol's management isn't prepared to discuss this at this point, as the European season is still underway. We have to be patient and wait for the right time to talk," Uram said, adding that he's very upset that Jônatas isn't getting much use at the Spanish club. "He hasn't been playing much, and that's not good. We have to find a solution to make the player perform better."
Midfielder Cristian could be traded to Lokomotiv Moscow, which would reportedly invest €2,5 million to buy him from Flamengo. Flamengo, which owns 50% of Cristian's economic rights, would earn €1,25 million. Atlético-PR would keep the other half.
According to the player's agent, Josias Cardoso, only a few details separate the athlete from the Russian club. "A new coach has taken over at Lokomotiv. He needs to analyze the player and see if he fits the team's needs. For now, nothing is set in stone," the agent said.
Kléber Leite is racing to close two major signings before the end of the year. Vinicius Pacheco, who was at Paraná, will return to the club in January, but he will have to pass Joel's approval.
Councilors report irregularities
Supporter Íbson returned to Flamengo, won awards for his decisive participation in the Brazilian Championship, but his transfer to Porto, in 2005, still causes problems in the administration of the Gávea club.
Unhappy with the opinions of the Permanent Finance Committee of the Deliberative Council, which indicate a loss of R$831 thousand to the club's coffers in the negotiation involving Íbson, club advisors, via the Internet, advise other advisors to ask president Márcio Braga for explanations.
The document circulating on the Internet says that the Fiscal Council has set up Commissions of Inquiry to investigate the existing irregularities, and that strong evidence of 'faked' accounts has been detected.
He also points out that the current board "did not take out exchange rate insurance for the transaction, as is advisable in this type of transaction, in foreign currency." With the devaluation of the euro, Flamengo suffered an exchange rate loss of R$500. "This amount, added to the R$332 from Pentland's default, increased the club's loss to R$832.
But the president of the Fiscal Council's Inquiry Committee, Paulo Cezar da Costa, responded that he signed a document proving that there was no tax evasion, a crime against the national financial system and against the tax and economic order in the 100 thousand euro (around R$ 268 thousand) default that Flamengo suffered from Pentland Capital Limited (an English company that has now been dissolved) in the transfer of Íbson to Porto.
Cristian is closer to saying goodbye to Flamengo
Rio - Midfielder Cristian can now start packing his bags for Russian football. Locomotive Moscow is expected to pay the €2,5 million fee in the coming days to buy him from Flamengo. The Gávea club and Atlético Paranaense, both of which own half of the player's federation rights, will each receive €1,25 million. Only a few details separate the player from the Russian club.
"A new coach has taken over at Lokomotiv. He doesn't know Cristian yet. He needs to analyze the player and see if he fits the team's needs, so the signing can be made," said Cristian's agent, Josias Cardoso.
Sports Gazette
Sanchez says: Corinthians and Flamengo will be marketing partners
São Paulo (SP) - Corinthians president Andrés Sanchez is already thinking about building a competitive team for next season, when it will compete in the Brazilian Championship's Série B, but he hasn't overlooked an important point for raising more funds that will help the club: marketing. To this end, the director revealed this Friday that Corinthians will partner with Flamengo in marketing strategies starting in 2008. "They have the two largest fan bases in Brazil. We'll work together on plans to attract fans. It's a very powerful force. And I hope that, later on, other clubs will follow suit," said Sanchez, during his appearance on the Arena SporTV program.
On the Corinthians side, the president also revealed that major marketing projects will be implemented early next year. "On February 2nd, everyone will learn what Corinthians will do in this marketing aspect. Nizan Guanaes' company was hired for this," he said.
With the funds raised from these strategies, the club plans to invest in new players for its fight for promotion to Serie A. "We're going to sign four to six players now for the first quarter. Then, in May, with these marketing initiatives more established, we'll have the resources to add other players to the squad for Serie B," he revealed.
Roger is taken by surprise with Flamengo's departure
São Paulo (SP) - Midfielder Roger didn't expect his departure from Flamengo, announced early Thursday afternoon in Rio de Janeiro. With no chance of playing for Joel Santana's team next season, the player will now have to return to Corinthians, which owns his federation rights, at the beginning of 2008. "It was decided yesterday (Thursday) that he will no longer remain with Flamengo. There was no financial agreement and now he will have to return to Corinthians. He is resting in the countryside and was taken by surprise by the decision. He didn't expect it," said Mauro Azevedo, Roger's agent, in a telephone interview with GE.Net.
The player, signed on loan from Flamengo in July of this year, opted for a move to Rio de Janeiro after losing his place in the Corinthians squad, then managed by coach Paulo César Carpegiani. With high salaries, the Flamengo board prefers to spend the money on younger, more promising players.
For now, at Corinthians, Roger will have to report to the club on January 3rd along with the other players at Parque São Jorge. His performance on the team will depend on the decision of new coach Mano Menezes. If he is not approved, the São Paulo club, which has a contract with the midfielder until December 2008, will try to find a new team.
Businessman foresees difficulties in negotiations for Jônatas\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Midfielder Jônatas Eduardo Uram's agent denied that his player isn't adapting to Spanish football. Although the player is being underused at Barcelona's Espanyol, the agent noted that the former Flamengo player has a valid contract and emphasized that negotiations for his return to Gávea won't be straightforward. "He's adapted to Espanyol, and there aren't any of the difficulties being reported. He only had a few difficulties in his first year. What's been happening is that he's been underused, which, in a way, doesn't please us. It's a complicated negotiation like any other. But I can't keep adding fuel to a fire that's already gone out," said Eduardo Uram.
The signing of Jônatas, however, may not be so necessary, since he would arrive to replace Cristian, who is negotiating his transfer to Lokomotiv Moscow, in Russia.
However, the sudden change in the Russian team's coaching staff, announced on Thursday, could derail the deal, as the new coach may not consider signing the Brazilian midfielder a priority. Flamengo recently acquired half of Cristian's federation rights. The remaining 50% belongs to Atlético-PR.
Kléber Leite praises the Rubro-negro's planning\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo vice-president Kleber Leite is celebrating the fact that the team's top stars have long-term contracts. According to him, Flamengo's board is at ease because most of the players of interest for 2008 have long-term contracts and are not discussing renewals. "We are in a comfortable situation because most of our players have current contracts with the club and we have few renewals to discuss. Except for Bruno, who is a priority. Our strategy of signing long-term contracts aims precisely at this: to provide peace of mind in planning," the director stated.
"Flamengo is thinking about strengthening its squad for next season because we're going to be competing in tough competitions, like the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Carioca, in addition to the Campeonato Brasileiro," he emphasized.
Goalkeeper Diego, full-backs Léo Moura and Juan, defenders Fabio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim, midfielders Jaílton, Toró, Renato Augusto, and Íbson, and forwards Souza, Obina, and Maxi have already confirmed their stay for next season. Additionally, part of the squad will also be comprised of athletes who emerged from the club's youth academy and are being selected by coach Joel Santana. The Flamengo squad, which is currently on vacation, is scheduled to return to training on January 2nd.
Prosecutor optimistic about Bruno's renewal\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The saga surrounding goalkeeper Bruno's contract renewal with Flamengo appears set to drag on. According to attorney Eduardo Uram, it's difficult to set a deadline for the player's negotiations, as his federation rights belong to MSI and his contract with Flamengo expires this year. "I don't like to set a deadline, as that can be a bit tricky in a negotiation. What I can say is that I'm very optimistic because Flamengo wants to keep the player, Bruno wants to play in the Copa Libertadores for the team, and there's no refusal from the investors to release him," commented Uram.
Just like last year, when the goalkeeper's contract renewal took a long time to finalize, the current negotiations are taking on the air of a soap opera. However, the agent downplayed the situation. "It took a while to renew, but now he's here. If the negotiations last a long time and he finally agrees to stay at Flamengo, that's fine," he said.
To secure Bruno, Flamengo submitted a proposal to purchase his federation rights, formulated by vice president of football Kléber Leite, and is awaiting a response from investors. Sources close to the club's executives revealed that the price is around R$7 million.
"What's at stake isn't the amounts, as they're very close to agreement between the two parties. What's being discussed is how to pay this amount in installments," Uram concluded.
PeléNet
Angelim approves possible hiring of direct competitor at Fla
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo has been talking a lot about the need to sign an experienced defender to partner Fábio Luciano next season. This apparent lack of confidence, however, doesn't bother Ronaldo Angelim at all, having held the position for much of the Brazilian Championship.
"We need to sign really good players. Big names, like Fábio Luciano. We need to bring in people who can solve the problems. Just because I'm a defender doesn't mean I don't want another player in my position here. The more quality, the better for Flamengo," said the player, who isn't afraid of the competition.
"But of course that doesn't mean I'm giving up. I'll always be fighting to be a starter. We'll have a good fight and the decision will be up to Joel (Santana)," warned the defender, also highlighting the talent of the young defenders in the red-black squad.
"Of course, it's always good to bring in a player, but that doesn't mean you have to forget about the rest. The boys are doing very well and have already proven their quality. Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Sales, and Marlon have helped us a lot and will be able to help even more in 2008," concluded Ronaldo Angelim.
Businessman says Fla will have to wait to negotiate with Jônatas
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo's interest in midfielder Jônatas has already been declared by Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite. However, the Rio de Janeiro club's director will have to wait to begin talks with Barcelona's Espanyol, which owns the player's federation rights.
According to Jônatas' agent, Eduardo Uram, the European club hasn't yet concluded its 2007 season and is therefore unwilling to discuss the matter at this time. However, he left open the possibility of the defensive midfielder returning to the red-and-black jersey next season.
"They (Espanyol directors) aren't ready to talk about this. It's a matter of timing, as the European season is still being played. We have to be patient and wait for the right time to talk," said Uram, also highlighting how displeased he is with the fact that Jônatas is underutilized at the Spanish club.
"He's fully adapted there, but he's been playing little, and that's not very good. So, we, as his representatives, have to find a solution to help the player perform better. But things are complicated; it's not as simple as it seems," said the agent in an interview with Rádio Brasil.
Jônatas played 169 matches and scored 12 goals for Flamengo, between 2002 and 2006. During this period, he was champion of Rio de Janeiro in 2004 and the Copa do Brasil last year.
Grêmio announces the signing of midfielder Júnior, formerly of Flamengo
From UOL Esporte\In Porto Alegre\
Late this Friday morning, Grêmio announced its first signing for the 2008 season. This is the young midfielder Júnior, who was at Flamengo.
The 22-year-old player emerged from the Rio de Janeiro club's youth ranks, stands 1,86'81" and weighs 2006 pounds. Despite his young age, the athlete - whose full name is José Antônio de Miranda da Silva Júnior - already has the XNUMX Copa do Brasil title under his belt.
On Friday night, the Tricolor board will officially present the reinforcement for next year, as well as announce all the details of the negotiation.
BalloonSport
Flamengo takes on Macaé for a spot in the Carioca final
Rubro-Negro seeks second consecutive victory to close the match against the Macaense team
Marcelinho believes in balance in the confrontation
Flamengo's men's basketball team is one win away from the 2007 Campeonato Carioca final. After beating Macaé 90-82 on Thursday, the team will face the team from Macaé again this Saturday, the 8th, starting at 19 p.m. (Brasília time), at the Hélio Maurício Gymnasium (Gávea), in the second game of the best-of-three semifinal series. Captain Marcelinho believes it will be another evenly matched match, and emphasizes that the team's experience and maturity must be used as weapons to secure a spot in the championship final and the chance to fight for a third title.
"We've been able to win close matches thanks to the maturity this group has achieved, but on the other side, we'll also have a team of experienced players, and this requires our full attention. They need a win to avoid elimination; they'll have to take risks, and we can't rush into their rush. We need to dictate our pace and exploit attacks intelligently. It'll be another game decided by the details, due to the level of both teams, but we'll be playing at home and deciding a spot in the final, so we can't afford to make mistakes," says Marcelinho.
If necessary, the third and decisive match of the series will be played this Sunday, the 9th, starting at 17 p.m., in Gávea. The current two-time state champion, Flamengo, has won 32 state titles in total.
Details separate Cristian from Lokomotiv
The Russian team only needs the new coach's approval to confirm the signing of the midfielder.
Rafael Cardoso
Midfielder Cristian was one of the main symbols of the red-blacks in the Brasileirão
Midfielder Cristian da Gávea's departure is getting closer. Lokomotiv Moscow is willing to invest €2,5 million to buy him from Flamengo and count on his talent next season. Flamengo, which owns 50% of Cristian's economic rights, would receive €1,25 million. Atlético Paranaense, which also owns 50% of the rights, would receive the other half.
According to the player's agent, Josias Cardoso, only a few details separate the athlete from the Russian club.
"A new coach has taken over at Lokomotiv. He doesn't know Cristian yet. He needs to analyze the player and see if he fits the team's needs before signing him," he says.
Traded midway through the year for defensive midfielder Claiton, midfielder Cristian became one of Flamengo's standout players in the Brazilian Championship. Upon his arrival at the club, he was known as an undisciplined player who had trouble relating to players, a situation that didn't pan out at Gávea. The Flamengo club had hoped to count on the defensive midfielder for next year's Copa Libertadores, but the Russian offer appears more tempting.
Club will make offer to secure Bruno
The board would be willing to spend 2,5 million euros to keep the goalkeeper at Gávea
Despite Fla's efforts, goalkeeper Bruno's future remains undefined
Bruno's continued presence at Flamengo is a priority for the club's board. However, the situation has not yet been defined and is evolving daily. Flamengo is reportedly willing to pay €2,5 million (approximately R$6,5 million) to retain the goalkeeper for five years. This amount would be paid in ten installments, with funds from Fla-TV.
What remains to be decided is the percentage of Bruno's economic rights that would belong to Flamengo. After all, the group of investors wanted €4 million (approximately R$10,4 million) for the goalkeeper. However, they have reportedly already accepted Flamengo's proposed amount, as long as it is paid in smaller installments. Bruno is in Belo Horizonte, where he will await the outcome of the case.
Throw
Eduardo Costa reveals Jônatas' wishes
Grêmio player played as a defensive midfielder for Espanyol, in Spain
LANCEPRESS!
The name of defensive midfielder Jônatas is being mentioned at Flamengo as a possible reinforcement for the 2008 season. And Eduardo Costa, currently at Grêmio, who played with Jônatas at Espanyol in 2006, stated that his former teammate always wanted to return to Rubro-Negro.
"Jônatas always watched Flamengo matches and told me that if he were to return to Brazil one day, it would be to play for Flamengo. He always made a point of saying he was very happy at the club," he explained.
Regarding the fact that Jônatas doesn't have a good relationship with some of Espanyol's players, Eduardo stated that this is normal in football:
- A player will never be friends with everyone else in the group. But people also get things mixed up. Jônatas is a quiet, reserved person. He's not unfriendly.
Fla may have numbered seats at games
The idea is to start with the white Maracanã stands in the 2008 Libertadores
Fans may have something new in 2008
Hugo Perruso RIO DE JANEIRO
The Special Group for Joy and Safety in Stadiums (Gease-Fla), present at Flamengo games at Maracanã with the goal of assisting and defending the rights and safety of fans, will continue in 2008 and already has new projects. The main one is to sell tickets online (with a maximum of five tickets) and to provide reserved seating in the white stands at Maracanã.
The idea is to implement it in the Libertadores, giving fans special treatment. There will be a themed space with television, air conditioning, and an official store. The idea is initially under consideration, but it has gained the support of Flamengo president Marcio Braga and the Suderj (Rio de Janeiro State Sports Federation).
The project is similar to what Palmeiras already does. The São Paulo club allocates 5 seats, with numbered seats, to be sold online via credit card. The card itself is swiped at the stadium turnstile, eliminating scalpers. The price is R$49,50, but fans have access to amenities such as exclusive restrooms, snack bars, TV, and an official store.
Another of Gease's ideas is to make better use of the Maracanã's big screens. The group plans to encourage fans to arrive at the stadium early and enjoy entertainment until game time. The goal is to avoid crowds at the entrance just before kickoff (one of the fans' complaints).
In addition to using the screens before the game, Gease also plans to do the same at the end, for the same reasons. Once the matches are over, the screens would show highlights and goals, thus avoiding crowds at the exit of the Maracanã stadium.
Fla: Espanyol makes Jônatas' transfer difficult
Meeting between director and businessman was not encouraging for Fla
Jônatas wants to return to Flamengo
LANCEPRESS!
After claiming to be unaware of the matter, Flamengo's board confirmed that there is interest in Espanyol's defensive midfielder Jônatas, as LANCE! reported in its Thursday edition. However, the meeting between the player's agent, Eduardo Uram, and a director of the Spanish club was not so encouraging for Flamengo.
Not that Jônatas's chances of returning to Gávea have diminished or disappeared. But, according to Uram, the Spanish are unwilling to settle the matter at this point.
"They (Espanyol executives) think it's too early because they want to see how the market moves. They don't want to make any decisions now," the businessman stated.
In Spain, directors say that Jônatas, who has barely played, can still be used in the Copa del Rey in 2008. But in Gávea, there are those who guarantee that the player's will will prevail and this is the red-black team's biggest advantage in bringing him back.
Vice President of Football Kléber Leite isn't showing any enthusiasm. But this Thursday, he backtracked and admitted the negotiations.
"There is indeed interest in him. Jônatas is one of the 20 names I have on my spreadsheet, but there's a long way to go before his arrival," Kléber said.
Coach Joel Santana says negotiations are solely with the board. However, since any signing depends on his approval, the approval for Jônatas's possible arrival has already been given, without any doubt. After all, he coached Jônatas in 2005, when he assigned him the role of libero.
"He's an excellent player. He knows how to get out there and cover the defense," praised Joel, who joked when asked if a midfield formed by Jônatas, Ibson, and Kleberson is strong.
"This whole thing about a good team on paper is what complicates things. Football is so complicated that no one gave Toró much thought, and now he's in the national team (under-20)," commented Joel.
Romulo: 'I will be grateful to Joel forever'
Flamengo midfielder still recovering from right knee injury
LANCEPRESS!
Coach Joel Santana kicked off Flamengo's run in the Brazilian Championship when he fielded young midfielder Rômulo, a player from the club's youth academy, as a third defender and managed to fine-tune his defensive system. The midfielder took the opportunity to thank the coach for the opportunity.
- I will be forever grateful to Joel, because he took a chance on me and made me a starter this year - the player told Rádio Globo.
Rômulo has been sidelined since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the 2-1 victory over Vasco on October 18.
Toró thinks about staying on the Olympic team
Flamengo's midfielder can't wait to show his worth to coach Dunga
LANCEPRESS!
Called up for the Olympic Team for the first time, in the friendly against the team with the best players from the last Brazilian Championship, this Sunday, at Engenhão, Flamengo supporter Toró hopes to take advantage of the opportunity given by Dunga.
"It's an honor to wear the Brazilian national team jersey. I'm happy with the moment, and I must work the same way I do at Flamengo to keep being called up," Toró told "Rádio Brasil."
Toró is already focused on the Libertadores
Rubro-Negro supporter wants to prepare well for the South American competition
LANCEPRESS!
Flamengo midfielder Toró, even though he is about to play for the Brazilian Olympic team, has not forgotten Flamengo and his plans for the 2008 Copa Libertadores. For the player, this is a time to rest and prepare for the next season, which, according to him, will have plenty of excitement in store for the fans.
Toró also highlighted the Rio de Janeiro club's thinking and expectations for the competitions to come next year.
radio l! - We have high expectations, as we had a very good end to the season. We'll prepare ourselves during the State Championship to go far in the Libertadores - he says. (Click and listen)
Amidst so much anticipation for next year, Toró celebrated his call-up to the national team that will compete in the All-Star Game. According to the Gávea number 11, it's great to be back at Granja Comary, as he's not only been called up to the youth national teams before, but also played for Flamengo this year in Teresópolis.
radio l! - It's a great joy. I'm young, and we have to take advantage of opportunities to continue in this great environment. I hope to live up to coach Dunga's expectations," he says. (Click and listen)
Flamengo maintains partnership with Ipatinga
Rubro-Negro will loan players to the Minas Gerais club
LANCEPRESS!
This Thursday, it was announced that Flamengo will continue its partnership with Ipatinga and will loan some players to the Minas Gerais team. However, the players who will be loaned to Ipatinga for the next season have not yet been determined. Club president Itair Machado is awaiting a list from coach Emerson Ávila regarding the squad's needs.
– I'll go to Rio on Tuesday to talk to Kléber about the names – said Itair.
According to Emerson Ávila, Ipatinga needs to strengthen its squad, especially its attackers and midfielders, for next season.
Roger had an unproductive time at Fla
The player played only 15 matches wearing the red and black shirt
Roger stayed at Flamengo for about five months
LANCEPRESS!
Roger arrived at Flamengo on July 13th, pledging his love for the club and was a prospect for the Brasileirão. However, almost five months later and with only 15 games played, the player is no longer part of the red-and-black squad.
On July 29, Roger made his Flamengo debut with a strong performance in a 2-2 draw against Corinthians, who own his rights. However, the midfielder's positive moments at the club were rare after that.
He also left much to be desired by the club's coaching staff and doctors, showing little sign of physical improvement. Instead, he continued to complain of muscle problems that were not detected in any examination.
Of Flamengo's 30 matches since his signing, he has played in only 15. He started seven, scoring two goals. If he had started all 15 matches without being substituted, Roger would have played 1350 minutes for Flamengo. However, he only played for the club for 669 minutes.
On the positive side, the games against Corinthians: in the first, on his debut, he participated in a goal and, in the second, he scored the great goal in the 2-1 victory.