THE GLOBE
An attraction in the desert
Fla's presence in Tacna is a source of pride in the city where Atacama begins
The statue of Colonel Bolognesi, a national hero who gives his name to Flamengo's opponent in the opening match of the Libertadores, and the cathedral are attractions in the Plaza de Armas, in the center of Tacna
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
In the Plaza de Armas, photographers who earn their living capturing tourist visits to the Arch of Heroes, a tribute to Admiral Miguel Grau and Colonel Francisco Bolognesi, martyrs of the War of the Pacific (1879-1883), seem to doubt the local team's chances in the Copa Libertadores. Throughout the city, banners advertise the match against Flamengo. Jorge Basadre Stadium is receiving its final paint job.
Amid widespread distrust, the city of Tacna is preparing to see its club, Coronel Bolognesi, experience the most important day in its history next Wednesday. Five years ago, Bolognesi, as it is known, didn't even compete in Peruvian professional tournaments. Now, it will debut in South America's most important competition and welcome illustrious visitors.
"Never has such an important team come here for an official match. When Peru played in Tacna in the qualifiers, they were already eliminated," recalls Bolognesi president Fernando Martorell. "It will be a celebration. Something rare here. We are grateful that a giant from the Americas will come to our city."
Expectations are high among Tacna residents.
"What the city feels is respect. It's unprecedented for such a big club to come here," says Walter Melo of the sports newspaper "Libero."
"It could be a Third Division team. When people talk about Flamengo coming, people think of Brazilian football. Who knows, maybe we'll even draw," dreams Abel de la Gala, 57, 25 of them taking photos in the square, next to the Arch and the statue of Francisco Bolognesi Cervantes, patron saint of the Peruvian army, killed in 1880 in the War of the Pacific, which saw Tacna become the scene of bloody battles.
Peruvian team has no sponsorship
In the war, Chile took part of Peruvian territory, including Tacna, which was returned to Peru by a treaty signed in 1929, the year of Colonel Bolognesi's founding.
The impact of Flamengo's presence crosses borders. Of the three thousand tickets already sold for the first-round matches, many were purchased by fans from cities like Arica, Chile. The expectation is that for the match against Flamengo—the red-and-black team returns to Peru on April 9th to face Cienciano, at the altitude of Cuzco (3.360m)—the Jorge Basadre Stadium will be fully booked. But without any hostility toward the Brazilian team.
"The audience is like a theater audience. People sit, watch, and, if necessary, applaud," says Medardo Bejarano, a club advisor.
Flamengo will, in fact, face an opponent with a rather peculiar history. An amateur club, a true gathering of friends until the mid-70s, Bolognesi began paying its players at the end of the decade. By winning the Copa Peru, a regional amateur tournament, it was eligible to join the country's professional leagues, until being relegated and losing that right in 1991. Once again, it began to bring together amateurs and semi-professionals. The club would experience its most unusual history starting in 1999.
Bolito, a kind of B team, began to climb the ranks in the amateur leagues and surpassed the A team. With players already fully paid, they won the Copa Peru in 2002 and, under the name Coronel Bolognesi, reached the professional leagues. In other words, the Libertadores berth and the chance to face Flamengo are thanks to Bolito.
President Martorell sees the Libertadores as an opportunity for Bolo to show that it is, in fact, a peculiar team, to say the least.
"Getting past the first round would be a success. We can pay the players $20 for that. It seems small, but it's what we can do. A Peruvian team hasn't achieved that in five years. But playing in the Libertadores is already important."
Colonel Bolognesi struggles to survive in the desert. 1.200km from the capital, Lima, Tacna is surrounded by immense walls of sand and earth, where the Atacama Desert begins, stretching south to Chile. Far from the capital and amidst a dying Peruvian soccer scene—the country hasn't played in a World Cup since 1982—it will begin the Libertadores as a rare example of a team without a shirt sponsorship, and with no prospect of one. Even so, last year, it began to be managed by a corporation, something Flamengo has been trying to achieve for years. The president is Martorell himself, who also runs a tile factory.
Bolognesi maintains its operations through TV subscriptions and membership fees. In football, it spends US$900 annually on player and coaching staff salaries.
- Maybe Flamengo will spend that in a month - says president Martorell, close to reality.
To make a splash, the Peruvian team trained full-time yesterday at its training center. The local press's attention, however, was focused on another event: Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Belaunde arrived in the city yesterday. The Department of Tacna is the target of a territorial dispute with Chile, involving maritime borders between the two countries. The War of the Pacific, of which Colonel Bolognesi was one of its heroes, ended in 1883. But in Tacna, it still leaves its mark.
Ancelmo Gois
Marriage saved
Flamengo accepted Petrobras' sponsorship proposal for 2008 yesterday.
The value will be R$16,2 million. The state-owned company's partnership with the club has lasted 24 years.
Sports Panorama
Farewell in five acts
Romário and Kleber Leite began discussing the idea of turning Baixinho's farewell into a tour of Brazil.
Although the director denies it, the idea is for the striker to play five friendlies wearing the red-and-black jersey, in Brazilian capitals. The final match would be at the Maracanã. Brasília would also be part of the tour. The player and Flamengo would share TV and static advertising rights—one of Kleber's specialties, as the owner of Klefer.
How to say sonho
Leonardo Moura, at 29, is experiencing a special moment. For the full-back, playing for the Brazilian national team was the greatest reward of his career. He will never forget the affection of Brazilian fans as he left Croke Park Stadium after the victory over Ireland, a feat he repeated during his connection in Paris on his return to Brazil. As a souvenir, the Flamengo player brought two jerseys: the first, autographed by the players, will be turned into a painting. The other will be given to his mother, Dona Lenice.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Joel Santana confirms reserve team for the classic
With qualification for the semifinals of the Guanabara Cup guaranteed, coach Joel Santana opted to rest all the starters for the classic against Fluminense this Sunday, at 18:10 pm, at Maracanã.
For the red-black commander, the game will serve to evaluate some players and define the group that will go to Tacna, to face Coronel Bolognesi, in the team's debut in the Libertadores.
"We finished first. Our objective was achieved. I'll take advantage and include some players I'm still watching. Kléberson, who's still getting back into match rhythm, Tardelli, and Luizinho. With this game, I'll be able to get a sense of the group I'll take to Wednesday's game," Joel said in an interview with Rádio Tupi.
Rodrigo is out of the Libertadores
Marcelo Soares shows an x-ray of Rodrigo's arm, which was operated on yesterday.
Defender Rodrigo underwent surgery on a bone in his right forearm yesterday morning at Pasteur Hospital in Méier. The surgery lasted about four hours and was performed by club doctors José Luiz Runco, Marcelo Soares, Marco Aurélio Souza, and Cláudio Pena.
Rodrigo fractured his right arm in last Thursday's match against Volta Redonda and is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months, missing the team's Copa Libertadores. Six screws and a titanium plate were inserted to aid the healing of the fractured bone. The defender will be discharged tomorrow.
"It was a serious injury, which will take at least three months to recover. The recovery period cannot be shorter, as it involves bone consolidation, and therefore, it is necessary to respect the athlete's biological condition," explained doctor Marcelo Soares.
Despite the defender's injury, the board is still considering signing a new defender. Coach Joel Santana expressed regret at not being able to count on Rodrigo for the South American competition.
"I went home nervous. He fell really badly, he lost his balance in mid-air. It's a difficult position to find a player of that quality, it was a big loss. Rodrigo arrived at the club out of shape, but he was recovering," explained Joel.
Midfielder Renato Augusto, who recently underwent surgery on his cheekbone, which he fractured in Flamengo's debut in the Carioca, against Boavista, should be fit to play again in approximately a month, which should guarantee his presence among those selected to compete in the first phase of the biggest club competition in America.
Léo Moura doesn't know Bolognesi
Flamengo has a Fla-Flu match tomorrow, but the match that's on the red-and-black players' minds is Wednesday, when the team debuts in the Copa Libertadores. Despite counting down the days until the match in Tacna, Peru, the red-and-black players don't seem to be concerned about learning about their opponent, Coronel Bolognesi.
Right-back Leonardo Moura confessed that he doesn't even know the name of the first team Flamengo will face in the main club competition in the Americas.
"We have high expectations for the Libertadores game. We want to make a good debut. I don't know the team's name yet, but we have to work hard to avoid being surprised," said the full-back, unaware that Coronel Bolognesi is now one of the top Peruvian teams.
Regarding tomorrow's match against Fluminense, Léo Moura was categorical in stating that he has no desire whatsoever to participate in the game and also warned that if coach Joel Santana really does field an all-reserve team, he will be doing the right thing.
"We have a very important game on Wednesday and we're already qualified. In my opinion, there's no reason to take risks in this match against Fluminense," said Léo Moura, who did not play in the last game of the Campeonato Carioca, as he was on international duty with the Brazilian national team.
In the hands of newbies
Joel chooses to field the reserves in the Fla-Flu, but struggles to maintain a 100% success rate
Diego Tardelli should start tomorrow, but could play in the middle
With first place in Group A already secured and the Copa Libertadores opener on Wednesday in Tacna, Peru, against Coronel Bolognesi, coach Joel Santana decided to field a reserve team for tomorrow's Fla-Flu match at 18:10 p.m. at the Maracanã. But anyone who thinks Flamengo will be easy prey for the also-understrength Fluminense is mistaken—they will only fail to qualify if there's an unlikely combination of results.
For the Red-Blacks, maintaining their unbeaten run and remaining the only team with a 100% record are at stake. Adopting this approach of preserving the starters will also allow Joel to observe some players who haven't had a chance this year.
"I have a group, not just a team. A classic like Fla-Flu is always worth it, it's never a joke. There's history, rivalry, and both teams will strive to do their best. I won't take my team to Maracanã on a Sunday at 18 p.m. for tourism," said Joel Santana.
With defender Rodrigo's injury last Thursday, the coach doesn't want to risk losing the starting central defense of Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim. As a result, Rodrigo Arroz and Thiago Sales are expected to fill the starting lineup. Diego will replace Bruno in goal, and Luizinho and Egídio will replace Leonardo Moura and Juan, respectively, on the wings. The big unknown is in midfield. Cristian and Léo Medeiros are almost certain to start tomorrow, as is Kleberson, who will get his second chance as a starter.
The fourth player in the midfield should be Diego Tardelli, leaving Maxi and Obina as the attackers. Joel also spent a considerable amount of time talking with Argentine Hugo Colace, who could come on later in the match. Toró, who is returning from suspension, is also expected to be rested.
"I thought it best to choose a different team than the one that had been playing, but our group is of a high level, and I'm sure that the team that plays will perform," concluded the coach.
Joel knows that if the team doesn't do well, the pressure will fall on his shoulders, but he hopes to see the results of this 'sacrifice' pay off in the Libertadores debut.
Leonardo Moura approves his debut with the Brazilian National Team
Right-back Leonardo Moura was pleased with his performance in Brazil's match against Ireland last Wednesday. He played his first game in the iconic yellow jersey and didn't seem to feel the weight of wearing the uniform of the only five-time World Cup winners.
The player admitted that he was hampered by nerves and the cold early in the match, but assured that from midway onwards he played completely at ease. In high spirits, Léo even stated that the color yellow suits him very well.
"The shirt fit me well. Even more so debuting with a victory. It was important. I hope other call-ups come. At first I was a little shy. Then I became more comfortable, and I played as if I were at Flamengo. Once I got used to it, it was pure joy. Dunga and Jorginho asked me to attack a lot and be dynamic. That's what I did," said Leonardo Moura.
Flamengo's number 2 praised the performance of everyone who participated in the friendly against Ireland. "The cold was intense and made things a bit difficult, but the willpower prevailed. It was worth everyone's effort," Léo concluded.
THE DAY
Romário's future is in Gávea
Romário likes the offer he received from Kléber Leite and says he could end his career at Flamengo and continue working for the club. The star is already talking about playing in the Taça Rio for the Rubro-Negro.
Marluci Martins
Rio - The marriage between Romário and Flamengo is about to happen. Kléber Leite's seductive proposals have captivated the little one, who now has no qualms about admitting he's ready to trade São Januário for Gávea.
"Yesterday, the chances of me signing with Flamengo were slim. Now, they've increased significantly. Kléber made me a very good offer, including for the future," he explained.
Romário said he had a conversation with Kléber and should have another by tomorrow to confirm the deal. "If I can terminate my contract with Vasco by March 30th, I'll play in the Taça Rio," the star player revealed, already making plans to wear the red-and-black jersey soon.
If he can't leave Vasco in time to play the rest of the state championship, Romário imagines he might even play a few games in the Copa Libertadores. "I think I'll still play three or four more games for Flamengo before I say goodbye," he predicted.
He recalled that the possibility of continuing as a sort of manager weighed heavily in his decision to return to Gávea. "I've been at Vasco for three years, and no one has ever presented me with a future project. Vasco doesn't have a project for me," he lamented. However, he insisted on preserving Vasco's president: "I'm not going to criticize Eurico. I'm his friend."
THE BRAND'S POSTER BOY AROUND THE WORLD
"When will I show up?" Romário's question, which Flamengo's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, assures was asked yesterday in a phone call, was a joke, but the Flamengo director's interest in having the player, not for a farewell match, but as a poster boy, a communicator for Fla TV, and possibly a manager representing the club abroad, appears to be serious.
Kléber made it clear that the proposal was official. A new meeting was scheduled for tomorrow. "This time, it's not just a message, it's official. He's a great communicator; a Romário program would beat Maradona's 10-0. We also have a project related to modern football, and his image would be important. This isn't an action between friends, but rather an institutional act by Flamengo," the director stated.
For ethical reasons, as he emphasized, Kléber is awaiting the player's decision regarding his future at Vasco. Although he didn't provide details, the director hinted that Romário's image could serve to broaden the Gávea club's image worldwide and in marketing campaigns. The short one would be a sort of manager, similar to Leonardo's role at Milan.
The project could also include activities with children taking their first steps in soccer and centers around the world. "What I can say is that Romário is a global ambassador for Brazilian soccer," he added.
Last year, Romário was chosen by the CBF as Brazil's ambassador for the 2014 World Cup. At Gávea, although Kléber assures that the matter is serious, some advisors consider it yet another fad from the director who, after the failed Operation Ronaldo—questioned by the player himself—is now launching the Romário Project. (Janir Júnior)
Eurico guarantees Romário at Vasco and calls Kléber Leite a braggart
Rio - Following the controversy surrounding Romário's dismissal from Vasco due to a dispute sparked by Eurico's decision to field Alan Kardec, the ongoing drama between the short man and the interim president has taken on a new dimension. Romário, who resigned as player and coach on Wednesday, had already hinted at a possible return to Vasco yesterday. Today, Vasco's interim president spoke out.
In an interview with Rádio Tupi this Friday, Eurico stated that Romário will end his career wearing the Vasco da Gama jersey. When asked about Kléber Leite's proposal for Romário to end his career with a farewell match wearing the Flamengo jersey, the director exclaimed:
"That braggart Kléber Leite needs to stop bragging. Anyone who knows Edevair, Romário's father, knows that when they talk about Flamengo, he spits on the floor," said an irritated Eurico Miranda.
The leader continued:
"Romário's figure is definitely, eternally linked to Vasco. Romário will end his career at Vasco. Those who live will see," concluded Eurico.
According to Vasco's interim president, the issue was not resolved previously because he and Romário were unable to speak in person.
"Romário and I always resolve everything face to face, but this time we didn't have the opportunity," explained Eurico.
While the prodigal son waits for his return home, Alfredo Sampaio has been appointed head coach (previously an assistant coach). Beto and Wagner Diniz are not training, but are expected to face Cabofriense on Sunday at 16 p.m. in São Januário.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Joel confirms he will rest starters in the classic\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - With Flamengo's Copa Libertadores debut next Wednesday, when it travels to Peru to face Coronel Bolognesi, coach Joel Santana has already announced that he will rest some starters for the Fla-Flu match. The opponent's decision to also rest some players for the derby didn't influence Joel's decision. "Here, we work with Flamengo in mind. I'm not interested in what happens at Fluminense," Joel warned, making it clear what will influence the starting eleven for Sunday. "There are several factors that will influence the decision, such as the number of yellow cards, injuries, and match rhythm."
The team that will face Fluminense will likely be determined in the Maracanã locker room. With 18 points in six rounds, Flamengo has already secured the lead in Group A and is the only team with a 100% record in the Campeonato Carioca. And adding the 2007 Brazilian Championship, Flamengo now has ten consecutive victories at Maracanã, a feat last achieved by Flamengo in 1980.
Pending Issues: While Flamengo continues its run of matches in the Campeonato Carioca, president Márcio Braga is working to find new horizons for the club. This Friday, the director traveled to São Paulo, where he had a meeting scheduled with officials from Corinthians and São Paulo.
Last Thursday, Márcio Braga and the vice president of marketing, Ricardo Hinrichsen, met with Petrobras directors, in yet another attempt to renew the sponsorship with the state-owned company, which ended at the end of 2007.
Also off the field, Flamengo's legal department is working to secure FIFA's permission to skip the match against Cienciano-PER, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. The Peruvian team from Cuzco qualified for the same group as Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores.
After a good debut, Tardelli gets a new chance at Flamengo\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After much controversy over his transfer and, later, his registration, striker Diego Tardelli had no reason to regret his debut for Flamengo. Last Thursday night, he scored one of the goals in the Flamengo's 2-1 victory. In the second half, tired, he left the field to a resounding ovation from the fans. "I was very happy to have scored a goal in my first game for Flamengo. I have to thank my teammates and the fans for the support they gave me. I was moved when they chanted my name. But I have to keep fighting to earn a place in the team," said the former São Paulo striker.
On Sunday, Diego Tardelli is expected to get another start and will play in his first Fla-Flu match. His attacking partner, however, is likely to be someone else. As Souza received his third yellow card and will serve a suspension, coach Joel Santana is expected to opt for Obina in the attack.
What's certain is that Tardelli isn't thinking about sitting out. "I'm going to ask to be on the field. I want to play, to be in the mix," Tardelli commented.
Rodrigo undergoes surgery in Rio with a broken arm\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Amidst the joy of the victory over Volta Redonda, Flamengo received the bad news of defender Rodrigo's arm injury. This Friday morning, the player underwent surgery by doctor José Luiz Runco, who celebrated the success of the surgery but avoided setting a timetable for his return. "It was a very good surgery, but there is no timetable for his return yet. We'll see how he reacts," commented the Flamengo doctor.
Although Runco didn't set a timeframe, Rodrigo is expected to be out of action for at least a month. He will be released from the hospital on Sunday. Coach Joel Santana deeply regretted the defender's injury.
"He arrived out of shape, and we were slowly preparing Rodrigo. And then this happens in his first match as a starter. It's very sad," lamented the red-and-black coach.
PELENET
Rodrigo's injury is more serious than doctors expected
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo defender Rodrigo will take much longer to return to playing than the club's doctors initially anticipated. After a four-hour surgery Friday morning to place a plate and four screws in his right radius bone, doctor José Luís Runco stated that there was no timetable for full recovery from the fracture.
In the afternoon, however, Marcelo Soares, the other red-black doctor to participate in the operation, stated that the defender could be out of the team for three to four months, which makes the directors already think about signing another player for the sector.
"It was in just one bone, but in several parts of the same bone. Now is the time for consolidation and there is no prediction of its return," Runco said in an interview with Rádio Brasil at lunchtime.
Rodrigo suffered the fracture during Thursday night's 2-1 victory over Volta Redonda at the Maracanã Stadium. The match was his first start, replacing captain Fábio Luciano, who was suspended after being sent off against América (4-0). Coach Joel Santana's intention was to give the defender some playing time, having undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in October of last year while still playing for Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine.
"Losing him like this is really bad. He arrived out of shape and we were working with Rodrigo little by little and getting him into the team. And in his first opportunity to play 90 minutes, this happened," Joel lamented on Thursday.
Without Rodrigo, the red-black commander has the following defenders available: Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim, the two starters at the moment, in addition to Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Sales and Nílton.
Joel Santana is expected to field a reserve team in the Fla-Flu match.
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Fluminense coach Renato Gaúcho had already announced that he would rest several starters for the derby against Flamengo, on Sunday at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), at the Maracanã. The opponent's coach, Joel Santana, is expected to do even more, fielding an all-reserve team: Diego; Luizinho, Thiago Sales, Rodrigo Arroz and Egídio; Cristian, Leo Medeiros, Kleberson and Marcinho; Diego Tardelli and Obina.
After the match against their traditional rival, Rubro-Negro will have two very difficult commitments: their debut in the Copa Libertadores, against Coronel Bolognesi, in Tacna, Peru, on Wednesday, and the semi-final of the Taça Guanabara, probably against Vasco, the following Sunday.
"The team will be made up of most of the players who aren't playing. We did a very good job in this first phase, and it gives us the opportunity to test some players. Even though they're not the main team, Flamengo is always looking for a win," explained the coach, speaking about the team's mathematical qualification in first place in Group A for the GB Cup semifinals.
Despite leaving the starters out of the team, the coach believes that Flamengo will put on a good performance.
"Even though we won't be using our main players, our team will be very strong for the Fla-Flu. We have Maxi, Obina, Diego Tardelli, Kleberson, Cristian, who are great players and will represent Flamengo very well," he said.
Leonardo Moura says the Brazilian national team shirt fits well
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Leonardo Moura gave a positive assessment of his debut for the Brazilian national team in the friendly against Ireland (1-0) on Wednesday in Dublin. In the Flamengo right-back's view, his participation in the match was fruitful.
Accustomed to the support of the red-and-black fans and Brazil's tropical climate, the player admitted to feeling a bit nervous at the start of the match. However, this feeling disappeared as the match progressed.
"The Brazil jersey looked good on me. Even more so when I was making my debut with a win. I was a little shy at first. Then I felt more comfortable and played as if I were playing for Flamengo," he said.
At 29 years old and in great form with the red-black team, the player already has his sights set on being called up more often by coach Dunga.
"I hope other call-ups come. Dunga and Jorginho (assistant coach) asked me to attack a lot and be dynamic. That's what I tried to do," he concluded.
Like most of Flamengo's starters, Leonardo Moura should be rested in the classic against Fluminense, Sunday, at 18:10 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã, for the seventh and final round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship.
The Gávea team has 18 points and is already guaranteed to be among the top four in this first phase of the competition.
Eurico Miranda mocks Flamengo's director and assures Romário's return
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Once again, Eurico Miranda unleashed his spinning melter on Flamengo. Vasco's president attacked Flamengo's vice president of football, Kleber Leite, who confirmed on Thursday that he has plans for Baixinho to end his career at the Gávea club.
However, the Cruzmaltino director not only assured that Romário will say goodbye to the pitch wearing the club's shirt, but also insulted the red-black director.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again: Romário will end his career at Vasco, and there's no point in what that braggart Kleber Leite says. I'm the one saying it. Romário will say goodbye here," he told Rádio Tupi.
After the attack on the Flamengo fan, Eurico Miranda stated that he has a strong ally to help Romário reconsider his departure from the club and end his activities with the Colina team's shirt.
"Anyone who knows Edevair (Romário's father) knows that he spits when he hears the name Flamengo. He can't stand this club. Romário will come back, train, and everything will be fine. Everyone can be sure of that," he concluded.
Romário has already admitted the possibility of continuing at Vasco
Romário admitted to rethinking and reconciling with president Eurico Miranda. The former Cruzmaltino player-coach left the club last Wednesday, displeased with the director's decision to field Alan Kardec in the State Championship match against Friburguense (a 2-0 victory).
The striker also took the opportunity to thank the club's directors for their kindness, but made clear his intention to end his career at Vasco, given his history with the São Januário club.
"Every time something happens at Vasco, Kleber Leite shows up. I'm honored, but my relationship with Vasco is very strong," he emphasized, adding again.
"I have great affection for Vasco's directors and fans. A difference of opinion won't change my mind," he said in an interview with TV Globo.
The match between Romário and Flamengo will take place on Sunday.
Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, did not want to fuel a bigger controversy with the Cruzmaltino director, but did not miss the opportunity to respond to his rival.
"I no longer respond when this gentleman is mentioned. When Mr. Eurico Miranda says something that Flamengo is involved in, the one who responds for that is Babão (wardrobe manager) and not me," he said, adding.
"We had a meeting scheduled with Romário, but it will only take place on Sunday. I spoke with him on Thursday and we have respect for Vasco and Romário. I can only say that Flamengo's door will be open for him," he assured.
GLOBOESPORTE
Romário already admits to playing in the Rio Cup for Flamengo
Striker tells Rio newspaper he really liked Kléber Leite's proposal
Romário says Flamengo's chances have increased significantly with the proposal
Called a braggart by Vasco president Eurico Miranda, Kléber Leite, Flamengo's vice president of football, appears to have struck back in kind. According to Rio de Janeiro newspaper "O Dia," Flamengo's offer to Romário was well received by the short man, who is already open to playing in the Taça Rio for the Gávea club.
"Yesterday, the chances of me signing with Flamengo were slim. Now, they've increased significantly. Kléber made me a very good offer, including for the future," says the striker, who left Vasco's coaching position on Wednesday, hours before the game against Friburguense, after disagreeing with Eurico's interference in the selection of striker Alan Kardec.
Baixinho says his participation in the Rio Cup depends on Vasco's release, as his contract expires on March 30th. But if he doesn't get his release, he believes he could play a few games in the Libertadores Cup.
"If I can terminate my contract with Vasco by March 30th, I'll play in the Rio Cup. I think I'll play another three or four games for Flamengo before I say goodbye."
New conversation on Sunday
Another conversation with Kléber is scheduled for this Sunday. Romário expressed his interest in the project presented by the club's vice president of football:
"I've been at Vasco for three years, and no one has ever presented me with a future project. Vasco doesn't have a project for me."
He, however, made a point of preserving his friendship with Eurico Miranda:
- I'm not going to attack Eurico. I'm his friend.
According to "O Dia", Kléber proposed to Romário to be the club's spokesperson, a communicator for Fla-TV, possibly a manager who would represent Flamengo abroad and work with children who are starting out in football in centers around the world.
"Now, it's not a message, it's official. He's a great communicator; a Romário program would beat Maradona's ten times over. We also have a project related to modern football, and his image would be important. It's not an action between friends, but rather an institutional act of Flamengo," Kléber told the newspaper.
The "Panorama Esportivo" column in the newspaper "O Globo" states that one of Kléber's ideas is to promote five friendlies in Brazilian capitals, starting in Brasília and finishing at Maracanã, with Romário and Flamengo sharing the TV and static advertising rights.
Fla accepts Petrobras proposal
Columnist Ancelmo Gois, from 'O Globo', says the club will receive R$16,2 million from the state-owned company
Although Flamengo's board attempted to increase Petrobras' annual sponsorship from R$15,7 million to R$23,5 million, the state-owned company's proposal ultimately prevailed, according to columnist Ancelmo Gois of the newspaper "O Globo." As a result, the Gávea club will receive R$16,2 million this year.
The partnership, which has lasted 24 years, will include the company's right to sponsor Fla-TV, as announced in a statement on the 1st of this month. The valuation analysis will be conducted by an advertising agency.
Flamengo fan already sent Bolognesi
Gabriel Andreata was the manager of Rubro-Negro's opponent in the Libertadores debut
Gustavo Poli
Gabriel Andreata wears the Bolognesi shirt, the club he managed
When the CONMEBOL lottery ball placed that team with the funny, military-style name in Flamengo's group in the Copa Libertadores, the general feeling among Flamengo fans was one of curiosity. Coronel Bolognesi sounded like the name of a pizza flavor. Or a character from a children's TV show. But a team? Few people had heard of Colonel Francisco Bolognesi, who died heroically in Tacna, in southern Peru, defending the city in the war against Chile. A Brazilian, a Flamengo fan, knew the character. And knew him well.
Gabriel Andreata, 25, is now a partner in a gym in Rio de Janeiro's South Zone. But he spent four years working at Coronel Bolognesi. Or rebuilding Coronel Bolognesi, a team founded in 1929 and refounded in 2001 by a group of businessmen.
A die-hard Flamengo fan, Gabriel said he couldn't believe it when he saw the draw. It was completely unthinkable in 2002, when he arrived in Tacna, the city the Red-Blacks will visit on February 13th.
Ironically or not, Gabriel's relationship with the Peruvian team began because of Flamengo. He was hired to advise Peruvian full-back Jorge Soto, who came to try his luck in Rio—and didn't quite make it. Soto's agent, Carlos Delgado, liked Gabriel's work and invited him to work in Peru. And it was there that he made history for Bolo, Flamengo's first opponent in the Copa Libertadores.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM spoke with Gabriel to find out more about what awaits Flamengo in the Peruvian desert;
GLOBOESPORTE.COM: How did you end up in Peru? Gabriel Andreata: I was called after advising Jorge Soto here in Rio. Delgado's company leased the team. I was asked to be the under-20 coordinator. But... six months after I arrived, the professional manager, Gustavo Cevallos, went to the Peruvian national team. And I ended up becoming the club's administrator. I spent three years living in Tacna, almost on the border between Peru and Chile... a town that doesn't have a movie theater, which is forty minutes from the beach... it was nice, but eventually it was over.
How does Colonel Bolognesi work? Bolognesi is a team of businessmen. The team was "bought" in 2001 with the goal of exporting players. Delgado is Peru's biggest businessman—he was the one who negotiated, for example, Cláudio Pizzarro, Paulo Guerrero, and Ciurlizza, who came to play for Botafogo. It's a business. So much so that the team's youth academy is located in Lima, over a thousand kilometers from Tacna.
"They don't really know what Flamengo is. They only knew it was my team (...) It's unbelievable to imagine that the club I took over in 2002 will play at Maracanã"\ Gabriel Andreata, Flamengo fan and former Bolognesi director\ What should Flamengo expect from the match?\
Gabriel doesn't hide his passion for Fla
It's a modest team playing in a small town. The average age is very low. They invested three, four years... and now, reaching the Libertadores, they see a chance to recoup that investment. The team starts with a good goalkeeper, Diego Penny - who came from Sporting Cristal and is on the Peruvian national team... he's 22 years old and has a lot of personality. And there are some youngsters I've seen coming through, kids like Luís Ramirez and Julian Basquez. But to give you an idea - Diego Penny's salary, which should be the highest on the team - shouldn't exceed R$5. The coach, Argentine Juan Reynoso, should earn around R$10 - if he wins.
And what was their reaction when they found out they were playing Flamengo? They didn't really know what Flamengo was. They just knew it was my team. The kit man played me a joke on the radio when he found out. I told him to get his shit together.
It's unbelievable to imagine that the club I took over in 2002 will play at Maracanã.
Why? When I got there, there was no training ground, no stadium, nothing. The players lined up at my office to receive their salaries in cash. There was no bank. I kept a wad of cash on the table and paid them out. I even helped with the signings. Despite this, Bolognesi began to grow because they delivered on their promises. They're the only Peruvian club that has never delayed a salary since their promotion to the first division. But it's funny to think that kids I once paid R$20 a week... now earn seven or eight thousand a month... and go on to play at the Maracanã.
Doesn't the stigma of being a businessman's team get in the way?\ If it weren't for these guys... the club wouldn't even exist. Tacna is very isolated, almost on the border with Chile. It's a city without much money - the team barely gets any sponsorship. And it's a city in the Free Trade Zone, so everything is cheap.\
And the stadium? It was renovated for the 2004 Copa América and is quite decent. And the fans have started to get used to it and support the team.
If you were still there, who would you support? It would be different. Definitely at Bolognesi, you get very involved in the day-to-day running of the club. I would think more about work than Flamengo - but I would definitely root for both of them to qualify. That was my dream when I worked there. I thought, "I hope one day we qualify for the Libertadores and Flamengo too." It seemed impossible - I didn't think it could happen so quickly. My friends of four years are going to play at the Maracanã against my team.
Fla and Flu play a friendly match
The long-awaited classic will be played by reserves on Sunday night at Maracanã
Some even started counting down. Fans saved their precious money to watch the highly anticipated clash between the reinforced Flamengo and Fluminense in the final round of the first phase of the Taça Guanabara. However, their anticipation turned to frustration. This Sunday, at 18:10 PM, the Fla-Flu derby will practically be a parade of reserves at Maracanã. GLOBOESPORTE.COM will be covering it in real time starting at 17:50 PM. Premiere will also broadcast it.
The aforementioned scenario is due only to the slim possibility that Tricolor, second in Group A with 14 points, will be eliminated. To do so, they need to be beaten by four goals, and Macaé must also crush Boavista by more than four goals.
The possibility is so surreal that not even coach Renato Gaúcho considers it. So much so that he decided to field only one starter: Fernando Henrique. There's also the possibility of Thiago Neves, another first-team player, starting the match against their rival.
"I only announce the team forty minutes before the game. What I can say is that Fernando Henrique and Gustavo Nery will play," says the Tricolor coach.
Leader, yes. Tourist, no! Flamengo doesn't work with hypotheses. It has certainties. One is that the team is assured of first place in the group, with 18 points. Another is that the Copa Libertadores debut in Peru is approaching. That's why coach Joel Santana will field an all-reserve team.
His goal is to get some players back into game shape and prevent further serious injuries, like those suffered by Renato Augusto and Rodrigo. The coach, however, makes it clear that the match will be taken seriously.
"We're not going to Maracanã at 18 p.m. to be tourists. We're going to take the field with a good team," says the coach.
Even with substitute teams, the rivalry continues. Goalkeeper Fernando Henrique teased the game and recalled that he's never lost to the Red-Blacks. Juan's reserve, Egídio, responded by saying that, in the youth team, he always got the better of Fluminense.
"Every athlete dreams of playing in a Fla-Flu match. It's a classic in its own right in our football. Whoever the players are, history will be on the field with them, making this the biggest and most captivating match in the country," declares Roger, the Tricolor.
In the last Brazilian Championship, Flamengo won the first game 1-0 (watch the goals above), but Fluminense got their revenge soon after by 2-0 (watch the goals).
Fla carries out operation to save America
The club is willing to loan and pay the salaries of three players to help the red team.
Eduardo Peixoto
América's precarious situation in the Campeonato Carioca has rattled Flamengo. This Friday, the red-and-black club announced that it is willing to release three players for free for the Taça Rio competition. (Watch the goals from the red-and-black rout of Mequinha in the video below.)
Goalkeeper Paulo Victor, defender Nilton and striker Kayke, who are not used by Joel Santana, would be the "available" athletes.
"We offered these three players to América, but they still need to accept. It would be a free transaction for a friendly club," explains Flamengo's director of football, Eduardo Manhães.
In six rounds of the Guanabara Cup, América has not earned a single point and is bottom of Group A. If the Campeonato Carioca had ended today, América would have been relegated alongside Americano, bottom of Group B with three points. According to the competition's regulations, the two clubs with the fewest points at the end of both rounds will be relegated to the 2009 Segunda Division. Therefore, América has the Taça Rio to recover.
Without Rodrigo, Fla can bring in a defender
The player is practically out of the Copa Libertadores, and Joel is considering strengthening the defense.
Eduardo Peixoto
The fracture in Rodrigo's right arm is more serious than Flamengo expected. According to an analysis by doctor Marcelo Soares, the player will be out of action for up to four months. As a result, he is practically out of the Copa Libertadores.
"It was a complicated, serious fracture. Recovery will take a long time. Between three and four months, but it's very difficult to give an exact timeframe," explains Marcelo Soares.
Coach Joel Santana lamented the loss of the player and is considering the possibility of Rubro-Negro signing another defender to compete in the South American tournament.
"It's very sad what happened to Rodrigo. I spoke with Kléber (Leite) and we may have to look for another defender, since he's almost out of the Libertadores," says coach Joel Santana.
The coach will scout the youth team for a defender. Currently, he has Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Sales, and Nilton available for the position.
Rodrigo undergoes surgery and will only return in four months.
Flamengo defender broke his right arm in the match against Volta Redonda, this Thursday
Eduardo Peixoto
Rodrigo requires immediate treatment after a violent fall on the Maracanã pitch. Flamengo defender Rodrigo underwent surgery this Friday morning at Pasteur Hospital in the northern zone of Rio de Janeiro. He fractured his right arm in the match against Volta Redonda, and late Friday afternoon, Flamengo doctor Marcelo Soares announced that he is unlikely to return to the field for another four months. As a result, he is practically out of the Copa Libertadores. The procedure lasted more than four hours and was overseen by the Flamengo and Brazilian national team doctor, José Luiz Runco. Four screws, pins, and a titanium plate were inserted to aid in the healing of the broken bone. The defender will be discharged next Sunday.
Rodrigo injured his arm after falling on it in the first half of last Thursday's match (watch the video below). Flamengo signed him in December and arrived at the club out of shape, having undergone knee surgery in August while playing for Dynamo Kyiv.
"It's a shame. Rodrigo arrived out of shape and was slowly recovering. He's a player we really like because of his technique and speed," laments coach Joel Santana.
Flamengo will submit its list of registered players for the first phase of the Copa Libertadores by next Monday. It's not yet known whether Rodrigo will be on it. Another player who underwent recent surgery, Renato Augusto, is beginning the second stage of his recovery from a sunken facial injury and should be fit again in three weeks. He's expected to be among the 25 selected for the South American competition.
THROW
Rodrigo out for at least three months\ Defender has his arm immobilized for almost a month due to the injury in the game against Volta Redonda\
After falling awkwardly and fracturing his right arm, Rodrigo has already undergone surgery and is recovering (Credit: Júlio César Guimarães)
LANCEPRESS!\ Defender Rodrigo, who underwent surgery this Friday morning, will be out of action for Flamengo for at least three months. This information was given by doctor Marcelo Soares, who, together with José Luiz Runco, operated on the player.\
"It was a complicated surgery, with a 12-hole plate and six screws. I can't give you a prediction; each player reacts differently, and we'll wait for the recovery to begin. However, I guarantee he'll be back in at least three months. There's no chance of that happening in six weeks. The fracture needs time to heal," Soares explained.
If the three months indicated by the doctor are confirmed, Rodrigo will be out of the first phase of the Libertadores.
The defender, who fractured the radius bone in his right arm in the red-black team's 2-1 victory over Volta Redonda, will wear an immobilization for a period of around three weeks.
Léo Moura: 'The witch is loose at Flamengo'
The defender said he was scared by the problems\ LANCEPRESS!\
The problems that Flamengo had in the game against Volta Redonda – Rodrigo fractured the radius bone in his right arm, Rodrigo Arroz cut his eyebrow and Bruno felt unwell – were the focus of Léo Moura's concern:
– When I arrived this Thursday morning, I read about all this. The witch is on the loose (laughs). We have to ward off the evil eye.
The full-back, who played for the Brazilian national team on Wednesday against Ireland, expressed concern about new injuries in the group, justifying his request not to participate in the Fla-Flu.
- Quality players are getting injured and we need to avoid that - he concluded.
A Fla-Flu full of charm and many experiences
Joel and Renato are counting on the strength of the group to emerge victorious.
LANCEPRESS!\ Not even the fact that they'll take to the field with few starters will diminish the importance or charm of this Sunday's Fla-Flu match at Maracanã. That's what Joel Santana and Renato Gaúcho, the rivals' two coaches, guarantee.\
For Joel, in addition to giving rhythm to players who will be very useful to Rubro-Negro, the changes will define which reserves will travel with the group to Peru, where Flamengo will face Coronel Bolognese, next Wednesday, in the Copa Libertadores debut.
radio l! - We have another game coming up (against Coronel Bolognese, on Wednesday). So, since we'd be in first place against Volta Redonda with any win, a 1-0 victory would be enough. For example, Léo Moura just got back from a trip with the national team, and it wouldn't be good if he played straight Sunday and Wednesday. These players who are coming in will get their rhythm, and then I'll be able to define the group I'll take to Peru," explained Joel, who also mentioned Luizinho, Kleberson, and Tardelli. (Click and listen)
For the Tricolor side, Renato Gaúcho guaranteed the presence of left-back Gustavo Nery in the starting lineup. According to the coach, he's already in much better physical shape and will have a great opportunity to show his potential as a starter again. Regarding the changes at Gávea, Renato preferred to remain tight-lipped.
radio l! - Here at Fluminense, we're going to make some changes. At Flamengo, I don't know, but I think Joel should change the team. Gustavo (Nery) will play, as he's much better. It's a good game for him to get back to playing everything he knows," he said. (Click and listen)
It remains to be seen which of the two groups will prove more capable of winning the first Fla-Flu of a year that promises so much for both clubs.