The Globe
Joel remains loyal to the 2007 team
Fla changes Ronaldo project and the idea now is to have him from July 1st
JOEL SANTANA guides the team in training in Teresópolis
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
TERESÓPOLIS. In the lecture they attended last night at Granja Comary, the players heard from psychologist Paulo Ribeiro about unity, team building, and camaraderie. To prove his commitment to the group that led Flamengo to the Libertadores, coach Joel Santana demonstrated, in the first tactical training session of the season, that Flamengo will start 2008 with the same look and feel as last year.
Joel said the decision was a matter of fairness and claimed that some reinforcements are not yet fit to play.
"We finished 2007 strong. There's no need to change anything. On the field, they remembered last year's positioning. In life, I learned to do justice," Joel explained.
Jônatas signs contract and has a chance of being a starter
He assembled the team with Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Souza. The core squad will be maintained for tomorrow's training match against the Nicaraguan national team. On Sunday, the team faces Huracán of Uruguay.
Yesterday, Jônatas signed a contract with Flamengo. Espanyol sent the loan agreement, and by Friday, Flamengo has promised to pay 300 euros (approximately £XNUMX) as the first installment of the deal. Of the new signings, he appears closest to securing a spot.
Kléberson, suspended by FIFA, will only be able to play after January 26th. Gavilán is suspended by the Superior Court of Justice (STJD). Flamengo filed a request today to convert half of his sentence into food baskets. According to Joel, defender Rodrigo needs to improve his fitness. Marcinho and Éder trained with the reserves. The team debuts in the State Championship on January 20th against Boavista at Maracanã.
After yesterday's training session, goalkeeper Bruno signed his five-year contract. Now, Flamengo will have to pay 700 euros, the first installment of the total 3 million that will cost to acquire 80% of his rights. Full-back Leonardo Moura signed a contract extension until 2011.
Yesterday, the team trained with the Penalty State Championship ball, criticized by goalkeeper Bruno. Nike has yet to send the Libertadores balls, which the club requested. Flamengo has ten of them, loaned by CONMEBOL. At Granja Comary, the delegation lives with stacks of boxes of the company's equipment, intended for the national team.
In Gávea, dissatisfaction with the supplier is growing. Flamengo says it has received offers from competitors and has already proposed bringing forward the renewal of its contract, which expires in 2009, nearly doubling the current annual value of R$7,5 million. The 2008 contract with Petrobras has also not been signed, and the club, which receives R$15 million per year, is asking for an increase of over 40%.
Yesterday, Flamengo changed the course of its Ronaldo project. In a meeting with the player's agent, Fabiano Farah, it was agreed that the club will present a proposal to the striker within 20 days. The plan is to sign a pre-contract with Ronaldo and have him available starting July 1st, when his contract with Milan expires.
For the São Paulo Junior Cup, Flamengo plays today (20:30 pm) against Ypiranga-AP, in Piracicaba, in Group N.
Sports Journal
Léo Moura stays at Fla until 2011
Full-back continues to dream of a chance in the Brazilian National Team
Jair Motta
Léo Moura still dreams of a chance on the Brazilian national team
Flamengo's board isn't taking the field, but they're working hard to renew the contracts of their key players. And with one of them, everything is practically set. Right-back Leonardo Moura has already agreed to stay at Gávea until 2009. The new contract is expected to be signed in the coming days.
"The affection of these fans is incomparable. The emotion of playing at the Maracanã with 80, 90 people doesn't exist anywhere else. There's no reason for me to venture into other countries with a good contract and lose the visibility I have here. The contract is good, it gives me peace of mind and there's no reason for me to leave here," declared Léo Moura.
The player expressed his satisfaction with his new contract and stated that he sees no reason to leave Flamengo now. Flamengo's number 2 still dreams of making it to the Brazilian national team and believes the best way to secure a call-up from coach Dunga is to remain at Gávea.
"I'm very happy. Now I just want to help Flamengo. If I continue playing well, like last year, the opportunity with the national team will come. I have to continue with the same consistency as last year. But I need the help of my teammates, because without them Leonardo doesn't receive the ball, doesn't cross, doesn't score," concluded the right-back.
Léo Moura was voted the best in his position in the 2007 Brazilian Championship.
Fla takes on Ypiranga-AP in the Copa SP
The Flamengo boys are preparing for another challenge in the first round of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup. After a 4-0 thrashing of the weak Nacional-AM team last Saturday, coach Rogério Lourenço's team faces Ypiranga-AP today at 20:30 pm at the Barão de Serra Negra stadium in Piracicaba. In the first round, tonight's opponent lost 2-0 to XV de Piracicaba. With a win, they will maintain their lead in Group N and increase their chances of qualifying for the next round.
A standout player on the team, striker Erick Flores has been delighting fans who are already asking for him to join the professional squad. The player said the team is aware that today's victory is crucial for qualification.
"Our team is strong and is very focused on getting three more points to get closer to qualifying for the second phase," said Erick Flores, who in the last match scored a great goal from outside the box, after dribbling past the defender.
Coach Rogério Lourenço preferred, during training, to keep the team that faced Nacional in the first round and with that, Rubro-Negro will enter the field with: Marcelo, Michel, Lucas, Fabrício, Jobson; Lenon, Wellington, Erick Flores and Renan; Paulo Sérgio and Pedro Beda.
Year starts with 2007 base
Anyone who thought coach Joel Santana would start by filling the starting lineup with new signings was mistaken. In the first tactical training session held yesterday afternoon at Granja Comary—preparing the team for tomorrow's training match against the Nicaraguan national team—the coach fielded the same players who finished last season as starters.
Therefore, the 5-5 formation chosen by the coach should be maintained. The red-and-black midfield will continue to consist of Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró.
Joel Santana explained after training why he kept the same team that finished the season.
"I kept him for two reasons: firstly, because I want to start where we ended. And secondly, because the players we signed are still having problems," explained the coach.
It is quite possible that the team will change before the Carioca's debut, as keeping the same base as last year is a strategy of the coach to not lose the affection of the group.
Joel made it clear that the first to enter the team, already in training, is the defensive midfielder Jonatas, making the former Ipatinga player Jaílton end up on the bench again.
"Jônatas is very qualified. But I'll start like this. The youth team finished the year very well and it didn't make sense to change it right after the first training session. It wouldn't be fair. Then the fights for position begin," explained Joel.
The likely lineup for tomorrow's training match will be: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson and Toró; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Five players sign contracts
Sports Journal Archive / Wallace Teixeira 04/01/2008
Right-back Leonardo Moura, one of Fla's standout players in 2007, renewed his contract with the club until 2011
After much uncertainty, Flamengo announced yesterday that goalkeeper Bruno, defensive midfielder Jônatas and full-back Leonardo Moura signed their contracts and are guaranteed to play in the team's debut in the Carioca, on the 20th, against Boavista, at Maracanã.
Immediately after receiving the documents that would release the number 1 and the midfielder from MSI and Espanyol, respectively, CEO Eduardo Manhães and the three players' agent, Eduardo Uram, went straight to Teresópolis to collect the players' signatures. The executive himself sealed the agreements.
"We'll pay by the end of this week, we already have the resources. There's no problem for the debut. They'll play normally," confirmed Eduardo Manhães.
The full-back's situation was the easiest to resolve; after all, Flamengo only needed to negotiate the fee with the player himself. Relieved by the happy ending, he celebrated the deal.
"There's no reason to leave. Now I have a contract that will give me security. The affection of these fans is incomparable; it's great to play at the Maracanã with 80 people supporting you; that doesn't exist anywhere else," praised Léo Moura, who knows the magnitude of the responsibility he will face:
"I need to maintain the consistency I had last year, but without the help of my teammates, that won't be possible," added the player who will stay at the club until 2011.
Bruno's contract will be for four years, automatically renewable for one more year. Jônatas's will be for 18 months. Now only the first installment is required for the contracts to be confirmed by the CBF's BID. Flamengo must pay US$1 million for the goalkeeper, and €300 for the defensive midfielder.
In addition to them, striker Éder signed until May 15th, which can be renewed until the end of 2009, and right-back Luizinho will stay at Gávea until December.
Only Diego Tardelli remains
Ronaldo says he prefers to stay at Milan, but the board will try to sign him in July
Thiago Bokel and Nathan de Lima
Flamengo's board's dream of convincing striker Ronaldo Fenômeno to join the club suffered a major setback yesterday. The player himself reiterated his desire to remain at Milan, and vice president of football Kleber Leite preferred to postpone negotiations until July.
"I met with his agent and we saw that Ronaldo's arrival is not feasible at this time. The task force was postponed until July 1st. We will talk again in 20 days, but everything is on track and I still have faith in this project," said the director.
Meanwhile in Dubai, where Milan played a friendly against the United Arab Emirates, the Phenomenon said that at the moment he is only thinking about winning a starting spot for the Italian team.
"It's true that Flamengo is interested. But I've never spoken or written about this subject. My goal right now is to secure an important place in the Milan team," said the player.
With the plan to sign the five-time World Cup winner postponed, the board's only option at the moment is São Paulo striker Diego Tardelli. Negotiations, which appeared to be going smoothly, suffered a minor setback last week. However, yesterday, Kleber Leite spoke again with the striker's agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, and assured him that the chances of signing the player still exist.
"Regarding the São Paulo boy, Diego Tardelli, we didn't have any news today (yesterday), but we're still counting on the player," warned Kleber Leite.
Flamengo better resolve the striker's situation soon, because in an interview with Rádio Record yesterday, Diego Tardelli said he is starting to get impatient.
"I think the moment is good for me. My dream is to compete in the Olympics, and by playing, I have a better chance of being there. I feel like São Paulo wants to sell me. Behind the scenes, I see that a lot of people aren't excited about me staying; they don't want me. That's what I feel," said the striker.
Regarding the other striker, whose name has been mentioned in recent days, Falcão Garcia, the director was categorical and ruled out any possibility of counting on the athlete.
"Falcão's story hasn't evolved. He's very expensive," said Flamengo's big man.
If Diego Tardelli's signing doesn't work out, the club will have to start thinking about another name, since, excluding the youngsters from the youth academy, Fla only has four attackers (Souza, Obina, Maxi and Éder).
Vinícius Pacheco is loaned to Ipatinga
Ipatinga has signed another player for the 2008 season, when it debuts in the Brazilian Championship's First Division. He's midfielder and striker Vinícius Pacheco, who played for Paraná last year, but was relegated to Serie B in the Libertadores.
The player goes to Tigre do Vale do Aço to fill the gap in the departure of striker Anderson Aquino, who was announced as a reinforcement for the club, but his move to the Minas Gerais team was vetoed by his father, who did not want his son to play for the recently promoted team to Série A.
Vinícius Pacheco, 22, was another young player the club developed and loaned out this year. Before him, defender Marlon, who also went to Tigre do Vale do Aço, and Marcinho, William Amendoim, and Bruno Mezenga, who went to Macaé, had already been transferred.
Ibson predicts a fight for positions in Flamengo's midfield
Jair Motta
Despite remaining humble, Ibson will certainly be a starter
Flamengo has signed some excellent reinforcements for the 2008 season. The Flamengo squad boasts strong players in all positions, especially in midfield. Marcinho, Jônatas, Kléberson, and Gavillan have joined this sector. In addition to them, the remaining players Ibson, Renato Augusto, Cristian, and Toró remain strong in the Mengão squad.
With so many talented players, midfielder Ibson anticipates a strong fight for positions in the red-and-black midfield. Humble, Ibson doesn't consider himself a regular starter, despite being one of the best players in the last Brazilian Championship.
"It's a headache for the coach. We players have to worry about working day to day and waiting for the lineup on game day. The competition in the middle is complicated, there's Kleberson, Jônatas... but whoever plays will get the job done," Ibson told Rádio Bandeirantes.
The midfielder guaranteed that despite the internal dispute for positions in the starting team, there will not be a 'war of vanity' within the squad.
"There can't be any rivalry, everyone plays for the same club and we have to help Flamengo," concluded Ibson.
Kléberson wants to wear the number 15 shirt
Midfielder Kleberson hasn't made his Flamengo debut yet, but he already knows which jersey he wants to wear. Kléberson wants to wear the number 15. However, Flamengo's board would like the player to wear the number 11, which belonged to Renato Abreu.
"Since the fifth World Cup in 2002, I've been wearing the number 15. It was like that in Manchester, at Besiktas. I'd like it to stay that way, but I heard people say I'd wear the number 11," said the player, who was signed in October but will only be able to debut in February.
Fla defeats Joinville: 82 to 65
In Santa Catarina, the team wins its second victory in the National Basketball Championship
Point guard Hélio had a good performance and scored 7 points in the match
With a great performance, Flamengo yesterday obtained its second victory in the National Men's Basketball Championship, defeating Joinville, in the interior of Santa Catarina, 82 to 65 (46 to 32).
The red-black team's top scorer was once again the star Marcelinho with 28 points, converting four three-pointers.
His brother Duda also put on a show with 23 points and six three-pointers in the game.
The team will play again this Friday against Cetaf, from Espírito Santo, at 20 pm, at a location to be defined.
Domain
Flamengo put on a strong performance, dominating the entire match, and relying on the skill of their shooters. The rebounding game also benefited, with the team grabbing 42 rebounds in the game, eight more than the Santa Catarina team. Wagner had a strong performance, grabbing 14 rebounds.
He had already stood out in the first match against Univates, from Rio Grande do Sul.
The players who came off the bench did the job, like Duda, and also the Cuban Amiel, with 12 points.
The strong start allows Flamengo to maintain its hopes of finishing in the top four and thus securing home-court advantage in the quarterfinals of the competition. And then, at least, a top-three spot to compete in the South American League and the Pan American Cup.
Unpublished
But the goal, without a doubt, is to win the unprecedented National title. Flamengo was runner-up on two occasions: 2000 and 2004.
Joinville: Viegas (5), Shilton (13), Espiga (11), Thiagão and André (20). Entered: Henrique (5), Augusto (5), Pigatto (2), Jimmya, Dartah and Catarina (4).\ Coach: Alberto Bial.\
Flamengo: Marcelinho (28), Hélio (7), Fred (5), Coloneze (8) and Alírio (2). Entered: Igor, Wagner (6), Duda (23), Maicon (2) and Amiel (12). Coach: Paulo Chupeta.
O Dia
Léo Moura: 'I have everything it takes to make it to the Brazilian national team'
Rio - Named the best right-back in the last Brazilian Championship, Leonardo Moura wants to start 2008 the way he ended last year. The first step, for him, has already been taken with the extension of his contract until 2011 (his current contract ran until the end of next year). Happy, Léo recognizes that his career has taken a turn that could finally lead him to the Brazilian national team.
"I found happiness at Flamengo and I feel at home here. That's why I didn't think twice about extending my contract, because it didn't make sense to venture elsewhere. With the peace of mind to play, the team doing well, and my teammates helping me, I have everything I need to make it to the Brazilian national team," analyzed the Flamengo fullback.
For his dream to come true, Leonardo Moura knows Flamengo needs to perform well this season. A strong Libertadores campaign would be crucial, and the player provides the recipe for the team to perform better than in 2007.
“We need a new mentality, more care when we play away from home and repeat the success we had when we played at Maracanã,” he taught.
Fábio Luciano: nothing fairer than the base being maintained
Rio - Captain of the red-black team and considered one of those responsible for the team's increase in production in last year's Brazilian Championship, defender Fábio Luciano praised the hiring policy adopted by the board for the 2008 season.
According to him, the increased value of the players already on the roster, combined with the reinforcements that arrived, has made Flamengo even stronger. "Those who were here last year managed to rescue the team from a difficult situation and help it finish the Brazilian Championship with dignity. It's only fair that the core team be maintained. Some necessary reinforcements have arrived, and Flamengo is very strong for the season," analyzed the Flamengo captain.
Fábio Luciano also adopted a discourse of respect among the players, leaving it to coach Joel Santana to choose who will start the season as a starter.
"Joel will be the one to decide. We have to respect Angelim, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Sales, and also Nilton, who is young but has already shown his qualities. Flamengo will be strong, regardless of who starts."
Sports Gazette
Flamengo begins talks to have Ronaldo starting in July\ William Correia, special for GE.Net\
São Paulo (SP) - Despite Ronaldo's statements on Tuesday that he will remain at Milan for the first half of the year, Flamengo's dream of having the "Phenomenon" at Gávea isn't over yet. Aware of the fact that the striker's contract with the Italians ends in July, the Rio de Janeiro club are moving to secure the five-time champion in 2008. According to Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, talks have already begun with Ronaldo's agent, Fabiano Farah, to sign a pre-contract with the Rio de Janeiro team.
"We spoke with Ronaldo's agent to assess the situation. We made good progress on the concepts and set July 1st as the possible start date for his contract with Flamengo," Kleber revealed in a telephone interview with Gazeta Esportiva.Net.
Resolving the case, however, is likely to take some time. "We'll have another meeting with Ronaldo's agent in 20 to 25 days. We'll sit down again and we can sign, since sports legislation allows him to sign a pre-contract six months before the end of his contract with his last club," says the director, who admits he hasn't yet reached a salary agreement with the Phenomenon. "We're still in talks."
The striker's arrival at Gávea is seen as part of a major marketing strategy for the club, which expects profits from the return of the 2002 World Cup top scorer to his homeland. "The vice president of marketing (Ricardo Jorge Hinrichsen) is on top of the project, with all the data," confirms Kleber.
Although there is euphoria surrounding the arrival of the highly-touted reinforcement, Ronaldo's participation in the Copa Libertadores is ruled out, even if Flamengo qualifies for the final – the decisive match is scheduled for July 2. Kleber Leite explains that registration for the tournament closes before the semifinals, when Ronaldo will still be linked to Milan.
Léo Moura stays – Flamengo announced this Tuesday that they will keep midfielder Léo Moura on the roster. The midfielder's new contract ensures he stays at Gávea until 2011.
Ronaldo denies return to Brazilian football
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) - After participating in Milan's friendly against the United Arab Emirates national team, Brazilian striker Ronaldo finally addressed the possibility of a move to Flamengo. In an interview given live from Dubai to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the player refuted the hypothesis and stated his desire to continue playing for the Italian team. Ronaldo made it clear that he has never stated that he would return to Brazilian football. "It's true that Flamengo is interested in me, but I've never spoken or written anything about it," said the Brazilian, who, to put an end to the controversy, added: "My desire is to earn a place at Milan, because it's the team I want to play for and the one that has given me confidence."
Although he only played in one half during the match in Dubai, the Brazilian is confident he will return to playing more frequently. "After the friendly, I can say I'm fine, and I'll be available for the Italian Championship," said the player, who has played only one match in the last five months.
Ronaldo's negative response to the possibility of landing at Gávea definitively puts an end to the biggest rumor of late 2007 in Brazilian football. The striker's difficulty recovering from injuries and his possible poor relationship with the Milan medical team were seen as an advantage for the red-and-blacks in counting on his participation in the Libertadores.
2007 was one of the weakest years of Ronaldo's career. After suffering poor performances at Real Madrid, he was traded to Milan in hopes of returning to his good times. His start was marked by goals, and many critics attributed it to the club's recovery in Serie A. However, before the end of the 2006/2007 season, he suffered his first injury with the Rossoneri.
During the preseason, Ronaldo injured his thigh muscle again and clashed with doctors when he traveled to Brazil to be evaluated by Flamengo and Brazilian national team doctor José Luiz Runco. During the trip, the possibility of doping during his treatment was even raised, but later denied by all parties. The Phenomenon, however, took a long time to recover and has only appeared on the field once this season.
His hopes of playing at the Club World Cup were also dashed, and rumors of his departure from Milan grew. Amid reports of interest from North American clubs and Fenerbahce in Turkey, Flamengo emerged as a possible destination for Ronaldo, with Flamengo doctors and physiotherapists even stating they would get the players back in playing condition.
Ronaldo's words on Tuesday, however, corroborated the statements made by Italian officials since the speculation began: he will stay at Milan, at least until July, when his contract ends.
Fábio Luciano praises competitors and the red-black board\ Gazeta Press\
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - While Flamengo coach Joel Santana remains uncertain in attack, the defense promises to be fierce, especially after the arrival of Rodrigo, who was in Russia. One of the remaining players from 2007, Fábio Luciano preached respect for his "rivals" in the position and praised the preparation of the coaching staff and board. Three players are expected to compete for two starting spots at the start of the season: Ronaldo Angelim, Fábio Luciano, and Rodrigo, with the latter two having the most chances. "Joel will be the one to decide. We have to respect Angelim, Rodrigo Arroz, Thiago Sales, and also Nilton, who is young but has already shown his talent. Flamengo will be strong, regardless of who starts," said Fábio Luciano, who finished 2007 as the Rio de Janeiro team's starter.
The defender praised the coaching staff's decision to retain many of the players who played in the 2007 Brazilian Championship. "Those who were here last year managed to rescue the team from a difficult situation and help them finish the Brazilian Championship with dignity. It's only fair that the core squad be retained. Some necessary reinforcements have arrived, and Flamengo is very strong for the season," the Flamengo defender analyzed.
Among those who were retained are goalkeeper Bruno and right-back Leonardo Moura, who have signed long-term contracts with the Rio de Janeiro club. "This new contract will give me a lot of security, and I'll be able to stay close to my family. I want to start the year off right," said Leonardo Moura, whose new contract runs until 2011.
PeléNet
Fla now dreams of Ronaldo for July, but chances are slim
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Flamengo's dream of having Ronaldo in the Copa Libertadores will not come true. The deal will not be finalized now, as the striker himself made clear in an interview in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where Milan defeated the local team 2-0. The Brazilian played in the first half of the match and said he wants to stay with the Italian club at least until the end of his contract.
Despite the player's refusal, the vice-president of football at the Rio de Janeiro club, Kleber Leite, believes that there is still a good chance that the Phenomenon will wear the red-black shirt from the middle of the year, which is also unlikely to happen.
"I had a meeting with Ronaldo's agent (Fabiano Farah) today (Tuesday) and it was very successful. We set some goals and scheduled another meeting for twenty days from now to make an official proposal. If accepted, we've already signed a pre-contract, which would come into effect on July 1st," explained the director.
Flamengo's interest in Ronaldo arose during Christmas. Before New Year's, Kleber Leite held a press conference in Gávea to discuss the "Ronaldo Project."
"We want Ronaldo permanently, with a contract signed until December 31, 2010. In addition to bringing him back to the national team, we want him to participate in a social project for children around the world, along the lines of the campaigns he runs for UNICEF. We haven't spoken to the Milan directors yet. Adriano Galliani (Milan's vice-president) is in Rio de Janeiro and we'll talk later this week," he said at the time.
Kleber Leite's objective was to meet with the Milan director during the end-of-year festivities, as both, like Ronaldo, celebrated the New Year in Angra dos Reis, in the South Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro.
Without Ronaldo, Flamengo turns its attention to São Paulo's Diego Tardelli. Flamengo's board wants to pay in installments the $1 million the São Paulo club is demanding.
Joel Santana currently has the following attacking players available: Souza, Obina, Éder, Maxi Biancucchi, and Paulo Sérgio. The first four are training at Granja Comary, while the fifth is competing in the São Paulo Junior Cup.
For Justice, Joel Santana maintains base at Flamengo
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Flamengo players held their first ball training session this Tuesday at Granja Comary in Teresópolis, the site of their preseason training. In the tactical drill, which used only half the field, Joel Santana, in fairness, kept the 2007 starting lineup.
"It was just a matter of fairness, considering everything they did last year. It wouldn't be right to change everyone in the first training session, even though the reinforcements are qualified. However, the fight will be on the field," Joel Santana emphasized.
In this attack-versus-defense game, the red-and-black coach ended up fielding ten players. Souza sat out the first half. In the second half, the forward replaced defender Ronaldo Angelim.
This Thursday, also at Granja Comary, Flamengo will play a training match against the Nicaraguan national team. On Sunday, they will face Huracán of Uruguay.
For this first training match, Joel Santana is expected to field Flamengo with the following formation: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Toró and Ibson; Renato Augusto and Souza.
Flamengo will remain at Granja Comary until the 15th. Their state championship debut will take place on January 20th against Boavista at Maracanã. Flamengo is in Group A, which also includes Fluminense, Cardoso Moreira, América, Duque de Caxias, Volta Redonda, and Macaé.
Flamengo will try to convert Gavilán's sentence into food baskets
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Still under a 120-day suspension imposed by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD), Paraguayan midfielder Gavilán is unable to participate in Flamengo's debut in the Rio de Janeiro State Championship on the 20th against Boavista at the Maracanã. This Tuesday, the player completed his 94th day of suspension.
Therefore, the club's legal vice president, Michel Assef Filho, will file an appeal this Wednesday, attempting to convert the remainder of the sentence into basic food basket payments. According to the lawyer, the trial is expected to take place next week.
Gavilán, who was charged under Article 253 (assault) of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD), was punished while still at Grêmio after punching Palmeiras midfielder Valdívia in the back during a match played on October 6, 2007, at Palestra Itália, valid for the 30th round of the Brazilian Championship. On that occasion, the green and whites ended up winning 2-0.
While the Paraguayan was still under contract with Grêmio, the Tricolor's lawyers filed a request for a stay of execution, but were defeated by 4 votes to 2.
Ticket sales on the "outskirts" of stadiums will be new at the Rio State Championship
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The Rio de Janeiro State Football Federation (Ferj) held a meeting this Tuesday attended by representatives from the city's City Hall, Traffic Engineering Company (CET-Rio), Municipal Guard, Military Police, Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) and VWA, the company responsible for producing tickets for the State Championship matches, which begins on the 19th.
The meeting decided that tickets for Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco matches will not be sold at the Maracanã, São Januário, and Engenhão ticket offices on match days. On those occasions, tickets will be sold at booths on the outskirts of the stadiums. For example, in the case of Maracanã, fans can purchase their tickets at Praça da Bandeira or Praça Vanhargen in Tijuca.
"We don't want that chaos at the stadium gates on game days. We're going to do what we did at the Pan American Games, where only ticket holders were in the stadium access corridor," said Pedro Costa, press officer for Ferj. The journalist also stated that the list of ticket sales locations for game days at the three stadiums will be released by the organization next week.
Pedro Costa also confirmed that for security reasons, the match between Flamengo and América, in the fifth round of Group A of the Guanabara Cup, the first round of the State Championship, will no longer be held on February 3, Carnival Sunday, at 18:10 p.m., at the Maracanã stadium. The new order of matches for this round will be announced this Wednesday on the official Ferj website.
Bruno, Jônatas and Léo Moura sign with Flamengo
Bruno Rousso\ In Teresópolis\
Flamengo finalized the contracts involving goalkeeper Bruno, right-back Leonardo Moura, and midfielder Jônatas on Tuesday. Flamengo's director of football, Eduardo Manhães, and the players' agent, Eduardo Uram, are at Granja Comary with the documents the players will sign.
With these contracts, the club will be able to make the first payment on the negotiations for Bruno and Jônatas, respectively to MSI and Espanyol-ESP. The goalkeeper will sign a four-year contract, with the possibility of a one-year extension, while the defensive midfielder will have an 18-month contract.
"Flamengo already has the resources to make these payments by the end of this week," said Manhães.
Leonardo Moura has agreed to stay at the club until the end of 2011. In addition to these three, right-back Luizinho and forward Éder also signed contracts. The former runs until December 2008, and the latter runs until May 15.
Flamengo seeks second victory in the São Paulo Junior Cup
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Flamengo takes the field this Wednesday for the São Paulo Junior Cup. The Red-Black team faces Ypiranga-AP at 20:30 pm (Brasília time) at Barão de Serra Negra Stadium in Piracicaba. The match is part of the second round of Group N.
In their debut in the competition last Saturday, Flamengo had no trouble beating Nacional-AM 4-0. Striker Pedro Beda, who scored three goals, was the star of the match.
In the group's other game, home team XV de Piracicaba will play the preliminary round against the Amazonas team, starting at 18:30 p.m. (Brasília time). In their opening match, the São Paulo team defeated Ypiranga 2-0.
Coach Rogério Lourenço has not yet confirmed the team, but Flamengo should enter the field with the following formation: Marcelo, Michel, Lucas, Fabrício and Jóbson; Lenon, Wellington, Erich Flores and Renan Silva; Pedro Beda and Paulo Sérgio.
BalloonSport
Fla postpones project for Ronaldo until July
The club's board must present a pre-contract proposal to the Milan player within 20 days.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Ronaldo plays for Milan in Dubai
A meeting on Tuesday night postponed Flamengo's dream of trying to sign Ronaldo. The club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, met with the striker's agent, Fabiano Farah, and determined that the transfer from Milan is now unfeasible.
Therefore, the Rio de Janeiro club will format and document its full commitment to the player and send it to Ronaldo within 20 days. The expectation is that an agreement will be reached, with the striker signing a pre-contract to transfer to Gávea on July 1st.
Flamengo's plan was to bring the player back to compete in the Copa Libertadores, but difficulties in securing his release at this time have put a damper on the deal. The player's contract with the Italian club runs until the middle of this year.
On Tuesday, he participated in a Milan friendly in Dubai and stated that he currently wants to remain in Italy. The statement confirms what was discussed at Tuesday's meeting in Rio.
Without Ronaldo, Flamengo is still searching for a striker to strengthen the club at the beginning of the year. Negotiations with Diego Tardelli have made little progress, but the player's agent is discussing a possible release with São Paulo.
Ronaldo: 'I never talked about Flamengo'
The phenomenon acknowledges the Brazilian club's interest, but is evasive about the future.
Ronaldo returned to play this Tuesday
Ronaldo broke his silence this Thursday about Flamengo's dream of signing him this year. But even trying to avoid the subject in Dubai, the Milan star gave the Gávea club's fans no reason to celebrate.
"It's true that Flamengo is interested. But I've never spoken or written about it. My goal now is to secure an important place in the Milan squad," he said after the Italian club's 2-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates.
On December 25th, after GLOBOESPORTE.COM revealed for the first time that Ronaldo was in talks with Flamengo, the Rio de Janeiro club's vice president of football, Kléber Leite, confirmed that the club intends to count on the striker in the Libertadores. According to the newspaper "O Globo", Ronaldo even spent New Year's Eve wearing a Flamengo shirt.
On Tuesday, the star returned to action after nearly two months away from the pitch. He started for Milan in Dubai and played for 45 minutes, without much of a role.
"After this friendly, I can say that I'm fine and ready to play. I'm available to the coach for the match against Napoli (Sunday, in the Italian league)," he concluded.
Diego Tardelli is in a hurry
Striker, wanted by Santos and Flamengo, wants to resolve his future quickly
Diário de S.Paulo
Diego Tardelli fights for the ball with Rogério Ceni during São Paulo training at CT
Santos and Flamengo. These are the clubs interested in signing São Paulo striker Diego Tardelli. This Tuesday, the player himself said he wants a quick resolution to the negotiations.
"I think the timing is right for me. My dream is to compete in the Olympics, and by playing, I have a better chance of being there. I feel like São Paulo wants to sell me. Behind the scenes, I see that a lot of people aren't excited about me staying; they don't want me. That's how I feel."
Diego takes the opportunity to talk about the expectation of defending the colors of Peixe and Rubro-Negro.
"I know how Professor Leão (Santos' coach) works, and I also know that Flamengo is a different club, in Rio de Janeiro, where things change. These are two new adventures in my life," he tells Rádio Record.
Despite the praise, Diego sees no problem in staying at Morumbi in 2008. In that position, coach Muricy Ramalho has Adriano, Borges, Dagoberto and Aloísio.
- If I'm going to stay, that's fine. I'll keep looking for my place and trying to take advantage of opportunities.
Fla wins and takes the lead in the National Championship
The game's top scorer, winger Marcelinho Machado, scores 28 points against Joinville
With 28 points from forward Marcelinho Machado, the game's top scorer, Flamengo defeated Joinville 82-65 on Tuesday night at their opponent's home ground. The result gives the Rio de Janeiro-based team, which has won two of its last two games, the lead in the National Men's Basketball Championship.
"We played well, especially in the second and third quarters, when we significantly reduced their scoring and were able to capitalize on their attacks, opening up a significant lead. We also did a good job in the paint, and that was crucial to our victory," said forward Marcelinho, in a statement released by his press office.
Joinville, with one win and one loss, drops to third place in the table, behind Saldanha da Gama, who have one win in one game.
Fla loans Vinicius to Ipatinga
Player played the last Brazilian Championship for Paraná
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Vinicius Pacheco, player from Paraná
Flamengo's board loaned midfielder Vinícius Pacheco to Ipatinga on Friday afternoon. The player played in the last Brazilian Championship for Paraná and will remain with the Minas Gerais club until the end of 2008.
Vinícius, 22, came through the ranks of Rubro-Negro's youth ranks and is now on his way to Ipatinga to present himself.
"It's definitely a great opportunity. The team is being formed now, and I hope to have as positive a year as 2007," the player says over the phone.
To deplete its roster, Flamengo loaned several players to smaller teams. Defender Marlon also went to Ipatinga, while William Amendoim, Bruno Mezenga, and Marcinho went to Macaé.
Joel starts the year with the 2007 team
All reinforcements are left out of the starting lineup in the first training session with the ball
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Joel Santana kept the team that finished 2007 and claimed justice
Flamengo's first training session with the ball in 2008 felt like the last of 2007. For the sake of fairness, coach Joel Santana preferred to keep all of the reinforcements for this season in the reserve team on Tuesday afternoon in Teresópolis.
Thus, the midfield consisted of Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró. In defense, Ronaldo Angelim maintained his starting position.
"I kept the team for two reasons: first, because I want to start where we left off. And second, because the players we signed are still struggling," says Joel.
In fact, the reinforcements are not yet fit to play. Kléberson and Gavilán are suspended, while Jônatas, Éder, and Marcinho have not yet been registered. Rodrigo, meanwhile, is out of shape.
According to Joel Santana, the only player expected to compete for a starting spot in the State Championship opener on January 20th against Boavista is Jônatas. He played as a defensive midfielder for most of the training session and is expected to compete with Jaílton for a starting spot.
"Jônatas is very qualified. But I'm going to start the year like this. The youth academy finished the year very well, and it didn't make sense to change the team in the first training session. It wouldn't be fair. Then the battles for position begin," explains the red-and-black coach.
Flamengo will play a training match against the Nicaraguan national team on Thursday. The team is expected to field Bruno, Leo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, and Juan; Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, and Toró; and Renato Augusto and Souza.
Fla receives documents from Jônatas and Bruno
Players sign contracts this Tuesday and should be fit to play in their debut
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Jônatas and Leo Moura will sign their contracts in the next few hours
Flamengo received faxes on Tuesday with the transfer terms for goalkeeper Bruno and midfielder Jônatas. The players' agent, Eduardo Uram, and Flamengo's executive director, Eduardo Manhães, promptly traveled to Teresópolis to obtain their signatures.
The next step will be the payment of the first installments of the negotiations. In the case of Jônatas, $300. For Bruno, Flamengo must pay $1 million. Only after depositing the funds will the club receive the "transfer" document authorizing registration with the CBF.
"We'll pay by the end of this week, and there won't be any problems for the debut. They'll play normally," says Eduardo Manhães.
In addition to these, full-backs Leonardo Moura (until 2011) and Luizinho (end of 2008) and forward Éder (until May of this year) also signed contracts.
Flamengo debuts in the State Championship on January 20th against Boavista, at Maracanã.
Gavilán and Rodrigo, the sleepyheads
Defender and midfielder lose track of time and arrive late to the first training session with the ball
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Gavilán overslept and arrived late for Flamengo's first ball practice session. An unusual scene on Tuesday afternoon revealed the positive atmosphere within the Flamengo squad. Roommates Rodrigo and Gavilán, Flamengo's new signings for the season, overslept for Flamengo's first preseason ball practice session and arrived ten minutes late at the Granja Comary field in Teresópolis, likely due to oversleeping. At this point, Joel Santana was already giving a briefing to the rest of the squad.
The 'feat', however, was taken in good humor by everyone and the sleepers suffered a "punishment": passing through a Polish corridor organized by their colleagues.
Leo Moura: 'There would be no reason to leave'
With a renewed contract, the right-back begins the season with his sights set on the Brazilian national team.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Leo Moura attends coach Joel Santana's lecture alongside Jônatas
Leo Moura signs this Tuesday, in Teresópolis, the extension of his contract with Flamengo until the end of 2011. The previous contract expired in 2009. The 29-year-old player received offers from abroad, but preferred to stay at Gávea.
"There's no reason to leave. Now, I'll have a long-term contract that gives me security. The fans' affection is also enormous, and I don't think I'd find it anywhere else," says the right-back.
The year begins, once again, with the expectation of being called up to the Brazilian national team. And also the need to showcase the same style of play that earned him several awards in the last Brazilian Championship.
- I gained confidence by playing well. But because of everything I've done, the demands increase - Leo recalls.
Maxi is spared from physical training
Argentine man feels muscle pain and cannot participate in activity at Granja Comary
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Since the start of preseason, Maxi has yet to get into the same rhythm as the other Flamengo players. The forward has been experiencing muscle pain since last Saturday and missed training on Tuesday morning at Granja Comary.
According to doctors, his condition is not a concern. However, he's lagging behind the others. Therefore, instead of starting ball training this afternoon, he'll have to do physical training.
Bruno is the Mr. Sympathy of Teresópolis
Flamengo goalkeeper meets fans after training and receives praise
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
Bruno makes a point of speaking to the fans at the end of training sessions
As soon as training ends, most players head to the locker room. Bruno prefers to walk more than 50 meters to the fence where fans watch Flamengo's activities at Granja Comary.
All to take photos and sign autographs. He's not the only one to meet fans—most do so when they're boarding the van—but the goalkeeper's availability earned praise.
"He's the nicest. He comes here walking, even in the rain. Congratulations," says banker Felipe Feitosa.
The goalkeeper smiles when he hears the label "Mr. Congeniality." He says the fans deserve the athletes' respect.
"Even though I'm tired, I make a point of walking here because they support us so much. And they even brave this rain to come and support us. It's good to start the year on good terms with the fans," says the goalkeeper.
His new contract is expected to arrive in Teresópolis this Tuesday. Bruno will sign a five-year deal with Flamengo.
Kléberson asks to wear the number 15 shirt
Board suggests number 11, but player prefers lucky number
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Teresópolis
At Flamengo, Kléberson wants to maintain his tradition and wear the number 15 shirt in 2008. Since Renato's departure in July, Flamengo hasn't found a player who identifies with the number 11 shirt. For the board, the name would be Kléberson. But the midfielder has another preference.
"Since the fifth World Cup in 2002, I've been wearing number 15. It was like that at Manchester, at Besiktas. I'd like it to stay that way, but I heard people say I'd wear 11," says the player, who was signed in October but won't be able to debut until February.
The Red-Blacks intend to use fixed numbers in the Campeonato Carioca and the Copa Libertadores. However, the list will only be submitted to CONMEBOL on February 10th. Therefore, in the first games, the uniform numbers must be free.
"We're still dependent on the sports equipment supplier. We're waiting for the numbers and names to be printed so we can press them," explains football manager Isaías Tinoco.
This year's Flamengo shirt will have the players' names below the number, not above it as usual.
Throw
Ronaldo is increasingly distant from Flamengo
Striker declares that he never talked about reinforcing Rubro-Negro
With Ronaldo, Milan beat the United Arab Emirates team 2-0 (Credit: EFE)
LANCEPRESS!
Striker Ronaldo revealed this Tuesday, in an interview with "Gazzetta de lo Sport," that his chances of reinforcing Flamengo this year are practically non-existent. This fact could dampen the Flamengo's attempts to secure the greatest scorer in World Cup history.
The Phenomenon assured that he never spoke about the matter and guarantees that he is focused on Milan, with whom he participated in a friendly this Tuesday, in the United Arab Emirates.
"It's true that Flamengo is interested. But I've never spoken or written about it. My goal now is to secure an important place in the Milan team," the star revealed.
Goalkeeper Bruno gets angry with the State ball
Right-back Léo Moura, however, liked the Penalty ball
Bruno gets angry with the new ball
LANCEPRESS!
Goalkeeper Bruno's first contact with the ball that will be used in the 2008 State Championship, manufactured by Penalty, was anything but friendly. Flamengo's number 1 was outraged by the quality of the material, lashing out at the sports equipment company. The Flamengo goalkeepers have already begun training with the ball at Granja Comary, while the outfield players simply played with the ball.
"It's horrible...horrible!" the 22-year-old goalkeeper revolted. He was in a very good mood and immediately changed his mood when he began to talk about the ball.
- Penalty is playing with football and football is a serious thing - he continued.
Bruno ended his comments by complaining that any mistakes could be attributed to the quality of the ball.
- Then we make a mistake and people come down on us. That ball screws the goalkeeper - he protests.
Right-back Léo Moura, who touched the ball during a lively game, was pleased with the State Championship ball, contradicting his teammate.
- I liked the ball. I thought it would be that pumpkin, full of weird colors, but it's good, heavy and cool - praised the Gávea number 2
Joel keeps the 2007 team among the starters
In attack versus defense training, last year's base is maintained
Coach Joel Santana led a training session on a reduced-size field this Tuesday. The activity consisted of a confrontation between attack and defense. The defensive line, considered the starting lineup, was made up of the same players who finished the Brazilian Championship.
The team consisted of Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, Juan, Jaílton, Cristian, Ibson, Toró, and Renato Augusto. Each team had nine players on the field. Therefore, Souza sat out the beginning of practice.
The reserves, who were supposed to be attacking, started with Luizinho, Rodrigo, Egídio, Jônatas, Colace, Léo Medeiros, Marcinho, Éder, and Obina. Halfway through practice, Joel switched roles, and the starters moved to attack. Souza was then added to the lineup.
Training match was changed at the request of the Africans
Benin's national team canceled its match against Flamengo because it will travel on Sunday.
Flamengo was forced to change its opponent for next Sunday's training match at the request of the Benin national team. The Africans will leave Brazil that evening and would not have enough time to face the Rubro-Negro.
The board then decided that the training match will be against Huracán-URU at 15:30 p.m. on Sunday. Before that, on Thursday, Flamengo will play a training match against the Nicaraguan national team.
Start, from Norway, has offered to play a friendly against Flamengo before the opening of the Campeonato Carioca. The match will only be played if coach Joel Santana deems the test a good fit for his team.
Joel demands that Fla play seriously
Coach doesn't want his teams losing points to the smaller teams
In Flamengo's first training session at Granja Comary, coach Joel Santana worked hard on strong marking with his team to prevent the opposing team from playing. When asked if he wants his team to have a strong defense,...
Joel added that he doesn't want his team to lose points to the so-called smaller teams.
"I want responsibility. It doesn't matter who the opponent is, but the points at stake, because the smaller teams will give us a hard time. That's why we have to play seriously," the coach told Rádio Manchete.
Fla and Flu are the favorites for Léo Moura
The full-back believes that of the Rio teams, the two have strengthened themselves better
The two Rio de Janeiro teams competing in this year's Copa Libertadores are favorites to win the Campeonato Carioca, according to Flamengo right-back Leonardo Moura. He believes Flamengo and Fluminense are ahead of the other clubs in the state championship because they have strengthened themselves better for this season.
"I believe so. The two clubs made the biggest investments, without wanting to discredit the others, who also strengthened their squads. Let's see if we can finalize the deal as quickly as possible so we don't have any problems at the start of the season," the player told Rádio Tupi.
Joel: 'I kept the 2007 players out of fairness'
Coach says he will prioritize last year's base out of common sense
After leading the first training session with the ball in 2007, coach Joel Santana made a point of explaining why he had included the players from the 2007 team among the starters. For the coach, the measure was taken out of common sense.
"This training base is what ended up working so well last year. It's fairness. I've learned this in my life, and I wouldn't be unfair in the first training session. Especially since the players who arrived still need to resolve some issues," he argued.
Midfielder Jônatas still has contract issues, Gavilán and Kleberson are suspended and therefore cannot play in the first few rounds, and Rodrigo is still not in ideal physical condition.
Bruno and Jônatas' documentation has arrived
Manhães and Uram arrive at Granja Comary to collect signatures
Executive director Eduardo Manhães and businessman Eduardo Uram arrived at Granja Comary this Tuesday afternoon with the necessary documents to regularize the contracts of Bruno, Jônatas, Leonardo Moura and Éder.
"Jônatas and Bruno's documents have already arrived, and we've come to collect their signatures. The club will only release the transfer (release document) after the installments are paid. Everything should be resolved by the end of this week."
The situations of Léo Moura and Éder are simpler and Flamengo should complete them before this deadline.
Referees will give a talk to players
Rubro-negro athletes will be instructed by the Ferj arbitration committee
LANCEPRESS!
Directors of the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation's refereeing committee, Ferj, will give a talk to Flamengo players on the 16th at 18 p.m. at the Windsor Hotel, where the club is based. The meeting is in response to a request from Flamengo.
At the meeting, Ferj members will explain how the referees who will officiate in this year's State Championship and Libertadores are trained.
Doctor becomes the center of attention at Granja
Walter Martins received a gift for his 17th wedding anniversary
Rodrigo Benchimol IN TERESÓPOLIS
Accustomed to their fans' affection, Flamengo players, upon seeing a flower basket filled with sweets and adorned with a balloon bearing the inscription "I love you" arrive at Granja Comary (Teresópolis), exchanged glances, trying to decipher who the star player destined to receive the gift was. However, those who thought the surprise was for one of the Flamengo stars were mistaken. The honoree was doctor Walter Martins, who celebrates his 17th wedding anniversary with Tereza this Tuesday.
After the mystery surrounding the recipient of the gift was dispelled, the Flamengo doctor was the target of jokes from the Flamengo delegation that was present at the famous club that hosts the Brazilian National Team's pre-season training camp.
Happy with the gift, Walter Martins joked, revealing his "relief" that the surprise was not the "dreaded" sound car.
- Thank goodness it wasn't a sound truck - celebrated the very good-humored Walter Martins.