The Globe
Fla acts to meet Ney and prevent Paulinho's departure
Club will try to postpone the transfer until December
A busy Monday for Flamengo's board. Today's homework is a meeting with midfielder Paulinho, in an attempt to prevent his transfer to Israeli football. Faced with his imminent departure, with his farewell scheduled for the match against Paraná on the 19th, the directors mobilized to fulfill the request of coach Ney Franco, who didn't want to lose the defensive midfielder.
Neymar spoke in São Paulo with vice president of football Kleber Leite, expressing his opposition to the possibility of his watchdog's departure. The director has already spoken with Eduardo Uram, Paulinho's agent, seeking a conciliatory solution.
"Ney wants him to stay, and I've already spoken to Uram about it. Let's see if he stays until December, postponing the transfer until the end of the year window. Tomorrow (today), I'll have a conversation with Paulinho, trying to resolve this issue quickly," said Kleber Leite.
The club took a different approach to the offer for Renato. Kleber says the move hasn't been finalized because Flamengo hasn't received its share of the release clause (a little over US$1 million). But he considers the transfer a done deal:
"My feeling is that things are on track. But we haven't received the severance pay; nothing has been finalized. One thing is certain: we'll invest this money in hiring a good reinforcement to fill Renato's position."
Among the board's and Ney Franco's dream is the possibility of signing Nilmar. Flamengo, however, remains dependent on Corinthians' position.
"We haven't made any concrete decisions regarding Nilmar yet out of respect for Corinthians. But as soon as he's released from the São Paulo club, negotiations will continue," Kleber assured.
Today, Flamengo's entire leadership will visit the CBF to present the stadium construction project in Gávea to president Ricardo Teixeira. A formal request will also be submitted to Teixeira asking him to intercede with FIFA to have the organization overturn its decision to only allow foreign players signed by Brazilian clubs to play in August. This is due to the signing of Argentine Maxi.
Still at the CBF, Kleber will oversee the registration process for goalkeeper Bruno's contract extension until December. Ibson's signing could be announced any time between today and Friday.
Sports Journal
Renato close to goodbye
The board meeting will decide today the future of the team captain and also the hiring of Ibson.
Thiago Bokel
Flamengo will face a tumultuous week, despite only returning to action on July 19th. At least two issues could be resolved today: the negotiations involving midfielder Renato's transfer to Al Nasser in the United Arab Emirates, and the arrival of midfielder Ibson, who is expected to agree to a one-year contract with Porto.
The captain's departure is very close to being made official. Vice President of Football Kleber Leite admitted yesterday afternoon that he will have a hard time preventing the player from leaving the club.
"Based on how this story unfolds, it's very likely that Renato will leave Flamengo. I'll have a meeting tomorrow (today) to decide what will be done, but he's unlikely to stay," the director said.
Renato even expressed his farewell remarks after the match against São Paulo on Saturday. In more than three years at Gávea, he was one of the fans' most beloved players, and for that reason, he doesn't want to leave the door closed to a possible return in the future. "It's very difficult to compete with the pressure from foreign clubs. I've always tried to honor this jersey, and I believe we have quality players in the squad to help get Flamengo out of this situation," the player stated, all but confirming his departure. Coach Ney Franco is already lamenting his leader's absence and seeking potential replacements for his midfielder. He also complained about the international transfer window, which he considers unfair.
"Any mid-sized foreign team has the power to sway Brazilian players with an offer. This isn't just Flamengo's privilege. Until they resolve this calendar issue, the clubs and coaches will be the ones footing the bill," Ney Franco lamented.
The trend, if Renato's departure is confirmed, is for Léo Lima to take the starting spot at least until another player is signed. Heavily contested by fans and with inconsistent performances, the player is far from a unanimous choice at the club. But, in times of financial crisis, he ends up being the key to better days for Flamengo. Now, the question remains as to who will be the team's new captain. Léo Moura and Juan are two strong options.
Ibson should replace captain
The day could also bring some news regarding signings at Gávea. Midfielder Ibson, who was discovered by Flamengo in 2002 and has been with Porto, Portugal, since last year, is very close to agreeing a return to the club.
Since he won't be playing for the Portuguese club next season due to a poor relationship with the team's coach, Ibson was released by the Portuguese club's management to look for another club. Despite receiving offers from teams in Greece and Germany, the player has already stated that he would prefer Flamengo if he couldn't secure a permanent contract with Porto. Now, with the Portuguese club's release, it's time for the club's management to do their part.
Vice President of Football Kleber Leite admitted that the player is indeed in the club's plans, but declined to say how negotiations are progressing so as not to hinder a possible signing.
"Besides Ibson, we have a few other names on the table. But I'd rather not say who these players are, as it could hinder negotiations," explained the club's football powerhouse.
Ibson would come precisely to fill the absence of Renato, who is expected to leave Flamengo in the coming days.
Goalkeeper Diego gains space and fights for the 1st
Coach Ney Franco has a welcome problem with the ongoing dispute over whether goalkeeper Bruno will stay, whose contract is expected to be registered with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) today. Diego, the former No. 1's longtime backup, has been putting in excellent performances and has managed to keep the fans from feeling the absence of their idol. Now, fans are left wondering: who will take over the club's No. 1 jersey?
After a promising start to his career, Diego struggled with the pressure of playing for a big club like Flamengo. With inconsistent performances, he quickly went from being a promising prospect to a contested starter.
Lacking the trust of the board and the fans, Diego couldn't handle the pressure and gradually lost his place on the team. Despite participating throughout the team's Copa do Brasil title campaign last year, the goalkeeper was ultimately overlooked by the club's coach once Bruno agreed to join the club.
But as the world always changes, with Bruno's contract renewal still in doubt, he finally got the chance to play. Assuming a starting role, the young goalkeeper was largely responsible for the team's two away draws.
Bruno's almost certain return to the starting goal as soon as the club regularizes his situation has been challenged by the good moment that the new number 1 is going through. Now the decision is in the hands of Ney Franco, who with this problem has gained a headache that every coach likes to have.
Paulinho has one foot in Israel
The transfer of defensive midfielder Paulinho to Maccabi Haifa in Israel is likely the first sign of the dismantling of Flamengo. The player admitted yesterday that he had received an offer from the Israeli club, but that he does not want to get involved in the negotiations.
"I got a call after the São Paulo match on Saturday, and there's a good chance this was my last game for Flamengo. But Eduardo Uram is in charge of my career, and he'll be the one to decide my fate. I should have a decision by tomorrow (today) or Tuesday," the player said.
When contacted by Jornal dos Sports, Eduardo Uram said he hadn't received any official proposals, only inquiries, and therefore hadn't made the negotiations official. He also explained that goalkeeper Bruno's new contract should be registered with the CBF today.
OUT — Left-back André has agreed to a transfer to Fortaleza. The Ceará club, in fact, is practically a red-and-black subsidiary, boasting seven players trained at Gávea, including goalkeeper Getúlio Vargas and forward Bruno Mezenga. André has signed a contract with Fortaleza until the end of the year.
Sports Gazette
Neymar approves of Flamengo's performance in a series of away games
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Ney Franco praised Flamengo's performance in the last two away matches. He believes the team overcame the absence of key players and managed to earn important points in the Brazilian Championship. Last Wednesday, the Rio de Janeiro club drew 1-1 with Atlético Mineiro at Mineirão Stadium. On Saturday, the team drew 0-0 with São Paulo, currently third in the competition. "We played without our two starting full-backs and Renato Augusto. Even so, we got two important points that show we're improving," the coach analyzed. Leonardo Moura, due to muscle pain, and Juan, suspended, were unable to play. Renato Augusto, meanwhile, is representing the Brazilian U-20 team in the U-XNUMX World Cup.
Midfielder Jaílton agreed with the coach. "We could have gotten a better result, but São Paulo is a great team, and getting a point away from home is always important," he explained.
Flamengo will now have two days off. On Tuesday, the team returns to training for the match against Paraná, part of the 12th round of the Brazilian Championship.
PeléNet
Ney Franco regrets Renato's possible departure from Flamengo
Concerned about the possibility of losing one of the club's most important players, coach Ney Franco lamented Flamengo's current instability. In addition to midfielder Renato, defensive midfielder Paulinho has also reportedly attracted interest from Israeli football.
"Regarding Renato, nothing official has reached the coaching staff yet. Unfortunately, when the transfer window opens, we can't compete with countries with stronger economies. We build a team, and when the tougher competition arrives, the players who are standing out start to leave," said Ney Franco, who also commented on the current exodus of Brazilian players heading abroad.
"This isn't just a privilege for Flamengo. Any mid-sized team from outside the country has at least the power to sway a player with an offer. As long as the Brazilian calendar isn't reconciled with the European one, coaches will continue to foot the bill," lamented the Flamengo coach.
When asked if the match against São Paulo would be his last appearance for Flamengo, midfielder Renato revealed that he was still unaware of a possible offer from Al-Nasr, from Saudi Arabia.
"This isn't just up to me. The player is always the last to know. I'll wait for developments to unfold before saying anything concrete. The game against São Paulo was another one in which I tried to honor the Flamengo jersey. It'll be the same every time I step onto the field," said Renato.
However, Flamengo confirmed last Friday that goalkeeper Bruno will stay with the Rio de Janeiro club until December. The player, who has ties to the MSI investment fund, was close to moving to Spanish football, but after extensive negotiations, it was agreed that he will remain at Gávea until the end of the year.
BalloonSport
Ney expects Obina in the next game
Player is in the final stages of recovery from left knee injury
Obina's performance in training is pleasing coach Ney Franco
It's not official yet, but the possibility of Obina returning to Flamengo's squad for the match against Paraná on the 19th is huge. The striker is in the final stages of recovery from surgery on his left knee and is in coach Ney Franco's plans for the match in Uberlândia.
"I hope he comes back in good shape. But we can't put the responsibility for our comeback in the standings on Obina," the coach declared.
Flamengo sits 18th in the Brazilian league table and hasn't won in five games. Neymar hopes to use the ten days until his next match to recover from Obina. The forward was injured on February 25th in the Guanabara Cup semifinal against Vasco.
Last week, while the delegation was in Belo Horizonte, the Black Angel did some separate training in Gávea. To clear him to play, the fitness coaches are only waiting for a minor muscle atrophy in his left leg to resolve. Therefore, the next few days will be crucial.
Ney has problems for the next match
The red-black coach will be without at least three athletes against Paraná
The red-black coach is resigned to the absences his team is suffering
Flamengo went almost 20 days without playing, between the match against Inter (2-2) and the draw with Atlético-MG (1-1), last Wednesday. Now, after facing São Paulo, this Saturday, the team will go another ten days without playing, until the game against Paraná, on the 19th.
Coach Ney Franco already knows he'll face challenges for this match. Irineu and Ronaldo Angelim are suspended. Renato may have left the team and be traded to Al-Nasr in Saudi Arabia. Renato Augusto is also with the U-20 national team, which is competing in the U-XNUMX World Cup in Canada.
"I already know we won't be able to count on both defenders and other players in the next game. I'll try to prepare the team in the best possible way to beat Paraná," he said.
On the other hand, Ney Franco should have the return of full-backs Juan and Leonardo Moura, who were absent from Flamengo against São Paulo.
Renato still believes in the team's evolution
In the midfielder's opinion, Fla is not behind the teams that occupy the top spots in the table
Even with Flamengo's uncomfortable position in the Brazilian league table, where they sit in 18th place, the players believe it's not time to despair yet. For midfielder Renato, the team's quality will shine through in the coming rounds.
- The situation is bad, but we don't owe anything to the teams that are at the top of the table - says the player, who lamented his bad luck during the competition.
- Football is decided by details and we haven't taken advantage of our chances, but now it's important not to despair - he adds.
The goalless draw last Saturday was celebrated by the red-black team, which highlighted the difficulty of facing São Paulo at Morumbi.
- We could have come away with a better result, but São Paulo is a great team, and getting a point away from home is always important - says midfielder Jaílton.
Throw
Renato speaks in a farewell tone
Renato confirmed he has an offer to play in Arab football
(Credit: Ricardo Cassiano)
LANCEPRESS!
Supporter Renato's days at Gávea truly seem to be numbered. This Saturday, after the 0-0 draw with São Paulo in the Brazilian Championship, the player, in a farewell tone, confirmed he has an offer to play for Al-Nasr, in Saudi Arabia.
- I tried to honor the Flamengo shirt in every game - declared the player.
- It's complicated, this harassment from foreign teams, but whoever stays has the quality to come in and get the team out of this situation - he added.
Ney Franco resigned to Flamengo's absences
The coach will not have defenders and could lose Renato permanently.
Flamengo went nearly 20 days without playing, between the match against Inter and the draw with Atlético-MG last Wednesday. Now, after facing São Paulo this Saturday, the team will be out of action for another ten days, until the match against Paraná on the 19th.
Coach Ney Franco already knows he's in trouble. Irineu and Ronaldo Angelim are suspended. Renato may have left the team and been traded to Al-Nasr in Saudi Arabia. Renato Augusto is also with the U-20 national team.
"I already know we won't be able to count on both defenders and other players in the next game. I'll try to prepare the team in the best possible way to beat Paraná," he said.
On the other hand, Ney Franco should have the return of full-backs Juan and Léo Moura, who were absent from Flamengo against São Paulo.
Even though Fla doesn't win, Ney is calm
Coach highlights Brazilian's difficulty in justifying campaign
Flamengo hasn't won a match since May 20, when they defeated Goiás 3-1 at Serra Dourada. Since then, they've played six matches, with five draws and one loss. However, the five points from 18 matches played aren't a concern for coach Ney Franco.
Upon arriving with the team this Sunday, after another draw, this time against São Paulo, the coach appeared very calm. Staying in the relegation zone for another round hasn't affected Ney Franco.
"The Brazilian Championship is a tough one. We haven't played in two rounds, which is why we're even below other teams in the standings. But after that break, I think we played two good away games. The team played well. If we maintain this same approach, the team can do well in the competition," said the coach.
Flamengo sits 18th in the Brasileirão. With eight points from eight games, the team is only above América-RN and Náutico in the standings.
Ney asks Fla to maintain his stance
Despite being in the relegation zone, coach Ney Franco believes Flamengo has improved since the Brasileirão break, putting in two strong performances against Atlético Mineiro and São Paulo, respectively. According to the coach, Flamengo should maintain this stance:
- After this break, I think we played two good games, against Atlético-MG and São Paulo, so I think that if we maintain this attitude, the team tends to improve within the competition - declared Ney Franco.
Ney Franco praises goalkeeper Diego
Flamengo's hero in the 0-0 draw with São Paulo, goalkeeper Diego could become a headache for coach Ney Franco. With Bruno remaining at the club and the current number 1's strong performance, the coach knows the fight for the starting spot will become increasingly fierce.
- Diego showed us that we have good options in the squad and that we have a good fight for the goalkeeper position - said Ney Franco.
After many impasses, goalkeeper Bruno agreed to stay at Flamengo last week. The contract extension is for six months (three plus three), plus a clause that allows the goalkeeper to leave if a European club offers.