THE GLOBE
Marcinho, protagonist of the collective game at Fla
With five goals and versatility, the Brazilian top scorer offers the balance that the coach demands.
After the 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense on Saturday night at Maracanã, Flamengo coach Caio Júnior warned of the challenge of consistency in the Brazilian Championship. Although the team has won 100% of its points at home, he reminded that his job isn't just to win games, but to maintain a balanced atmosphere during the long work schedule until the end of the competition in December. On both fronts, Marcinho has already shown his potential to be a significant asset to the coach. A top scorer with 5 goals, the midfielder shines alongside the team spirit of his team.
"If there's vanity, things start to go wrong. I like playing for the team, in any position. I told Caio I'm willing to help," said the supporter, who dedicated the three goals scored on Saturday to his father, who is recovering from surgery to remove a tumor from his leg. "He's doing well, even more so now with the goals."
Arriving at Gávea at the turn of the year from Atlético-MG, Marcinho found a hot team and plenty of players for the same position. Without the star status and prestige of those who finished third in the last Brazilian Championship, he was noticed for his dedication.
"When I arrived, I knew the competition. With the group we have, even if three or four don't play, we still have the team to maintain our brilliance," he said, referring to the absences of Cristian, Diego Tardelli, and Renato Augusto against Figueirense. "Everyone should feel important."
The team's strength will be put to the test on Saturday when Flamengo faces São Paulo, the current two-time Brazilian champion, at Maracanã.
Ancelmo Gois Column
You lost, playboy!
Diego Hypólito, before his trip to Moscow, was walking through Ipanema when two armed bandits overpowered him, shouting "You lost, playboy." They stole his documents, credit cards, money, camera, and... his sneakers.
Diego had to walk home barefoot.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Souza dedicates goals to his one-year-old son Lucas
Vpcomm
Striker Souza dedicated the two goals he scored this Saturday in Flamengo's 5-0 rout of Figueirense to his one-year-old son, Lucas. After scoring the first goal, Souza ran around making the hand sign representing the letter L. For him, Lucas's birth was a milestone in his personal and professional life. Souza believes he played one of his best matches for Flamengo yesterday.
"I had paid tribute to my son when my wife was still pregnant, but I didn't remember dedicating a goal to him after he was born. I decided to pay this tribute to him, and he changed my life. Lucas brings me immense joy every day, and I think that makes me even more dedicated to my work. This happiness at home is reflected in my performance on the field," he said.
Gávea's number 9 also took the opportunity to praise the red-black team's dedication at the start of the Brazilian Championship.
"Our start to the competition couldn't have been better. I believe we played an excellent match yesterday, and it was perhaps one of my best performances for Flamengo. The team is playing intelligently, creating many scoring chances and winning games. When we can't match our technique, we outdo ourselves with grit. But yesterday (Saturday), the whole team played very well, and we deserve congratulations. Let's remain humble, as we're not even close to winning anything in this Brasileirão," he stated.
Sensational Fla-Flu at the cafeteria
Flamengo goalkeeper gets involved in argument with Fluminense fans in Barra da Tijuca
Eduardo Lacombe and Bernardo Peirão
With a 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense, a strong performance, and the team leading the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo's Saturday night couldn't have been better. For goalkeeper Bruno, however, the moments of satisfaction and relaxation turned into, at the very least, annoyance.
All because, while having lunch with friends at a diner in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio's West Zone, the goalkeeper got into an altercation with Carlos Eduardo Rodrigues de Carvalho, a Fluminense fan, who ended up filing a complaint with the 16th Police Precinct. Each side, however, tells a different version of the incident.
According to the 21-year-old Business Administration student, Bruno refused to take a photo with him and his friends because they were wearing Fluminense jerseys. After the students began cursing, the goalkeeper and his friends allegedly attacked the fan.
Bruno denies: "I was having lunch with some friends and cousins after the game when some people wearing Fluminense shirts saw me and started insulting me, comparing me to their team's goalkeeper, and teasing me by saying we were watching the Libertadores on TV. I asked them to leave me alone, and some Flamengo fans nearby came to my defense. When I realized the argument was turning into aggression, I left the place. I wasn't going to get involved in a fight like that or attack anyone and lower myself to the level of these bums," he said.
Bruno also complained about the attitude of fans in general. According to him, people shouldn't confuse the player on the field with the person off it, especially during a moment of rest when the athlete should have privacy.
"I was disrespected in a moment of leisure. Some people need to understand that we are football players while we are playing. When we are not working, we are ordinary citizens who have the right to go out, have lunch with friends, and have fun like anyone else. Passion should be limited to the stands.
Caio highlights the importance of the fans in the victory at Maracanã
Flamengo has proven its ability to leverage home advantage to achieve victories: four wins in four games, a 100% record. Coach Caio Júnior believes this could be a decisive weapon for the Red-Blacks in their fight for the Brazilian title, especially considering the support of the fans, who, in the coach's opinion, have been crucial to the team's success.
"The fans have the strength and the way they encourage, few people do. It's very difficult to defend at Maracanã, it's a very big field, and we're used to playing here," said Caio.
Marcinho: "With Caio, the team plays more freely"
Attacking midfielder Marcinho, who scored three goals in Flamengo's 5-0 victory over Figueirense, praised the work of coach Caio Júnior. According to him, the coach makes the team play more "freely," and he compares the work of Caio and Joel Santana.
"Joel took over the team during a bad period, and he had to take more risks; there was nothing he could do. The games were Wednesday and Sunday. Caio was able to show the team what he wants, and we're taking to the job well. He talks to everyone, gives everyone a boost. That's what makes Flamengo play freely," he says.
Flamengo's next match in the Brasileirão will be against the current two-time champion of the competition, São Paulo, on Saturday, the 14th. Flamengo is the leader of the championship with 13 points. Tricolor Paulista is in seventh place with six points.
Bring on Sao Paulo!
Attacking midfielder Marcinho, Flamengo's standout performer in the 5-1 rout of Figueirense, left Saturday's match with a sense of accomplishment. He couldn't hide his joy after scoring three goals.
"I'm very happy. I think the fans who came to Maracanã also left this game happy. We had set a goal of winning the four consecutive home games we were going to play. We've already won three. Now, we're going to look for the victory against São Paulo," he said.
Flamengo will face São Paulo next Saturday at Maracanã
Marcinho stands out in Mengão's rout
The host of the party set hearts racing once, twice, three times, four times. Three goals and a refined pass for another. To say he's predestined might be premature, and he's too reminiscent of Obina. Marcinho, for what he's done for Flamengo this year—leading the team's goals this season with 15 and the Brazilian Championship with five—deserves his own name and adjective.
He demonstrated intelligence by quickly interpreting Caio Júnior's playing style, a huge leap ahead of his teammates. Last night, in particular, he demonstrated his strengths in good positioning and play foresight, the latter of which is restricted to a select group of stars. Of course, he had a bit of luck too, but that's an intrinsic part of being a star. He doesn't follow the weak.
He was a warrior when pressed into the defense, yet at the same time displayed the elegance of a prince with his refined passes. Whether he has the makings of an idol, only the future will tell.
THE DAY
Leader hungry for goals
Rodrigo Lima
Rio - Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense served to showcase Caio Júnior's new Flamengo, who slept as leaders and consolidated their top spot in the Brasileirão yesterday with Cruzeiro's narrow 1-0 victory over Vasco. Saturday night's heroes, Marcinho, who scored a hat trick and took over the competition's top scorer spot, and Souza, who found the net twice, highlighted the coach's new philosophy.
"He lets us play more freely. Joel, even when he took over at Flamengo, kept the team more in check. Caio, on the other hand, takes more risks," said Marcinho, pleased with his five-goal lead in the Brazilian Championship. "The fans demanded it of me. I knew I could be the top scorer when I had a string of starts."
Striker Souza spent yesterday's day off — the squad will be back in Gávea today — alongside his son, Lucas, to whom he dedicated the goals he scored against Figueira.
"I had paid tribute to my son when my wife was still pregnant, but I didn't remember dedicating a goal to him after he was born. I decided to pay tribute because he changed my life. Lucas brings me joy every day, and that makes me even more dedicated to my work. This happiness at home reflects my good performance on the field," Souza revealed, stating that it was one of his best matches for Flamengo.
Paying the debt
The player highlighted that the good start to the championship serves to calm the fans, who are demanding a sixth Brazilian title to erase the embarrassment of the elimination in the Copa Libertadores against América of Mexico, at Maracanã.
"We have to remain humble. We're just starting the Brasileirão, and the team is playing well. But we must continue playing intelligently and creating plenty of chances," he emphasized.
Captain Fábio Luciano agrees with Souza and believes that this will be the first week that the group will have felt relieved, after being eliminated from the Libertadores.
"This victory will provide important peace of mind for the next game against São Paulo, on Saturday. The group needed this victory and the championship lead to cleanse their souls," he said.
The defender admitted to having cheered for rivals Vasco yesterday against Cruzeiro, who were battling for the lead with the team from Gávea: “I think it's part of the game to 'dry out' your opponents at this time.”
Flamengo goalkeeper accused
Flu fan files police report against Bruno, who denies assault
Rio - Business Administration student Carlos Eduardo Rodrigues de Carvalho, 21, accused Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno of assaulting him early yesterday morning in a supermarket parking lot in Barra da Tijuca. According to Carvalho, the attack occurred because he called Bruno a jerk. "I was outraged by his refusal to take a photo with one of my Flamengo fan friends. I told my friends: 'He's a Flamengo fan, he's a jerk.' And we left, but I ended up getting caught," said the student, who was wearing a Fluminense jersey and leaving a diner.
"Bruno attacked me when I was already at the gate handing over my ticket to leave," said Carlos, who has bruises on his neck and eye and scrapes on his elbow and leg. "Bruno grabbed my shirt and punched me in the eye. I fell and continued to be beaten," he recalled.
Carlos' friend, who asked to remain anonymous and wanted to take a photo with Bruno, said the goalkeeper was out of control. "At first, he tried to hit Cadu, but his security guard restrained him," the young man said. In addition to the physical assault, Carlos said a man with the player threw a cup of soda at him. The incident is being investigated by the 16th Police Precinct (Barra da Tijuca), and yesterday the victim was at the Forensic Medical Institute (IML) for a forensic examination. Carlos said Bruno was with four men he believes were security guards. The group was in two cars, one of which was a black Ford Fusion LTB-1312.
Bruno attributes confusion to a fight between fans
Yesterday, Carlos had already received threats from fans on Orkut. Out of fear, he deleted them. Bruno denies hitting the young man and attributes the altercation to a fan fight. He said Carlos began cursing and provoking him when he recognized him. According to him, the altercation occurred when Flamengo fans defended him, but he claimed he had already left during the fight.
"I was with some friends and cousins after the game when some people wearing Fluminense shirts saw me and started insulting me, comparing me to their team's goalkeeper, and saying we were watching the Libertadores on TV. I wasn't going to get involved in a fight or attack anyone and lower myself to the level of these bums," he said.
But, according to Carlos, everyone in the group was friends and only he was wearing a Fluminense shirt.
SPORTS GAZETTE
Souza: “Flamengo’s start couldn’t have been better”
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - After five games, 13 points and the lead in the Brazilian Championship. It's no secret at Gávea that everyone is appreciating Flamengo's campaign at the start of the tournament, and that the fans see the victory as an "obligation." And the feat of Caio Júnior's team is warmly celebrated by Souza.\ Scorer of two goals in the 5-9 victory over Figueirense this Saturday, the Flamengo's number XNUMX doesn't hide his satisfaction with his personal performance at Maracanã.\
"Our start to the competition couldn't have been better. I believe we played an excellent match yesterday (Saturday) and it was perhaps one of my best performances in a Flamengo shirt," the center forward praised, without, however, seeing himself as close to the national title.
“We’ll continue to be humble, as we’re not even close to winning anything in this Brasileirão,” the player reflected.
Contrary to the praise that Rubro-negro received for Saturday's match, Souza believes that it is not only with good ball touch and engaging dribbling that the club qualifies as one of the favorites in the Brasileirão.
"The team is playing intelligently, and that's why they're creating so many scoring chances and winning games. When we can't match them in technique, we outperform them in grit. But yesterday (Saturday), the whole team played very well, and congratulations are in order," he concluded.
Goalkeeper Bruno involved in controversy in Rio
Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Flamengo's run in the Brazilian Championship is excellent on the field, having earned 13 points in five games. But off the field, goalkeeper Bruno faced a setback last Saturday night, shortly after helping his team thrash Figueirense 5-0. The player was accused of assaulting a Fluminense fan at a diner in Rio de Janeiro's West Zone. This Sunday, Bruno defended himself through his press office. "I was having lunch at McDonald's with some friends and cousins after the game when some people wearing Fluminense shirts saw me and started insulting me, comparing me to their team's goalkeeper, and taunting me by saying we were watching the Libertadores on TV. I told them to leave me alone, and some Flamengo fans nearby came to my defense. When I realized the argument was turning aggressive, I left the place. I wasn't going to get involved in a fight like that or attack anyone and lower myself to the level of these bums," Bruno said.
The red-black goalkeeper also took the opportunity to criticize the behavior of some fans outside the stadiums.
"I am radically against this type of behavior, regardless of the fan base. Violence and aggression lead nowhere. We are professionals. Passion should be limited to the stands, with fans cheering on their teams or demanding them without violence," said Bruno.
Tardelli will be tried this Monday
Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Missing Flamengo's match against Figueirense after being sent off against Fluminense, striker Diego Tardelli could still be sidelined for the Rubro-Negro for a good while longer in the Brazilian Championship. The player will be tried Monday night by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). Diego Tardelli, who kicked Tricolor Maurício in a play while the game was stopped, was cited under Article 253 (committing physical assault against the referee or his assistants or against any other participant in the spectacle). If convicted, the striker could be suspended for 120 to 540 days.
Even if he is acquitted, Tardelli will not face an easy time regaining a place among the starters, as the attack formed by Marcinho and Souza had a great performance last Saturday against Figueirense.
Flamengo's next match in the Brazilian Championship is next Saturday, when they host São Paulo at Maracanã. It will be the team's fourth consecutive match at the stadium. In the first three, they defeated Internacional, Fluminense, and Figueirense.
After Sunday off, Flamengo's squad will return to training on Monday afternoon at Gávea Stadium. Tuesday will be the only day of the week when Flamengo's players will work full-time.
PELENET
Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno denies assaulting Fluminense fan
From UOL Esporte\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Bruno denied accusations that he assaulted Carlos Eduardo, a Fluminense fan, on Saturday night at a diner in Barra da Tijuca. The goalkeeper claimed there was an argument, but he left when the situation escalated.
"I was having a snack when they started insulting me and comparing me to the goalkeeper of their team (Fluminense). And they provoked me by saying that I was watching the Libertadores on television," replied Bruno, who was then defended by Flamengo fans.
"I told them to leave me alone, and some Flamengo fans nearby came to my defense. When I realized the argument was turning aggressive, I left the scene. I wasn't going to get involved in a fight like that or attack anyone and lower myself to the level of these bums," he said.
"I was disrespected in my free time. Some people need to understand that we are football players when we are playing. When we are not working, we are ordinary citizens," explained the goalkeeper.
Carlos Eduardo, a business administration student, went to the 16th Police Station in Barra da Tijuca, and the case was registered as bodily harm. He said Bruno attacked him outside the diner, along with friends and security guards.
GLOBOESPORTE
Fla steals the lead from Cruzeiro
Fluminense remains winless at the bottom of the table and shares the relegation zone with Internacional, Santos and Goiás
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Marcinho scored three goals for new leader Flamengo
After five rounds of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo moved into first place with 13 points thanks to a 5-0 thrashing of Figueirense, as Cruzeiro remained ahead of the Red-Blacks solely on goal difference. Since Flamengo only beat Vasco 1-0, they also reached 13 points, but the lead slipped away. The battle between the competition's two remaining unbeaten teams promises to continue in the coming rounds.
Check the overall Brasileirão standings and your team's position
Náutico and Grêmio occupy third and fourth positions respectively and remain close to the leaders, just three points behind.
The bottom half of the table is also filled with established teams, including six Brazilian titles in the relegation zone, with Internacional, Santos, and Fluminense languishing in last place alongside Goiás. Santos and Fluminense are the only teams yet to secure a victory after five games.
Marcinho says that, under Caio Júnior's command, Fla 'plays freely'
Midfielder believes the rout over Figueirense will further help the team forget their elimination from the Copa Libertadores.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo's standout performer over Figueirense with three goals in Saturday's 5-0 victory at Maracanã (watch the video below). Midfielder Marcinho praised the work coach Caio Júnior is doing in leading the team. He believes the coach is making the team play more "freely," and he drew a comparison with former manager Joel Santana.
"Joel took over the team during a bad period, and he had to take more risks; there was nothing else to do. The games were Wednesday and Sunday. Caio was able to show the team what he wants, and we're taking to the job well. He talks to everyone, gives everyone a boost. That's what makes Flamengo play freely," he says.
Marcinho believes that the rout and the victory at the top of the Brasileirão helped the players to completely put their elimination from the Copa Libertadores behind them.
"What's done is done. Our focus must be on the good things and what we can do. We have to learn from our mistakes. Today we played the way the fans like to see us: a quality team that knows how to score goals."
Caio Júnior praises the strength of the red-black team inside Maracanã
Coach highlights the fundamental role of the red-black fans, who support the team all the time from the stands
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
In these first five rounds of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo has made excellent use of the home field to emerge victorious: four of them, with a 100% record. Coach Caio Júnior believes this could be a decisive weapon for Flamengo in the title race. He emphasizes the importance of the fans to the team's success.
"The fans have the strength and the way they encourage us, few people can match. It's very difficult to defend at Maracanã; it's a very large field, and we're used to playing here," he says.
Pleased with the team's performance in Saturday's 5-0 rout of Figueirense (watch the highlights in the video), the coach was full of praise for the players. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the same approach adopted thus far to stay atop the table.
- Maxi did well, Ibson was very consistent, Éder came on very well, Souza scored two goals, Bruno did well when he was needed... In a championship like this, it's difficult to always win, but if we maintain this attitude and environment, we can arrive in a good position on December 7th - he says.
Bruno denies assaulting Flu fan
Goalkeeper claims that a group of Tricolor fans recognized him and started insulting him and making comparisons with Fernando Henrique Cardoso
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno denied assaulting 21-year-old Fluminense fan Carlos Eduardo Rodrigues de Carvalho after Flamengo's 5-0 victory over Figueirense on Saturday. According to Flamengo, the altercation allegedly occurred at a café in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro's West Zone, after Bruno allegedly asked for an autograph and the player refused. Bruno, however, said the fan swore at him, and some Flamengo fans present defended him.
"I was having lunch with some friends and cousins after the game when some people wearing Fluminense jerseys saw me and started insulting me, comparing me to their team's goalkeeper, and taunting me by saying we were watching the Libertadores on TV. I told them to leave me alone, and some Flamengo fans nearby came to my defense. When I realized the argument was turning aggressive, I left the scene. I wasn't going to get involved in a fight like that or attack anyone and lower myself to the level of these bums," he says through his press office.
Bruno also complained about the attitude of some fans who do not respect the players in their free time.
"I was disrespected during my free time. Some people need to understand that we're soccer players while we're playing. When we're not working, we're ordinary citizens who have the right to go out, have lunch with friends, and have fun like anyone else. I'm radically against this type of behavior, regardless of the fan base. Violence and aggression lead nowhere. We're professionals. Passion should be limited to the stands, with fans cheering on their teams or demanding it without violence," he says.