THE GLOBE
RED-AND-BLACK SHAME: Mistakes combine with chance on the road to disaster.
The fateful day when the entire Flamengo machine broke down.
Preparation for the game against América was a complete departure from the team's routine.
Photo caption: FÁBIO LUCIANO, with Souza, arrives at Gávea for training: "It wasn't my absence that made the team lose"
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Taken in isolation, the setbacks Flamengo experienced in its preparation for the Libertadores match against América might not explain the unexpected defeat. However, taken together, they all caused the team to deviate from its routine in the hours leading up to the game.
The program for Joel Santana's farewell party placed the tributes above the game itself. The coach, who usually enters the field moments before kickoff to avoid disrupting his concentration, spent several minutes visibly emotional on the sidelines with the players.
The effect of the celebration may be subjective. But the trip to the stadium was, in fact, chaotic. The team left their training camp at the scheduled time, but the traffic on the access road to the Linha Amarela highway forced the delegation, contrary to usual practice, to change their route and try Alto da Boa Vista. The squad, which generally arrives at the Maracanã more than an hour in advance, arrived 35 minutes before the game.
I veto Fábio Luciano only in the locker room.
Upon arrival, the team was forced to rush to change clothes. Then, the warm-up began, done without the physical trainer, Ronaldo Torres. He, who was traveling to the stadium in a private car and not on the team bus, got stuck in traffic and only arrived at the start of the game. The assistants led the warm-up.
In the locker room, another procedure was altered. Suffering from muscle pain since the end of the game against Botafogo, defender Fábio Luciano trained on Tuesday, but felt the pain again. Generally, the decision about whether to veto a player is made, at the latest, at lunchtime on the day of the game. Since the coaching staff wanted to count on him – due to the captain's leadership and Tiago Sales' inexperience – the decision was postponed and the pre-match talk was given with the uncertainty. The final decision was made shortly before the game and Leonardo was selected. The need to prepare Fábio for a possible run in the Libertadores Cup also weighed heavily in the decision.
- Talking about "if" is complicated. He's 33 years old and, when he doesn't feel well, that should be respected - said doctor José Luiz Runco, when asked if the defender would play if the game were considered decisive.
"It wasn't my absence that made the team lose. I would have exposed the team if I played with that pain," said Fábio, who is also doubtful for Sunday's game against Santos.
During the morning routine in the locker room, a TV camera authorized by the club generated some complaints.
Coach Joel Santana, who was forced to leave the team's training camp in recent days to prepare for the trip to South Africa, denied that this had disrupted his plans.
"I've been doing this for 20 days and the team was winning. Now they're bringing up these things," said the coach.
On Monday, yesterday's training session, which was scheduled for the afternoon, was moved to the morning. The reason: a get-together between the team and Joel, but that was cancelled after the disaster.
Change is on the horizon with Caio Júnior.
After seeing Flamengo eliminated from the Libertadores Cup, the coach will assemble a team in his own style.
Photo caption: CAIO JÚNIOR leads his first training session at Gávea: serenity in the first contact.
Fabio Juppa
Considered by the directors to be an act of the unpredictable, Flamengo's surprising elimination from the Copa Libertadores was truly unforeseen, but its effects were decisive. It began with the end of a dream that, between winning the state championship twice and Joel Santana's celebratory farewell, lost its essence of desire and fantasy and gained dangerous concreteness. The players imagined that yesterday afternoon they would be celebrating their qualification for the quarterfinals with a barbecue, but they had to cancel it. And coach Caio Júnior, who only envisioned continuity in his vision, woke up feeling free to forge a new and personal path.
"Before the game (against América-MEX), the work plan was one thing. Now it's another. I need to think about the players' recovery," said Caio. "I have little time."
Less than 12 hours after the furious fan protests that followed the defeat at the Maracanã, Gávea awoke sunny and melancholic. In an early morning meeting between the football management, coaching staff, and players, the importance of the group assimilating the blow of the previous night as quickly as possible was emphasized, since the team debuts in the Brazilian Championship on Sunday against Santos. On a first day of work atypical to what had been predicted the day before, Caio Júnior remained away from the eye of the storm. Following to the letter the advice given to the squad by psychologist Paulo Ribeiro, that it was essential to grieve the loss without succumbing to it, especially since he had no part in the defeat, the coach was measured, attempting to ease the atmosphere of consternation:
- There was an expectation for the Libertadores Cup, even because of the advantage. Flamengo was eliminated in an atypical way, but they are the state champions and have the Brazilian Championship ahead. The group is capable of having a good championship. And my work will be recognized.
Technician establishes utilization
Having had minimal contact with the squad – he watched the game and led his first training session yesterday morning – Caio Júnior still doesn't know what changes he will make, but he made it clear that they will happen. Full-back Leonardo Moura and defender Fábio Luciano are practically certain to miss Sunday's game. Rodrigo, recovered from a fracture in his right arm, is part of the plans and could even be used on the bench. The only certainty for now is that he needs to talk a lot with the players. Regarding the Brazilian Championship, Caio stressed that, in the short term, the focus is on Santos, but he projects a 50% to 60% success rate.
"The teams that qualified for the Libertadores have reached that percentage, that has to be our objective," admitted the coach, showing patience to wait for his turn to compete in the South American competition. "I still have a long career ahead of me."
Caio is facing trouble. Next Tuesday, he will be judged by the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) for his expulsion in the match between Goiás and Corinthians on April 30th, during this year's Copa do Brasil, when he was coaching the Goiás club. Caio was charged under articles 187 (insulting the referee) and 274 (invading the area designated for referees). The penalty, if found guilty, could reach 150 days.
Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, downplayed the damage that elimination from the Libertadores Cup could cause to the club's financial health. Yesterday, Kleber said that losing the chance for such an important title is a much more serious loss than the sums that will not come in, since the Libertadores Cup is only advantageous for the champion. But the fact is that, with the unexpected defeat, the board fears weakening itself in negotiations vital to the club's future, such as the ongoing contract renewals with Petrobras and Nike. Yesterday, what bothered Kleber Leite most were the criticisms of the tributes to Joel and the celebratory atmosphere that has taken over the club in recent days.
There was no overconfidence, everything was done seriously. We concentrated for two days beforehand. No one can say the team didn't fight.
Elimination disrupts club's planning.
The board fears that the impact will be felt in the finances and political stability of Gávea.
Although the fees paid for participation in the Copa Libertadores are not considered spectacular by the Flamengo board, the unexpected exit from the competition will have its impact on the club. After all, keeping the club at the top was considered fundamental in ongoing negotiations with partners, in increasing the value of the squad, and in maintaining political stability.
After the defeat to América, Flamengo lost the chance to receive, had they reached the Libertadores final, US$2,54 million (approximately R$4,3 million) in TV rights fees, prize money paid by the competition's sponsor, and static advertising revenue. Furthermore, Flamengo would have played three more matches at the Maracanã before the final, where they would have been entitled to all ticket sales and could have earned close to R$3 million.
The defeat disrupts other Flamengo plans. According to its finance department, the club needs to raise R$25 million in 2008 through player rights sales to cover its commitments for the rest of the year. Flamengo invested heavily in signing players and buying their rights, signing long-term contracts with high release clauses. However, this asset will only translate into cash if the squad increases in value through championships.
At the same time, Flamengo is counting on revenue that may arise from ongoing negotiations for its next contract with Petrobras and contracts with its next sports equipment supplier. Nike, fearing losing Flamengo, has offered R$15 million annually. Olympikus has offered R$20 million. The concern at Gávea (Flamengo's headquarters) is that poor results will reduce the club's negotiating power in the market.
Joel says he doesn't regret managing the team.
Former coach believes his time at Flamengo was not tarnished.
Now former Flamengo coach, Joel Santana spent almost the entire day after the Maracanã disaster at home, preparing for his trip to South Africa, which is still without a set date. Speaking about the defeat, he said he was certain of two things: he doesn't regret staying until the game against América, and he doesn't think his time at the club has been tarnished.
"It doesn't leave any stain. We lost one game out of many that could have won us the title. Losing a title would have been different. The memory of the state championship is stronger than the defeat," said Joel. "If I had left after the final, they would have said I abandoned the club. I sacrificed my trip for the club, for the fans."
Elimination reverberates in South Africa.
Joel believes his work cannot be challenged.
- An elimination could have happened sooner or later. In the London betting exchange, it would have been 10 to 1. In volleyball, Brazil lost an Olympics 24-19. And Zé Roberto Guimarães is terrible? The girls are no good? I won 70% of the points and an important title. There's no catastrophe. If the balls had gone in, the game could have been 8-3, 5-3.
The former coach, on one of his rare outings from home, said he received affection.
"I went to buy bread and people were saying, 'Daddy Joel, don't hang your head.' I became a dad to a lot of people," he said.
The defeat reverberated in Africa. The newspaper "Star" said that Joel "had a nightmare at the farewell" and was "wishing he hadn't agreed to stay at Flamengo for one more game". Meanwhile, FIFA's Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, said that the organization hopes South Africa will reach the second round of both the Confederations Cup and the World Cup.
TV Globo will broadcast the Brazilian Championship until 2011.
Globo Network has extended its broadcasting rights for the Brazilian Série A Championship for another three years, on free-to-air TV and the internet. For the 2009-2011 seasons, the network will pay R$ 220 million annually, according to a contract signed yesterday with the Clube dos 13. Corinthians, São Paulo, and Flamengo have not yet signed. On the 16th, there will be further discussions regarding the agreement for pay-TV and pay-per-view.
SPORTS JOURNAL
Rebuilding time
The team is shaken, but Caior Júnior and Kleber Leite believe in the players' recovery.
Bernardo fishmonger
Kleber assures that the club will have the resources to keep payments up to date, even without the Copa Libertadores.
Frightened faces, bowed heads, and expressions of utter disbelief. More than a funeral atmosphere, Flamengo awoke as if living through a nightmare that would soon pass, as if at any moment they could turn back time and end all that disappointment. The explanations for one of the biggest defeats in the club's history were empty, just like the stands, which didn't even receive the expected protests from the fans. After preparing for a celebration, Flamengo awoke dead.
And it was precisely the party held to say goodbye to Joel Santana that was chosen as the main culprit for the defeat. After the match, the players admitted that they did not respect América and that the preparation for the game was not ideal. Even so, the vice-president of Football, Kleber Leite, made a point of refuting the criticism and attributed the defeat to unforeseen circumstances.
"We don't need to talk. We need to work. This is football, not basketball, where the best team always wins. What happened was unpredictable. The guys took five shots at goal and three went in," said the manager, who was irritated by the criticism about the celebration organized by the club: "When a defeat like this happens, people always look for someone to blame, that's human nature. There was no celebration, no excess, just a feeling of gratitude to Joel. We only gave him a plaque and a shirt autographed by the players. We are showing our faces. Some criticisms were cowardly. We're not playing games. There are no weaklings here," he stated. However, none of the players involved in the defeat spoke to the press.
Another who was disappointed was coach Caio Júnior. He arrived at the club with a lighthearted atmosphere and dreams of becoming world champion, but he received a cold, dejected team, out of the Libertadores Cup and now without the support of the fans. According to the coach, his entire schedule had to change with the result of last Wednesday.
"What I had planned has fallen apart. I'm having to do a different kind of work. I'll have to work on their recovery. Both their psychological recovery and their confidence, because that's what's most lost in a defeat like this. I had a dream of competing in this Libertadores. It's been postponed, for now," said the coach, who will have a lot of work to do to rekindle the flame of this team, which went out on Wednesday night.
Caio wants to start off on the right foot.
The coach will begin today to define the team that will face Santos, having two absences in defense.
Bernardo Peirão
Nina Lima
Caio led the training session for the reserves and those who did not play against América.
After the tragedy, Flamengo is now trying to find the strength to bounce back. They have begun preparations for their debut in the Brazilian Championship against Santos, on Sunday at 18:10 PM at the Maracanã. To have a minimum of peace of mind, a victory in this game will be fundamental for the continuation of their work.
Therefore, the order at Gávea is to turn attention back to the Brazilian Championship.
"We have to be professional, balanced, and work towards the game against Santos. I'll pass on all the information I have about Santos to them, and we'll see how today's (yesterday's) game went. We are state champions, unfortunately we were eliminated, now it's time to focus on the Brazilian Championship," declared coach Caio Júnior, who said he is an expert in the competition. "I know this competition well. It's the most difficult championship in the world. I've already competed with Paraná and reached the Libertadores. I also had a good campaign with Palmeiras. I'm sure my work will be recognized after this championship," he added confidently.
Caio Júnior believes that with this disappointment and the squad Flamengo has, the team's obligation now is to have a good campaign in the Brasileirão.
"We have to fight to be champions. The minimum that will be required of us is to reach the Libertadores Cup. But to get to that point, we have to remember that every game is worth three points. This Sunday's game is very important," he reminded them.
Despite the coach's motivation and the importance of the match, Caio Júnior will have two problems in defining the team that will take the field on Sunday. Defender Fábio Luciano continues to feel pain in his right thigh, and right-back Léo Moura, who was also injured, are practically ruled out. Today, the coach will hold his first tactical training session to begin defining the team.
Also banned from this match is the fans. Due to a punishment received in last year's Brazilian Championship, Sunday's game will be played behind closed doors. This fact, even with the pressure the team would face, does not please Caio Junior.
"Playing without fans is always bad," he concluded.
Bombshell in Gávea: Caio Junior may not coach Flamengo in the Brazilian Championship.
File/JS
Caio Junior hasn't even made his debut yet and may not be able to coach Flamengo during the Brazilian Championship.
As if the embarrassment Flamengo suffered last Wednesday wasn't enough, the club now has another problem to worry about. Coach Caio Junior has been reported for being sent off in the Copa do Brasil when he was still the coach of Goiás. If convicted, he could face a minimum suspension of 150 days.
The STJD trial is scheduled to take place next Tuesday, May 13th, starting at 17 PM.
Caio Júnior was sent off for invading the pitch and insulting referee Leandro Pedro Vuadem during the match against Corinthians, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil.
The coach was charged under articles 187 II (morally offending a referee or assistant referee while on duty) and 274 (invading an area designated for the refereeing team). According to the Sports Justice system, the penalties foreseen for these articles are suspension from 30 to 180 days and from 120 to 720 days, respectively.
Fabio Luciano: 'My absence didn't cause a defeat'
File/JS
Fabio Luciano says he felt a problem in his right thigh during the final against Botafogo.
Fabio Luciano's last-minute exclusion from the squad for the match against América-MEX has further increased the unease at Flamengo after the shameful elimination from the Copa Libertadores last Wednesday, when the Rubro-Negro lost 3-0 to the Mexicans at the Maracanã. Many fans pointed to the player's absence, coupled with the inclusion of Leonardo, a recently signed defender, as the main reasons for the fiasco.
The captain had trained normally the day before, but claims he had felt a muscle problem in his right thigh since the Carioca final against Botafogo last Sunday. According to the defender, it wasn't his absence that caused the tragedy, but rather a combination of factors.
“It wasn’t my absence that made the team lose, that’s not the point. Flamengo has a group of 30 players, it would be wrong of me to go in with pain and suddenly put the team in a difficult situation. All the defenders are fit to play, and I wasn’t 100%. I don’t think I would have played even if it were a championship final. I felt a problem in the game against Botafogo. In training, Runco asked me not to train, but I thought it was better to train to do a test and not leave the decision until the last minute, but I ended up feeling pain. I had treatment, but I wasn’t fit to play, it was a big risk. I think it will even be difficult for me to play against Santos. It was a series of factors that made Flamengo lose, not my absence,” he assured.
Flamengo defeats Brasília.
Flamengo wins 103-96 and gains momentum for the decisive playoffs of the National Basketball Championship.
Pedro Ivo Almeida
Ursula Nery
Flamengo's pivot Coloneze charges towards his opponent.
In a match that many consider could be the final of the National Basketball Championship, Flamengo came out on top in the preview. Yesterday, they won 103-96 against Universo/Brasília at the Hélio Maurício gymnasium in Gávea. Star player Marcelinho was the standout of the game with 30 points.
Flamengo will play again against Cetaf, from Vila Velha, tomorrow at 11 am, at the Hélio Maurício gymnasium, in the opening of the quarter-final playoffs. The series will be played in a best-of-five format.
balance
With defenses lacking efficiency, Flamengo and Brasília played a very open game in the first quarter. Flamengo relied on the talent of shooting guard Marcelinho Machado to come out on top and win by six points: 32 to 26.
In the second quarter, Brasília tightened their defense, and Valtinho and Arthur finally found their rhythm. The game remained balanced until the end, when the three-pointers from the Rio team made the difference again. A beautiful shot by Fernando Mineiro and another by Duda, with the clock running out. And the halftime score: 52-47 for Flamengo, with 18 points from Marcelinho Machado.
Duda, fundamental
In the third quarter, Brasília balanced their defensive system and managed to overcome the five-point deficit, tying the game. This demonstrated the great balance between the teams, both favorites to win the title.
In the final quarter, Flamengo relied on the talent of point guard Duda, who, in addition to shining with his trademark three-pointers, effectively defended Valtinho, who had been orchestrating Brasília's comeback. The crowd made the difference, and Flamengo had the strength to defeat the strong opponent and shake off their poor run of form after three consecutive losses.
Eduardo Lacombe
The Red and the Black
Flamengo, I like you!
Eduardo Lacombe lacombe@jsports.com.br
The question is inevitable. And it's been haunting me since the América tragedy began: what happened? I try to remember other tragedies, with clubs and national teams (the biggest, for me, being the defeat in the 1982 World Cup). But a colleague warns: this sounds like the whining of a Flamengo fan. Perhaps it is, indeed, the whining of a Flamengo fan. But I think it's time to focus on the new objective, the Brazilian Championship and a spot in the 2009 Libertadores Cup, and forget what happened.
It's difficult, I know. And difficult because, deep down, we're looking for the causes of the tragedy. And since I tend to be relentless in my criticism, and because I don't agree with the idea that Joel Santana is a terrible coach, I'm not going to go on and on pointing out the causes that are clear to everyone. Only those who don't want to see them can't. I want to see them. I see them, but I reserve the right not to talk about them. Even out of respect for the people who have failed so regrettably in these last few days.
What worries me most is what will come of all this. I believe Flamengo has the ability to turn things around. It's always good to remember that this same team went from second-to-last place in the Brazilian Championship to qualify for the Libertadores Cup. This is the team that's there now, with Bruno, Ibson, and especially Souza, chosen by the fans as the scapegoat this time. It's also possible that the fight for a spot, which always becomes fierce when a new coach takes over, will resolve some problems that have persisted since last year.
We, the 40 million Flamengo fans, are driven by passion and, consequently, by hatred. We don't have in our veins the pure fuel that the new jerseys proclaim. But for about a year now, we've been singing loud and clear that we will always love Flamengo. We will always be where it is. And if, now, in this week of hangover, it doesn't have a team of grit, love, and passion, we must proclaim to the four winds that we love Mengão, that we want to sing to the whole world the joy of being Flamengo fans. And most importantly: we swear that Flamengo can count on us, because we are, above all, Flamengo fans.
THE DAY
The dream is over. Now, the loss: R$ 16 million.
With their elimination from the Libertadores Cup, Flamengo and its players miss out on a significant amount of money.
Janir Junior
Rio - Conquering the world was a grand dream. But football was too small a goal, and now the reality of losses, debts, demands, and distrust surrounding Flamengo is enormous. After one of the biggest embarrassments in its history with its elimination from the Libertadores Cup—a 3-0 defeat to América of Mexico at the Maracanã—the club will lose approximately R$ 16 million, will have to find the strength to avoid starting the Brazilian Championship dragging itself along as in recent years, and more: it will be forced to regain the trust of a passionate fanbase that has filled the stadium since the team's rise in 2007, with record attendance and revenue.
If the club were to win the Copa Libertadores and achieve the coveted world title in Japan, it would collect, with all the quotas and three additional ticket sales from the Maracanã in the final phase of the intercontinental competition (considering an audience of 78.700 paying spectators, the revenue would be approximately R$ 1,7 million per game), something around R$ 16 million. The players also forgo prize money.
"More than the financial aspect, which can be managed, we regret the lost opportunity," reflected the vice president of football, Kléber Leite.
To make matters worse, the salary delays are nearing two months. The bonuses for winning the State Championship and advancing to the next stage of the Libertadores Cup have also not been paid.
Previously veiled, the dissatisfaction is now coming to light. Rodrigo had already threatened to leave because of the delays. Bruno, who missed a training session last year in retaliation for the delays, is also unhappy. Despite being calm during the State Championship, Fábio Luciano, who discusses payments with the directors, was displeased.
"The atmosphere is like a wake. We took a hard fall, we have to get back up. You have to suffer to mature," said Fábio Luciano.
The fans, who fueled the team's run towards a Libertadores spot in last year's Brazilian Championship and the state championship victory, suffered a setback. “Nothing a big win in the Brazilian Championship can't fix. The momentary impact is inevitable, but our fans are passionate. We can't just sit around complaining,” stated Kléber Leite. “The fans are left wondering why. We'll have to rekindle the joy of being Flamengo supporters,” added Fábio.
To achieve this, the team from Gávea will have a mission as difficult as conquering the world.
Parties and high heels, the sins.
Disdain for the opponent, excessive optimism, and too much hype ended up ruining Flamengo.
Janir Junior
Rio - Flamengo's sins were unforgivable, paid for with their elimination from the Copa Libertadores. Three days after winning the state championship, the questions began. In this short time, some points deserve to be highlighted.
And what about América of Mexico? After beating Botafogo, the last thing discussed at Gávea was América. The conversation revolved around the title, Joel's farewell, and tributes, despite the former coach having warned against overconfidence the day before.
EXAGGERATED OPTIMISM Presented the day before the game, Caio Júnior stated that his biggest risk would be winning the Libertadores Cup and the Club World Cup. After watching the defeat at the Maracanã, the coach's statement was mocked by fans as he left the stadium.
FESTIVAL ON THE FIELD Before the match, there were tributes and celebrations for Joel Santana; it almost seemed like a celebratory game, like the presentation of championship banners. The players, who had very little warm-up time in the locker room due to the bus delay, did little on the field either.
PROBLEM IN THE DEFENSE: Despite feeling pain, Fábio Luciano participated in the pickup game on Tuesday and was unable to play. Leonardo, who hadn't performed well until then, came in but didn't perform as expected.
DEJECTION After conceding the third goal in the 32nd minute of the second half, the team showed complete dejection and lacked the strength to react.
JOEL'S CHANGES: The coach took Cristian out of the team and started Jaílton. In the second half, he brought on Renato Augusto, who is not yet in ideal playing condition.
Caio Júnior could be suspended.
Rio - Caio Júnior led his first training session yesterday, amidst a somber atmosphere. To make matters worse, the coach will be judged by the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) for being sent off in the game between his former club, Goiás, and Corinthians on April 30th, when the São Paulo team eliminated Goiás from the Copa do Brasil with a 4-0 victory. Accused of verbal abuse of the referee and invading the referee's area, Caio could face a minimum suspension of 150 days.
In Gávea, the coach lamented the elimination and said that the important thing is to work on the players' emotional side. "I was very upset, I imagined it would start differently. Everyone was disheartened. Now, we'll have to work on the emotional side, because there was a loss of confidence," Caio emphasized.
As Goiás' coach, he suffered heavy defeats: 4-0 to Corinthians and 3-0 to Itumbiara. On Wednesday, he witnessed the humiliating loss against América. "It's over, it's not the time for a witch hunt. Let's focus on Santos and restart the Libertadores dream," he said. After the team's return to training yesterday at 10 am, they will train again today at 9 am in Gávea.
Team and fans
Injured Leonardo Moura is not expected to play against Santos, nor is Fábio Luciano. The game will be played behind closed doors. After their elimination from the Libertadores Cup, a group of fans loitered around Gávea in the early hours of yesterday morning, but security has been reinforced.
Is there a silver lining to embarrassment?
Kléber says Caio will have the freedom to work. Psychologist: unforgettable defeat.
Janir Junior
Rio - Flamengo's vice-president of football, Kléber Leite, described the elimination as 'unpredictable' and said he spent the night without sleep. Yesterday, after a sleepless night, he managed to see a positive side to the elimination. "If there is anything positive, it's that Caio will have more freedom to work," said the director.
The freedom Kléber refers to is the implementation of Caio's philosophy without having to remain in Joel Santana's shadow. Based on the new coach's statements, it's clear that the team will gradually undergo changes. Players who weren't being used, like Jônatas, will receive special attention. The 'elite squad', the 2007 team, had a change of commander; next, it will be the soldiers' turn.
"I'll assess the situation. Some players need to be motivated. Some are more discouraged than others. It's time to work more than talk," said Caio Júnior.
Regarding the elimination, Kléber Leite was emphatic: “You can't say there wasn't a fight. There was no celebration or partying, just the presentation of a plaque and a shirt to Joel. The work will continue, we trust the squad and we will go in search of the Brazilian Championship.”
UNFORGETTABLE DEFEAT
It's necessary to lift your head, but forgetting the humiliation against América of Mexico is impossible. According to the club's psychologist, Paulo Ribeiro, this defeat will leave a mark, but it's crucial to know how to overcome it. "They will never forget it, it will stay with them for life. But, after two days, it's necessary to lift your head, focus on the Brazilian Championship and always strive for victory," stated the psychologist.
Yesterday, for 17 minutes, the group aired their dirty laundry in the Gávea locker room. With the exception of Fábio Luciano, no player wanted to give an interview. They all left the club silent and dejected.
Fábio Luciano may miss the Brasileirão opener.
Rio - After surprising fans by not taking the field against América-MEX last Wednesday, when he was replaced by Leonardo and ended up not participating in the Libertadores elimination, Flamengo's captain, Fábio Luciano, may also be out of the team's Brasileirão debut on Sunday against Santos.
The Flamengo number 3 player did not face América due to a right thigh injury, but the defender's absence could end up creating unease in the club's medical department.
On Wednesday morning, one of the club's doctors, Marcelo Soares, revealed that the club's medical department was empty, as Renato Augusto and Rodrigo had already been cleared to train with the ball. The head of the medical department, Dr. José Luiz Runco, said that his colleague had given incorrect information to the press.
Kleber Leite denies hype before the embarrassment.
Vice-president of football dismisses witch hunt within the squad.
Rio - The Vice-President of Football at Flamengo stated to Rádio Globo that there was no celebratory atmosphere among the players before the defeat to América of Mexico, a match that tragically eliminated the team from Gávea.
"To give people an idea, the group gathered two days before the match. It would be normal to gather the day before, after winning a title, as many other clubs would do, but we gathered two days beforehand out of respect for the game. There was no overconfidence whatsoever. Quite the opposite, before going onto the field, the importance of the game was discussed."
"No one can say that the team didn't fight, didn't struggle. Criticizing them for lack of effort is impossible. Of course, regarding technical evaluation, everyone has their own point of view, but it would be unethical of me to comment on that."
Regarding the party and celebrations that preceded the game, the club official downplayed the events.
"Contrary to what was reported today, there was no celebration of any kind yesterday, only a feeling of gratitude towards someone very special. From our side, it was just the presentation of a plaque and a shirt; there was no excessive celebration or anything like that. It was a demonstration of gratitude that had to be done at that moment, it couldn't have been during halftime, given the limited time the coach has to speak with his players."
Kleber Leite exonerated the players from blame for the defeat and preferred not to launch a witch hunt within the squad, thus avoiding further problems for the new coach, Caio Júnior.
"This isn't basketball, where when you have a good team and a mediocre one, the mediocre one doesn't stand a chance of winning. This is football. It's part of the game. Sometimes it happens. Usually, people look for someone to blame, which is human nature, especially for unscrupulous people, but you can't blame something isolated, like the heat, which has several factors, such as technical aspects, but it's not up to me to judge that among all the factors of the defeat. The most important thing was the unpredictable nature of football."
In the leader's opinion, the best remedy to cure the crisis and get back on the path to victory is hard work.
"The most important thing is that the squad is good, the Brazilian team starts on Sunday and needs to be psychologically prepared. It's a new coach, a new job, a new concept and new opportunities. I'm very sorry, nobody slept last night, but it's a fresh start."
SPORTS GAZETTE
Fábio Luciano demands a quick reaction from the squad - Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - The day after being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, captain Fábio Luciano, who did not participate in the match, demanded a quick reaction from the Flamengo squad. The defender said that the defeat to América of Mexico will serve as an example. “We've been through situations like this before, and others will come. The important thing is to have the strength to react quickly. We weren't in a bad phase. We had good results ten months ago. Suffering is natural, but we will turn things around. We have to learn and mature from all this. We will regain our joy so we can win again,” he stated. According to the player, there were no exaggerations in the celebration of the state championship title. Fábio reaffirmed that the squad was 100% focused on the match.
“We celebrated on Sunday because it was necessary, but we focused on Monday, trained, went back into concentration and couldn't get the victory. Now, various reasons for the elimination will appear, but we know that's how football is. We are sad, everyone feels very bad, without understanding what happened, and we will have to rebuild everything again. It's a new life that begins. And hopefully, it will be like it was before the match against América of Mexico,” he explained.
The captain lamented his absence from the decisive match and said it would have been a risk to play. “It wasn’t my absence that made the team lose. That’s even a compliment to me, but we have 30 players in the squad and everyone can play. It would have been a mistake for me to expose the team by playing with pain. Those who are here are here to play. For a game like yesterday’s, you needed to be 100%, and I wasn’t, because I felt pain against Botafogo. I made a mistake training on Tuesday, I received treatment to improve, but I couldn’t play.”
Caio Júnior wants the group to think about the future - Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Coach Caio Júnior, who took over as Flamengo's technical director this Thursday, admitted the team's dejection after being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, but said that the focus now is on the next challenges, as he is confident in a great campaign for the team in the Brazilian Championship. “My idea before the game was one thing, and now it's another. The work will be focused on the players' recovery. Everyone is dejected, and there's little time left before the next match. Winning the Libertadores was a dream, a dream that's over for now, but one we can have again with a good campaign in the Brazilian Championship. Heaven and hell are very close in football. Neither euphoria nor despair. Now we have to think about Santos. We have to think about the next game and think ahead,” he said.
In an interview with the club's official website, Caio stated that he will be working extensively on the players' psychological state in the coming days. According to the coach, the good work that has been done so far must continue.
“Flamengo winning the state championship is a source of pride. Yesterday there was great expectation because of the advantage, and that's why the disappointment was so great. It was an atypical elimination. I'm upset like everyone here, but we need to think positively. The support of the fans is always more important,” said Caio Junior, who stated he was ready to overcome the situation.
“The situation is more psychological than technical. I really like working on that aspect. Some players are more affected than others. Those who are less affected have to lift up those who are more affected. We will continue the work that has been done,” he explained.
On a day of silence, Kléber Leite avoids "witch hunt" - Gazeta Press
Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Thursday morning at Gávea was marked by an atmosphere of sadness and disappointment. Less than 24 hours after the 3-0 defeat to América of Mexico, which cost them elimination from the Copa Libertadores, only coach Caio Júnior and the players who did not participate in the match against the Mexicans showed up for work, and no one wanted to give interviews. In this scenario, the only one to speak to journalists was Kléber Leite, the club's vice-president of football, who assures that he is not looking for anyone to blame for what happened. “When an episode like this happens, some people tend to look for someone to blame, usually those who lack character. That doesn't happen at Flamengo. If I had to blame someone, it would be chance, because América had five shots on goal, three went in and two went wide,” said the club official.
"But if anyone says that Flamengo's team didn't fight, that person either didn't go to the Maracanã or didn't know exactly what happened. This group only concentrated for two days for this match, because they won the Carioca championship on Sunday, they fought for the result and didn't get it," Kléber concluded.
The manager refuted accusations that the team was harmed by a celebratory atmosphere created before the match due to the farewell of coach Joel Santana, who left Gávea to manage the South African national team.
"That's another absurdity, there was no festive atmosphere. Flamengo simply wanted to show appreciation to Joel Santana, who has been very important to the club in recent months. That's why, before the match, we gave him a shirt autographed by the entire squad and a plaque. That's all," explained the Flamengo director.
Regarding the financial loss from being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores, estimated at around US$4 million (approximately R$6 million), Kléber Leite downplayed the situation. “We can't enter the competition counting on the money we might earn, so this wasn't a problem. Nobody can guarantee, for example, that our team would have reached the final if we had beaten América,” he analyzed.
Confident, the manager said that Flamengo will try to react right from the opening match of the Brazilian Championship, scheduled for this Sunday against Santos in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). “We can't create a storm with this fact. We have to understand that the squad is good and that they have a chance to win the Brazilian Championship. Only with a lot of hard work will we be able to forget this episode. At Flamengo, there are no weaklings. Here, everyone shows their face,” concluded Kleber Leite.
PELENET
Kleber Leite attributes Flamengo's "tragedy" to unpredictable factors.
Raphael Raposo\ In Rio de Janeiro\
The day after the humiliating defeat in the Copa Libertadores, there was a funereal atmosphere at Gávea. No one at the club has yet been able to digest the inexplicable 3-0 loss to the limited América-MEX side on Wednesday night at the Maracanã, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the continental competition. In the first leg, in Mexico City, Flamengo had won 4-2 and held a significant advantage.
To spare the players, the vice-president of football, Kleber Leite, showed up. Irritated, he treated the event as something unpredictable, to which the sport is subject. However, he did not hide his disappointment at the elimination, which seemed impossible.
"Flamengo is not a club for cowards. We are here to face the music and give explanations. Here, nobody sins by omission. Football has these things. The unpredictable speaks very loudly sometimes," Kleber emphasized.
The manager responded to accusations that the farewell party for former coach Joel Santana influenced the players' performance on the field.
"Sometimes the bad side of human nature speaks louder. One thing had nothing to do with the other. We only gave Joel a plaque and a shirt with the players' signatures. That's all. There was no party," he retorted.
With the end of the most important competition on the South American calendar, for which Flamengo had planned throughout the preseason, Kleber has only one option: to refocus on the Brazilian Championship, which starts next weekend. Flamengo faces Santos on Sunday at the Maracanã.
"We'll have to do some psychological work with the players so that they don't start the Brazilian Championship as badly as they did last year, when we were also eliminated in the round of 16 of the Libertadores," he emphasized, referring to the match against Defensor-URU in 2007. After losing 3-0 away from home, the club from Gávea only won 2-0 in Rio, exiting the continental tournament prematurely.
Caio Júnior leads first training session and plans to finalize the team on Friday.
Raphael Raposo\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Caio Júnior led his first training session at Flamengo amidst a deceptive tranquility, following the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores. The coach, who oversaw a tactical drill with the reserve players, is aware of the intense pressure and immediate demand for results.
Caio admitted he still doesn't know which team he will field in the opening match of the Brazilian Championship.
"I was working with one possibility and now I need to focus on another objective. Like the players, I had the ambition to continue in the Libertadores, but unfortunately it wasn't possible. Now it's about reversing this situation," he said, adding what will be the main factor to boost the group's morale.
"I really like this psychological aspect, and it will be very important at this moment. I will know what's going on with each player, and we will also help in this aspect," he stated.
The coach admitted he doesn't have a defined lineup for the team he will field in Flamengo's opening match of the Brazilian Championship against Santos at the Maracanã. However, the coach is expected to make changes in only two positions.
"Fábio Luciano's situation (contracture in his right thigh) is worrying, and Leonardo Moura (muscle pain) is practically ruled out. But I still don't know which team I'll use. We'll have a more intense training session on Friday, and from there, I'll think about it. We have little time until the game," he concluded.
For the vice president of football, elimination could be "good" for Caio Júnior.
Raphael Raposo\ In Rio de Janeiro\
At least one aspect that wasn't so negative came from Flamengo's humiliating 3-0 defeat to América-MEX on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores round of 16. With their elimination from the continental competition, in Joel Santana's farewell match, the new coach Caio Júnior will have more autonomy to work. The pressure for good results from the former manager is no longer as intense.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
According to the manager, the setback frees Caio Júnior from...
...the burden of replacing Joel's 'clipboard'
"At least he will be able to implement his philosophy without as much pressure as was expected. He will be able to change some things without being questioned so much," said the club's vice-president of football, Kleber Leite.
The manager has already spoken with Caio and given the coach complete freedom to do what he thinks is best and make any changes he deems necessary.
"We've already had a chat and there are some aspects he intends to change. And that's how it will be done. Because he is capable and studious like Joel," emphasized the vice president of football.
Given Flamengo's large squad, the likely scenario, according to Kleber, is that some players will be loaned out until the end of the year. Another case to be resolved is that of midfielder Ibson, whose contract expires on June 30th.
"We are analyzing this matter, but we still have time. We will soon reach a solution regarding Ibson," explained the director, who does not seem willing to pay the approximately 4 million euros that Porto-POR is demanding to release the midfielder permanently.
More bad news for Flamengo.
Toró, Bruno, and Jônatas will have their appeals judged by the full panel of the TJD/RJ (Sports Justice Tribunal of Rio de Janeiro).
ALINE PEREIRA
It doesn't seem to be the best week for Flamengo. After being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores and having their new coach, Caio Júnior, denounced by the Superior Court of Sports Justice, the Sports Justice Court of Rio de Janeiro (TJD/RJ) has set the date for the appeal hearing of players Toró, Bruno, and Jônatas. The athletes will sit in the dock again next Wednesday, May 14th. The first two risk being out of the Brazilian Championship for two months.
The allegations stemmed from the match against Botafogo, valid for the Taça Rio semi-final, on March 16th. In the trial held by Commission A of the TJD/RJ (Rio de Janeiro Sports Justice Tribunal), Toró and Jônatas were suspended for one match, while Bruno was acquitted. On that occasion, Obina was also judged and received a two-match suspension, but the TJD/RJ prosecution did not appeal the decision, arguing that the player appeared before the Tribunal to testify, clarifying the facts that occurred in the game.
The Attorney General of the TJD/RJ (Sports Justice Tribunal of Rio de Janeiro), Dr. André Valentin, commented on the reasons why he appealed the decision. “The Prosecutor's Office was not satisfied with the decision and considered it negligent that the players appeared before the Tribunal but did not clarify what happened. Only Obina did that,” stated Dr. Valentin to the website Justicadesportiva.
Recall the complaints:
JÔNATAS – He responded to articles 251 (Complaining, by gestures or words, against the referee's decisions or disrespecting the referee and his assistants) and 253 combined with 157, II (An infraction is considered: II - attempted when, once the execution has begun, it is not completed due to circumstances beyond the agent's control), for the attempted headbutt on the black and white Jorge Henrique, after the confusion that resulted in the Flamengo midfielder's expulsion. If convicted, the first article could result in a suspension of one to three matches, and the second, because it is combined with article 157, is half the minimum penalty, that is, a 60-day suspension.
BRUNO – The goalkeeper was charged under Article 253 (Committing a violent play) in conjunction with Article 157, II (The offense is considered: II - attempted when, once the execution has begun, it is not completed due to circumstances beyond the control of the perpetrator), for having attempted to attack Botafogo defender André Luis with a punch, following the confusion surrounding Jônatas's expulsion. The penalty, in conjunction with Article 157, is half the minimum penalty, or a 60-day suspension.
TORÓ – The player was reported for violating Article 253 (Committing a violent play) in conjunction with Article 157, I (The infraction is considered: I – completed, when all the elements of its definition are met), for taking advantage of the fact that the black and white goalkeeper Castillo was covered by players from both teams and kicked the Uruguayan player in the head. The penalty could also be a 120 to 540-day suspension.
The Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) could remove Caio Jr from the Brazilian Championship.
On his first day at Flamengo, coach is reported for sending off a player in the Copa do Brasil.
ISABEL VERGARA
This week promises to be a real test for Flamengo fans. After being eliminated from the Copa Libertadores last Wednesday, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo could be without a coach during the Brazilian Championship, where they debut next Sunday against Santos at the Maracanã. The recently arrived Luiz Carlos Saroli, better known as Caio Júnior, will be judged by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) next Tuesday, May 13th, by the Second Disciplinary Commission, starting at 17 PM, and if penalized, could face a minimum suspension of 150 days. He will be held accountable for his expulsion in the Copa do Brasil, when he was still the coach of Goiás Esporte Clube.
Click here to access the STJD's trial schedules!
In the second leg, played on April 30th against Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, valid for the round of 16, at 42 minutes of the second half, Caio Júnior was sent off for invading the field and insulting referee Leandro Pedro Vuadem. The coach had already been verbally warned by the fourth official previously.
The current Flamengo coach was charged under articles 187 II (Morally offending a referee or assistant referee while on duty) and 274 (Invading a location designated for the refereeing team, or the match, event or equivalent, during its execution, including during the regulation interval, or entering it without the necessary authorization), both from the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice (CBJD). The penalties foreseen for these articles are suspension from 30 to 180 days and 120 to 720 days, respectively.
It's worth remembering that the suspension for consecutive days is counted from the day after the trial, and if Caio Júnior is penalized, he will not be able to perform his role as coach during the Brazilian Championship games.
This is not the first time Caio Júnior has lost his temper and invaded the field. In May 2006, he was tried under the same article by the Third Disciplinary Commission of the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) and was acquitted. At the time, the coach was in charge of the Paraná team.
Caio Júnior leads first training session and plans to finalize the team on Friday.
Raphael Raposo\ In Rio de Janeiro\
Caio Júnior led his first training session at Flamengo amidst a deceptive tranquility, following the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores. The coach, who oversaw a tactical drill with the reserve players, is aware of the intense pressure and immediate demand for results.
Caio admitted he still doesn't know which team he will field in the opening match of the Brazilian Championship.
"I was working with one possibility and now I need to focus on another objective. Like the players, I had the ambition to continue in the Libertadores, but unfortunately it wasn't possible. Now it's about reversing this situation," he said, adding what will be the main factor to boost the group's morale.
"I really like this psychological aspect, and it will be very important at this moment. I will know what's going on with each player, and we will also help in this aspect," he stated.
The coach admitted he doesn't have a defined lineup for the team he will field in Flamengo's opening match of the Brazilian Championship against Santos at the Maracanã. However, the coach is expected to make changes in only two positions.
"Fábio Luciano's situation (contracture in his right thigh) is worrying, and Leonardo Moura (muscle pain) is practically ruled out. But I still don't know which team I'll use. We'll have a more intense training session on Friday, and from there, I'll think about it. We have little time until the game," he concluded.
GLOBOESPORTE
Carrasco, Cabañas was offered to Flamengo.
On the flight back from Mexico, coach Joel Santana praised the qualities of América's 'strongman'.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Ironically, the man who turned Joel Santana's farewell into one of the biggest embarrassments in Flamengo's history had sought refuge with the club days before. Not directly, though. One of the representatives of the Paraguayan Salvador Cabañas approached the directors and coach Joel Santana in Mexico City to ask if Flamengo would like to hire him.
The information was passed on by the coach himself on the flight that brought the delegation back to Rio de Janeiro after the 4-2 victory over the Mexicans.
"That little guy is good at soccer. He was offered to us," he said.
However, financial realities prevent Flamengo from dreaming of signing him. The Paraguayan's salary is above Brazilian standards, and the likely destination for the top scorer of the 2007 Libertadores Cup is European football.
In this way, Flamengo fans will continue to remember the "chubby, cocky guy" only as the player who silenced more than 50 people on May 7, 2008.
Caio Júnior will be judged by the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) and could even be suspended for the rest of the Brazilian Championship.
Flamengo's new coach is accused of sending off an opponent while he was still coaching Goiás in the Copa do Brasil.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM In Rio de Janeiro
Caio Júnior will be judged by the STJD (Superior Court of Sports Justice) for being sent off in a Goiás match in the Copa do Brasil.
Stunned by their elimination from the Copa Libertadores, Flamengo fans may receive another piece of terrible news very soon. The Rubro-Negro could be without coach Caio Júnior during the Brazilian Championship, where the club debuts next Sunday against Santos at the Maracanã.
According to the website Justiça Desportiva, the new Flamengo coach will be judged by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD) next Tuesday, May 13th, starting at 17 PM, for being sent off in the Copa do Brasil while still the coach of Goiás. If convicted, he could face a minimum suspension of 150 days.
Caio Júnior was sent off for invading the pitch and insulting referee Leandro Pedro Vuadem during the match against Corinthians, valid for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil.
The current Flamengo coach was charged under articles 187 II (morally offending a referee or assistant referee while on duty) and 274 (invading an area designated for the refereeing team). According to the Sports Justice system, the penalties foreseen for these articles are suspension from 30 to 180 days and from 120 to 720 days, respectively.
The club's legal department was caught off guard. Flamengo's lawyer, Michel Assef Filho, who is expected to defend the coach, will still need to familiarize himself with the case before preparing a defense strategy.
"We learned about this news today. I know it's about the expulsion he received in the Goiás vs. Corinthians match in the Copa do Brasil. Flamengo will naturally defend the coach, probably it will be me, but I still have to analyze the process to know exactly what it's about. Then we'll prepare the defense," says the lawyer.
Fábio Luciano: 'We took a nasty fall, but we'll get back up'
The defender says the players need to suffer at this moment, but believes in a quick reaction from the Flamengo squad.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Fábio Luciano believes that Flamengo will bounce back quickly.
"A nasty fall." That's how Flamengo's defender and captain, Fábio Luciano, described the 3-0 defeat to América-MEX and the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday at the Maracanã. Injured, the player didn't play against the Mexicans, but he felt the pain of the defeat firsthand. The Flamengo leader assured that the team didn't underestimate their opponent and stated that the focus now has to be on the Brazilian Championship, which begins on Sunday.
"We took a nasty fall, but we'll get back up. We need to mature; the joy of working, of playing, will return. I don't think there was too much celebration. We celebrated on Sunday, then we trained and focused, but things didn't work out. They'll look for a lot of explanations now, but that's football. The team has been performing well for ten months, and we'll have to recapture all of that now," he says.
According to Fábio Luciano, the players need to suffer now in order to learn from the failure. He believes the squad is strong enough to recover quickly from this adverse phase.
"We have to show that we are a united group and reverse this situation as soon as possible. Nobody wanted to go through this, especially since we were in a good phase, with confidence. The atmosphere was like a funeral, but that's how it has to be, we have to suffer a little too. But we have an important championship ahead and we will seek the title and a place in the Libertadores. Our fans supported us until the end, but unfortunately it didn't happen. We have to learn to deal with the negative result, sit down and think carefully about what was done, but there are few bad things," he says.
The defender's absence was keenly felt in the match, which raised alarm bells. According to the captain, Flamengo cannot rely solely on its starters in the long Brazilian Championship.
"The group needs to know how to cope when an important player is out, because nobody is made of steel and the Brazilian Championship is long," he concludes.
Flamengo's psychologist: 'We have to grieve, it's necessary to be sad'
Paulo Ribeiro believes that the fact that the game against Santos will be played behind closed doors will have a positive aspect for the players at this time.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
I think Caio Júnior would have inherited a spot from Joel, but ended up with a big problem.
The defeat and elimination from the Copa Libertadores left Flamengo's players dejected. With the team starting an important competition this Sunday, the Brazilian Championship, a professional often overlooked in football teams comes into play: the psychologist. At Flamengo, Paulo Ribeiro is responsible for taking care of the players' mental state. According to him, in the two days following the setback, it's important for the players to intensely experience the suffering, but afterwards they need to lift their heads and move on to their next goals.
"In the medical field, we say that we have to grieve, it's necessary to be sad, disappointed, angry with ourselves. But this needs to last a maximum of two days. On the third day, we have to lift our heads and look for other paths, that's the key for the players. Our next objective is the Brazilian Championship, we want to win the title. After the two days of mourning, we'll dust ourselves off and get back on our feet. We're sad, obviously, but we'll keep running," he affirms.
According to the psychologist, Flamengo fans will never forget this painful elimination, and they don't need to. The important thing is not to let themselves be defeated and to learn from their mistakes.
"We'll never forget it, it will stay with us for life. Sadness and melancholy are what have to disappear. Life goes on, we can never be down for too long. We'll take this defeat as an example to achieve better results. I'll wait these two days and, together with Caio (Júnior), devise a strategy," he says.
In their opening match of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo will play Santos behind closed doors. Paulo Ribeiro believes this came at a good time for the team.
"This game behind closed doors will be good for regrouping, realigning, we'll have more peace of mind. Seeking victory, that will be our theme, especially given the format of the Brazilian Championship. We can't get to the end and be lamenting," he analyzes.
The psychologist commented on the fact that many people felt Flamengo did not approach América-MEX with the seriousness required for a Copa Libertadores match.
"The enthusiasm that's sweeping Rio and Brazil is what's creating this euphoric atmosphere surrounding Flamengo. It's not that the team doesn't know how to handle it. The euphoria that's taking over a nation is what makes us a little more relaxed, I think we've become a little relaxed, even because of the advantage," he concludes.
Flamengo beat Brasília in the last game before the knockout stage of the National Championship. Flamengo forward Marcelinho Machado was the top scorer with 30 points in the game won by the leader of the first phase, in Rio de Janeiro.
GLOBOESPORTE.COM Rio de Janeiro
Marcelinho is the top scorer in Flamengo's victory over Brasília with 30 points.
In the final game of the first phase of the Men's National Championship, Flamengo defeated Brasília 103-96 at the Gávea gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro. The game's top scorer was Marcelinho Machado, with 30 points. Flamengo had already secured first place and will advance to the playoffs with home-court advantage.
"Finishing the first phase with a victory is very good. The team showed that it is doing well and has fully recovered from the last two defeats. We displayed the attitude of a winning team. We had an excellent campaign in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different ball game. Our goal remains the unprecedented title, and we will do everything to get there. And for that, we also count on the support of our fans," says Marcelinho.
Flamengo finished the initial phase with 19 wins and three losses and will face Vila Velha, who finished in eighth place with nine wins and 13 losses. The first game will be played at Flamengo's home ground this Saturday at 11 am.
Brasília missed the chance to overtake Minas and finished in third place, with 15 wins and seven losses. The team will face Uberlândia in the quarterfinals. The first game will be played on Sunday at 11 am in the Federal Capital.
Check out the quarter-final matchups:
Flamengo (1st) vs. Vila Velha (8th)
Minas (2nd) vs Vitória (7th)
Brasília (3rd) vs. Uberlândia (6th)
Rio Claro (4th) vs. Joinville (5th)
Caio Júnior's arrival excites Jônatas.
The midfielder, who didn't get many chances under Joel Santana, assures he's ready to take the field if called upon by Flamengo's new manager.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
The fans' support didn't guarantee midfielder Jônatas a starting spot under Joel Santana.
The arrival of coach Caio Júnior to replace Joel Santana, who will lead the South African national team in the World Cup, has given extra motivation to some players who were not being selected, such as midfielder Jônatas, one of the most beloved by Flamengo fans. This Thursday, the coach said he will talk to each player to find out how he prefers to play. The player assures that he is ready to take the field if Caio Júnior selects him.
"With Caio Júnior's arrival, I have more hope of playing. I've been working on my physical conditioning for two weeks and I'm doing well, I just lack match fitness," he says.
Jônatas failed to win the trust of coach Joel Santana, and was further hampered by a muscle injury in his right thigh. He, however, insists that he holds no grudge against Joel.
"I didn't have problems with Joel as a person, but of course I was upset about not playing, every player is. I don't like just getting paid to train," he says.
In the final of the Campeonato Carioca, Jônatas, who was not selected for the match, preferred to watch the game from home and did not participate in the trophy presentation ceremony with his teammates.
Players isolate themselves to forget the trauma of being eliminated from the Libertadores Cup.
Most of the Flamengo squad prefers to sleep on Thursday afternoon. Goalkeeper Bruno is 'disappointed'.
Eduardo Peixoto From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
Players leave the field dejected after defeat.
The Flamengo players had only a few hours to digest the defeat against América-MEX. They left the Maracanã at 1 a.m., and by 10 a.m. they were back at Gávea for a closed-door meeting. The speed of events meant that the reality of the defeat hadn't sunk in yet, leading to a denial of the traumatic exit from the Copa Libertadores.
On Thursday afternoon, most of the team took the opportunity to – try to – catch up on sleep. According to people who were with the athletes on Thursday, it's all just a nightmare whose outcome will change when they wake up.
"How am I? Terrible. There's nothing to say right now," stammers midfielder Cristian.
Goalkeeper Bruno, who missed training on Thursday, is one of the most inconsolable. He isolated himself during the day and, according to friends, is "very disappointed" with the unexpected elimination from the Copa Libertadores. In the locker room, according to reports, the most indignant was left-back Juan.
The club officials did not answer calls during the day. In an official statement, the club's press office released a short text extolling the pride of being a Flamengo supporter, even in adversity. There will be training this Friday at 9 am in Gávea.
Caio Júnior will have to use his psychological side sooner than he expected. The Flamengo coach states that the elimination from the Libertadores Cup forces him to change his work mindset at this moment.
Fred Huber From GLOBOESPORTE.COM, in Rio de Janeiro
'Psychologist' Caio Júnior leads his first training session.