Lots of talk on Joel Santana's first day

After being introduced during a locker room meeting, coach Joel Santana began his fourth stint at Flamengo with a lot of conversation with the players. After a grueling physical training session led by Ronaldo Torres, the Flamengo coach spoke separately with some players and paid special attention to the defenders. For Joel, the team's current form in the Brazilian Championship doesn't allow for wasting time. "I'm trying to get to know the players better, because on Sunday we have a tough match at Vila Belmiro, against Santos. I have to find solutions quickly. Being so far behind in the table is something that bothers me and everyone here at the club. This isn't the time for sweet talk, it's for action," Joel stated. The coach made no secret of his commitment to the defense. The solution, according to Joel, may simply be more attention during matches. "In any team sport, if the defense isn't performing well, the results won't come. I know the position well, and it's not normal for us to concede goals like we have been. Sometimes you can fix it by paying a little more attention," Joel explained.