Angelim won't start in Flamengo's Copa Libertadores debut. But, contrary to what many fans might think, he wasn't sidelined or blamed for any potential defensive lapses. Quite the opposite. He remains confident and has the support of the entire coaching staff. However, for tactical reasons, coach Andrade chose to give Fabrício a chance in the starting lineup against Universidad Católica on Wednesday at the Maracanã.

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The hero of the sixth Brazilian championship in late 2009, Ronaldo Angelim didn't have the start to 2010 he had hoped for. The player admits his performance is below expectations, but assures he will work to recover and return to his old style. The defender doesn't see himself as solely to blame for the team's high number of goals conceded at the start of the year.

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"I don't think it's a question of a bad run of form, all the other defenders played and the team has been conceding goals. These are not exclusively my faults, but I have to improve," he said.

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The defender spoke with coach Andrade in recent days, and heard from the coach that he will be among the reserves only because the defense needs players with greater stature for the duel against Católica, which has aerial play as one of its main strengths.

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"I spoke with Andrade, and it was a matter of choice. Flamengo is facing a taller team, and he opted to play a taller defender. Regardless, I know I have to improve, and I'll work hard to be in better shape when I return," he added.

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Since arriving at Gávea in 2006, Ronaldo Simões Angelim, 34, has played 208 matches for Flamengo. He's only been a substitute in five of them. The defender has scored 13 goals—one of which was the one that won the 2009 Brazilian title—received 34 yellow cards and has never been sent off.