Five years of José Neto
The greatest coach in the history of FlaBasquete recalls moments since his arrival in 2012
By Victor Cachoeira - in Life had a plan for José Alves dos Santos Neto when he arrived in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. The coach, who had already been considered one of the best in the country, was about to face the biggest challenge of his career: coaching Clube de Regatas do Flamengo.
During his five years as a team, Neto won every state championship he played in, established himself with four Novo Basquete Brasil titles, and established himself by leading Flamengo to the top of the Americas and later the world. Since the match against Riachuelo on September 28, 09, José Neto has added a few more words to his name: José Neto of FLAMENGO. The greatest basketball coach in the club's history.
The coach recalled some moments from those five wonderful years exclusively for the Official Website. Check out the interview below.
Unforgettable moments
Learning during my time at Flamengo
During these five years at Flamengo, I've learned to be a better professional and a better person. Being at Flamengo is a unique feeling. It's going into every match knowing that the expectation is always to win, regardless of the opponent or the competition. This has made me more than just a coach. It's knowing in practice the need to improve every day. Over these years, we've managed to build a team of highly competent people in their fields, and by joining forces, we've gained a significant advantage in a highly competitive environment.
During his five years as a team, Neto won every state championship he played in, established himself with four Novo Basquete Brasil titles, and established himself by leading Flamengo to the top of the Americas and later the world. Since the match against Riachuelo on September 28, 09, José Neto has added a few more words to his name: José Neto of FLAMENGO. The greatest basketball coach in the club's history.
The coach recalled some moments from those five wonderful years exclusively for the Official Website. Check out the interview below.
Unforgettable moments
There were several unforgettable and important matches. Without a doubt, the World Cup was the most memorable! A dream come true. I had a very strong image in my head of the crowd invading the Ibiraquera stadium when Sírio won the World Cup in '79. After 35 years, the same thing was happening to me at the Barra Arena. It's impossible to forget that moment. Another important moment was the game that qualified us for the Intercontinental Cup: the victory over Pinheiros in the LDA final at Maracanãzinho, giving us the title of the competition undefeated. The games in the USA during the official NBA preseason were also very memorable; it was the first time in history a Brazilian team had such an opportunity. One final game that also left an impression on me was the NBB title we won in 2016 against Bauru. This was the fourth consecutive title in this competition, Flamengo's fifth title, making it the most successful team in the competition, and in an arena that months later would host one of the biggest events in the world: the Olympic Games.
Learning during my time at Flamengo
During these five years at Flamengo, I've learned to be a better professional and a better person. Being at Flamengo is a unique feeling. It's going into every match knowing that the expectation is always to win, regardless of the opponent or the competition. This has made me more than just a coach. It's knowing in practice the need to improve every day. Over these years, we've managed to build a team of highly competent people in their fields, and by joining forces, we've gained a significant advantage in a highly competitive environment.
Difficulties
There were several difficult moments, but they served as an incentive to become even stronger. We competed in 16 competitions and won eleven titles. These five that we didn't win were difficult moments, as the expectation is always to win. But I believe it further strengthened our work group, as we joined forces to move forward and win again. I always tell my team that problems will always exist, but we have to shift the focus from the problem to the solution! I believe we were able to achieve this well.
Fan support
Flamengo's fans are unique! The biggest in the world! They've always been one of the reasons we've been able to overcome difficulties. In all the years I've been at Flamengo, we've always had the support of the Red-Black Nation wherever we play. We always want to live up to our nickname, "Pride of the Nation," and that's why we spare no effort to give our all and honor all the affection shown by the Mengão fans.
What would the Neto of 2017 say to the Neto of 2012?
You're about to experience unforgettable moments in your life. Starting today, you'll no longer be managing a team; you'll be leading a true nation. Success!
There were several difficult moments, but they served as an incentive to become even stronger. We competed in 16 competitions and won eleven titles. These five that we didn't win were difficult moments, as the expectation is always to win. But I believe it further strengthened our work group, as we joined forces to move forward and win again. I always tell my team that problems will always exist, but we have to shift the focus from the problem to the solution! I believe we were able to achieve this well.
Fan support
Flamengo's fans are unique! The biggest in the world! They've always been one of the reasons we've been able to overcome difficulties. In all the years I've been at Flamengo, we've always had the support of the Red-Black Nation wherever we play. We always want to live up to our nickname, "Pride of the Nation," and that's why we spare no effort to give our all and honor all the affection shown by the Mengão fans.
What would the Neto of 2017 say to the Neto of 2012?
You're about to experience unforgettable moments in your life. Starting today, you'll no longer be managing a team; you'll be leading a true nation. Success!