The symbol of a generation accustomed to winning
Captain, top scorer and leader of the Flamengo team, Marcelinho talks about his role and expectations for 2011
By From the official website team - in
He's the leader; the star of the team. Coach Paulo Chupeta says so, his teammates agree, and he himself knows his responsibility. Goal scorer, captain, and spokesperson, Marcelinho Machado, has taken on the role of franchise player (a symbol of Flamengo's player) since signing with the Gávea club in 2007. And it's no wonder. The star of the four Rio de Janeiro titles, two Brazilian titles, and one South American title won since then, he has everyone's trust to be the symbol of this winning generation of Flamengo basketball.
A generation he hopes to help further cement in 2011. On Christmas Eve, it's only fitting to talk to a player who helped Flamengo's basketball team give its fans countless gifts. Voted best player and top scorer in the National Championship in both 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, when Flamengo won the championship, as well as top scorer and MVP of the 2008-2009 South American League finals, not to mention his brilliance in the four Carioca Championships since joining the club, Marcelinho is the leading figure in a new era in the sport.
It was that, as far as he's concerned, it will last a long time. Confident in the group's talent, Marcelinho says in an interview with Flamengo's official website that he's not thinking about retiring yet and hopes to win more titles with the Red-Blacks. Happy to shine for his beloved club, he says the thrill is even greater after winning a championship with the Gávea club, admits that 2010 fell short of expectations, and sees the Liga das Américas as a chance for recovery in the next six months.
Check out the full chat below:
The year 2010 – It wasn't a good year for Flamengo. We played in the NBB final, but lost in the fifth game. In the three losses, we could have won. They were losses by one shot. We regret the opportunity that passed us by. The South American Championship even more so, as it was at home. It was hard to swallow. But we have to move forward. We won the sixth title in the State Championship, and that should be appreciated.
"Holy Hand" – In any sport, you have to train. Any profession that demands performance only achieves a high level through training. Basketball is no different. I work hard, I train a lot, to always be hitting shots in games.
Identification – It's very different. Playing for a club with such tradition, with the largest fan base in Brazil, is incredibly meaningful. For me, it's even more rewarding. I grew up in Gávea, I'm a fan, I follow soccer, I go to Maracanã, and being able to see the fans chanting your name, celebrating for our team, is truly wonderful. It's a very special moment in my career. The happiest.
Leadership - It's a characteristic of mine. I've been improving over time. Maturity and experience help. You have more experience, you've seen more things in the sport, and your opinion comes from a little more knowledge. But this is a reflection of a group that sees this naturally. Even though I have this way of acting, that doesn't mean another player can't call me out. In team sports, one has to correct the other, always thinking about victory. It's easier to be a leader on a team like Flamengo.
League of the Americas – I wouldn't say it's the most important title, but it's an additional goal. We can't rule out any title, but the League, if we win it, will be special. We've reached the National Championship twice, a South American Championship, and won other championships, but we haven't even reached the goalposts for the League of the Americas yet. It would be special, for sure. But a National Championship, for example, is also important.
Preparing for 2011 – The other three times we played in the Liga de las Américas, we had absences. That was a bit of a burden. I hope we're complete now, which makes a difference. Our well-rounded and united group is very strong. We know our capabilities. It's a short-term tournament; in three days, you have to be at your best. We'll give it our all. It's the beginning of the season, after a holiday, but that's the same for everyone, and the team's focus is on winning this title.
Recess – Physically, it might not be ideal. But psychologically, it's very good. It's time to reflect on these first six months and prepare for the toughest, most decisive period. The regular season finals of the National Championship and the Liga de las Américas are coming up, and we have to be prepared. So I see this break as a positive thing, because you can recharge your batteries and prepare for what will be a tough semester.
Marcelinho's Future – I don't plan much. I've always thought that as long as I perform, I'll want to play. For the national team, where performance is higher and more demanding, for the club... As long as I know I can contribute, I'll play. I have a contract until the end of 2012, which I intend to fulfill, and I hope I can continue for a little longer.
Recognition - I can't put into words how much this fan base means to us. Playing for Flamengo is a lot like this: knowing the fans are there, supporting us, wherever we go. In the game against Pinheiros, we started poorly, they were 20 points up, in 50-degree weather inside Tijuca, the team was tired, but we were able to come back because of the fans. We owe a lot to them. They always do that. That day, we couldn't win, but when we came back and won, it's thanks to the players, but also, above all, to them, who never tire of supporting us.
A generation he hopes to help further cement in 2011. On Christmas Eve, it's only fitting to talk to a player who helped Flamengo's basketball team give its fans countless gifts. Voted best player and top scorer in the National Championship in both 2007-2008 and 2008-2009, when Flamengo won the championship, as well as top scorer and MVP of the 2008-2009 South American League finals, not to mention his brilliance in the four Carioca Championships since joining the club, Marcelinho is the leading figure in a new era in the sport.
It was that, as far as he's concerned, it will last a long time. Confident in the group's talent, Marcelinho says in an interview with Flamengo's official website that he's not thinking about retiring yet and hopes to win more titles with the Red-Blacks. Happy to shine for his beloved club, he says the thrill is even greater after winning a championship with the Gávea club, admits that 2010 fell short of expectations, and sees the Liga das Américas as a chance for recovery in the next six months.
Check out the full chat below:
The year 2010 – It wasn't a good year for Flamengo. We played in the NBB final, but lost in the fifth game. In the three losses, we could have won. They were losses by one shot. We regret the opportunity that passed us by. The South American Championship even more so, as it was at home. It was hard to swallow. But we have to move forward. We won the sixth title in the State Championship, and that should be appreciated.
"Holy Hand" – In any sport, you have to train. Any profession that demands performance only achieves a high level through training. Basketball is no different. I work hard, I train a lot, to always be hitting shots in games.
Identification – It's very different. Playing for a club with such tradition, with the largest fan base in Brazil, is incredibly meaningful. For me, it's even more rewarding. I grew up in Gávea, I'm a fan, I follow soccer, I go to Maracanã, and being able to see the fans chanting your name, celebrating for our team, is truly wonderful. It's a very special moment in my career. The happiest.
Leadership - It's a characteristic of mine. I've been improving over time. Maturity and experience help. You have more experience, you've seen more things in the sport, and your opinion comes from a little more knowledge. But this is a reflection of a group that sees this naturally. Even though I have this way of acting, that doesn't mean another player can't call me out. In team sports, one has to correct the other, always thinking about victory. It's easier to be a leader on a team like Flamengo.
League of the Americas – I wouldn't say it's the most important title, but it's an additional goal. We can't rule out any title, but the League, if we win it, will be special. We've reached the National Championship twice, a South American Championship, and won other championships, but we haven't even reached the goalposts for the League of the Americas yet. It would be special, for sure. But a National Championship, for example, is also important.
Preparing for 2011 – The other three times we played in the Liga de las Américas, we had absences. That was a bit of a burden. I hope we're complete now, which makes a difference. Our well-rounded and united group is very strong. We know our capabilities. It's a short-term tournament; in three days, you have to be at your best. We'll give it our all. It's the beginning of the season, after a holiday, but that's the same for everyone, and the team's focus is on winning this title.
Recess – Physically, it might not be ideal. But psychologically, it's very good. It's time to reflect on these first six months and prepare for the toughest, most decisive period. The regular season finals of the National Championship and the Liga de las Américas are coming up, and we have to be prepared. So I see this break as a positive thing, because you can recharge your batteries and prepare for what will be a tough semester.
Marcelinho's Future – I don't plan much. I've always thought that as long as I perform, I'll want to play. For the national team, where performance is higher and more demanding, for the club... As long as I know I can contribute, I'll play. I have a contract until the end of 2012, which I intend to fulfill, and I hope I can continue for a little longer.
Recognition - I can't put into words how much this fan base means to us. Playing for Flamengo is a lot like this: knowing the fans are there, supporting us, wherever we go. In the game against Pinheiros, we started poorly, they were 20 points up, in 50-degree weather inside Tijuca, the team was tired, but we were able to come back because of the fans. We owe a lot to them. They always do that. That day, we couldn't win, but when we came back and won, it's thanks to the players, but also, above all, to them, who never tire of supporting us.