Adílio: "The team has to be aware that this is a unique opportunity. They have to win."
Read "You Interview" with Adílio's answers to internet users' questions
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Adílio de Oliveira Gonçalves, known as Adílio, has a history with Flamengo. He is one of the heroes of their World Cup triumph. In Tokyo, on December 13, 1981, he had the joy of scoring one of the three goals in the victory over Liverpool. Born in Rio de Janeiro on May 15, 1956, Adílio also knows what it's like to win the Brazilian Championship. Wearing the Sacred Mantle, he won three—the last of which was in 1983, when he scored the winning goal.
In conversation with the team at Flamengo's official website, this Friday morning, the idol answered questions sent by internet users on "Você Entrevista" and said he was confident of winning the sixth title.
Read how the chat went.
Rodolfo Paes de Farias, 23 years old, programmer, Imbituba (SC) "I'd like to know who your biggest idols are in Flamengo's history, and if any of them sparked your passion for Mengão. I was lucky enough that Lico was born on the same street as me, and when I was little, I got a Flamengo jersey from him, and that was enough to make me a Flamengo fan."
Adilio – Imbituba is Lico's hometown. Back in my day, some people said Zizinho was a great player. But the kids were Pelé fans. They wanted to be like Pelé.
Laurene Maia Leite, 45 years old, journalist, São Luís (MA) – Adílio, at this time when the nation is waiting for another title, what memorable moment from your time at Flamengo comes to mind?
Adilio "There were many memorable matches. The World Cup final against Liverpool. And then there was the one against Santos, in the 1983 Brazilian Championship final, which really stuck with me because I scored the third goal in a decisive match. Santos was attacking a lot, and that goal killed the game. It was all good, it was just right. I was playing a perfect match, and all I needed was the goal to crown it all."Editor's Note: Flamengo was then winning 2-0, with goals from Zico and Leandro, and needed to win by two goals to win the title.].
Official website team – How was that game against Liverpool?
Adilio "They were champions of everything in Europe. The press here was tipping their team as favorites. We neutralized all their plays, their speed, and their crosses into the box. We just kept passing, passing, and before they knew it, it was 3-0."
Marco Antonio Gomes Raimundo, 29 years old, consultant, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Dear Adílio, I'd like to know if this FlaMaster project will also bring these stars, who honored and defended the Sacred Mantle, closer to the fans. In other words, we fans will have more access to these players. We fans need to have more contact with these club assets (former players).
Adilio "We already do that. Just hire FlaMaster. Go to the website and call me and we'll schedule the games. On the 12th, we'll be in Cordeiro, Rio de Janeiro. On the 13th, we'll be in Resende, Rio de Janeiro. And on the 17th and 18th, we'll be in Bahia. The FlaMaster website is www.Flamengomaster.com.br ."
Alesson Henrique de Souza Monteiro, 31 years old, Designer, Manaus (AM) - What was it like for you to defend the club with the biggest fan base in the country?
Adilio "We've managed to further increase our fan base with all these titles. As a kid, I always dreamed of playing for Flamengo, and I achieved my dream. These titles strengthened that group and made our generation a winner within the club."
Marcio Nunes De Souza, 41 years old, refrigeration technician, Brasília (DF) "Adílio, what's the biggest similarity between the '81 championship team and today's? And which current player resembles your playing style? Thank you for the joy you brought to red-and-black fans all over Brazil."
Adilio "The similarity is the desire to win the title. This team started to believe it could. Andrade gave them the right profile, made them believe constantly and realize they were the best and could make it. Now, individually, you don't see players like those on that team. You see Léo Moura play very well, but he's not Leandro; Petkovic is a star, but he's not Zico; and Willians is very good, but not to compare with Adílio."
Team Official website – Is physical preparation different now?
Adilio "In our time, it was more reinforced. We played Thursdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. A player like Léo Moura, with his skinny legs, wouldn't have played back then. We had to be stronger; we'd take a hit and have to stay on our feet, forming a foundation for sustainability and withstanding the blows. The refereeing was different."
Bruno Ricardo De O. Arruda, 20 years old, student, Cassilândia (MS) - First of all, thank you for everything you did for Mengão. I wanted to know if you, who won major titles with Mengão, what did you pass on to the players in the final stretch? And if Flamengo signs with a Chinese group, will they use former players? Would you be willing to participate?
Adilio "We just need to get over the tension from the last game and realize it's a unique opportunity. We have to win. As for the Chinese, if it happens, I'm willing to participate in the project. We have players at the Masters to coordinate that."
Official website team – How does the Masters team work?
Adilio "We have our own room at the club. We'll participate in social projects, give talks to fans, and play games at the Embassy grounds. Today, our group has 38 players and continues to grow. A new generation is emerging—Djalminha and Nélio...
Isabela de SB Gonçalves, 15 years old, student, Petrópolis (RJ) - Adílio, you were present at Flamengo's greatest triumphs and remain loyal to the team to this day, playing on the Masters team. How do you explain the connection you still have with the team and the fans?
Adilio – This identification came with the titles. Our captain [coach] Cláudio Coutinho said: "You have to win the Libertadores and the World Cup to make history." And we continued to win, and it just kept happening. We opened the door for many people. Today, many clubs compete in the Brazilian Championship with the Libertadores and the World Cup in mind. This was something that was forgotten before Flamengo. Back then, there weren't as many TV images as there are now, and there were no drug tests. We went out there and faced them.
Jefferson Estevão de Oliveira, 17 years old, student, Volta Redonda (RJ) – Adílio, your history is consecrated at Flamengo, participating in important titles: Libertadores, World Cup among others... and as a red-and-black fan, do you think that Flamengo really now gives a worthy response to the Paulistas and others who were saying that Flamengo could never compete for a title in a championship with points?
Adilio "Flamengo doesn't need to answer to anyone. It's a club with a history. But the people of São Paulo have learned to like Flamengo, as have fans from other states... We have a lot of fans in São Paulo."
João Marcio Leal Correa, 35 years old, security guard, Cuiabá (MT) – Adílio, you who lived through all the euphoria and glories of the 80s, in your opinion, what was missing for Flamengo to take advantage of that decade and become the richest and most structured club in Brazil?
Adilio – At that time, the club was working very well. The management lacked a little more professionalism.
Isis Kezia de Lima Alves de Moraes, 21 years old, student, Apodi (RN) "We haven't won a Brazilian Championship in 17 years. Do you think we'll win this title with everything that's happening at Flamengo? Adílio, I haven't had the privilege of seeing you play. Unfortunately, today's team plays like you did in the 70s and 80s. Adílio, thank you for everything you did for Flamengo."
Adilio – Leave. We believe you will. Everyone is focused and clear-headed.
Marcel de Queiroz Pereira, economist, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Adílio, you had a great track record as a coach for Flamengo's youth team between 2004 and 2007. Is there anything missing to become a coach for the professional team? Andrade said he wouldn't accept being an assistant anymore, as he now considers himself a coach. Would you accept being "the Andrade" to Coach Andrade? Thank you for all the joy you've brought Flamengo!
Adilio – We're partners. We talk constantly. Just today [December 04th] he called me. We're friends. We always have been.
Official website team – You worked with many young players from this squad. What was that experience like?
Adilio "I've worked with all of them. Fabricio, Lenon, Camacho, Mezenga, Marlon, Welliton, Marcelo Lomba, Flores... among others. Last week I was with them and remembered that I told them, even in the youth team, that they would be in the professional team and competing for a Brazilian title. We worked a lot on fundamentals. Those who only knew how to shoot with their right learned to shoot with their left. Those who couldn't head the ball learned to head the ball. After Fabrício arrived, I put him at center back. He was a left back and wasn't fit. The support this generation provides is immense. They already know the club and want to win. Players who come from outside have to be good. If not, they [the young people] take the place. They are all good players.
Francismar Calefi Mudest, student, Pará de Minas (MG) – Hi, Adílio, how are you? I'd like to hear the following from you: what strikes you most about football today, compared to your era? The pay gap, the distance between players and fans, or the training structure? Best regards!
Adilio – The training structure. The other two are normal. The star guy stays home and doesn't go out. The humble guy goes out and goes to the people.
Official website team – Weren’t you bothered by the harassment from fans?
Adilio "I've always been a part of the crowd. I've always made a point of signing autographs, being photographed, giving talks, and doing social work with children."
Felipe Xavier Julião, 20 years old, salesman, Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (ES) - Adílio, what do you attribute Flamengo's significant growth to over the last three years?
Adilio – For Flamengo's history. Flamengo has history.
Josué Santiago Mariano Junior, 42 years old, musician, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - How would you enter the field in this championship final and what attitude do you think the team should take?
Adilio "We have to win the game. This is a unique opportunity. Andrade will decide the tactical aspect."
In conversation with the team at Flamengo's official website, this Friday morning, the idol answered questions sent by internet users on "Você Entrevista" and said he was confident of winning the sixth title.
Read how the chat went.
Rodolfo Paes de Farias, 23 years old, programmer, Imbituba (SC) "I'd like to know who your biggest idols are in Flamengo's history, and if any of them sparked your passion for Mengão. I was lucky enough that Lico was born on the same street as me, and when I was little, I got a Flamengo jersey from him, and that was enough to make me a Flamengo fan."
Adilio – Imbituba is Lico's hometown. Back in my day, some people said Zizinho was a great player. But the kids were Pelé fans. They wanted to be like Pelé.
Laurene Maia Leite, 45 years old, journalist, São Luís (MA) – Adílio, at this time when the nation is waiting for another title, what memorable moment from your time at Flamengo comes to mind?
Adilio "There were many memorable matches. The World Cup final against Liverpool. And then there was the one against Santos, in the 1983 Brazilian Championship final, which really stuck with me because I scored the third goal in a decisive match. Santos was attacking a lot, and that goal killed the game. It was all good, it was just right. I was playing a perfect match, and all I needed was the goal to crown it all."Editor's Note: Flamengo was then winning 2-0, with goals from Zico and Leandro, and needed to win by two goals to win the title.].
Official website team – How was that game against Liverpool?
Adilio "They were champions of everything in Europe. The press here was tipping their team as favorites. We neutralized all their plays, their speed, and their crosses into the box. We just kept passing, passing, and before they knew it, it was 3-0."
Marco Antonio Gomes Raimundo, 29 years old, consultant, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) – Dear Adílio, I'd like to know if this FlaMaster project will also bring these stars, who honored and defended the Sacred Mantle, closer to the fans. In other words, we fans will have more access to these players. We fans need to have more contact with these club assets (former players).
Adilio "We already do that. Just hire FlaMaster. Go to the website and call me and we'll schedule the games. On the 12th, we'll be in Cordeiro, Rio de Janeiro. On the 13th, we'll be in Resende, Rio de Janeiro. And on the 17th and 18th, we'll be in Bahia. The FlaMaster website is www.Flamengomaster.com.br ."
Alesson Henrique de Souza Monteiro, 31 years old, Designer, Manaus (AM) - What was it like for you to defend the club with the biggest fan base in the country?
Adilio "We've managed to further increase our fan base with all these titles. As a kid, I always dreamed of playing for Flamengo, and I achieved my dream. These titles strengthened that group and made our generation a winner within the club."
Marcio Nunes De Souza, 41 years old, refrigeration technician, Brasília (DF) "Adílio, what's the biggest similarity between the '81 championship team and today's? And which current player resembles your playing style? Thank you for the joy you brought to red-and-black fans all over Brazil."
Adilio "The similarity is the desire to win the title. This team started to believe it could. Andrade gave them the right profile, made them believe constantly and realize they were the best and could make it. Now, individually, you don't see players like those on that team. You see Léo Moura play very well, but he's not Leandro; Petkovic is a star, but he's not Zico; and Willians is very good, but not to compare with Adílio."
Team Official website – Is physical preparation different now?
Adilio "In our time, it was more reinforced. We played Thursdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. A player like Léo Moura, with his skinny legs, wouldn't have played back then. We had to be stronger; we'd take a hit and have to stay on our feet, forming a foundation for sustainability and withstanding the blows. The refereeing was different."
Bruno Ricardo De O. Arruda, 20 years old, student, Cassilândia (MS) - First of all, thank you for everything you did for Mengão. I wanted to know if you, who won major titles with Mengão, what did you pass on to the players in the final stretch? And if Flamengo signs with a Chinese group, will they use former players? Would you be willing to participate?
Adilio "We just need to get over the tension from the last game and realize it's a unique opportunity. We have to win. As for the Chinese, if it happens, I'm willing to participate in the project. We have players at the Masters to coordinate that."
Official website team – How does the Masters team work?
Adilio "We have our own room at the club. We'll participate in social projects, give talks to fans, and play games at the Embassy grounds. Today, our group has 38 players and continues to grow. A new generation is emerging—Djalminha and Nélio...
Isabela de SB Gonçalves, 15 years old, student, Petrópolis (RJ) - Adílio, you were present at Flamengo's greatest triumphs and remain loyal to the team to this day, playing on the Masters team. How do you explain the connection you still have with the team and the fans?
Adilio – This identification came with the titles. Our captain [coach] Cláudio Coutinho said: "You have to win the Libertadores and the World Cup to make history." And we continued to win, and it just kept happening. We opened the door for many people. Today, many clubs compete in the Brazilian Championship with the Libertadores and the World Cup in mind. This was something that was forgotten before Flamengo. Back then, there weren't as many TV images as there are now, and there were no drug tests. We went out there and faced them.
Jefferson Estevão de Oliveira, 17 years old, student, Volta Redonda (RJ) – Adílio, your history is consecrated at Flamengo, participating in important titles: Libertadores, World Cup among others... and as a red-and-black fan, do you think that Flamengo really now gives a worthy response to the Paulistas and others who were saying that Flamengo could never compete for a title in a championship with points?
Adilio "Flamengo doesn't need to answer to anyone. It's a club with a history. But the people of São Paulo have learned to like Flamengo, as have fans from other states... We have a lot of fans in São Paulo."
João Marcio Leal Correa, 35 years old, security guard, Cuiabá (MT) – Adílio, you who lived through all the euphoria and glories of the 80s, in your opinion, what was missing for Flamengo to take advantage of that decade and become the richest and most structured club in Brazil?
Adilio – At that time, the club was working very well. The management lacked a little more professionalism.
Isis Kezia de Lima Alves de Moraes, 21 years old, student, Apodi (RN) "We haven't won a Brazilian Championship in 17 years. Do you think we'll win this title with everything that's happening at Flamengo? Adílio, I haven't had the privilege of seeing you play. Unfortunately, today's team plays like you did in the 70s and 80s. Adílio, thank you for everything you did for Flamengo."
Adilio – Leave. We believe you will. Everyone is focused and clear-headed.
Marcel de Queiroz Pereira, economist, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - Adílio, you had a great track record as a coach for Flamengo's youth team between 2004 and 2007. Is there anything missing to become a coach for the professional team? Andrade said he wouldn't accept being an assistant anymore, as he now considers himself a coach. Would you accept being "the Andrade" to Coach Andrade? Thank you for all the joy you've brought Flamengo!
Adilio – We're partners. We talk constantly. Just today [December 04th] he called me. We're friends. We always have been.
Official website team – You worked with many young players from this squad. What was that experience like?
Adilio "I've worked with all of them. Fabricio, Lenon, Camacho, Mezenga, Marlon, Welliton, Marcelo Lomba, Flores... among others. Last week I was with them and remembered that I told them, even in the youth team, that they would be in the professional team and competing for a Brazilian title. We worked a lot on fundamentals. Those who only knew how to shoot with their right learned to shoot with their left. Those who couldn't head the ball learned to head the ball. After Fabrício arrived, I put him at center back. He was a left back and wasn't fit. The support this generation provides is immense. They already know the club and want to win. Players who come from outside have to be good. If not, they [the young people] take the place. They are all good players.
Francismar Calefi Mudest, student, Pará de Minas (MG) – Hi, Adílio, how are you? I'd like to hear the following from you: what strikes you most about football today, compared to your era? The pay gap, the distance between players and fans, or the training structure? Best regards!
Adilio – The training structure. The other two are normal. The star guy stays home and doesn't go out. The humble guy goes out and goes to the people.
Official website team – Weren’t you bothered by the harassment from fans?
Adilio "I've always been a part of the crowd. I've always made a point of signing autographs, being photographed, giving talks, and doing social work with children."
Felipe Xavier Julião, 20 years old, salesman, Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (ES) - Adílio, what do you attribute Flamengo's significant growth to over the last three years?
Adilio – For Flamengo's history. Flamengo has history.
Josué Santiago Mariano Junior, 42 years old, musician, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) - How would you enter the field in this championship final and what attitude do you think the team should take?
Adilio "We have to win the game. This is a unique opportunity. Andrade will decide the tactical aspect."