Camacho: Rogério Lourenço's trusted man
Having worked with the current professional coach since his youth years, the midfielder has been earning chances as a starter.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Flamengo's offseason is coming to an end. Next Wednesday (July 14.07), Flamengo fans will finally be able to see their team on the field against Botafogo at the Maracanã. And there's a good chance they'll see number 34, Guilherme Camacho, on the field. The midfielder has been a trusted figure of coach Rogério Lourenço since the youth teams and has been trying to maintain his place as a starter in the professional squad as well.
Born on March 2, 1990, Camacho is 20 years old and has played for Flamengo for 11 years. Since his youth years at Gávea, he has played 16 games for the first team: 10 in the sixth-title campaign in 2009 and six this year (four as a starter). It's still not enough for the midfielder, who dreams of a future filled with achievements for the Red-Blacks.
In an exclusive interview with Flamengo's official website, Camacho revealed his connection to the club, spoke about his inspiration from Petkovic, and promised the fans not only a strong spirit but also quality playmaking. Watch the full interview below:
Flamengo's official website team: You're a player who strongly identifies with Flamengo. What's it like to become a professional player after so much time in the youth ranks?
Camacho: I've been with Flamengo since I was nine. I arrived at the club with no expectations, just to train, and now I'm here. I grew through the youth academy, excelled, and eventually had the opportunity to be promoted. I was part of the Brazilian championship squad after 17 years. It's a dream come true.
Team: Your relationship with Rogério goes back a few years. Do you think that was crucial in getting you more professional opportunities?
Camacho: I first trained with Rogério in 2006, in the youth team. We won many titles and ended up growing together at Flamengo, because when we were promoted to the junior team, he also ended up taking over the team. So he already knows me well, as well as other players in the squad, and I'm very happy about this opportunity.
Team: Petkovic is one of the most experienced players on the roster and the key player in his position. What's your relationship like?
Camacho: We talked a lot. Pet is a very calm guy who helps the group a lot. He always gives me tips on how to pass the ball, when to be more calm, and that's very important. I remember that, in 2001, I was 11 years old when he scored that goal. I was already at Flamengo and I remember the importance of that title.
Team: Is your playstyle similar to Pet's?
Camacho: My role is to create, but I also focus on marking. I play that third man. I help Pet create, and I also have to run to give him a little more freedom, giving him the freedom to create. I've always played this way, since the youth academy, and it's how I believe I can play my best football.
Team: What can fans expect from Guilherme Camacho?
Camacho: Flamengo fans can expect a lot of dedication from me. There will be no shortage of determination and drive, not just from me but from the entire group. And they can also expect a player with quality passing and a strong desire to mark. I'll run a lot, work hard, and hope to stay here for a long time.
Team: Was the preseason in Itu beneficial for Flamengo?
Camacho: These days in Itu were very important. We worked hard, dedicated ourselves, and I believe the results will be reaped in the upcoming Brasileirão matches. There have been some changes in the squad, but we're working hard so that when the time comes for the Botafogo match, we'll all be in good shape. We're having time to work, and now we have to approach each moment as a decision.
Team: In some games towards the end of the first half of the year, you were clearly exhausted. How are you feeling physically?
Camacho: I'm feeling good. At first, I was a little out of rhythm, but now, with a run of games and the work I did during the offseason, I'm much better and ready for the professional game.
Team: You've been training as a starter since the start of the offseason. How important is that, and how do you feel about the coach's confidence?
Camacho: It's important to have the coach's trust, and I'm very happy about that, but I know nothing is set in stone. A lot can change overnight, and I have to keep my head on straight. But it's definitely important to have started these first training sessions as a starter, and I'll work hard to stay in the first team.
Team: What can you say about the 2009 Brazilian title campaign?
Camacho: That campaign served as a learning experience. It was a historic title, and I'm very happy to have participated. Last year, I wasn't as comfortable with the professional scene as I am this year. I believe I'm more confident now. In 2009, I had just moved up, and that set me back a bit.
Born on March 2, 1990, Camacho is 20 years old and has played for Flamengo for 11 years. Since his youth years at Gávea, he has played 16 games for the first team: 10 in the sixth-title campaign in 2009 and six this year (four as a starter). It's still not enough for the midfielder, who dreams of a future filled with achievements for the Red-Blacks.
In an exclusive interview with Flamengo's official website, Camacho revealed his connection to the club, spoke about his inspiration from Petkovic, and promised the fans not only a strong spirit but also quality playmaking. Watch the full interview below:
Flamengo's official website team: You're a player who strongly identifies with Flamengo. What's it like to become a professional player after so much time in the youth ranks?
Camacho: I've been with Flamengo since I was nine. I arrived at the club with no expectations, just to train, and now I'm here. I grew through the youth academy, excelled, and eventually had the opportunity to be promoted. I was part of the Brazilian championship squad after 17 years. It's a dream come true.
Team: Your relationship with Rogério goes back a few years. Do you think that was crucial in getting you more professional opportunities?
Camacho: I first trained with Rogério in 2006, in the youth team. We won many titles and ended up growing together at Flamengo, because when we were promoted to the junior team, he also ended up taking over the team. So he already knows me well, as well as other players in the squad, and I'm very happy about this opportunity.
Team: Petkovic is one of the most experienced players on the roster and the key player in his position. What's your relationship like?
Camacho: We talked a lot. Pet is a very calm guy who helps the group a lot. He always gives me tips on how to pass the ball, when to be more calm, and that's very important. I remember that, in 2001, I was 11 years old when he scored that goal. I was already at Flamengo and I remember the importance of that title.
Team: Is your playstyle similar to Pet's?
Camacho: My role is to create, but I also focus on marking. I play that third man. I help Pet create, and I also have to run to give him a little more freedom, giving him the freedom to create. I've always played this way, since the youth academy, and it's how I believe I can play my best football.
Team: What can fans expect from Guilherme Camacho?
Camacho: Flamengo fans can expect a lot of dedication from me. There will be no shortage of determination and drive, not just from me but from the entire group. And they can also expect a player with quality passing and a strong desire to mark. I'll run a lot, work hard, and hope to stay here for a long time.
Team: Was the preseason in Itu beneficial for Flamengo?
Camacho: These days in Itu were very important. We worked hard, dedicated ourselves, and I believe the results will be reaped in the upcoming Brasileirão matches. There have been some changes in the squad, but we're working hard so that when the time comes for the Botafogo match, we'll all be in good shape. We're having time to work, and now we have to approach each moment as a decision.
Team: In some games towards the end of the first half of the year, you were clearly exhausted. How are you feeling physically?
Camacho: I'm feeling good. At first, I was a little out of rhythm, but now, with a run of games and the work I did during the offseason, I'm much better and ready for the professional game.
Team: You've been training as a starter since the start of the offseason. How important is that, and how do you feel about the coach's confidence?
Camacho: It's important to have the coach's trust, and I'm very happy about that, but I know nothing is set in stone. A lot can change overnight, and I have to keep my head on straight. But it's definitely important to have started these first training sessions as a starter, and I'll work hard to stay in the first team.
Team: What can you say about the 2009 Brazilian title campaign?
Camacho: That campaign served as a learning experience. It was a historic title, and I'm very happy to have participated. Last year, I wasn't as comfortable with the professional scene as I am this year. I believe I'm more confident now. In 2009, I had just moved up, and that set me back a bit.