"We owe a lot to Pet for the world title," says José Moraes, coach of Fla's Fut 7 team
After winning the Club World Cup, the Serbian star remains part of the squad, which now turns its attention to the Campeonato Carioca
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
Having a star player who resonates with the fans on the roster. What's a dream for many coaches has become a reality for José Moraes, head coach of Flamengo's 7-a-side football team. Petkovic's arrival to the group he leads has had the expected effect of raising the team's level, but it was also surprising due to the friendship the Serbian has forged with everyone on the squad. On the field and behind the scenes in the locker room, the foreigner was instrumental in Flamengo winning the Club World Cup last weekend.
"Pet's arrival was fantastic. He's a wonderful player. His technique is very refined, he's very professional and down-to-earth. He trained with the guys, went to the hotel, and stayed for the talks. On the day of the final, even injured, he put on his jersey to sit on the bench. He's a 10 not only as a player, but also as a person. Very humble, he became friends with everyone, and we definitely owe a lot to Pet for the world title," said the red-and-black coach.
Flamengo's 7-a-side football team was founded two and a half years ago and was coached solely by José Moraes. Since then, the team has competed in 24 competitions and won 19. Among the most important titles are three Brazilian Cups, two Brazilian Championships, and the Mundialito. All won undefeated.
"Winning the Mundialito was wonderful. It was the title we needed. It was great to be champion in Rio de Janeiro and to have beaten another team from the city (Fluminense) in the final, a double joy," said José Moraes, who was named the best coach of the competition. Pet, with six goals, was the top scorer.
Flamengo now turns its attention back to the Campeonato Carioca, a competition in which it leads the qualifying stage with a 100% record after six rounds. Since the state championship ends in November, José Moraes is considering taking the team to play abroad at the end of the year.
"Pet's arrival was fantastic. He's a wonderful player. His technique is very refined, he's very professional and down-to-earth. He trained with the guys, went to the hotel, and stayed for the talks. On the day of the final, even injured, he put on his jersey to sit on the bench. He's a 10 not only as a player, but also as a person. Very humble, he became friends with everyone, and we definitely owe a lot to Pet for the world title," said the red-and-black coach.
Flamengo's 7-a-side football team was founded two and a half years ago and was coached solely by José Moraes. Since then, the team has competed in 24 competitions and won 19. Among the most important titles are three Brazilian Cups, two Brazilian Championships, and the Mundialito. All won undefeated.
"Winning the Mundialito was wonderful. It was the title we needed. It was great to be champion in Rio de Janeiro and to have beaten another team from the city (Fluminense) in the final, a double joy," said José Moraes, who was named the best coach of the competition. Pet, with six goals, was the top scorer.
Flamengo now turns its attention back to the Campeonato Carioca, a competition in which it leads the qualifying stage with a 100% record after six rounds. Since the state championship ends in November, José Moraes is considering taking the team to play abroad at the end of the year.