Inspired by Gonzaguinha, the U-20 coach believes in his young men
Cleber dos Santos leads the team that has the tough mission of beating Fluminense by four goals to become Rio de Janeiro champions.
By Communication - Official Club Website - in"I believe in the guys." The first verse of one of Gonzaguinha's most famous songs is now also a slogan within Flamengo's youth squad. Next Saturday (May 18.05), the team needs to beat Fluminense by four goals to finish the 90 minutes as state champions. The task is difficult, but Cleber dos Santos believes in his guys.
"The attitude will certainly be very different from that shown in the first game of the final (Fla lost 3-0). Our team won the most in the championship, we have the best attack and we will adopt an approach compatible with Flamengo's size. We will play as equals and seek victory," said the coach.
In 2012, Flamengo's youth team lost the first leg of the Otavio Pinto Guimarães Tournament finals to Botafogo 2-1. In the return leg, played at their opponent's home ground, Flamengo won 3-2 in regulation time and took the title after winning the penalty shootout. Next Saturday, only a three-goal victory for Flamengo will see the title decided by free kicks.
"The players themselves have already spoken among themselves and with the coaching staff about this turnaround in the OPG Tournament. They know the taste of a victory over a traditional opponent. Against Fluminense, we want to come out victorious and, if possible, with the title. At the beginning of the year, we set this victory as a goal because Flamengo hasn't won the U-20 Carioca Championship since 2007," said the coach.
Since last Monday (May 13.05), Cleber's team has been training hard at CT George Helal. But, beyond physical and technical issues, the motivational aspect is very important since the team is coming off a 3-0 defeat. At this moment, the work of Daniele Muniz, the team's psychologist, becomes fundamental.
"Daniele spoke with the team on Tuesday (14.05) to detect the players' anxieties and expectations. She has been with the same group for six years and understands their individual and collective characteristics well. On Friday and perhaps even Saturday, already in the locker room, she will make another intervention", said Cleber dos Santos.
The second leg of the State Championship final between Flamengo and Fluminense is scheduled to begin at 15 p.m. next Saturday. The grand finale will be staged at the Moça Bonita Stadium in Bangu, with free admission. While Cleber dos Santos believes in his young people, "I'm going to fight with this youth" is likely the line from Gonzaguinha's song that dictates the behavior of the red-and-black fans.
"The attitude will certainly be very different from that shown in the first game of the final (Fla lost 3-0). Our team won the most in the championship, we have the best attack and we will adopt an approach compatible with Flamengo's size. We will play as equals and seek victory," said the coach.
In 2012, Flamengo's youth team lost the first leg of the Otavio Pinto Guimarães Tournament finals to Botafogo 2-1. In the return leg, played at their opponent's home ground, Flamengo won 3-2 in regulation time and took the title after winning the penalty shootout. Next Saturday, only a three-goal victory for Flamengo will see the title decided by free kicks.
"The players themselves have already spoken among themselves and with the coaching staff about this turnaround in the OPG Tournament. They know the taste of a victory over a traditional opponent. Against Fluminense, we want to come out victorious and, if possible, with the title. At the beginning of the year, we set this victory as a goal because Flamengo hasn't won the U-20 Carioca Championship since 2007," said the coach.
Since last Monday (May 13.05), Cleber's team has been training hard at CT George Helal. But, beyond physical and technical issues, the motivational aspect is very important since the team is coming off a 3-0 defeat. At this moment, the work of Daniele Muniz, the team's psychologist, becomes fundamental.
"Daniele spoke with the team on Tuesday (14.05) to detect the players' anxieties and expectations. She has been with the same group for six years and understands their individual and collective characteristics well. On Friday and perhaps even Saturday, already in the locker room, she will make another intervention", said Cleber dos Santos.
The second leg of the State Championship final between Flamengo and Fluminense is scheduled to begin at 15 p.m. next Saturday. The grand finale will be staged at the Moça Bonita Stadium in Bangu, with free admission. While Cleber dos Santos believes in his young people, "I'm going to fight with this youth" is likely the line from Gonzaguinha's song that dictates the behavior of the red-and-black fans.