Luxa values Flamengo's youth divisions
The coach says he is getting to know the players brought up at the club to know who he can count on in the future.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Flamengo's tradition of developing players has long been known throughout Brazil. And anyone who has played for the club knows how much the club's youth academy is valued. This is the case with coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo. During his playing days, he had many teammates who grew up at the club, and he plans to replicate this formula, which has already been very successful throughout Flamengo's history.
Good examples of this are William Amendoim, from the U-23 team, and Rafinha, from the U-17 team, who were observed by the coach during training last Friday. Rafinha was even included in the squad for last Saturday's game against Internacional.
"This has always been a characteristic of Flamengo. The youth teams have always been very important to the club. Throughout history, Flamengo has always formed teams with players from the youth academy. We saw William and Rafinha training as if they were at home. And the others in the youth academy can see that we are watching them and that's why they're already changing their behavior," said the coach, who is trying to get to know the youth academy.
"I'm improving my work and getting to know the players. That's professionalism. We're here to work. I enjoy doing that," he said.
Taking advantage of the momentum of the undefeated state title in the under-17 category, also won last Saturday in Gávea, midfielder Lorran, the team captain, also hopes to continue showing his worth to fulfill his dream of one day playing for the main team.
"I'm already getting some chances with the youth team, and I'm definitely dreaming of a spot in the senior team. Now, one of our teammates, Rafinha, has already been promoted, and everyone who plays here at Flamengo's youth academy hopes to one day fulfill that dream of making it to the senior team. It's no different for me," he concluded.
Good examples of this are William Amendoim, from the U-23 team, and Rafinha, from the U-17 team, who were observed by the coach during training last Friday. Rafinha was even included in the squad for last Saturday's game against Internacional.
"This has always been a characteristic of Flamengo. The youth teams have always been very important to the club. Throughout history, Flamengo has always formed teams with players from the youth academy. We saw William and Rafinha training as if they were at home. And the others in the youth academy can see that we are watching them and that's why they're already changing their behavior," said the coach, who is trying to get to know the youth academy.
"I'm improving my work and getting to know the players. That's professionalism. We're here to work. I enjoy doing that," he said.
Taking advantage of the momentum of the undefeated state title in the under-17 category, also won last Saturday in Gávea, midfielder Lorran, the team captain, also hopes to continue showing his worth to fulfill his dream of one day playing for the main team.
"I'm already getting some chances with the youth team, and I'm definitely dreaming of a spot in the senior team. Now, one of our teammates, Rafinha, has already been promoted, and everyone who plays here at Flamengo's youth academy hopes to one day fulfill that dream of making it to the senior team. It's no different for me," he concluded.
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