Last Saturday (1) was another victory for the red-black youth teams. At the Toyota Stadium, in Frisco, Texas (USA), Flamengo defeated Atlético Paranaense 1-0 in the grand final of the Generation Adidas Cup U-17. Now back in Rio de Janeiro and focused on the Campeonato Carioca, coach Phelipe Leal spoke to the official website about the cup and the first title for Mais Querido.

After coming up short in 2017, when they faced River Plate on the same stage of this final and ended up losing, the Rubro-Negro once again reached the Generation Adidas Cup final. With a new coach and even more desire, the unprecedented title was celebrated by players and coaching staff in Texas.

"The competition is very demanding, with the world's top teams participating. The every-other-day format already increases the physical demands on these boys. We were able to prepare over the last two months considering we wouldn't have some of the boys due to the national team. They understood the importance of the club's plan for this season, and the relevance of our team, regardless of whether it's complete or not. We were very solid in the competition. The boys showed great maturity for their age. Being able to interact and maintain focus throughout a 12-day tournament is not easy. Their performance was significant, and this raises expectations for the season. I understand we'll need to keep our heads on straight and be aware to continue improving," said Leal.

This was Phelipe Leal's first title in his brief career defending the red-and-black colors. Presented at the end of last year with a view to the 2018 season, the coach won his first trophy and spoke about his satisfaction at winning with Flamengo.

"Winning at Flamengo is different. I'm a Flamengo fan, and having the opportunity to represent one of the biggest clubs in the country is a huge responsibility and a source of pride. Having the chance to compete at this level and perform as well as we did is more than just internal satisfaction; it's the certainty that I've taken on a very well-established team in terms of process. Previous, well-developed teams have allowed me to absorb information more quickly and reach a level of preparation appropriate for such a big tournament," commented the coach.

Now focused on the Campeonato Carioca Sub-17, Fla turns its attention to Saturday's classic (07), when it faces Vasco, at 11 am, in Gávea. "Starting my career within the club and already being champion of such an important trophy is a reason for happiness, but that doesn't take away my focus and my objective of coming here and continuing to contribute to the development of these boys, projecting them into the professional category", completed Phelipe Leal.

Flamengo debuted in the Generation Adidas Cup with a strong result against Portland Timbers (USA), winning 5-0 in the first group stage match. Goals were scored by Rhyan (twice), Gomes, Rodrigo Muniz, and João Gabriel.

Then, the Mais Querido defeated Independiente Del Valle 2-1, with goals from Rhyan and a first-half strike from João Gabriel. In the final Group B match, they had another solid victory, this time against Atlanta United 3-1. Rodrigo Muniz scored two beautiful goals, including one from midfield, and another was scored by Bruno Gabriel.

In the semifinals, Flamengo replayed the 2017 final by facing River Plate. With a goal from striker Rhyan, the "Mais Querido" (the most beloved team) avenged last year's defeat, winning 1-0 and advancing to another final. In Frisco, Texas, the red-and-black team faced Atlético Paranaense in the all-Brazilian final and emerged undefeated champions thanks to a goal from João Gabriel.