Jayme de Almeida and Luiz Antônio have been friends for over 10 years.
Assistant coach and Flamengo youth academy product talk about how they met at Flamengo
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
Friendship doesn't choose address, age, or perspective. It clings to feelings that blossom through coexistence and companionship. Sometimes, an unusual situation brings people closer; other times, affinities take over; or shared goals. Luiz Antônio and Jayme de Almeida fit the third example.
In 2004, Jayme was the club's Youth Division Coordinator. With his experience, he supported and monitored the development of promising young players. That year, among so many youngsters, he met one who caught his eye. Oswaldo de Oliveira's current assistant coach saw qualities in a youth athlete named Luiz Antônio. From then on, he began mentoring him, discussing various topics, and, of course, getting to know him better. Without realizing it, a friendship began that endures to this day, guided by mutual respect. Despite their disagreements over soccer, time has carefully crafted their destiny together.
"After leaving and working elsewhere, I returned in 2011 with Vanderlei Luxemburgo. One of the things he asked me to do was to oversee the youth team. Luiz Antônio was one of the starters, he was doing very well, and he was one of the players I recommended for promotion. He was promoted and started playing well. In that historic 5-4 victory over Santos, he had a fantastic game. After that, he gained confidence and developed well," Jayme recalled.
In 2013, the two once again had a great time together. In the second half of the year, Jayme took over the touchline, and Luiz Antônio became a starter. Not only that, but the midfielder had some excellent performances and won the Best Player award in the Copa do Brasil final, which Flamengo won. Their shared goal was being fulfilled: to lead Flamengo to greatness.
Luiz Antônio: 'as if he were my father'
In their daily lives, it's common to see them joking around before training. Despite the moments of relaxation, there are also moments of seriousness. When needed, the player listens to what Jayme has to say. After all, it's because of this advice that Luiz Antônio never gave up pursuing opportunities and believing in his potential.
"He has affection, respect, and trust in me. He's always believed what I've said, and I've always given him a lot of support. I really believe in Luiz's football. It's a fatherly connection, perhaps. He listens to me a lot because he trusts what I say. This year, when I returned, we talked a lot, and I showed him that he can regain his place through hard work, as he has a lot of potential to play and be a starter at Flamengo. Never forget that opportunities come. He's a good kid to be around. It's good to talk to him," Jayme praised.
"Jayme is one of the most important people in my career. He helped me get promoted to the professional team. I have a great and special affection for him, because of his history with the club and the experience and confidence he gives me. He guides me on how to play and tells me what Flamengo is like. He knows my potential and believes in me deeply. We have a great friendship. The players say he's like my father. And it's true. I respect him a lot and try to listen to him a lot," said Luiz Antônio.
In the victory over Cruzeiro last Thursday (September 10.09), the number 15 hit a beautiful shot and scored the second goal for the red-and-black team. Surrounded by his teammates, he fell to the ground in tears. The more than 40 people in attendance were happy, but one in particular shared and understood better than anyone the feelings of the man who had just scored a great goal.
"I was happy because I've known him since he was little. I saw him when he was little (laughs). I have a special affection for him. Scoring a goal like that, a beautiful one, the way he did, at the Maracanã like that, leaves us emotional and happy. He's trying to get back on track, and we're here to help. We have this obligation, not only in the tactical and technical aspects, but also with experience, telling some stories. I've seen a lot in football," said Jayme.
In 2004, Jayme was the club's Youth Division Coordinator. With his experience, he supported and monitored the development of promising young players. That year, among so many youngsters, he met one who caught his eye. Oswaldo de Oliveira's current assistant coach saw qualities in a youth athlete named Luiz Antônio. From then on, he began mentoring him, discussing various topics, and, of course, getting to know him better. Without realizing it, a friendship began that endures to this day, guided by mutual respect. Despite their disagreements over soccer, time has carefully crafted their destiny together.
"After leaving and working elsewhere, I returned in 2011 with Vanderlei Luxemburgo. One of the things he asked me to do was to oversee the youth team. Luiz Antônio was one of the starters, he was doing very well, and he was one of the players I recommended for promotion. He was promoted and started playing well. In that historic 5-4 victory over Santos, he had a fantastic game. After that, he gained confidence and developed well," Jayme recalled.
In 2013, the two once again had a great time together. In the second half of the year, Jayme took over the touchline, and Luiz Antônio became a starter. Not only that, but the midfielder had some excellent performances and won the Best Player award in the Copa do Brasil final, which Flamengo won. Their shared goal was being fulfilled: to lead Flamengo to greatness.
Luiz Antônio: 'as if he were my father'
In their daily lives, it's common to see them joking around before training. Despite the moments of relaxation, there are also moments of seriousness. When needed, the player listens to what Jayme has to say. After all, it's because of this advice that Luiz Antônio never gave up pursuing opportunities and believing in his potential.
"He has affection, respect, and trust in me. He's always believed what I've said, and I've always given him a lot of support. I really believe in Luiz's football. It's a fatherly connection, perhaps. He listens to me a lot because he trusts what I say. This year, when I returned, we talked a lot, and I showed him that he can regain his place through hard work, as he has a lot of potential to play and be a starter at Flamengo. Never forget that opportunities come. He's a good kid to be around. It's good to talk to him," Jayme praised.
"Jayme is one of the most important people in my career. He helped me get promoted to the professional team. I have a great and special affection for him, because of his history with the club and the experience and confidence he gives me. He guides me on how to play and tells me what Flamengo is like. He knows my potential and believes in me deeply. We have a great friendship. The players say he's like my father. And it's true. I respect him a lot and try to listen to him a lot," said Luiz Antônio.
In the victory over Cruzeiro last Thursday (September 10.09), the number 15 hit a beautiful shot and scored the second goal for the red-and-black team. Surrounded by his teammates, he fell to the ground in tears. The more than 40 people in attendance were happy, but one in particular shared and understood better than anyone the feelings of the man who had just scored a great goal.
"I was happy because I've known him since he was little. I saw him when he was little (laughs). I have a special affection for him. Scoring a goal like that, a beautiful one, the way he did, at the Maracanã like that, leaves us emotional and happy. He's trying to get back on track, and we're here to help. We have this obligation, not only in the tactical and technical aspects, but also with experience, telling some stories. I've seen a lot in football," said Jayme.