Investment in the structure and youth academy was once again emphasized by coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo this Tuesday (December 07.12th) in a press conference held alongside Zico and Dorival Junior, after a talk at Footecon. The red-and-black commander emphasized that learning to develop players rather than fighting for results is the ideal path at the youth level, and his words were endorsed by the former football director, who promised to assist him whenever necessary.

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Luxa, the most successful Brazilian Championship champion in history with five titles, has extensive experience in building teams that know how to play to win. President Patricia Amorim highlighted this. technical know-how earlier and the coach explained the foundations of what he wants to implement at Rubro-Negro for 2011. According to him, it is only possible to build a powerhouse, like Barcelona, ​​the main example discussed in the lecture, with investment in the youth teams.

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"If the structure isn't changed, it's difficult to create talented teams. The foundation is the key to all of this. A youth coach can't put together a team with three defenders, put them on a large field, and worry about tactics. What you have to focus on is training fundamentals, developing players, teaching individual and positional tactics. We have a great generation emerging in Brazilian football, of players up to 23 years old, and we have to take advantage of that," he said.

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Zico and Luxa, friends for 40 years, want to use their experience to help the club grow. The Galinho made himself available for anything the current Flamengo manager needs. He, in turn, thanked and emphasized his friendship with the eternal number 10 from Gávea.

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"We've been friends for forty years, not forty days. He helps me a lot, he's even helped me with some tips from the youth academy, and he'll always help. Nothing will break that. I remember when he gave me rides, when we'd take the train to training... That kind of relationship in football is very important," he said.

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Zico praises youth team - During his time at Flamengo as executive director, Zico also paid special attention to the youth teams and the construction of a training center, which he considers essential for the development of a quality team. Having experienced the club's current situation extensively, he praises the team that won the state title undefeated in the under-17 category this year.

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"It's a wonderful generation, which I hope will be well utilized. Luxemburgo, intelligent as he is, will certainly know how to develop these boys to their best. You can't put pressure on them; you have to work calmly, with tranquility, but in some time, four or five years, these boys could be fighting to be one of the best teams in Brazil," he observed.

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Some players from this team are competing in the Brazilian Under-20 Championship, under the command of coach Paulo Henrique, in Rio Grande do Sul. Flamengo won the first game, 4-0, against Guarani, and returns to the field on Wednesday (08.12), against Palmeiras.

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