Muricy Ramalho: "I chose Flamengo because of its organization and size"
Flamengo's new coach is introduced in Gávea and talks about the project to unify the base and structure of the CT
By Communication - Official Club Website - in
The traditional Rogerio Steinberg auditorium, at the Gávea headquarters, was the stage for the official presentation and first press conference of Flamengo's new coach, Muricy Ramalho, on Tuesday night (08.12). The coach signed a two-year contract with the club.
"Muricy Ramalho will be with us for the next two years and needs no introduction. A champion of everything, he will now help Flamengo become champion of everything," introduced president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello.
The coach, four-time Brazilian champion and Libertadores champion, told journalists why he chose the Most Beloved in the World. Become a fan member and join Muricy's team.
"I thank the president and Flamengo for the invitation. I was very honored by the club's transparency and organization. I chose to come here because of Flamengo's size. It's a huge challenge, and winning here must be different," he said.
See the photo gallery from the press conference.
Check out the full press conference. Click here to watch the video:
Time away
It's a pleasure to be here. I took a break from football to take care of my health and my family. It's important to study in all areas, not just football but also at the youth level and in administration. We talked here at Flamengo about unifying all categories and training specifically for the same style of play for all categories. It's important that players coming from the youth system arrive prepared for the professional level. But all these projects are useless without winning. That's what we'll try to do. We'll become more experienced, always learning in football and in life. We have to wait for the day to day, the games to happen, and then we'll decide if it was worth it. I'm better; I think it was worth it.
Organization
I was there this afternoon (CT) to check it out. Of course, there are many things missing; that was discussed. There's an emergency project for January, and a year from now we'll have something definitive. After all, there's no football without results. We have to improve, look at the numbers, see why those who are winning are always ahead. That's the way. And we realize that here at Flamengo, this will happen. They've paid off the debts, and now we're moving on to the structure. I truly believe in that.
biggest challenge
A coach's biggest challenge is winning. Everything is important—planning and ideas—but you can't move forward without results. We pursue victories, and the project will follow. At a powerhouse like Flamengo, you can't wait long without results.
current roster
These are players whose history in football (Guerrero and Cirino) means they can't have forgotten how to play. Sometimes we only look at a player on Sunday and Wednesday. We have to look at the numbers, identify the problem, talk, and try to fix it. These are very important players who will definitely be with us next year.
Two-year contract
I'm not an insecure guy; quite the opposite. Throughout my career, I've always chosen the places I've worked very carefully, and I think I'm making the right choice once again. If you look at my track record, I rarely leave before my contract expires. I'm a man of achievement. It won't be any different here. I should stay for two years, or even longer.
Cast evaluation
Right now, we have limited time to prepare for next year; we have to think about who will arrive. We shouldn't just sign for the sake of signing; it has to be a great player to play for Flamengo. We're focusing on this because time is short. We'll look at the others later.
Rest time
I'm undefeated; I haven't lost a game in eight months. (Laughs). I'm happy, I'm recovered. I've gone almost 22 years without a period like this. It's also good to be off work. The coaching staff doesn't get vacations; the player leaves, and we stay here, planning, working. I'd forgotten what it was like; my family convinced me to take a break. I'm happy, renewed.
Admiration for Zico
After Pelé, who's from another planet, Zico was the most complete player I've ever seen. I admire him as a player and as a man. He's one of the few examples in the country. I participated in his FIFA campaign. When he comes to São Paulo, we go out to dinner and chat with a mutual friend. Working at a club that had a guy like him is different. Now I'll have the nation behind me.
Learning in Barcelona
What caught my attention most was the administrative side and the youth academy. Professional management is irreversible in football. Everything is completely professionalized there. Unifying all the academy teams is something we can do here. We'll work with the youth academy coaches, identify what Flamengo is, and work on that. The coach adapts to the club's understanding of what football means. With frequent coaching changes, philosophy changes a lot. We'll talk to the youth academy staff; nothing will be imposed.
Flamengo
With a giant like Flamengo, you have to compete to win. This isn't pressure; it's normal; it's my obligation. We have to be realistic. Otherwise, I'll get complacent. If I'd considered the financial side, I wouldn't be here. I think winning here will be different. I'm like Flamengo's board: eager to change everything.
Current football
Football isn't what it was four years ago. Today, the lines must be closer together, there must be control of the game and intensity. Today, it's about quick transitions, speed. We have to practice set pieces; we've seen in the statistics that the team is conceding a lot of goals from this type of play. Today I went to the training center and saw... scoutAnd it's not about height, our team is tall. We have to identify the problem.
Base categories
It's unbelievable that an under-15 team would lose a championship and the coach would be fired. Of course, results are important; you have to teach winning from a young age. But we must develop players above all else. Let's talk to the youth team and find a model to develop players. Here in Brazil, there are many mistakes in this regard. There's no philosophy that way. At Barcelona, all the teams train the same way, even the girls. If a new president comes in, nothing changes. At the youth level, coaches and ideas change a lot, too.
Carioca x Primeira Liga
The coach doesn't own the club. I'll manage the team. Flamengo's strategy is to compete in the Carioca Championship with an alternative team. The idea is to take everyone to Mangaratiba so I can coach the team for both competitions (Primeira Liga). We'll choose someone from the coaching staff to work together, but I can't be away from the kids. I'll be watching and watching games, but there will be someone to manage, which could be Jayme, my longtime friend.
Reinforcements
Flamengo is open to good deals. I won't put a number on it, because sometimes good opportunities arise. But always thinking about the A-level. There are many players out there, we're looking mainly at the thinking and defensive positions, but it's hard to find them.
Relationship with Emerson Sheik
Regarding Emerson, we worked together at Fluminense and were champions. He moved into the building I'm living in, and I have to meet him there now; he's a pain in the ass (laughs). But he's a guy I enjoy working with; he's a partner. I'm super happy to be working with him again. He's a key player at Flamengo. Samir is an interesting player, but it seems like negotiations are underway. We still have to see what happens.
Kaka
Kaká is exceptional. I had the pleasure of working with him at São Paulo, and he made a difference because, besides being an excellent player, he commands the field. But we haven't spoken to him; he's under contract with Orlando.
What it takes to play for Flamengo
I expect the basics from a great team that wants to achieve a lot here. The player is paid to work, he has to give back, he must be disciplined, committed to the jersey, behave well, work hard, and deliver results. Someone on the team has to demand this, and that person is the coach. These days, we can't have that kind of player, who doesn't want to win. He'll be held accountable. I'm not anyone's father, I'm not a babysitter. The guy has to think about the fans. When we sign a player, we want someone who delivers results and isn't just looking for a good contract. He'll be held accountable for that.
"Muricy Ramalho will be with us for the next two years and needs no introduction. A champion of everything, he will now help Flamengo become champion of everything," introduced president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello.
The coach, four-time Brazilian champion and Libertadores champion, told journalists why he chose the Most Beloved in the World. Become a fan member and join Muricy's team.
"I thank the president and Flamengo for the invitation. I was very honored by the club's transparency and organization. I chose to come here because of Flamengo's size. It's a huge challenge, and winning here must be different," he said.
See the photo gallery from the press conference.
Check out the full press conference. Click here to watch the video:
Time away
It's a pleasure to be here. I took a break from football to take care of my health and my family. It's important to study in all areas, not just football but also at the youth level and in administration. We talked here at Flamengo about unifying all categories and training specifically for the same style of play for all categories. It's important that players coming from the youth system arrive prepared for the professional level. But all these projects are useless without winning. That's what we'll try to do. We'll become more experienced, always learning in football and in life. We have to wait for the day to day, the games to happen, and then we'll decide if it was worth it. I'm better; I think it was worth it.
Organization
I was there this afternoon (CT) to check it out. Of course, there are many things missing; that was discussed. There's an emergency project for January, and a year from now we'll have something definitive. After all, there's no football without results. We have to improve, look at the numbers, see why those who are winning are always ahead. That's the way. And we realize that here at Flamengo, this will happen. They've paid off the debts, and now we're moving on to the structure. I truly believe in that.
biggest challengeA coach's biggest challenge is winning. Everything is important—planning and ideas—but you can't move forward without results. We pursue victories, and the project will follow. At a powerhouse like Flamengo, you can't wait long without results.
current roster
These are players whose history in football (Guerrero and Cirino) means they can't have forgotten how to play. Sometimes we only look at a player on Sunday and Wednesday. We have to look at the numbers, identify the problem, talk, and try to fix it. These are very important players who will definitely be with us next year.
Two-year contract
I'm not an insecure guy; quite the opposite. Throughout my career, I've always chosen the places I've worked very carefully, and I think I'm making the right choice once again. If you look at my track record, I rarely leave before my contract expires. I'm a man of achievement. It won't be any different here. I should stay for two years, or even longer.
Cast evaluation
Right now, we have limited time to prepare for next year; we have to think about who will arrive. We shouldn't just sign for the sake of signing; it has to be a great player to play for Flamengo. We're focusing on this because time is short. We'll look at the others later.
Rest time
I'm undefeated; I haven't lost a game in eight months. (Laughs). I'm happy, I'm recovered. I've gone almost 22 years without a period like this. It's also good to be off work. The coaching staff doesn't get vacations; the player leaves, and we stay here, planning, working. I'd forgotten what it was like; my family convinced me to take a break. I'm happy, renewed.
Admiration for Zico
After Pelé, who's from another planet, Zico was the most complete player I've ever seen. I admire him as a player and as a man. He's one of the few examples in the country. I participated in his FIFA campaign. When he comes to São Paulo, we go out to dinner and chat with a mutual friend. Working at a club that had a guy like him is different. Now I'll have the nation behind me.
Learning in Barcelona
What caught my attention most was the administrative side and the youth academy. Professional management is irreversible in football. Everything is completely professionalized there. Unifying all the academy teams is something we can do here. We'll work with the youth academy coaches, identify what Flamengo is, and work on that. The coach adapts to the club's understanding of what football means. With frequent coaching changes, philosophy changes a lot. We'll talk to the youth academy staff; nothing will be imposed.
Flamengo
With a giant like Flamengo, you have to compete to win. This isn't pressure; it's normal; it's my obligation. We have to be realistic. Otherwise, I'll get complacent. If I'd considered the financial side, I wouldn't be here. I think winning here will be different. I'm like Flamengo's board: eager to change everything.
Current football
Football isn't what it was four years ago. Today, the lines must be closer together, there must be control of the game and intensity. Today, it's about quick transitions, speed. We have to practice set pieces; we've seen in the statistics that the team is conceding a lot of goals from this type of play. Today I went to the training center and saw... scoutAnd it's not about height, our team is tall. We have to identify the problem.
Base categories
It's unbelievable that an under-15 team would lose a championship and the coach would be fired. Of course, results are important; you have to teach winning from a young age. But we must develop players above all else. Let's talk to the youth team and find a model to develop players. Here in Brazil, there are many mistakes in this regard. There's no philosophy that way. At Barcelona, all the teams train the same way, even the girls. If a new president comes in, nothing changes. At the youth level, coaches and ideas change a lot, too.
Carioca x Primeira Liga
The coach doesn't own the club. I'll manage the team. Flamengo's strategy is to compete in the Carioca Championship with an alternative team. The idea is to take everyone to Mangaratiba so I can coach the team for both competitions (Primeira Liga). We'll choose someone from the coaching staff to work together, but I can't be away from the kids. I'll be watching and watching games, but there will be someone to manage, which could be Jayme, my longtime friend.
Reinforcements
Flamengo is open to good deals. I won't put a number on it, because sometimes good opportunities arise. But always thinking about the A-level. There are many players out there, we're looking mainly at the thinking and defensive positions, but it's hard to find them.
Relationship with Emerson Sheik
Regarding Emerson, we worked together at Fluminense and were champions. He moved into the building I'm living in, and I have to meet him there now; he's a pain in the ass (laughs). But he's a guy I enjoy working with; he's a partner. I'm super happy to be working with him again. He's a key player at Flamengo. Samir is an interesting player, but it seems like negotiations are underway. We still have to see what happens.
Kaka
Kaká is exceptional. I had the pleasure of working with him at São Paulo, and he made a difference because, besides being an excellent player, he commands the field. But we haven't spoken to him; he's under contract with Orlando.
What it takes to play for Flamengo
I expect the basics from a great team that wants to achieve a lot here. The player is paid to work, he has to give back, he must be disciplined, committed to the jersey, behave well, work hard, and deliver results. Someone on the team has to demand this, and that person is the coach. These days, we can't have that kind of player, who doesn't want to win. He'll be held accountable. I'm not anyone's father, I'm not a babysitter. The guy has to think about the fans. When we sign a player, we want someone who delivers results and isn't just looking for a good contract. He'll be held accountable for that.