Good old Vanderlei Luxemburgo
In his debut for Flamengo, the coach is cheered, yells at the team, and shows his star quality.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - inVolta Redonda (RJ) - The traditional Vanderlei Luxemburgo style marked the debut of the new Flamengo coach. But it wasn't just because of his attire – black suit, white shirt, and tie with shades of red. The coach's behavior on the sidelines was also very similar to the Luxa that Brazilian football fans have become accustomed to seeing. Experienced, motivating, and most importantly – a winner and a star player.
Before the game, Luxemburgo had a long talk with the players in the locker room, and during the warm-up he didn't stop motivating the team, asking them to go onto the field with the joy of playing football, because that way, the goals and the victory would come naturally.
When he entered the pitch, he was cheered by the fans, who chanted "Ole, ole, ole, ola, Luxa, Luxa." A greeting worthy of a coach with impressive achievements on his resume, such as five Brazilian titles, and who, according to the fans themselves, embodies the spirit of Flamengo. Once the game started, Vanderlei alternated between moments of serenity on the bench and slightly more energetic instructions in the technical area. Between quick chats on the sidelines and shouts combined with gestures, the coach tried to get the team to play their best football.
In the first half it didn't work, so in the second he had to make a change. And he proved, once again, that he has a lucky star. He bet on Marquinhos, who had only played one game for Flamengo until then, and on Val Baiano, who hadn't scored a single goal in 10 games. It was precisely from Marquinhos' feet that a perfect cross came for Val to score his first goal in the Flamengo jersey and give the victory to Flamengo. And from Diego Maurício's feet, who came on for the injured Diogo, came the goal that sealed the victory for Flamengo and confirmed that Vanderlei, in addition to being a highly qualified coach, truly has a lucky star.
In the end, a huddle of players in the center of the field proved the team's unity, and they left the field to a standing ovation from the fans. Vanderlei, as usual, went to the locker room in silence, letting the group enjoy the recognition for the victory.
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