Optimistic, Luxembourg prioritizes CT and South American
Coach sets a place in the international competition and the completion of Ninho do Urubu as his main objectives
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - inLuxemburgo, as he himself explained in the press conference given after training this Tuesday (October 05.10th), always said he wanted to return to Flamengo, as a manager or coach, to contribute with his professional skills. The moment has arrived. Fifteen years after his last stint with the Rubro-Negro, Vanderlei is back at Flamengo and wants to be much more than just a coach.
His first, short-term goal is clear: to lift Flamengo from the bottom of the table and lead the team to the 2011 Copa Sudamericana. Optimistic, he is working towards securing two victories in the upcoming rounds, against Atlético-GO and Avaí.
"It's a pleasure to return to Rio, to Flamengo, which is my home, the club I support and have never hidden. Returning at an important moment, when Flamengo needs to rediscover itself and get out of an uncomfortable position, is important. We have 30 points and the possibility of qualifying for the Copa Sudamericana is a good thing, so that's what we're going to focus on. We have two direct confrontations and we have to seek victory to get out of this situation a little. We will concentrate tomorrow and stay until Sunday straight. The moment is to work, to assemble the team, and not just sit on Thursday watching. I didn't want any presentation. Everyone already knows me. Now it's time to put on the uniform and go to the field," he said.
The coach, whose contract lasts 27 months, is also thinking about the future. His goal is to lead Flamengo to the 2011 Brazilian title and leave a legacy for the club, including in terms of infrastructure. Experienced, he wants to help Flamengo complete the construction of the Training Center. The first step is to create a temporary structure similar to that of Formula 1.
"I think we're going to build a training center right now. This will be done because we included it in the contract. If we're not going to do that, I'd rather not come. Flamengo needs to be prepared to receive any type of professional. The infrastructure has to start immediately. It's fundamental. The training sessions will be here, Gávea is finished, this is the workplace. Here we will work and create this structure. It will be temporary, a cafeteria and accommodation, like what exists in Formula 1. So we can arrive in the morning and leave at night. If you don't come here, you don't start working here," explained the Flamengo coach, who also joked about his return to Rio de Janeiro.
"Now I'm going to the beach to get rid of this tan, play a little volleyball. Eat some barbecue, some ice cream, flirt a bit, and go home without doing anything. Don't worry, my wife is watching this. It's just the typical Rio de Janeiro stereotype. I'm very happy to be back at Flamengo," he concluded.
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