After winning his first title as a professional coach, coach Zé Ricardo spoke to reporters—but of course, after taking the players' formal shower. The coach thanked Muricy Ramalho and Zagallo for their support, praised the team's unity, and discussed the club's other goals for the season.
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Dedication
I'd like to pay tribute to two people. Family, we often neglect to go out and do what every family does. And within Flamengo, everyone feels embraced by us, but I want to give two special mentions: to Professor Muricy Ramalho, who unfortunately couldn't be present and every time we met, he said that Flamengo had the right person at the right time. The second person is Zagallo. Through our Velho Lobo's physiotherapist, a mutual friend, I met him, and he gave me very kind words, and I was sure that if I had the chance to thank him, I would do so in public. These words give us strength. I confess that I still have a little trouble digesting defeat. It's good to be able to count on people like me at Flamengo to bring more joy to the nation that so deserves it.
Objectives
Before the Brazilian Championship, we have our Copa do Brasil debut on Wednesday, also at Maracanã, against Atlético-GO. We'll have tomorrow off, and if we need to recover anyone on Tuesday, we'll meet to see who's best. We still have a huge challenge in the Libertadores, and there's the Brazilian Championship ahead. These are tasks we need to discuss on Tuesday. These are the club's goals, and we'll certainly make the best decision.
Adversary
Fluminense is a formidable opponent, and I'm sure they'll have a great Brazilian Championship. They're a young team with a lot of room to improve. This run of games will make them a very strong team. We struggled, and we felt it a bit after the goal, but we remained calm and went into halftime with a minimal lead to discuss what we wanted. It's the merit of a group that works hard, loves each other, and has a lot of respect for each other. They truly have a commitment and intimacy that are essential for a team to thrive.
I work at the club
I think the work the president and Fred Luz have been doing as CEO is paramount. They are two honest, competent, and responsible people. As great leaders, they end up spreading that leadership. Even with the position and power they hold, they don't position themselves as such and share all responsibilities. They make everyone feel important. Delegating tasks, holding them accountable, and being held accountable for them is what earns them. Always with respect and professionalism. All departments improve their performance, and this helps the club grow. We're always trying to "raise the bar" so we don't fall into complacency. The club is still driven by a wonderful nation that has supported us from the beginning, wherever we are.
Billing
The pressure to win the title would be immense for any coach. A club the size of Flamengo can't go three years without winning a trophy. Getting there is the biggest challenge. Our path is to work hard and with honesty. I counted on a more than deserving and talented group that also knows its limitations, and when it needs to suffer, we're learning to suffer. Hopefully, the difficulties we encountered in the finals and in the Libertadores will give our group more resilience to break down barriers and pursue what every fan wants: victories, achievements.
Guerrero takes center stage with Diego's injury
When he (Guerrero) returned from the national team, I made it clear to him that everything I had in mind for the team went through him (without Diego). To finish the plays, we needed a great goalscorer. He's very high-level, rarely inconsistent, and when he does, it's at the top. With Diego absent, the conversation was for him to take charge, to play outside the box a little more, to open up space behind him for someone to attack deep. He's done this very wisely and was rewarded with a goal in the final. He deserved a title with the club because great athletes and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo are a perfect fit.
Juan's entrance
After Guerrero's goal, Éverton told me he couldn't play anymore, and it coincided with Juan's return and his ability to participate in that moment. We gave him the opportunity to win another title for Flamengo.
Thank you, fan club member! Another title for Mengão—and, once again, the Nação Rubro-Negra Program helped pave the way. Fan clubs make Flamengo stronger—and those who join receive unique benefits that keep them closer to Mengão. Click here to join!
Check out:
Dedication
I'd like to pay tribute to two people. Family, we often neglect to go out and do what every family does. And within Flamengo, everyone feels embraced by us, but I want to give two special mentions: to Professor Muricy Ramalho, who unfortunately couldn't be present and every time we met, he said that Flamengo had the right person at the right time. The second person is Zagallo. Through our Velho Lobo's physiotherapist, a mutual friend, I met him, and he gave me very kind words, and I was sure that if I had the chance to thank him, I would do so in public. These words give us strength. I confess that I still have a little trouble digesting defeat. It's good to be able to count on people like me at Flamengo to bring more joy to the nation that so deserves it.
Objectives
Before the Brazilian Championship, we have our Copa do Brasil debut on Wednesday, also at Maracanã, against Atlético-GO. We'll have tomorrow off, and if we need to recover anyone on Tuesday, we'll meet to see who's best. We still have a huge challenge in the Libertadores, and there's the Brazilian Championship ahead. These are tasks we need to discuss on Tuesday. These are the club's goals, and we'll certainly make the best decision.
Adversary
Fluminense is a formidable opponent, and I'm sure they'll have a great Brazilian Championship. They're a young team with a lot of room to improve. This run of games will make them a very strong team. We struggled, and we felt it a bit after the goal, but we remained calm and went into halftime with a minimal lead to discuss what we wanted. It's the merit of a group that works hard, loves each other, and has a lot of respect for each other. They truly have a commitment and intimacy that are essential for a team to thrive.
I work at the club
I think the work the president and Fred Luz have been doing as CEO is paramount. They are two honest, competent, and responsible people. As great leaders, they end up spreading that leadership. Even with the position and power they hold, they don't position themselves as such and share all responsibilities. They make everyone feel important. Delegating tasks, holding them accountable, and being held accountable for them is what earns them. Always with respect and professionalism. All departments improve their performance, and this helps the club grow. We're always trying to "raise the bar" so we don't fall into complacency. The club is still driven by a wonderful nation that has supported us from the beginning, wherever we are.
Billing
The pressure to win the title would be immense for any coach. A club the size of Flamengo can't go three years without winning a trophy. Getting there is the biggest challenge. Our path is to work hard and with honesty. I counted on a more than deserving and talented group that also knows its limitations, and when it needs to suffer, we're learning to suffer. Hopefully, the difficulties we encountered in the finals and in the Libertadores will give our group more resilience to break down barriers and pursue what every fan wants: victories, achievements.
Guerrero takes center stage with Diego's injury
When he (Guerrero) returned from the national team, I made it clear to him that everything I had in mind for the team went through him (without Diego). To finish the plays, we needed a great goalscorer. He's very high-level, rarely inconsistent, and when he does, it's at the top. With Diego absent, the conversation was for him to take charge, to play outside the box a little more, to open up space behind him for someone to attack deep. He's done this very wisely and was rewarded with a goal in the final. He deserved a title with the club because great athletes and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo are a perfect fit.
Juan's entrance
After Guerrero's goal, Éverton told me he couldn't play anymore, and it coincided with Juan's return and his ability to participate in that moment. We gave him the opportunity to win another title for Flamengo.