Flamengo does not stop exporting to the European elite players with very good looks. What is your secret?
The main thing for me is the technical quality of the player, his natural instinct. We enhance the best they have and we work and develop their technical, physical and mental skills, but always without restricting their improvisation and creativity.
What is the key point for all this?
The structure of the club and the excellent professionals that we have is what makes us references in training in Brazil. My main objective has always been to have a highly prepared team so that we can teach the players as much as possible, not only on the field, but also outside. Since my arrival in 2010, we began to create and develop a methodological notebook with Flamengo's DNA, and each year it is implemented with new situations for training.
How did you meet Vinicius?
We practically entered the club together. He, aged 9 to 10, went to the futsal team and then to the field, where I already had more contact with him. At first glance I already realized that this child had something special.
How was it?
I would describe him as a very happy boy. He related well to all the players and employees, always with great respect despite being very playful. Study … just by pulling on his ears from a very young age (laughs). On the pitch it was pure magic, daring, creative, he faced rivals without fear, with always fine football and looking at the goal, what we call here in Brazil moleque football.
What helped you the most?
The main thing was to always encourage him and his coaches not to lose the nerve, which made him different, that nothing and nobody limited that happy and creative football because it was his natural instinct. He taught me more than I taught him, with that huge smile, that simplicity and that passion that he has for this sport and that still move me.
He always told him to be humble, to know how to listen to others, to respect the professionals who were there to help him and, most importantly, to know how to admire and value the institution where he works.
He is known, among other things, for helping young people on a personal and family level. How was it with Vinicius and his environment?
Not only me, but everyone in the club, we also feel responsible for the families. We try to guide them and help them in whatever is necessary. Especially Vini's. We always had a very close relationship, of friendship and respect, with her parents, brothers and uncles, who are sensational. We always talk a lot about the future of Vini. This relationship of respect and transparency between them, the club and its agents helped a lot to succeed.
“Vinicius was unique, he did not remember anyone because he had his own style”
What potential did you see?
He always stood out, and that we have excellent players in his generation. But he always played with bigger categories.
Who did you remind him of?
He was unique, he didn't remember anyone because he had his own style.
Are you still in contact with him?
I have a lot of contact and friendship with his family. I always send Vini messages when I think he needs advice, it can be for constructive criticism or to motivate him at times when I feel he is not well. In October I went to Europe for work and stopped by Madrid to see how he was doing. We had dinner at his house with his family the two days I was there. When he comes to Rio de Janeiro he stops by and visits us.
You know Reinier as few. What can you say about him?
He arrived at the age of 12 for 13. His great potential began to appear at 14. He was a very focused, responsible boy, a friend of his peers. He has become a complete player, although logically he has yet to grow.
“Reinier's greatest virtue is his coldness and precision in front of goal. He decides games”
Is this opportunity coming soon or are you ready?
Yes, we talked several times about that sudden move. I tried to convey to him that he greatly appreciated this opportunity, that he left one giant club for another, and that he kept his feet on the ground and humility. And to do the football that enshrined him in Flamengo and in Brazil.
Do you think it would have been better if it had finished in the professional team of Flamengo?
No boy from 17 to 18 years old can be 100% prepared. It always has something to polish and develop. Maturity normally goes up to 23 years.
You have followed the birth and evolution of many players. Where can Reinier go?
Both he and Vinicius have all the conditions to be world top and be recognized soon as such.
What is your greatest virtue?
His coldness and precision in front of goal. Decide games.
And in what does it have to improve?
As he is still a developing boy, I think he needs to improve his intensity and tactical awareness, but he is one of the most complete players in the fundamentals that I saw playing at the Flamengo youth academy.
What advice did you give him?
May you maintain that great joy and determination in your work, may you work hard all day, and be humble and respect others.