Does president pick the side? Bap explains his role at Flamengo | OneFootball

Bap explained that he respects the coach’s work, but gives his “input” on some points other than the lineup

One of Flamengo’s main controversies so far this year was the change in planning for the Carioca Championship. After a poor start with the under-20 team, president Luiz Eduardo Baptista ordered the starters to return earlier than expected to avoid the risk of relegation. Bap said he does not interfere in the team’s lineup, but assured that he takes part in other ways in football matters.

— I’ve been going to the training center more than people imagine, it’s just that it doesn’t get reported. But that was already the case with Filipe (Luís); I used to go twice a week. We had two meetings a week, and I still do that. There are two games a week, so we basically talk about what worked, what didn’t, what we need to improve, where the planning needs to be reviewed, how we handle the players’ minutes, we have a squad that isn’t young… — said Bap in an interview with FlamengoTV.

— We get into logistics issues, travel dates and times, hotels. We discuss the transfer windows in advance; if there’s a position where we’re short, we look at whether there’s anyone in the youth academy, there are a lot of conversations — commented the Flamengo president.

WHAT ABOUT HIS ROLE IN THE LINEUP?

Present in Flamengo’s day-to-day planning, Bap guarantees that he does not get involved in lineup matters with either the players or the coaching staff. The president understands that this subject is restricted to the football department, but says he is available to help when necessary.

— I’ve never asked the coach what lineup he’s going to put out, but I try to understand the concept and compare what I see in training with what happens in matches. I don’t hang around the training center talking to players. The other day I was having lunch, and Danilo came over and asked if he could sit next to me. We talked about adapting to Brazil, family, I didn’t ask if he was going to play (laughs) — he added.

— Danilo is prepared for things beyond the pitch. If he’s interested, he’s going to be a great executive. He is aware of what he doesn’t know and is eager to learn. I’m available to the football department to the extent that it needs me. I have a group with Boto and Leonardo (Jardim), we often exchange messages, we’re always in touch even when I’m not there — Bap concluded.

WHEN WILL LEONARDO JARDIM DECIDE THE NEXT LINEUP?

With the break for the FIFA international window, Flamengo will only return to the pitch next Thursday (02), in Bragança Paulista, against Bragantino, in the Brasileirão. So Leonardo Jardim, without any tips from Bap, will work on the best setup for the team in the match valid for the ninth round.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.