Thiago Maia sings praises of Flamengo boss Jorge Jesus | OneFootball

Thiago Maia has praised the management style of Jorge Jesus, and credited the Flamengo boss for helping his evolution as a player.

Defensive midfielder Maia, who started his career at Santos, signed an 18-month loan deal with Flamengo from French side Lille back in January.

Speaking to FlaTV (via Gazeta Esportiva), the 23-year-old described the impact Jesus has had on him in a few short months.

“I have certainly evolved. Not just like me but as the whole team. Both as a professional and as a person as well,” Maia said.

“He’s a guy who seeks to know what you do off the field, if you’re a professional.

“But on the pitch he is a demanding guy, who always wants to do the right thing, pass the best on to us. When we make mistakes, he takes responsibility for himself.

“He says that if we made a mistake it is because it is his fault.”

The Brazil U23 star is hoping to impress in the Rubro-Negro shirt, and is still dreaming of making an impact at senior international level.

Maia, who won a gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016, said: “Every player who plays in a big club dreams of playing for a national team. Even more playing in the Brazilian team, representing your country.

“But I’m very happy at Flamengo, and I’m sure that by doing a good job the opportunity will come.”

The loan agreement with Lille gives Flamengo an option to buy the defensive midfielder for a fee in the region of €9m.