Where is Xerém? Zubeldía on young players struggling to step up

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·5 November 2025

Where is Xerém? Zubeldía on young players struggling to step up

The utilization of Fluminense’s youth academy in the professional team is one of the big question marks for fans this season. The Tricolor, which has revealed and used many names from Xerém in recent years, has not been turning to developing players in 2025.

Coach Luis Zubeldía faces numerous questions regarding the lack of opportunities for players coming from the academy, something that also happened with Mano Menezes and Renato Gaúcho. In an interview with GE, the Argentine coach explained the need to remain patient and to guide the transition of athletes to the professional level in the best way possible.

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What happens is that the process in football nowadays is very fast. They don’t let you calmly develop the youth players. Why? Because after playing two matches, the player already thinks he should be a starter. He already thinks he’s a star. Because everyone around him makes him believe he’s the main figure, the best. “Why doesn’t the coach put you on the team? He’s an idiot! He doesn’t put you in, how can he not put you in?!” Then comes the agent, the father, the mother, the brother, the media, social networks, and they all do the same. How can you take care of this kid’s development process?! It’s very difficult for the coach,” commented Zubeldía.

The manager also emphasized that he has promoted many academy players throughout his career and that he believes young players need time to mature on the field, using Riquelme Felipe as an example.

People don’t know. They think I don’t like to use academy players. I can say that my number one virtue, some time ago, was using academy players. But it’s difficult because of this, because things are moving faster and faster. They’re not letting us do a calm job. Riquelme is a player who needs development. If they give us time, he can become a great player. But he needs time,” said the coach.

Fighting for a spot in the Libertadores, Flu returns to the field against Mirassol for the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship, at 7:30 p.m., at Maracanã.

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