New Flamengo coach reveals lessons from Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr | OneFootball

Marcelo Salazar worked with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr (KSA)

Flamengo’s new Under-20 head coach, Marcelo Salazar, gave a press conference this Wednesday (03) at CT Ninho do Urubu. During the conversation, the coach spoke about the time he worked at Al-Nassr (KSA) and his experience alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

— Talking about Cristiano Ronaldo, it was three and a half years, and being able to be with a guy of his stature every day, seeing how simply he relates to people in daily life, and his desire to win. He arrived at 38 years old, and people talk about it being his last World Cup, last Euros. He has limitless ambition. And the passion he has for the game. You see the dedication and passion he puts into his profession every single day. It’s better than any university. I’m very observant, and I made the most of that period to learn a lot from him. He’s different —, he said.

Salazar, 47, brings with him the experience he gained while leading Al-Nassr’s Under-21 team, where he had direct access to the Portuguese star’s routine. Now, the coach is looking to pass on that elite mentality to Flamengo’s young talents, stressing that technical excellence must go hand in hand with total commitment in every training session.

WHO IS SALAZAR?

Naturalized Portuguese and holder of the CBF and Conmebol Pro licenses, the coach arrives in Rio de Janeiro accompanied by assistant Sandro Sargentim. The duo takes on the challenge of keeping Flamengo’s youth ranks competitive, with full focus on preparing for the remainder of the Under-20 Brazilian Championship.

So, the group is already fully focused on its next official match. That’s because Flamengo will face Athletico-PR next Tuesday (09), at 3 p.m. (Brasília time), at Estádio da Gávea.

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