Changed his mind? Filipe Luís gives surprising take on artificial pitches | OneFootball

Filipe Luís supports the use of artificial turf in youth development

While he was in charge of Flamengo, Filipe Luís was a fierce critic of the use of artificial turf in the Série A of the Brasileirão. However, the coach believes the plastic surface is a good idea for youth development. Since youth categories in Brazil are usually played on “outlying” fields, the former full-back supports the use of artificial surfaces to help children develop.

Filipe Luís followed Flamengo U-12’s qualification for the final of the category’s World Cup this Saturday (28). In the tournament, which is being held in Spain, the field and goals are smaller, as is the number of players on the pitch. The turf, meanwhile, is artificial.

WHAT DID FILIPE LUÍS SAY ABOUT ARTIFICIAL TURF IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT?

— The opportunity these boys are having to play in this tournament, wow, I would give anything to be able to take part. At this age, the field size is ideal, with fewer players, a smaller ball and, above all, the turf. In Brazil, at youth level, we play on very poor pitches —, Filipe Luís began in an interview with CazéTV.

— Artificial turf gives you the conditions for the ball not to bounce unpredictably, with no holes. The condition of this artificial turf is excellent. We can bring this tournament format to Brazil in the future, seven-a-side, so the children get more touches on the ball and develop their dribbling more, because that’s something we need —, added the coach, who managed Flamengo’s U-17 and U-20 teams in 2024.

HOW IS FLAMENGO DOING IN THE U-12 WORLD CUP?

With Filipe Luís cheering them on, Flamengo came from behind to beat PSG (FRA) 2-1 in the U-12 World Cup. The final takes place this Sunday (29) at 8 a.m. (Brasília time) against Real Betis (ESP). Over the course of the competition, the Most Beloved overcame teams such as Boca Juniors (ARG), Arsenal (ENG), River Plate (ARG) and Inter Miami (USA).

AFTER ALL, WHAT DID FILIPE LUÍS USED TO SAY ABOUT ARTIFICIAL TURF?

It is important to note that Filipe Luís was emphatic in pointing out that artificial turf is useful for youth football on smaller pitches because of the poor conditions young players face in Brazilian football. While still in charge of Flamengo, the former full-back strongly criticized teams that use plastic surfaces in the Série A of the Brasileirão.

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