New Flamengo boss frank on team's 2026 state: “It’s not just winning” | OneFootball

Marcelo Salazar has arrived to take charge of Flamengo’s U-20 team

Flamengo’s U-20 team is not having an easy 2026 season. It is no surprise, then, that the club’s board decided to dismiss Bruno Pivetti and, on Wednesday (03), announced the arrival of coach Marcelo Salazar. Speaking to the press, the manager detailed the plans he intends to implement at Fla.

— I believe it is a team that plays on the front foot, that wants to dictate the game, that wants to win again, always with the caveat that it is not only about winning. We are talking about youth development, and we have to prepare these boys to reach the highest level in every way — physically, technically, tactically, and mentally — so that when they get to the senior team, they have the conditions, or a better chance, to stay there —, he said, before concluding:

— So, in terms of preparation, we will have six days to get ready for the next match against Athletico-PR. Until July 1, which is the last game of the first phase, the matches come one after another, so we have little training time. But I think it is about rallying the team for this final stretch so we can make a strong push and build momentum — first to qualify and then to fight to become champions —, Marcelo Salazar concluded.

Who is Marcelo Salazar, Flamengo’s new coach?

Born in Recife, the new Flamengo coach holds Pro licenses from both the CBF and Conmebol. In other words, if necessary, the manager can take charge of Fla’s senior team. Therefore, Marcelo Salazar signed a contract with the Rubro-Negro until December 2027.

When is Flamengo’s U-20 team’s next match?

Marcelo Salazar already has a date for his debut as Flamengo coach. After all, the Ninho talents return to the pitch next Tuesday (09) to face Athletico-PR at 3:00 p.m. (Brasília time), at Gávea, in the 15th round of the U-20 Brasileirão.

With the arrival of the new coach, Flamengo is looking to regain its best form in the U-20 Brasileirão, as the team currently sits only in 10th place in the table, with 21 points. In addition, Mengão has won two of its last six matches in the competition.

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