Ney Franco marks 20 years of Flamengo 2006 masterstroke that still opens doors | OneFootball

On the 20th anniversary of Flamengo’s 2006 Copa do Brasil triumph, Ney Franco reflects on the tactical calls that secured the title and the impact on his career. According to Globo.com, he accepted the job without asking about salary, moments after facing Flamengo while in charge of Ipatinga.

Flamengo beat Vasco 1-0 to lift the cup. The final is remembered for Obina’s top-corner strike, Luizão’s brave header, Valdir Papel’s red card after 15 minutes, a touchline shove from Renato Gaúcho, and Juan’s celebrations after sealing the contest.

Franco sprung a tactical surprise with a 3-6-1 that freed his full-backs to attack, shifting into 3-5-2 in possession. He redeployed Toró in midfield and started 18-year-old Renato Augusto, decisions that caught Vasco cold.

The coach had spent 13 years in youth football and fewer than two at senior level with Ipatinga-MG, yet he delivered what he calls a career passport. He says that success still opens doors across the game.

He notes that other honours followed, including the Sul-Americana with São Paulo, the 2010 Serie B title with Coritiba, and the Brazil under-20 world crown with a group featuring Neymar, Casemiro, Danilo, Philippe Coutinho, Oscar and Lucas Moura.

Recently he worked abroad with Al Hussein of Jordan, but was dismissed over internal problems before the team became champions. Currently unattached, he prioritises a return to Brazilian football and is seeking Serie A opportunities or ambitious Serie B sides with real promotion potential.

Source: Globo.com