Ney Franco recalls Flamengo and Cruzeiro stories and foresees finely balanced Maracanã decider | OneFootball

Ney Franco sees a finely balanced Copa Libertadores return at the Maracanã as Flamengo host Cruzeiro on Wednesday at 21:30. According to Globo.com, he refused to pick a favourite, saying the hosts may have to take the initiative against a quick, well-structured side.

Grateful to both clubs, he will attend and simply hopes the better team goes through, adding that either qualifier will represent Brazil well and could gain confidence.

Franco spent more than 10 years in Cruzeiro’s academy, helping develop players such as Jefferson, Gomes, Maicon and Maxwell, and he oversaw Fred’s 2004 debut.

As under-20 coach he acted as interim on several occasions, including a 4-0 win over Vitória late in 2004 that aided rivals Atlético-MG in their survival fight. He underlined that the staff prepared professionally to win.

After winning the 2005 Mineiro with Ipatinga and a strong 2006 cup run, he replaced Waldemar Lemos at Flamengo, a move relayed by Kleber Leite in the Maracanã dressing room. Leite also highlighted Renato Augusto before a World Cup break camp, and the youngster’s personality in training earned a start in the 2006 final against Vasco, helping win the cup before he cemented the number 10 the next year.

Source: Globo.com

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