Jorginho’s banter with Flamengo’s academy lads: “I really am annoying”

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·12 de julho de 2026

Jorginho’s banter with Flamengo’s academy lads: “I really am annoying”

Flamengo beat Benfica (POR) 2-1 at Estádio do Algarve, in Portugal

Flamengo overcame Benfica (POR) 2-1 this Saturday (11), with youth academy players in attendance. As a result, Jorginho said he keeps a close eye on things to keep, for example, center back João Victor in line.

– There’s no way around it, I really am strict about schedules. Today, for example, we were supposed to leave the hotel at 8:30 a.m. One of the kids showed up for breakfast at 8:28. He was unlucky because I happened to look at the clock right then -, said the midfielder, who added:

Vídeos OneFootball

– I let the moment pass, but later I called him over to talk and said: ‘I didn’t expect that from you, you’ve been with us for a long time already, you can’t slip up.’ But João explained himself, and it’s all good, it’s part of it -, he said in the mixed zone.

What is Jorginho’s role with the youth academy players?

The Italian-Brazilian is one of the most experienced players in Flamengo’s squad. So even with only one year at the club, Jorginho plays a leadership role on the team. Thuram, for example, said the midfielder keeps urging the others to put their phones away and interact.

What did Jorginho think of the matches in Portugal?

A good assessment. They were good matches. Obviously, this last one had more of the feel of a truly competitive game. But I spoke with the young players, and I even said in the mixed zone that every match matters at all times. From the moment you put on this shirt, when you are representing this club, the commitment is serious. So the group went into every clash focused on getting the win, and that’s what we did.

How did the matches help Flamengo?

It was very important. It helped both in allowing us to rest, since the run of matches in the season is very intense, and because of the time we spent together to reconnect the group. Everyone was able to work on tactical aspects that, perhaps, over the course of the year, there is no opportunity to train because of the intensity of the matches and the toll of travel. I believe it was something very positive for the whole squad and for the development of the coach’s work.

What was Jorginho like in the youth academy?

I believe it is very good for the boys to have this opportunity to be with the senior squad. I hope they listen carefully to the advice, because it is a unique chance. This midfielder has already been through that stage and, at the time, I was like a sponge: I just absorbed the teachings. The young players have a great opportunity to learn a lot, both on and off the field. When we demand more or are stricter with the boys, it is only for their own good. If the boys are at Flamengo today and integrated into the first team, it is because they have great potential for the future.

Who causes the most trouble in Flamengo’s youth academy?

Some cause more trouble and some cause less, but that is part of each one’s maturation process. The important thing is that they are all good boys with a great future ahead of them. It is essential that they know how to listen, because the demands are always focused on their development.

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