The Dutch coach commented on the progress of Brazilian football in recent years and has been anxious to accompany Fla-Flu to Maracanã, for Brazilirão.
For the first time, a German club has chosen Brazil as a destination for its preset. Bayer Leverkusen landed in Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of this week and leads their training to the Nest Urubu, Flameng Training Center. This Thursday (17), the new team coach, Erik Ten Hag, held a press conference and commented on his impressions of Brazilian football, as well as expectations for the period in the country. Also Fernando Cerro, CEO of Bayer Leverkusen and Simon Rolfes, administrative director of the club’s sport, participated in the conversation.
The 55 -year -old Dutch coach has come to a new challenge in European football. After a successful passage through Ajax and the seasons of ups and downs at Manchester United, Ten Hag now takes control of Bayer Leverkusen to replace Xabi Alonso, taken from Real Madrid for the 2025/26 season. The challenge for the Germans at the moment is to provide the exits of important cast pieces, such as Jeremie Frimong, Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah, and maintain the high level in the Bundesliga dispute.
As for the difficulty in maintaining competitiveness, the coach has assessed: “It is always a challenge and with pressure, that’s how high -level football works. But I know how to manage it, as it was at Ajax and United. Now we have to look forward every day and build a new era.”
After the first practice in Rio de Janeiro, the coach commented on the Preseason in the country and what can be absorbed. “It is always a pleasure for Europeans to look at Brazilian football. Brazil has given us so many moments of passion, joy and simply historical moments. It is a pleasure to be here.” After the great performance of the Brazilians at the Club World Cup, the coach also spoke of the advance of the Brazilian championship in recent years:
“Today everything has improved in Brazil, the stadiums, the infrastructure, so today it is not so easy to take Brazilian players from here. The championship can compete with the European championships. Europe is the main market with the best championships, but the Brazilian League is very strong and can win Brazilian clubs, as was in the World Cup.”
The CEO of Leverkusen, Fernando Cerro, also spoke of the inspiration that a German club can have from the connection with the people and the Brazilian clubs. “All those who love football love Brazil. He is one of the largest countries of football, have great players and large clubs, who have shown great performances at the club world championship,” said CEO.
Simon Rolfes, a former German player, spent twenty years in Leverkusen and played together with some Brazilian athletes, such as defenders Juan and Roque Júnior, as well as midfielder Renato Augusto. Now as sports director of the club, Simon has commented on the experience of being in Brazil in this preset:
“It is very special because we have a long story with the Brazilian players and we always hear the passion of the Brazilians for football. It is nice to be here for the first time in this beautiful country, which has fantastic players,” said Simon.
Antonio in Leverkusen?
Brazilian striker Antony was highlighted at Ajax when commanded by Erik Ten Hag and continued with the coach while going to Manchester United. Today, outside the British plans and carefully focused on the good season by Real Betis, the Brazilian was hypothesized in Leverkusen, but his signature has been excluded by the Dutch coach right now.
“It’s like a child for me. He is a wonderful player in terms of talent and competence, but we must look at the team assembly and what is necessary. At the moment, we have no interest, but let’s see what happens in the future,” explained Ten Hag.
Erik Ten Hag Premiere
The first game of the coach at the head of his new team will be Friday (18), at 14:30 (Brasilia Time), against Flamengo U-20. The black red carioca will also present some players of the professional cast: goalkeeper Matheus Cunha, defender Cleiton, the left back Viña and the midfielder Matheus Gonçalves.
The Dutchman spoke of the expectation for the clash: “I don’t know any Flamengo player, but I’m sure there is a strong team. My analyst said they are very good players and have a good team. It will be our first test. We will play with a mixed team. They will probably be in better physical conditions. We have to work and prepare for this game.”
Next Sunday (20), at 20h (Brasilia Time), the German club will visit Maracanã to accompany the classic fla-Flu, for the 15th round of the Brazilian championship, in Maracanã the Dutch coach showed the courage to accompany the classic in one of the main phases of world football. “Maracanã is known all over the world and we can’t wait to get to know the stadium. There are two neighboring rivals, which have been at the World Cup and we expect a great atmosphere. We really want to see the game technically, the quality of the teams and the controversies between the rivals. It will be a great pleasure to look at this classic at this stage.”
Source: Terra
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