Flamengo Sporting Director Felipe Ximenes has defended the appointment of manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo for the fourth time, stating that the former Brazil head coach has a record that is proven as the club attempts to pull away from the bottom of the Serie A table.
Ximenes, who says he consulted with Flamengo president Eduardo Bandeira de Mello, told reporters: “I think the history of Vanderlei speaks for itself. Last time, he was the undefeated Carioca champion (2011).”
“The team was undefeated for eight months, we got to the Copa Libertadores and then he took Gremio there too.”
“We started to act even on Sunday. We did not want to make a decision without speaking to Ney (Franco, the previous boss).”
Luxemburgo’s first task as manager is to somehow get something out of this Sunday’s game with rivals Botafogo at the Maracana. If he can inspire them to three points, his fourth stint as Flamengo boss could not have gone any better.