Nicolás De la Cruz is Flamengo’s biggest addition for the 2024 season, where they aim to challenge for both Copa Libertadores and Brasileirao glory. With several weeks of training already under his belt, the Uruguayan shared his first impressions of Tite, admitting he sees a lot in common between the Brazilian and Marcelo Bielsa, as well as Marcelo Gallardo.
“He surprised me positively. Obviously, it’s not surprising considering he has achieved a lot as a coach, both with clubs and the national team. I had the opportunity to be with coaches like the two Marcelos, Marcelo Gallardo (at River Plate) and Marcelo Bielsa (in Uruguay), who have a very similar idea to Tite. They convey a lot of security and tranquility, with a lot of transparency in what they communicate. It will be important for him to try to get the best out of me for the benefit of the team,” he said.
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De la Cruz, excited ahead of his first year in Brazil
After a successful stint at River Plate, the 26-year-old midfielder made the leap to Brazilian football, where he hopes to live up to the expectations.
“On a personal level, I tried to adapt as best as possible to the group. I think these days here, even though we are together at the training center, it’s a short time that we spend together. Here, we are together all day, having conversations, close to listen and learn from what they talk about. They have patience with me, and that is very important to me. I think it will be beneficial for the whole team. That’s why I’m giving my best to listen and learn. It was a very beautiful, spectacular week. In addition to work, the collaborators, everyone around, there are many people (laughs), I’m getting to know the names. We all have to be united,” he assured.
De la Cruz also spoke about the love received from the fans, who eagerly awaited him from the moment he landed at the airport: “It surprised me because obviously I already felt the affection on social media before arriving. The expectation of my arrival was very high, coming to such a big team like Flamengo has many people, many fans, it surprised me a lot. I felt there was hope in my arrival, but to receive so much affection without even officially debuting is very beautiful.”
