Fluminense have officially confirmed the arrival of ex-player Roger Machado as their new manager. The decision was made public on Saturday morning. The 45-year-old will be in charge of the club for the next two seasons.
Machado will come in with his own coaching team, assisted by Roberto Ribas and James Freitas and Jussan Anjolin Lara.
Machado spoke to the press extensively after his presentation and spoke about how honored and excited he was to take his latest role.
“I confess that this moment he was expected for me for a long time. Being able to be announced as a club coach after 13 years as a professional athlete here, having been part of my life here at the institution.”
“I know the challenge at hand, the size of the responsibility, but I’m sure, continuing the work done so far, we have the possibility to continue building the club’s history with achievements. It is a great honor, thank you very much.”
Roger Machado has been without a job since September 2020 when he left Bahia. He was also on the radar of Athletico-PR of recent but in the end he decided to take the offer from Fluminense.
Speaking on the decision to join Fluminense, he found it more appealing to return to the club where he starred for two years between 2006 and 2008. He also led Fluminense to a Copa do Brasil triumph back in 2007.
Machado also spoke briefly on what he would like the team to be like under his command.
“The team must have the face that the fan wants to be represented on the pitch. Competitive team, that knows how to play good football, with current and modern concepts, building more and more with close lines, aggressiveness in the attack field, always looking for the goal.”
