FLAMENGO FEELS AT HOME

While other teams have expressed concern over the hot conditions, Brazilian coach Adilio Goncalves was all smiles at the team’s first training session at the PKNS pitch in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

“The conditions here are great … it’s just like in Brazil. We do not have any problems with the weather,” said the former Brazilian international, who is fondly remembered for scoring against Liverpool FC when his team won the InterContinental Cup in 1981.

On the other teams competing here, Goncalves said his side had never faced any of the teams in their group – Ajax Amsterdam, AC Milan and Arsenal.

“We have never played any of them at this level but we are certainly looking forward to some good matches against these top sides. It is a good opportunity for our team,” he said adding that the majority of the players had been together since 12-years-old.

“As we get closer to the tournament, we need to do some fine tuning in several areas. Our first game is important. At this stage I don’t want to pick any players who may do well, so I’d rather not say.”

Goncalves said the team had no specific target but would like to go all the way.

“I have an eye on the final,” admitted the coach whose team is fresh from winning the Jogos do Taca Futebol Junior tournament.

Flamengo defeated Cruizero 5-4 on penalties after both sides were drawn 1-1.

Flamengo have been drawn in Group A which will be based in Alor Star.

The Brazilian club’s opening match is against AC Milan on Aug 8, the opening day of this premier tournament.