José Boto, the newly appointed football director of Flamengo, touched down at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeão airport on Saturday afternoon, October 28, 2023, to enthusiastic welcomes and high expectations. Coming from NK Osijek, where he had been instrumental over the past year, Boto aims to speed up the team’s planning for the 2025 season.
With Boto’s arrival, the club looks to solidify its future direction, especially under the leadership of president Luiz Eduardo Baptista and technical coach Filipe Luís. Boto, 58, expressed his excitement during his first public appearance, stating, “It’s a very big responsibility, but also a very big honor. The expectations at Flamengo are always to win. Whatever competition we enter, we go to win. I want to thank the president and Filipe Luís as well.” This attitude sets the tone for his ambitious tenure.
Starting work even before his arrival, Boto had already collaborated with Luís on strategic plans during meetings they held when both were still overseas. Speaking highly of their discussions, Boto remarked, “He has significant experience in Europe and we share very similar ideas about football.” Alluding to the excellent potential of Flamengo's current squad, he added, “The roster is outstanding. The expectation is always to get more from them. I believe this group still has more to give.”
The director’s initial duties include not only guiding the professional team but also overseeing the youth football operations. This comprehensive approach signals Flamengo's ambition to maintain excellence across all levels of the club. Yet, Boto is already making notable decisions, the first being informing David Luiz last Sunday of the club's decision not to extend his contract for the upcoming season.
Boto's professional history builds confidence; prior to his stint at Osijek, he worked with prestigious clubs including Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk, and PAOK. His roles often revolved around scouting and player development, giving him valuable insights to bolster Flamengo’s recruitment strategy. The new director promises to bring fresh perspectives to bolster player acquisitions, confirming interests in signing key positions, focusing on securing players like attacking wingers and central defenders.
On the day of his arrival, Boto quickly made his way to Maracanã stadium, where he attended the 20th edition of the Jogo das Estrelas, hosted by Flamengo legend Zico. Accompanied by president Baptista, he toured the stadium's facilities and met with enthusiastic fans, signifying the club's eagerness to integrate him quickly.
Preparation for the 2025 season is already well underway, with Boto eyeing new talent to expand the roster’s capabilities. He also hinted at extending contracts for promising young players, such as Cleiton, who currently draws interest from Benfica. Navigational decisions like these highlight Boto's early commitment to not only enhancing performance but also securing the club's long-term future.
Although plans are eagerly set, Boto will officially address the press concerning these developments on Monday, October 30, at Ninho do Urubu. His planned first day was hampered by flight issues, but he remains undeterred.
From his comments and past experiences, it's clear Boto's vision is aligned with Flamengo's ethos of winning. With such convictions, supporters hope his appointment will inspire the team to new heights, bringing sustained joy to their loyal fanbase, also known as the Nação.
Unquestionably, José Boto's arrival marks the dawn of new aspirations for Flamengo, and all eyes will be on his leading strategies as they aim to conquer Brazilian football once again.
