Brazil's U-17 World Cup bid is being driven by Leal's futsal foundations.
A teammate who took inspiration from the futsal courts will
be looking to leave his mark as Brazil is ready to make its debut at the FIFA
U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 on Saturday. Drawing on his knowledge of futsal,
Phelipe Leal, a 36-year-old tactician, has devised detailed strategies aimed at
optimizing his team's performance.
Beyond all else, Leal has learned how to build relationships that are vital to developing young
football players both with and without the ball. This is what he has learnt
from playing five-a-side football.
"Everyone is aware that futsal is the foundation of Brazilian culture," Leal said to
FIFA. Similar to old-fashioned street football, it's critical to the player's
entire growth.
You interact with the families on a very personal level. I was able to acquire abilities from
this that are crucial in today's world to establish a rapport of trust with the
participants. Trying to improve players while neglecting their emotional
component is, in my opinion, a grave mistake. Given the circumstances—the games
were nearly always played at night with parents nearby—futsal provided me with
this chance.
While still a student, Leal started working at Fluminense futsal. He spent four years
participating in the sport before beginning to attend CFZ, the club founded by
the illustrious Zico, games. 2014 saw him turn his whole attention to 11-a-side
football, and he was hired as Botafogo's young team's first head coach.
He was unable to fully give up futsal, though. "Life is difficult in Brazil, particularly
for young people," Leal remarked. Despite being exhausting due to the demands on my time, it was a great learning experience that provided me with a solid foundation.
Gradually, the coach started moving up the ranks. He was hired by Guilherme Dalla Dea,
Brazil's homegrown FIFA U-17 World Cup champion, while he was employed by
Flamengo. with a further 18 months, he continued to work with Dalla Dea with
Guangzhou's young squad in China PR.
Branco, the 1994 World Cup-winning full-back and head of the CBF's development setup, requested
him to take over as manager of Brazil's U-17 team when he returned home.
What has most impacted Leal during these four years and that he is trying to pass on to the
younger generation? "There's no doubt about the sense of unity we've had," he stated.
We all win because of this unity, which enables each member to improve the team as a whole. Each
person can express themselves more freely on the field and be more authentic
when we are unified, knowing that everything will work out.
I strive to convey to them the idea that all of our sacrifices are worthwhile as we are living out
a dream. a dream that was not imposed upon us.