The most recent episode of GaloCast It had a special atmosphere. Guest of the edition, Atlético’s Under-20 coach, Henry Teixeiraparticipated in the program precisely on his birthday, celebrated alongside the GaloTV team, in the midst of a defining moment in his career within the Club.
Between jokes, messages from the bench and interactions with Massa Atleticana in the chat, the coach spoke about the intense work routine, the adaptation to Belo Horizonte and the satisfaction of experiencing a phase of professional growth at Atlético, where he has worked since 2023.
“It was one of the best choices of my life to come to Atlético. My life has improved a lot since I arrived here.”
After the relaxed opening, the conversation delved into technical and training topics, including game philosophy, athlete training, academic experiences in European football, projections for 2026 and behind the scenes of the campaign that culminated in the Brazilian Under-17 Championship title.
Collective game as a starting point
Right at the beginning of the chat, Henrique highlighted the importance of collective play as the basis for athletes’ development.
Photo: Paulo Henrique França / Atlético
“It’s not just me playing for myself and giving you the ball fully marked. I need to deliver the ball in the best conditions. That’s knowing how to play collectively.”
For the coach, individual quality gains strength when placed at the service of the team, facilitating actions, reducing errors and making the game cleaner and more efficient.
The turning point in the Brazilian Under-17 campaign
When revisiting the trajectory of the national title, Henrique pointed out determining factors for the team’s evolution throughout the competition.
Among them, adjustments to the squad during the tournament, collective maturity and a symbolic moment experienced at Arena MRV, against Corinthians, seen as a milestone of confidence and competitive growth.
“It was one of our key moments. We played very well, we won and that gave us leverage in the competition.”
The coach also highlighted internal conversations that helped transform the athletes’ individual ambition into collective commitment on the field.
Behind the scenes of the final and maturity of the group
Henrique also revealed behind the scenes of the decision against Grêmio, marked by the resilience and personality of the Atletico squad.
At halftime of the first game, in Porto Alegre, the atmosphere was one of strong demand among the players themselves, something that, in the coach’s view, demonstrated competitiveness and responsibility.
“They sat on the floor, near the board, to hear what needed to be done. That showed how committed they were to reacting.”
The reaction in the confrontation and the performance in the second leg consolidated the achievement with the Club’s historical identity.
Academic background and training methodology
Another point discussed was the training period in Portugal, especially at the University of Porto, an experience that broadened his view on training methodology and process construction.
Henrique cited concepts such as tactical periodization and structured microcycle as lines of study that contribute to organizing training in an integrated way with the game.
“It opened my mind to building training that makes it easier for players to learn how to play, not just training for the sake of training.”
Production of knowledge in football
For the commander, the study and production of knowledge are fundamental in the development of coaches, and Brazil is experiencing a process of growth in this scenario.
Photo: Paulo Henrique França / Atlético
“I see it as something very important for coaches to build processes and share. We are in the initial process, but we are in the process.”
Henrique also highlighted the need to bring the theoretical debate closer to the practice experienced in everyday life in the countryside.
Human development beyond football
In addition to the tactical aspects, the coach reinforced the social role of the base in training people.
“Behind that t-shirt is a person.”
According to him, working on values, responsibility and understanding the process is as important as developing technical fundamentals.
Henrique recalled that not all athletes will reach the professional ranks, but everyone needs to leave the base prepared for life.
Characteristics of the generation that is gaining ground
In the final stretch, the coach commented on the generation that has been receiving opportunities in the main squad and highlighted the balance of the group.
He cited athlete profiles and their characteristics within the Club’s game model:
- Vitão, area protection defender and strength in the aerial game
- Passini, construction side, with actuation from the inside and pressure output capacity
- Wendel, midfielder from area to area, with space reading
- Cauã, presence center forward, attacking space and finishing Photo: Paulo Henrique França / Atlético
“They understood the way the club plays and how to contribute to the team.”
Projections for the U-20 and message to Massa
When projecting the season, Henrique highlighted confidence in the group and in preparation for the competitions on the calendar.
The coach also thanked Atlético for the opportunities since his arrival at the Club in 2023.
Ending his participation, he left a message to Massa Atleticana:
“I’m going to work hard to make the team play well, dominate the games and get as many players as possible into the professional ranks. The objective is always to put Galo at the best level and win titles.”
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