Part 2/6:

One of the key figures Bap aims to bring on board isn't a player but rather a significant administrative hire: João Paulo Sampaio, the director of youth categories at Palmeiras. Sampaio has garnered significant acclaim for leading Palmeiras’ youth system and has been pivotal in the club's recent successes in developing players.

In recent discussions, Sampaio has met with Bap but has consistently turned down offers to leave his position at Palmeiras. Yet, there's intrigue in the relationship he's fostering with José Boto, Flamengo's new sports director, who seeks a unified strategy to align Flamengo's youth teams with the first team’s playing style. This includes a focus on an aggressive, possession-oriented game reminiscent of their famed European counterparts, Barcelona.