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Nei Franco's journey began as a youth coach, where he spent 13 years honing his craft, primarily with Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro. Reflecting on his time in the youth divisions, he expressed immense pride in the young talents he helped cultivate. "It was at Cruzeiro where I built my curriculum as a trainer," he noted, emphasizing the importance of nurturing homegrown talent.
He fondly recalled the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior in 2002, where his young squad faced off against formidable opponents, emphasizing the indelible mark such experiences have left on his career. The invaluable lessons learned during these years would later inform his approach as a head coach in various top-tier teams.