Fred and Thiago Neves, idols of Fluminense who won together the Campeonato Carioca and the Brasileirão of 2012 for the tricolor, reunited at the sideline in the district of Xerém, in Duque de Caxias. The two now command rival teams in the Campeonato Carioca Sub-20: Fred leading Fluminense and Thiago Neves Bangu, in a match played at 10am.
Fred recently took over command of Fluminense's under-20 team after a stint at Fortaleza's youth academy. This is his first experience as head coach of a professional youth team. Thiago Neves has been leading Bangu's youth categories since March this year, representing his first experience in the role of team commander.
The reunion promised to provide a dose of nostalgia to the fans present in Xerém, known for revealing great players like Thiago Silva, Marcelo, and João Pedro. The two former athletes maintain their friendship since the days they shone together at Flu.
Despite the short time working with Bangu, Thiago Neves has already received praise for the team's performance in state tournaments. Before Fred's return to Fluminense, Thiago's alvirrubro eliminated Flu itself in the OPG tournament on penalties.
