The national U17 squad’s unprecedented success in both the European Championship and the World Cup will require fundamental club investment to ensure these young talents transition to the senior national team, coach Bino Maçães stressed.
Maçães emphasized that being European and World champions validates the players’ talent but does not guarantee their future progression. A clear path must be maintained through sustained support.
“The investment from clubs will have to be fundamental for these players to reach the senior national team,” Maçães told journalists after an awards ceremony for the triumphant team. He added, “The important thing is for them to understand that there is a path and that being European and World champions doesn’t validate anything for them.”
The coach’s remarks followed celebrations for the U17 team, which recently secured both the European Championship and the World Cup titles.
He praised the team’s double victory, stating, “What these kids did in the European Championship and now in the World Cup, to win these two trophies, was excellent.”
Maçães acknowledged the youth of his players, noting they might need parental guidance to fully comprehend their historic achievements.
“Maybe their parents will still have to explain it to them, they are still minors and it’s the first time they are going through a situation like this,” Maçães observed.
He also highlighted the federation’s commitment to instilling core values and discipline in the young athletes.
Maçães expressed pride in the team’s conduct, stating, “From the first moment, we have instilled values and discipline of what we want in the Federation and the way they have represented us fills us with pride.”
Looking to the future, Maçães expressed hope that the consistent performance of this squad bodes well for the coming decades, even while cautiously responding to predictions about the next 20 years of football.
“I don’t know about the next 20 years, but I hope so,” Maçães said. “They were the same players who won the European and World Cup and they already played like adults.”
Despite the significant win, Maçães maintained a calm perspective, focusing on upcoming challenges for the sport.
“When you win, you are always very satisfied, but I am always very calm in these situations, I have many years of this,” he commented. He emphasized, “Football is about the moment and tomorrow is another day and we have to think about qualifying for the European Championship.”