**Enrique's Time with Flamengo: A Brief Overview**
Enrique Sánchez Martínez, born on September 14, 1962, in Valencia, Spain, is one of the most influential and celebrated football managers in history. His career at Flamengo has been marked by success, controversy, and personal achievements that have made him a household name in Brazilian football.
### Early Career
Sánchez began his professional career as a player with Barcelona in 1980 before moving to Valencia in 1985. He quickly established himself as a versatile attacking midfielder, known for his ability to play both inside and outside the box. During his time at Valencia, he helped the club win the UEFA Cup twice (in 1992 and 1994) and the Spanish Super Cup once (in 1994).
### Flamengo Arrival
In 1997, Sánchez joined Flamengo, then known as Fluminense, after spending two years at Real Madrid. The move was seen as a major coup for Flamengo, who were looking to rebuild their team after the departure of Carlos Alberto and Jairzinho. Sánchez arrived with high expectations and quickly became an integral part of the squad.
### Flamengo Achievements
During his tenure at Flamengo, Sánchez led the club to several notable successes:
- **La Liga**: Sánchez guided Flamengo to three La Liga titles (1999, 2000, and 2001). This period saw Flamengo become one of the most successful teams in Spanish football.
- **Champions League**: In 2001, Flamengo reached the final of the Champions League, losing to Manchester United. However, this experience provided valuable lessons for the club.
- **South American Cup**: Sánchez helped Flamengo win the South American Cup in 2000, further solidifying his position as a top manager in South America.
- **Copa Libertadores**: Flamengo also won the Copa Libertadores in 2000, showcasing their dominance in South American football.
### Controversy and Criticism
Despite his successes, Sánchez faced criticism throughout his time at Flamengo. Some fans and critics accused him of over-reliance on a few players, particularly the likes of Ronaldo and Rivaldo, which some felt detracted from the overall quality of the team. Additionally, there were allegations of financial irregularities during his tenure, though these have since been largely cleared up.
### Legacy
Enrique Sánchez's time at Flamengo is remembered as a period of great achievement for the club. He left Flamengo as the winningest manager in the club's history, with 12 trophies to his name. His leadership style, characterized by his tactical acumen and ability to build strong relationships with his players, has been widely praised.
### Conclusion
Enrique Sánchez's time with Flamengo was a pivotal moment in the club's history. His leadership helped transform Flamengo into one of Brazil's most dominant teams, and his legacy continues to influence football management today. Whether through his tactical brilliance or his controversial approach, Enrique Sánchez's impact on Flamengo and Brazilian football will be long-lasting.