Fluminense Football Club announced on Tuesday the hiring of Carlos Larocca as the new assistant for the U20 squad, strengthening the club's youth coaching staff. The former player, who wore the tricolor jersey in 2018 and 2019, joins the club to work alongside the U20 head coach, Paulo César.

Who is Carlos Larocca?

Carlos Larocca, 28, began his career in Bahia's youth system before moving to Fluminense, where he played as a right‑back in 12 Serie A matches. After retiring in 2024, he spent two years as a performance analyst at Portuguese side Braga, gaining tactical experience that made him a prime candidate for the role.

Why does the appointment matter for the academy?

The academy board highlighted that Larocca brings a modern perspective on transitioning players from U20 to the senior team. "He knows the tricolor culture and has international exposure, which can speed up the development of our young talents," said development coordinator Rafael Santos. Having a former player who has faced Serie A pressure can inspire the next generation.

How does this fit the club's current situation?

Fluminense Football Club sits 5th in Serie A, with 64 points, 19 wins, 7 draws and 12 losses from 38 games, and has recently posted a WWWDW form. The side has scored 50 goals and conceded 39, holding a +11 goal difference. It remains 15 points behind leaders Flamengo in the title race, raising the importance of bolstering the academy for long‑term stability.

What comes next?

Larocca will start immediately, joining the U20 training sessions that begin next Monday. He will also be tasked with integrating the youngsters into head coach Fernando Diniz's possession‑based style. The expectation is that, in the coming months, some academy players will appear in senior team training, feeding the club's push for better results in the season's final stretch.

When will fans see the impact?

Tricolor supporters should notice Larocca's influence in the upcoming U20 matches scheduled for the weekend. If the work proves successful, the club may consider expanding the involvement of former players in the technical staff, creating a learning loop that benefits both the academy and the professional squad.