São Paulo U20 head coach Baptista has reflected on his playing career, his time alongside stars such as Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, and the principles that now shape his coaching.

In an exclusive interview with Globo Esporte, Baptista recalled joining Real Madrid at the age of 25 and sharing a dressing room with some of the biggest names in football.

"It was incredible," he said. "When I arrived, Zidane was already the best player in the world, Ronaldo was the best player in the world, Roberto Carlos was the best full-back in history, and there were also Beckham, Raúl, Salgado, Casillas... What more can you say about players like that?

"When you play alongside great players, you improve. They make you better. And when a player is already a star, you don't need to keep motivating him. He motivates himself because he wants to improve every day."

Baptista also spoke about the challenges of being surrounded by such famous teammates.

"The problem came when we agreed to go out or do something on our days off," he said. "It was terrible. It was impossible to get everyone together in the same place because everything would get out of control.

"It was really difficult to be with Beckham, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos. That level of fame brings enormous pressure. You can't do anything. Luckily, at that time, mobile phones were not as common as they are today. But it was truly crazy. Everyone was so close, and there were 20 bodyguards protecting us and keeping people away. It was frightening."

On Zidane, Baptista said he studied the Frenchman closely.

"I paid close attention to everything they did. It was impressive. Zidane stood out to me in particular. He was somewhat introverted, but extremely competitive. From the first moment of training, he wanted to be the best. He wanted to show everyone that he was the best. Ronaldo was the same."

Asked what he learned from those elite players, Baptista highlighted their humility.

"The most important thing was how they dealt with people. The more famous they became, the more humble they were. That is a great foundation, because they had already won everything. They were hugely important figures, but that did not mean they had to become different people or think they were superior. The more famous they were, the more down-to-earth they became."

Reflecting on the proudest moment of his playing career, Baptista pointed to Brazil's Copa América final against Argentina.

"Perhaps the Copa América final against Argentina," he said. "That game will stay with me forever because it was a final. To be a protagonist and score in a final has a special meaning. If I could go back in time and close my eyes, maybe that is the moment I would most want to relive."

Baptista also discussed his current work with São Paulo's U20 side, including his decision to ban mobile phones in certain team environments.

"I had to ban cell phones," he said. "I am a simple person, but when I see that certain things are not working, I tell the players: 'There are some things we will build together because I think you should have a say, but there are other things I will decide myself because I believe they are important for the team.'

"So I prohibited players from using their phones during team meals, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also during pre-game talks or when traveling to the stadium."

He has also taken a firm stance against swearing during training.

"One rule I introduced, because I think it is pointless, concerns swearing in training," Baptista said. "There is no benefit in one player insulting another. It neither helps nor guides a teammate.

"I will guide them, and if I have to correct them, I will do it as a teammate would, but the aim is to help them improve. That is what guidance and education are about. There are many more effective and reasonable methods now than there were 15 or 20 years ago.

"Old methods no longer make sense because we live in different times. Twenty-year-olds today have a completely different mindset. We need to connect with them. If we cannot connect, there will be a huge distance between us, and we will not be able to get the best out of everyone."

Baptista warned that early fame can be dangerous for young players.

"I think it has a major impact," he said. "It creates an atmosphere that is completely different from the environment and reality a player truly needs. Players can begin to feel they have entered another stage, as if they have become something they have not yet achieved.

"That hinders learning, because the player is still developing but starts acting like a star. It confuses him until the coach helps him see reality. Family is very important in keeping young people grounded, helping them stay humble, train hard, and remain on the right side of fame.

"The side of fame full of temptation distracts you and pulls you further away from your goals. When a player stays on the other side of that, everything becomes much easier."

On his tactical philosophy, Baptista said he has been strongly influenced by Spanish football.

"I come from the Spanish football system, which emphasizes controlling the ball and limiting the opponent's play," he said. "I like my teams to be proactive and to control the game.

"I believe a team that controls the game allows the players to understand one another better. Every coach has their own style. Some like to play in transition, but I prefer control, because controlling the game while moving creates more opportunities.

"A more cohesive team can show different tactical characteristics and manage the game better. A team can play in transition and also control the game for certain periods. That helps a team win championships, go further, and reduce physical and mental exhaustion."

Baptista also compared football development in Brazil and Spain, saying Brazil still has the most important ingredient: talent.

"We have the raw material, which is the most important thing," he said. "We have many talented players, and I am convinced Brazil also has many excellent coaches.

"We have played against many teams in the Brazilian Championship, and now we are playing in the São Paulo U20 Championship, where there are some very good coaches who create excellent training systems. Sometimes, the U20 league even produces matches that are more exciting and more detailed than professional games."

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