IN ADDITION TO EVERTON RIBEIRO, INTERNACIONAL DREAMS OF ANOTHER FLAMENGO STAR FOR 2024

In an interview given after the defeat of Flamengoto Peñarol, 1-0, coach Tite was direct in responding to the boos received by the fans. The statement, marked by a frank tone, exposed the coach's pragmatic vision in relation to demanding fans and the pressure for results. “I respect the fans’ feelings. Of course I feel that (the boos), I'm human”, said Tite, recognizing the fans' frustration in the face of the setback.

Tite's speech reveals that he understands the role of fans as a fundamental part in the context of a club, especially in a team of great expression like Flamengo. By mentioning that the boos affect him as a human being, the coach demonstrates empathy, but does not fail to highlight that the only way to reverse this situation is with achievements on the field. “It can only be reversed in one way”, pointed out the coach.

The response reflects the experience of Titein dealing with pressure who follows the command of great teams in Brazilian football. With successful spells at clubs such as Corinthians, Grêmio and the Brazilian national team itself, the coach has a track record that puts him in a position to understand, perhaps like few others, the relationship between performance on the field and fans' expectations. For him, this connection is clear: “Do you know how to win fans? Do you know how I won over the fans of the other clubs I played for? Win an important title”, he declared.

The phrase highlights the centrality of titles in football, especially in mass clubs like Flamengo. In Brazil, the culture of results is intense, and Tite recognizes that fans have a limited tolerance for negative results. Winning titles, for him, is the key to gaining the support of the fans, and anything other than that results in discontent: “If not, bye.”

This last part of Tite's speech summarizes the characteristic impatience of demanding fans like Flamengo. The coach makes it clear that, without obtaining relevant trophies, the relationship with the fans deteriorates quickly. The pressure is constant and is part of the daily life of those who take on the leadership of top teams. Tite seems, however, to be aware of this scenario and how it needs to be faced.

Tite's statement came after a delicate moment for Flamengo. The defeat to Peñarol, at home, in a group stage match of the Copa Libertadores, raised alarm bells for fans and the coaching staff. Flamengo had high expectations for the season, especially after major reinforcements and the arrival of Tite, a coach with wide recognition on the national and international scene.

The pressure on Flamengo is nothing new. The club, which has one of the biggest fans in the world, is known for its high expectations for titles. The expensive squad, made up of renowned players, also increases this demand. Each stumble is widely covered by the media and amplifies the dissatisfaction of part of the fans, who demand immediate results.

The Copa Libertadores, in particular, has a important meaning for Flamengo and its fans. The continental tournament is seen as one of the club's main objectives each season. Any result other than victory can generate dissatisfaction and pressure on the technical committee, as occurred after the setback against Peñarol.

In this context, Tite's speech not only recognizes the fans' dissatisfaction, but also is realistic in relation to what is expected from a club like Flamengo. The demand for titles is part of the package when taking over a club of this size, and the coach seems to be aware of this when he points out that he will only be able to win the support of the fans with significant victories.

Nicolás de la Cruz is the newest member of Flamengo's squad. The Uruguayan player is already preparing to present himself to coach Tite on January 8th, together with his teammates, on the day he 'returns from vacation'. The Red-Negra Nation is in euphoria with the prospect of seeing the former River Plate (ARG) with the Sacred Mantle, but his arrival could disrupt the life of one of the fans' idols.

One of the One thing the Flameguista should note is that, even though the reality where Arrascaeta and De La Cruz are on the same team is incredible, it could result in some complications for the Fla idol. The two occupy the position of midfielders, which makes it difficult to design with both at the coach's disposal.

Since arriving at Mengão, Tite has applied a positional attack at Flamengo, just as he did for the Brazilian team between 2018 and 2022. The formation he chooses to use for this is 3-2-5. In this way, a full-back acts as a "third defender" when passing the ball, opening the field with two fast wingers and dribblers.

De La Cruz may even be good playing on both sides, but he is not known Due to his speed, unlike Everton Ribeiro and Luiz Araújo, he could not 'replace' them.

The other option would be to use Nicolás as a 'playmaker'. During his career, the coach has already used socks as a winger. One of the most successful examples is perhaps Jadson, at Corinthians, in 2015. In these cases, he would let the star work more freely, placing the 'runner' to act in the middle.

Another option would be to place it in the steering wheel position. Gerson and Pulgar already do this job, when Arrascaeta is also on the field, but even Thiago Maia has already had the opportunity to do the job, and could compete for the spot. In this formation, De La Cruz would be more of an articulator than a finisher. At times, the player would have the freedom to invade the area, but the priority would be to help the ball out, as the current duo of midfielders does.

This formation, however, is unlikely. Therefore, the person most at risk is Arrascaeta himself. The two share more characteristics, which would lead to a dispute for the attacking position within the squad. Tite would hardly be able to place the River player in any position other than that of the fans' idol.