Flamengo has 'half a team' missing against Bolívar; check the likely lineup

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.

De la Cruz will continue to miss Flamengo this Thursday in the match against Bahia, qualifying for a place in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. The Uruguayan midfielder has not yet managed to recover from the injury to his right thigh, continues without training on the field and is already out of Tite's deck for the game in two days, at 9:45 pm (Brasília time) at Maracanã.

On the other hand, the coach has confirmed the return of Arrascaeta, Gabigol and Léo Pereira. Recovered from injuries, the three trained normally this Tuesday at Ninho do Urubu and will be options for the coach to define the lineup in the last activity for the match, this Wednesday afternoon at CT.

This Wednesday, Varela, Pulgar, Gerson and Fabrício Bruno return from Data Fifa after defending their teams this Tuesday, and depending on their physical conditions they could also be available to Tite against Bahia. As a result, the coach would not have had De la Cruz in the lineup in the first game, when they won 1-0 at Fonte Nova. Arrascaeta appears as the favorite for the vacancy.

In addition to De la Cruz, Cebolinha (left ankle), Viña (right knee), Pedro (left knee) and Michael (right thigh) are also in the medical department. In addition to these, Carlinhos (already played in the Copa do Brasil for Nova Iguaçu) and reinforcements Alex Sandro, Alcaraz and Gonzalo Plata (are not registered at this stage of the tournament) will also not be able to play on Thursday.