WATCH OUT FOR THE RIVAL! KEY FLUMINENSE PLAYER EXPERIENCES PHYSICAL PROBLEM BEFORE FLA X FLU

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.

This Sunday's beautiful afternoon was a classic at Maracanã. This is because leader Flamengo faced bottom side Fluminense in the Brazilian Championship. The victory would leave the red and black team even more isolated in the table. In this sense, Tite's men achieved their goal, winning 1-0, with a goal from Pedro, taking a penalty. 
SUMMARY

In a game of errors, the best chances all belonged to Flamengo. The team even managed to prevent short passes and steal the ball inside Fluminense's area, mainly due to poor decisions by Gabriel Pires. However, Pedro, Lorran and Gerson wasted great opportunities in similar situations to open the score. Fluminense didn't find its space on the field and ended the first half without a single shot.

Change of the field, same panorama. This is because the teams returned to the second half the same. Flamengo pressing, keeping the ball and missing many goal opportunities. Meanwhile, Fluminense, just like against Botafogo, avoided being beaten. Bruno Henrique missed a great opportunity with Samuel Xavier and Ganso failing, but like his teammates, he also lost. With time passing, the Rio de Janeiro native still found some gaps in the Red and Black defense, but in addition to exhaustion, they didn't have the quality to reach Rossi's goal. 

In short, when it was thought that the zero would not leave the scoreboard, Bruno Henrique, at 40 minutes, receives a throw from Léo Pereira, beats Calegari and is knocked down. Penalty. Pedro charges in the middle of the goal, Fábio falls to the right, touches it with his foot, but the ball goes in. The striker opens and closes the scoring for Flamengo at Maracanã!

With the victory against the Rio de Janeiro tricolor, Flamengo reaches 24 points and continues to lead the Brasileirão. Right behind is Bahia with 21, Palmeiras (who are still playing in the round) with 20 and Botafogo also with 20 points, completing the G4.

The next commitment for Tite's men is also for the Brazilian Championship. In this sense, Flamengo faces Juventude, away from home, next Wednesday (26th), at 8pm.