FLAMENGO ATTENTION TO THE RIVAL! OLIMPIA FIRES COACH AFTER ELIMINATION IN PARAGUAY

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.

Flamengo starts a new week with a focus on the Libertadores da América. On Thursday (19), Mengão will face Peñarol in the opening of the quarter-finals, at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã. Expectations are high on the Uruguayan side as well. After a 4-0 thrashing over Rampla Juniors on Saturday, coach Diego Aguirre commented on his team's moment and indicated who the starting lineup will be.

Aguirre mentioned the lack of pace of play due to the reduced number of matches recently. The team spent 15 days without playing between August 21st and September 7th due to mourning the death of Juan Izquierdo and another seven days until this Saturday's rout. Therefore, Peñarol arrives to face Flamengo with just two games in the last 30 days. Despite this, the coach valued the time to train the team.

The coach also spoke about a possible absence of Leonardo Fernández in the clash against Flamengo, as the striker appeared to be in pain during the match against Rampla Juniors. However, Aguirre hinted that the starter will be available, although he praised the squad as a whole.

Diego Aguirre was asked about possible changes in the starting lineup for the duel against Flamengo. He stated that he does not intend to make major changes to the team that has performed well, having won the last two games. Therefore, Peñarol should start the match with the preferred 4-4-2 formation.

The Uruguayan team tends to have less ball possession in the Libertadores, with an average of 44.5%, but has a quality midfield and fast players on the sides to supply the attackers when they recover the ball. Léo Fernández is the competition's assist leader, with three, and Maximiliano Silvera is the top scorer, with five goals.

Peñarol's probable lineup for the game against Flamengo is: Washington Aguerre; Pedro Milans, Javier Méndez, Guzmán Rodríguez and Maximiliano Oliveira; Javier Cabrera, Damián García, Eduardo Darías and Jaime Báez; Leonardo Fernández and Maximiliano Silveira.

It is worth noting that Aguirre has already used a tactical variation away from home in the Libertadores. Against The Strongest, for example, he adopted a 5-4-1 formation to face the altitude of La Paz. On that occasion, Jaime Báez was replaced by another defender, Léo Coelho. Furthermore, Gastón Ramírez, the experienced Uruguayan midfielder, comes into practically every game from the bench.