FLAMENGO PROBE FOR EX-JUVENTUS ATTACKER WHICH IS AN OLD DREAM OF MARCOS BRAZ

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.

Fluminense may already have an absence for the first game of the semi-final against Flamengo. This is striker Douglas Costa. The player felt his right thigh after the derby against Botafogo. The Fluminense striker has already started treatment at CT Carlos Castilho. In a statement, the club released the information this Tuesday (05) to the public.

Still must- mention André's situation. The midfielder was sent off in the duel against Botafogo and will have to serve an automatic suspension. In his place, Fernando Diniz should opt for Alexsander to enter and Martinelli to retreat. Lima is another who can gain chances, as well as Gabriel Pires. However, the youth from the youth teams comes out ahead of the competition.

With the defeat to Botafogo, Tricolor reached a negative mark of 11 games without beating their main rivals. There are four draws and seven defeats. To be three-time Rio champions, Flu needs to beat Flamengo, while Rubro-Negro plays for two draws. The clash will be this Saturday (9), at 9pm. Tricolor will face Mengão, in the first game valid for the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca, at Maracanã.

While Fluminense accumulates negative news, Flamengo should have a great debut for the match. Léo Ortiz has just signed with the club, who is now racing against time to include it in time for the classic. With the deadline closing this Thursday (07), the pressure is on the shoulders of the Rio club's directors to guarantee the eligibility of the new reinforcement.

The cast of Flamengo performed again on Monday (04). Now, this Wednesday (06), Tite leads another training session. Therefore, the red and black squad is expected to train at Ninho do Urubu from 4pm. First of all, it is worth remembering that this will be the third training session led by Tite with a focus on Fluminense, Flamengo's next opponent. The clash is scheduled for Saturday (09), at Maracanã, in the first game of the Carioca Championship semi-finals.