FLAMENGO

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.

The Board of Directors of the Clube de Regatas do Flamengo issued an official note repudiating insinuations regarding a possible operations agreement with Portuguese club Leixões. The allegations were considered irresponsible and untrue by the board, especially in an electoral context, where candidates and their supporters are accused of making unfounded accusations.

Flamengo highlights that the current administration, aware of the strength and size of the club brand, is always looking for strategies that can further enhance Rubro-Negro's growth. In this sense, the club argues that the electoral process must be guided by constructive debates, with no room for accusations without evidence or knowledge of the facts. The negotiations in question, as detailed, are being conducted in order to guarantee benefits to Flamengo, without putting the financial health of the institution at risk.

The operation being planned with Leixões is presented as more advantageous compared to a previous proposal involving another Portuguese club, Tondela. At the time, the proposal for the acquisition of Tondela was brokered by a company run by Claudio Pracownik, who would receive significant remuneration for advising and managing the business. The purchase of Tondela would require a considerable financial outlay on the part of Flamengo, with risks associated with the management of the club by third parties.

In contrast, the current negotiation with Leixões does not involve an immediate purchase of corporate participation, which exempts Flamengo to assume losses or liabilities of the Portuguese club immediately. The contract being discussed provides that Flamengo will take over the management of Leixões for a period of three years, without any initial obligation to purchase shares. After this management period, Flamengo will have the option to purchase the club, a decision that may be taken to the Deliberative Council (CODE) for approval, depending on the results and analyzes carried out throughout the management period.

This partnership model is highlighted as less risky and more advantageous for Flamengo, avoiding advance financial commitments and allowing a careful analysis of the benefits of the operation before any purchasing decision. The board emphasizes that, as soon as the final details of the contract are adjusted, the agreement will be submitted to CODE, which will be responsible for deliberating on the opportunity.