JUSTICE GRANTS INJUNCTION FOR VASCO TO PLAY IN MARACANÃ AGAINST ATLÉTICO-MG

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.

Born under the sky of Muqui and shaped by the roots of Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Lucas Fonseca, a young goalkeeper from Espírito Santo, had the opportunity to live his dream of ending his first season with Flamengo's under-20s. In 2023, the fearless goalkeeper participated in international tournaments representing the red and black, crossing borders to Croatia and the Czech Republic in his inaugural season in the category.

At just 18 years old, Lucas, a promise on the rise, he was promoted to the under-20s early for his first season. Even though he played in a limited number of matches, the young goalkeeper had the unique opportunity to experience international football in his new category. He stood out as the guardian of the Flamengo networks in different competitions, one in the Czech Republic and another in Croatia. Although they didn't win the titles, Lucas made his mark with impressive saves.

"I made two international trips, to the Czech Republic and Croatia. Unfortunately, we didn't reach the finals, we came 3rd in the Czech Republic and 4th in Croatia. However, it was a crucial experience for my development. Returning from these competitions, I continued training and playing, and shortly after, we were Brazilian champions", shared the goalkeeper in an interview with ge.globo.

The beginning of this extraordinary path took place in the fields of Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, more precisely in the field of Basel. What started as fun gradually turned into a serious journey, culminating in him winning the title of best goalkeeper in the Copa A Gazetinha. Scouts noticed the young goalkeeper's talent, got in touch with his father, the former goalkeeper Soneca, and thus began Lucas' career at the big clubs.

"I continued training and standing out in competitions at Espírito Santo. I was the best goalkeeper in the Copa A Gazetinha. One day, two scouts saw me playing on the Basel field. A week later, my father and I recorded a training video to send to the clubs. Athletico Paranaense and Vasco showed interest, but Flamengo was the first to call. Twenty minutes after we sent the video, Flamengo got in touch and scheduled my week of testing", reported the enthusiastic Espírito Santo.

After establishing himself in Flamengo's youth categories , Lucas now aims for higher flights, wishing to follow in the footsteps of legends such as Júlio César, Diego Alves and Raul Plassmann. His first objective is to win a place in the professional squad to participate in the 2024 Carioca Championship. The young goalkeeper dreams of lifting the trophy at Maracanã, cheering with Flamengo's passionate fans.

"My dream is to become a Flamengo's professional goalkeeper and be champion at a packed Maracanã. The expectation is to continue working hard and, once again, be part of the professional team that competes in Carioca at the beginning of the year. Afterwards, I hope to be competing in major competitions alongside the squad Flamengo professional", concluded Lucas Fonseca, the promise of the red and black networks.