PEDRO HAS “A LOT OF TECHNIQUE”, SAYS SAMPAOLI

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.

Pedro was in great form during the season, being Flamengo and Brazil's top scorer with 30 goals in 43 matches. However, during training with the Brazilian team, the striker suffered a serious injury that took him out of action for the remainder of 2024. As the injury occurred while Pedro was serving the CBF, the entity will have to compensate Flamengo with an amount corresponding to almost a salary for the player.

The CBF will cover the club's losses for the first 28 days after the injury, which occurred on September 4th. Flamengo should receive a million dollar amount, as Pedro's estimated salary is around R$1.1 million, not including contractual bonuses.

In addition to compensation from the CBF, Flamengo also contacted FIFA to obtain compensation through the Club Protection Program. This program guarantees that clubs receive compensation proportional to the annual salary of an athlete who is injured while serving for the national team. The maximum value of the program is R$46.77 million per year, with a daily limit of around R$127 thousand. Flamengo has up to 28 days to formalize the request and ensure this compensation.

Pedro suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee , an injury that requires between nine and 12 months of recovery. Therefore, the striker will only play again in 2025.

Without Pedro, Flamengo is preparing to face Peñarol (URU) this Thursday (19), at 7pm, at Maracanã, for the first game of the Libertadores quarter-finals. The return match will be held on September 26th, in Uruguay.