PETKOVIC PRAISES FLAMENGO'S NEW FOLK TAKER: ''HIT THE BALL WELL''

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.

This Monday, May 27, 2024, we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Petkovic's great free kick in the Carioca final over Vasco, where Flamengo won the three consecutive wins over the rival team. Thus, the former Mais Querido player took to social media to remember the move.

“23 years since the goal that changed my career and a large part of my history. Maracanã exploded, and we became three-time champions. Red-Black Nation, thank you for every moment of joy. This goal is ours”, declared Pet, in a post on social media. In addition to the text, the former player also posted the video of the free kick.

Flamengoand Vasco competed in three consecutive finals of the Campeonato Carioca (1999, 2000 and 2001). In the first two, Mais Querido took the trophy, however, in the last final, the dispute was completely fierce.

In the first match, Cruzmaltino beat Rubro-Negro 2-1. In the second game between the teams, the match had the same score, this time, for Mais Querido. However, in the 43rd minute of the second half, Flamengo had a penalty at the edge of the area. Petkovic took the penalty and, with precision, placed the ball in the corner of goalkeeper Helton. With the goal, Mengo secured the third state title at the time.

In addition to the historic goal, Petkovic also had other important moments defending the Sacred Mantle. In his second spell at Mais Querido, the Serbian was fundamental in the trajectory that resulted in the Brasileirão title in 2009. For Rubro-Negro, he played in 198 games, adding 57 goals and 45 assists, in addition to winning a Carioca (2000) and a Champions Cup (2001).