RODRIGO CAIO TALKS ABOUT PHYSICAL FORM AND POSES SAMPAOLI'S PASSAGE IN 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.

At the end of the 2023 season, Flamengo did not reach a renewal agreement with Rodrigo Caio, thus ending the cycle of a successful player within the club. During his time at Mengo, the "Sheriff" lifted the 2019 and 2022 Libertadores cups, the 2019 and 2020 Brazilian Cups, the 2022 Copa do Brasil, and the 2020 Recopa Sul-Americana, in addition to two Brazilian Super Cups (2020 and 2021 ) and three Cariocas (2019, 2020 and 2021).

In June, Grêmio announced the signing of the 30-year-old defender, with Rodrigo Caio reuniting with Renato Gaúcho, who led Flamengo for a large part of the 2021 season. The defender signed a productivity contract with Grêmio until December 2024, but his little use raises doubts about a possible renewal.

So far, Rodrigo Caio has been listed in just seven Brasileirão games for Grêmio, without being a starter in any of them. His only opportunity on the field was against Palmeiras, in the 14th round, where he came on in the 28th minute of the second half, acting improvised in place of Cristaldo.

A little hope for an extension of the link with Grêmio is due to the fact that Renato Gaúcho rotates the defense, but only uses Geromel, Kannemann, Rodrigo Ely and the young Gustavo Martins. This has further limited Rodrigo Caio's chances of establishing himself in the Tricolor Gaúcho starting lineup.

Perhaps a new opportunity will arise for the defender in the Grêmio game this Sunday (14), against Operário, in the third phase of the Copa do Brasil. The match will take place at 11 am (Brasília time), at the Centenário Stadium, and could be a chance for Rodrigo Caio to show his value and seek more space in the Grêmio squad.