ACCORDING TO JOURNALIST, MARIO JORGE STILL HAS NOT AGREED TO LEAVE FLAMENGO, THE COACH MADE A COUNTERPROPOSAL TO THE SAUDI CLUB

After the 1-1 draw between Flamengo e Vasco, Tite took more than an hour to attend the post-game press conference, leaving journalists and fans curious about the reason for the wait. When finally starting the press conference, Flamengo's coach explained that the delay was a consequence of a need to process the result and balance his emotions.

According to Tite, the red-black team's performance during the classic was positive, but the score it didn't reflect what he expected from the game. "My delay was precisely to assimilate the team's great performance, but the lack of results", stated the coach. He highlighted that he was visibly uncomfortable with the draw, which led him to seek calm before talking to the press: "I was upset, that's why it took me so long to come. I have to balance myself to talk to you."

This is not the first time that Tite admits to needing time to control his emotions after matches that do not bring the expected result. The coach, known for his meticulousness, tends to be thoughtful in his statements, avoiding making hasty analyzes right after games, when emotions are still running high.

The draw in the classic between Flamengoand Vasco was particularly frustrating for Tite, who hoped to leave with the three points. Despite recognizing the team's good performance on the field, the final result was not what was desired, generating frustration not only for him, but also among the fans, who had high expectations for the match.

Coach Tite, from Flamengo, confirmed that Gabigol, one of the club's recent idols, now occupies third place in the team's attack. The decision sparked discussions among fans and experts, but, according to the coach, the choice was based on technical criteria and recent performance. During a press conference, Tite was asked about the change in the attack hierarchy and explained the reasons that led him to prefer other players in front of Gabigol. “Training, games, specifically.

Carlinhos decisive against Bolívar. Carlinhos decisive against Atlético Mineiro, with a goal. Decisive against Vitória. That's why the option was made", said the coach, highlighting Carlinhos' recent performances as a key factor in his decision.

This change in command of the attack reflects Tite's management style, which values ​​performance and meritocracy. Since arriving at Flamengo, the coach has adopted a discourse that no one has a guaranteed place in the team, regardless of name or history. This can be clearly seen in this decision, in which a player like Gabigol, who was once crucial. in Flamengo's recent titles, he loses space to a colleague who is going through a good phase.

FLAMENGO HAS ITS OWN

Carlinhos, the new holder of the position, has shown himself to be decisive in important matches , as Tite highlighted. Against Bolívar, Atlético Mineiro and Vitória, he played a fundamental role in the success of Flamengo, whether with goals or participation in important plays. These factors were enough to guarantee the coach's preference in placing him as the main option in attack.

Gabigol's situation, on the other hand, seems to reflect a phase of adaptation to the new command. Although he is a renowned player and beloved by the fans, his current phase has not been as brilliant as that of other periods of his career. In training and games, according to Tite, Gabigol has not been able to stand out to the point of regaining his starting position.

Mário Jorge spent eight years at in charge of the most diverse youth categories at Flamengo. Between jewels and great memories with titles, the coach experienced the most difficult moment of his career in February 2019, when the accommodation where 10 boys slept caught fire in Ninho do Urubu. He knew nine of them and needed support to move forward. Five years later, he won a Libertadores in the under-20s with one of the survivors, Rayan Lucas.

"It was the most difficult moment of my professional career. I thought about stopping and giving up. What would it be like to go through that place all The days? It wasn't easy, but our psychologists at the time [Duda and Michele] were fantastic, they gave me a lot of support and strength to continue. our 10'. There was a general mobilization and involvement.", said Mário Jorge.

Mário left Flamengo to take over the Saudi Arabian Under-17 team. Not before leaving the last "legacy" behind: the red-and-black's newest jewel is the boy Lorran, used mainly during the Copa América to replace Arrascaeta. His debut for the top team also marked the coach's first game in charge of the professional team, against Audax, in 2023.

"We had many memorable moments, but making Lorran's professional debut was special. It was my debut at Maracanã in the first team. Matheus França scored the goal and asked me to participate in the interview afterwards. Those were some of the memorable moments."

Mário Jorge defended Lorran. and preached patience The boy suffered pressure from the fans after some bad performances, but he has special attention from the committee so as not to feel the good or the bad phase.

"He's a talent, we have to be patient. Many Sometimes expectations are created and moments of instability happen to everyone. He is a fantastic boy, great in everyday life and will mature. Some athletes can do this sooner, others take a little more time. He can reach the highest level, but you need to be patient."

Flamengo tries to repeat the success of the base transition which he had with Mário Jorge now with Filipe Luís. The coach was important within the club's system to monitor and recommend the young people who would train with the professional. The mission was left to the former player, who took over the under-20 team.

"Everyone is important. But on a daily basis we had direct contact with the professional, mainly through Cléber Xavier and Luiz Carlos. Now at the base, with Noval and Gilberto. We had this collaboration to make decisions about which athletes would train professionally, go to the game. The relationship was very good and communication was very clear."

At the professional level, Mário Jorge managed Flamengo on an interim basis on eight occasions. There were three wins, four draws and one defeat. The best moment at the club, however, was winning the U20 Libertadores in March, against Boca Juniors.

"The first time was very difficult. Nervousness, anxiety and worry. Because it was a delicate moment post-Carioca Championship. But I had a lot of support to make decisions. The second time it was a little more 'calm', as there was already contact with the players and we had, between one game and the next, four training sessions. the opportunity to put some of our ideas forward and the games against Bahia and Corinthians were a great moment."