ARE BETTER TIMES COMING? FLAMENGO IDOL IS HOPEFUL ABOUT TITE’S ARRIVAL

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 MISTAKE THAT COSTED EXTREMELY DEARLY 

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.

CAN IT GO BAD AT THE MOMENT?

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.

The future of Gabigol is uncertain, but the player should not stay at Flamengo. The statements made by the club's managers, which have even irritated the player, indicate that the end of the cycle is real and a new renewal should not be offered. Therefore, Gabriel must now evaluate possible destinations, after much speculation from Corinthians and Palmeiras. But Everton Ribeiro's Bahia is another possibility.

Flamengo's own idol, Everton Ribeiro, invited his former teammate to join him in Salvador. The midfielder gave an interview to TNT Sports and responded about Gabigol, stating that Bahia would be an incredible destination and that he is counting on his arrival. Furthermore, he passed the responsibility on to the Bahian team's manager, showing himself excited about the possibility.

“It's a great destination. We count on him here. He just says he wants us to make a call. I talk to Cadu (Santoro) and he gives his way. Gabi is a great striker, he has a beautiful story at Flamengo. If he leaves, may he go to a big club like Bahia. If you get here, it will help a lot. I'm sure he has many goals ahead of him in his career”, says Everton Ribeiro.

Ex-Flamengo, Everton Ribeiro did not reach an agreement with Flamengo to remain at the club, seeing his contract end at the end from last season. The same happens with Gabigol, who has a contract until December and did not reach a consensus with the Mengão board about staying.

Bahia appears in the fight for Gabigol

< The matter came up with Everton Ribeiro, but Gabigol's name had already been mentioned in Bahia. Still in July, when Flamengo spent some games during the window without listing the player to help their staff find a destination in Brazil without the number of games in the Brasileirão getting in the way, the athlete was linked to the Bahian club.

< The information, at the time, was brought by the channel Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, which published that Bahia was evaluating the possibility of hiring. The Bahians were fighting at the top of the table and dreamed of another Flamengo idol in the middle of the year, but Gabriel Barbosa remained.

Gabigol, therefore, fulfills his contract, but the news was also that Bahia could wait until December to negotiate directly with the player, just as Palmeiras and Corinthians could also do.