Tite, Flamengo coach, criticizes Conmebol for games at altitude: “Disrespect for science”

Na 1-0 victory over Bahia in the first game of the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil, Flamengo had coach Tite return to the side of the field. The coach could not be in charge of the team against Red Bull Bragantino last Sunday (25) as he was recovering from atrial fibrillation that he suffered due to the 3640m altitude of La Paz and had to be hospitalized. The red-black commander was discharged on Saturday (24).

Na post-game press conference against Bahia, coach Tite celebrated his return and, asked about the experience he had in recent days, the coach pointed out the human side and criticized Conmebol for the treatment of the teams that have to go playing at altitude without being used to playing in mountainous regions. The confederation forces clubs to be at the match venue one day before, a time that is not considered sufficient to adapt to the natural conditions of the location.

“You could write a chapter in a book. On the human side, what each one goes through. I felt the doctor's responsibility and care. The doctor wanted to know why and stayed close all the time. My son asked me to be at the front, he wanted to be at the back, I felt their care. I hope people listen to science. Playing in La Paz is very difficult. I won't use the term inhumane, but it brings a series of strong problems. If they don't take a break, there will be problems. It hit me, it’s going to get more serious”, began the coach, before criticizing.

I’m anticipating it. It is absurd for Conmebol to force teams to be there a day earlier, disrespectful to science. Everyone, doctors, know that from 6 am, 7 am, 8 am you start to have a headache. We want to arrive at game time, then the club gets fined. I only calmed down when I saw the exams, the doctor showed them, brought his wife, spoke to his son, to the management. Thank you to Flamengo's medical department, to doctor Bassan. They were very sweet” he concluded.

The coaching staff is now preparing their team for the game in a place where they have experienced many joys. Flamengo visits Corinthians this Sunday (1) at 4:00 pm, at the Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo. It will be the first time that the 63-year-old gaucho leads a team in Itaquera as a visitor. Tite was Timão's coach on three occasions, in 2004/05, from 2010 to 2013 and from 2015 to 2016, and is considered one of the greatest in the club's history, having been champion of the Libertadores, World Cup and two-time Brazilian champion with the Parque team. Saint George.