Young defender, highlighted in the Libertadores, leads the team with the spirit of a sheriff and dreams of scoring in the decision
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This Saturday, at 4pm, Flamengo will face Olympiacos in the final of the Club World Cup, at Maracanã. One of the team's highlights is defender Iago, 19 years old, who has established himself as the team's leader. Captain and top scorer of the victorious campaign in the Libertadores, the young defender scored four goals in the competition, demonstrating his skill and protagonism.
O Flamengo won their place in the World Cup final after beating Boca Juniors in the Libertadores final. Iago, who shone throughout the tournament, stood out scoring goals in different ways: from the penalty spot, with his left foot and with his head. Now, he is preparing for the biggest challenge of his career: playing in a World Cup final at Maracanã.
"I didn't imagine scoring in the World Cup final. That would be the height of dreams. Playing in a World Cup at Maracanã is very memorable for me and the whole team. I think it would be the pinnacle of dreams: to be champion and score a goal. We focus on playing a good game, with team spirit and being champion", commented Iago in an interview with ge. .
In addition to his goals, Iago has stood out for his attitude on the field. Known for his celebration with a jump followed by a salute, the defender demonstrates confidence and leadership, characteristics that make him one of the pillars of the squad led by Filipe Luís.
During the week leading up to the final, Iago admitted that anxiety is inevitable, especially considering the emblematic setting of Maracanã. "During the week, anxiety is normal, as it's at Maracanã and with the support of the fans. I think a large part of the squad has never played at a packed Maracanã. I think the butterflies and anxiety are part of it, it's normal in football. We have to deal as if it were just another game, but with a much greater responsibility as it is a World Cup, inside Maracanã, and which will be marked in Flamengo's history", declared the young defender.
With the final approaching, the defender also expressed his excitement about playing in front of the red and black fans. "We were excited to play at Maracanã, as it was at home and with the fans watching. When it was confirmed, we were happy to have the fans", he added.
Twitter: @pabloraphaelrua
The club has a different point of view from the coach
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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 DEARLYThe 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.
The club has its greatest moment of inconstancy
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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.
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