Gustavo Quinteros has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Grêmio, stepping up to fill the significant void left by legendary figure Renato Gaúcho. Quinteros, who was introduced at the club's training center on Monday, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role and outlined his ambitious plans for the coming seasons.
Arriving from Vélez Sarsfield, where he recently won the Argentine championship, the 59-year-old Argentine-Bolivian is determined to take Grêmio back to the top of Brazilian football. "I'm very happy to be at such a great club. It’s a major undertaking, and we hope this season will be very promising. I’m grateful for this opportunity," Quinteros noted during his presentation.
Taking over coaching duties from René Portaluppi, who enjoyed considerable success during his tenure, Quinteros knows he has big shoes to fill. He reflects, "I have great confidence in the work we're doing and have no doubt we will do our best at Grêmio. I know I’m replacing someone who has brought many significant things to the club, so it’s quite the challenge. But we come with immense hope of putting Grêmio on top and achieving great results," he added.
Part of Quinteros’ plans includes bolstering the squad with new signings, as he prepares to lead Grêmio on the quest for titles. Although he refrained from naming specific players, he identified key areas for recruitment to sharpen the team's competitiveness. "We need to incorporate players to build an aggressive team, using young talents as they possess great potential. We will aim for experienced players with the necessary hierarchy for Grêmio," he stated. Positions he aims to reinforce include left-backs, one deep-lying midfielder, and one central defender, particularly to compensate for the departure of Soteldo.
Alongside Quinteros, four members of his coaching staff will support the project: Leandro Desábato, Maximiliano Quezada, Rodrigo Quinteros (his son), and fitness coach Hugo Roldán. Desábato, known for his past success as a defender for Estudiantes, will focus on strengthening Grêmio’s defensive tactics. Quezada’s role will be pivotal as he aims to improve the team’s offensive strategies, having previously demonstrated his capabilities with Vélez Sarsfield.
Starting his work immediately upon arriving on January 5, Quinteros is committed to familiarizing himself with the club's structure and meeting the existing staff. Notably, he is accompanied by fitness coach Roldán, underscoring their longstanding partnership since their days at Universidad Católica.
Among Quinteros' immediate objectives is to secure the Campeonato Gaúcho title, which would establish Grêmio as octa-champions for the first time. "Our first objective is to form a competitive team, showcasing the style of play our fans want to see, and then, of course, aim for the eighth title, which is very important for the club and its history," he asserted. For 2025, the club will have the chance to compete under new format rules, which have reduced the number of dates but still keep hopes high for securing the championship.
With the beginning of the Gaúcho championship set for January 22, the spotlight is on Quinteros and his team as they gear up for what is sure to be a thrilling season. The essence of football, Quinteros believes, lies not just within results but also within forming lasting connections with the club's fanbase. "I can assure the Grêmio supporters we will work with passion and professionalism, capable of achieving our goals," he concluded.