Gustavo Quinteros has officially taken the helm of Grêmio, stepping up as the new head coach of the storied Brazilian club. The 59-year-old Argentine brings with him extensive experience, having previously led several teams to national championships, including most recently Vélez Sarsfield, where he ended an 11-year title drought.
During his presentation on the afternoon of Monday, December 6, Quinteros expressed both the weight of his new role and the excitement surrounding it. He acknowledged the challenge of replacing Renato Portaluppi, the club's revered former coach. “It is an honor to be here in Porto Alegre leading such a great club as Grêmio. I know the responsibility of succeeding an idol like Renato, but with hard work, I am confident we can achieve great things for the Tricolor,” he stated.
Setting the tone for the season, Quinteros emphasized his commitment to developing a strong defensive foundation. Recognizing the team's struggles, having conceded 106 goals over the past two Brazilian league seasons, he stressed the need for tactical discipline and collective organization. “My approach is to create not just individual talent, but a cohesive unit where everyone understands their defensive duties and can react appropriately when possession changes,” he remarked.
Quinteros outlined his intentions for the upcoming season, prioritizing the Campeonato Gaúcho. “The Gauchão is very important for us and our fans. It’s the first objective we have, and we will work hard to achieve it,” he asserted. The club's goal is to reclaim the state championship title, which they have not held since winning it consecutively for seven years.
Central to Quinteros' strategy is high intensity, both offensively and defensively. He aims for his new team to play aggressively, controlling the game high up the pitch and maintaining pressure on opponents when they lose the ball. “A team’s organization is the most important aspect of success,” he explained, adding, “We need intelligent players who can absorb what we want and contribute to both defensive and offensive play.”
The new coach has already begun preparations, holding meetings and establishing his training methods even before the players officially report for duty on December 8. “The daily routine will be fundamental. The quality of our performance will depend on how we practice together,” Quinteros emphasized.
While Quinteros is eager to implement his vision, he also acknowledged the importance of recruiting new talent. Grêmio is actively seeking players to fill specific gaps within the squad—namely, defenders and midfielders capable of meeting his dynamic approach. “We need full-backs, central defenders, and midfielders with the right mentality to adapt quickly to what we are trying to build here,” he detailed. He identified the necessity for reinforcements to adequately support the team’s ambitions.
With the transfer market currently open, Quinteros is clear about the attributes he desires: experience, intelligence, and high energy. “We are having meetings with the management. They know we need players who can contribute immediately and help us evolve as quickly as possible,” he asserted. His focus is not just on tactical fit but also on finding individuals who embody the fighting spirit characteristic of successful Grêmio teams.
Gustavo Quinteros' arrival at Grêmio signals the dawn of a new tactical era for the club. His emphasis on discipline and unity on the field reflects the lessons drawn from past failures, as he seeks to cultivate resilience and adaptability within his squad. The fans, eager for success after previous seasons marked by defensive lapses, will be watching closely to see if Quinteros can meld his vision with their expectations and return the team to winning ways.
The Argentine coach aims to debut his vision for the team on January 22, when Grêmio faces Brasil de Pelotas. Anticipation is building as supporters await to witness the transformation of their beloved club under Quinteros’ leadership, hoping to once again see Grêmio rise to its former glory.