Gustavo Quinteros has officially been appointed as Grêmio's new head coach, stepping in to replace the iconic Renato Portaluppi. The announcement was made on December 6, 2023, following Quinteros' arrival in Porto Alegre the previous day. The announcement was met with optimism from Grêmio's management, signaling a fresh start for the club aiming to revamp its performance after three disappointing seasons.
During his introduction at the club's training center, Quinteros expressed his gratitude and excitement about joining such a prestigious team. "It’s an honor for me to be here; I am very happy to be at this great club. I want to thank the president and all the board for trusting me," he stated. This marks Quinteros' debut coaching role within Brazilian football after having achieved success with Vélez Sarsfield, where he claimed the Argentine championship.
Alexandre Rossato, the vice-president of football, articulated the club's confidence in Quinteros' ability to turn the team's fortunes around. "He is a winning coach, he fits the profile we were seeking. We are very optimistic about the results and his working methodology," Rossato remarked, underscoring the hope the management places on Quinteros’ proven track record.
Strategic Goals for the Gauchão
Quinteros is now faced with the challenge of leading the team to success, particularly with the upcoming Gauchão championship at the forefront of the club’s aspirations. Highlighting his immediate goals, Quinteros emphasized his commitment to establishing a competitive squad, stating, "The first objective is to form a competitive team, one which plays football and pleases the supporters. That can show on the field what the fans want to see." He aims to pursue the octa-championship, something unprecedented in Grêmio's history.
To achieve these objectives, Quinteros has outlined plans to strengthen the team, especially focusing on bolstering the defense—an area plagued by criticism last season due to the high number of goals conceded. He noted, "The teams I coach have characteristics I really like, including intensity and commitment on the field. It is important to provide them with all the tools necessary, both in training and physical preparation."
Player Negotiations and Transfers
Central to Quinteros' strategy will be player acquisitions. The club is gearing up for the transfer window with plans to recruit left-backs, defensive players, and replacements for key positions, particularly the departure of Soteldo, who has returned to Santos. "We are trying to replace those who have left and are having meetings with management. We need full-backs, a defensive midfielder, and two other players to fill those roles effectively," he explained.
Simultaneously, retaining key players remains a priority, with negotiations for contracts underway, particularly concerning Mathías Villasanti and Cristaldo. Both players have generated interest from other clubs, including Palmeiras, adding urgency to the negotiations. "It would be fantastic if they could stay. These are top-level players, and it wouldn’t be easy to replace them," Quinteros admitted, expressing hope about convincing them to remain with the club.
After his formal introduction, Quinteros and his staff toured the Arena do Grêmio, familiarizing themselves with the club’s home ground. This visit was facilitated by club executives, who showed them the facilities, including the pitch and the locker rooms. “They were thrilled to see the magnitude of our stadium and expressed eagerness to return on match day to experience our fans’ support,” Rossato noted.
Quinteros' first official interaction with the players is set to take place on Wednesday during the team's re-presentation at the training center, as he officially starts measures to implement his style and approach. With many challenges ahead, the new coach’s enthusiasm is palpable, and both fans and management are left eagerly anticipating the club's next chapter under his leadership.