Renato Gaúcho, the former manager of Grêmio, has once again caused waves with his impactful remarks about Brazilian football, particularly concerning his time with Flamengo and the pivotal 2021 Libertadores final against Palmeiras. Speaking on the Charla Podcast, the coach expressed his firm belief the Flamengo side he managed was poised to defeat Palmeiras, had it not been for a shocking error by Andreas Pereira.
During his interview, Gaúcho bluntly stated, "Nós (Flamengo de 2021) íamos ganhar aquela Libertadores contra o Palmeiras. Aí, infelizmente o Andreas pisou na bola, um lance, e o adversário cresceu. Mas nós íamos atropelar o Palmeiras naquela prorrogação. Nós íamos atropelar! Mas um erro nosso colocou tudo a perder," highlighting how he believed the dynamics of the match changed because of the mistake. His comments not only underline his competitive spirit but also the intense pressure surrounding matches of such magnitude.
The 2021 Libertadores final, held at the Estadio Centenario, showcased Flamengo as the favorite, having triumphed over stronger opponents like Defensa y Justicia and Barcelona prior to the decisive match. Despite controlling the game for stretches, it was Palmeiras who prevailed, thanks to their key players. After Raphael Veiga opened the scoring, Flamengo managed to level through Gabigol, dragging the match to extra time. There, Pereira's fateful misstep allowed Deyverson to secure the title for Palmeiras, leaving Gaúcho's side empty-handed.
Post-match, tensions flared as Gaúcho was dismissed from his coaching position at Flamengo. With high expectations to not only compete but dominate, his tenure ended without silverware, which, as he indicated, was not acceptable at one of Brazil's biggest clubs. The demands at Flamengo are colossal—if you don't win, the fans will not hesitate to call for change. "Hoje, o Flamengo é um clube que se você está lá, você tem que ganhar. Se você não ganhar, você não é bom," Gaúcho affirmed, reinforcing the harsh reality of football management.
Besides his comments on past matches, Gaúcho also took the time to commend Felipe Luís, who succeeded him at Flamengo as coach. Expressing his admiration, he remarked, "Ele é nota mil, um cara muito inteligente," emphasizing both their camaraderie and Luís’s high potential within Brazilian football. This relationship with Luís exemplifies how coaches fully invest themselves, nurturing not just players but fellow coaches too.
Notably, Renato Gaúcho's career has been peppered with controversy and debate, not only through his coaching credentials but also from his days as one of Brazil's finest players, ensuring his narratives stay at the forefront of discussions. His storied past includes playing pivotal roles at clubs such as Flamengo, with whom he claimed the 1987 championship, adding layers of dignity to his views on titles and legitimacy.
Despite these rich experiences, Renato is currently without club management since his exit from Grêmio. This prolonged break from the pitch paints a broader picture of coaching as it oscillates between triumph and transition, mirroring Gaúcho's own experiences. He remains a vibrant character within the football community, continuously influencing through his thoughts and reflections.
Whether it's his vehement declaration about the Flamengo squad he helmed or his insight on coaching young talents like Filipe Luís, Renato Gaúcho keeps the football world engaged, perhaps offering a hint at his imminent return. His candidness about past disappointments and future aspirations positions him as both reflective and forward-thinking—a combination hard to resist for both fans and enthusiasts alike.