Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In Brazilian soccer, a palpable sense of expectation now surrounds Flamengo, as the club is edging ever closer to securing the services of Tite, the revered former captain of the national team. Although the details of the negotiations remain secret, the belief in Tite’s imminent appointment has taken root at Flamengo, offering renewed optimism after Jorge Sampaoli’s departure and the recent victory over Bahia.
The Ninho do Urubu, as Flamengo’s home is affectionately known, has had its ups and downs, but a promising change in climate has arrived. The absence of any news about a plan B from the club only reinforces the players’ confidence that Tite will soon be in charge. The expectation of a major signing grows with each passing day, as some influential figures in the group have hinted that a significant acquisition is on the horizon.
One player expressed the prevailing sentiment in the squad, saying:“I hope it works out because he’s the man“. It’s a sentiment that resonates widely in the Ninho do Urubu, with acceptance of Tite’s possible appointment being almost unanimous. This endorsement goes beyond the 11 players who have already been called up by Tite during his tenure as national team coach. Hope grew even more after Tite confided in people close to him about his desire to return to the pitch in 2023.
For those who have never had the privilege of working with the esteemed coach, curiosity is natural. They are anxiously awaiting whether their teammates’ glowing recommendations about Tite’s technical ability will be confirmed on the pitch.
Between 2017 and 2022, during his time in charge of the Brazilian national team, Tite called up a total of 11 players from the current Flamengo squad. It’s a squad with enough talent to form a formidable team, including a makeshift defender at right-back. Among the players who have been called up by Tite are Santos, Rodrigo Caio, Pablo, David Luiz and Filipe Luís. In midfield, Gerson and Everton Ribeiro won their places, while Everton Cebolinha, Bruno Henrique, Gabigol and Pedro showed their ability to score goals in attack.
However, while Flamengo continue to await Tite’s official appointment, the team is focused on the challenge against Corinthians, at the Arena Neo Química, in the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship.
As the daily discussions and intricate negotiations unfold at their own pace, Tite’s imminent arrival not only arouses the excitement of Flamengo’s fervent fans, but also ignites a sense of expectation in the team, who yearn for a positive result under the tutelage of the revered tactician.