Author: Soorya G
When Bruno Lage resigned at a press conference after the 2-1 defeat to
2-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Nilton Santos Stadium
on September 2, it was a surprising move that caught many off guard. However, this controversy actually turned out to be a strategic move by the coach to protect his players at Botafogo.
“My conclusion is that it worked because the pressure was directed at me. It worked to the point where the discussion focused more on my situation, which is good, than on the game’s VAR. I’m committed to Botafogo body and soul. There must be a normal level of anxiety, both from the players and the fans, for something that is still a long way off, but which can be achieved and which has eluded us for 28 years (the Brazilian title)“, explained Bruno Lage to the “GE” website.
The coach, who had internal discussions with the club’s board, felt that he could have handled things differently, but has no regrets about the interview. He thinks the interview has eased the pressure on the players and defused the situation in the dressing room.
“I want the pressure to fall on me, I want the responsibility to fall on me. I just want the fans to keep supporting the players. They did fantastically after the elimination from the Copa Sudamericana, but I sensed some signs that things get a bit more anxious when you try to change something” he emphasized.
“In life, we don’t have time for regrets. I know what I did, I know the feelings it generated around me. The most important thing is that people understand that the coach is here. I offered my resignation, but I never wanted to leave. I wanted people to feel comfortable to understand if the extra anxiety that comes with trying to make changes to improve the team is causing more anxiety for the players” he added.
Botafogo are the current leaders of the Brazilian Championship and will return to the field on Saturday to face Atlético-MG at the MRV Arena. The league leaders’ journey to the top of the table has been nothing short of incredible, having been in the second division just two years ago.