Fluminense will play against Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. Before the game, Fruminense coach Renato Gaucho was interviewed by FIFA's official website. Frumenense is the only non-European team. How proud is this? "Many pe...
Fluminense will play against Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. Before the game, Fruminense coach Renato Gaucho was interviewed by FIFA's official website.
Frumenense is the only non-European team. How proud is this?
"Many people don't believe us, and we are now in the semi-finals. At this moment, Fruminense is one of the world's semi-finals. I always tell (the players) that we can't leave what we can do today until tomorrow because we don't know when the next opportunity like this will come. So we need to make history, and that's exactly what we are doing. With the respect we deserve to have for Chelsea, we don't want to stop there. We will do our best mentally, physically, technically and tactically. We have to give it all. Many people think we can't do it, but we've reached the semi-finals."
Do you dare to dream of lifting the trophy?
"We have to keep dreaming, but we have to take one step at a time. This is the attitude we have held from the moment we arrive here. We want to win the championship, but we know how difficult it is. Chelsea has the same goal as us: to enter the finals. We know how good they are, and we will be tested by them. After that, we may be able to start thinking about the trophy."
When you came to Frumenense in April and started preparing for the Club World Cup, have you ever thought about going so far?
"I have always believed in this team, but we have been learning throughout the game. Competing with European clubs at the financial level is difficult. But that doesn't mean they win automatically, because the outcome of the game is determined on the court. However, when you can form a strong squad, a team full of international players, you have a great chance to win honors. But we have proved that even as I often say, we are making big big, what really matters is the attitude on the court.
Since we arrived in the United States, I have been telling them: 'I We are not here for vacation. ’We will respect every opponent, we know how difficult it is, but we must believe in ourselves. I have been working with them to improve the psychological level. We are here, we have to go all out and we have to fight. There are 11 people on the court on the court. European clubs have better prepared for success, but what is important is the attitude on the court, and this group of players has extremely strong fighting spirit. That’s what I trust. We will continue to believe and make history. ”
Thiago Silva is the fan favorite of three teams in the semi-finals of this Club World Cup. How important is his experience in your historic journey?
"It's crucial. He has played in the Club World Cup many times and has played for some of Europe's largest clubs for a long time. He's so important to us. He has a lot of experience, like having an extra coach on the court. He tactically guides his teammates and has a lot of insights into our strong opponents because he's played against them before. With his current performance, he can still play in the 2026 World Cup even though he's already (forty)."
Fabio is another of your outstanding veterans. When you retired in 1999, he had just entered his second year of his career. How good is he doing?
"Oh my God, he is incredible in every way. He trains hard, is a great professional player, and is one of the leaders of the team. Fabio made many key saves, helping us retain hope for many games. He is crucial to this team and helping his teammates stay calm. He is one of the pillars of this team."
So what about Joan Arias on the offensive end?
"His confidence grew with every game. He received a lot of well-deserved praise, which made him more confident because he took on more responsibilities. He performed well in this tournament. He was the kind of player who always worries his opponents."
How would you describe Renato Gaucho as a coach?
"I tried to pass on all my experiences in my player career to my players. I did a lot of work on tactics, but I tried not to be the kind of coach who made all decisions on their own. Understandably, I have the final say, but I will try to talk to the leaders in the locker room. I like listening and communicating ideas with them. When they identify with a system built with the coach, you see the players getting more engaged when they step on the court. That kind of freedom is crucial. I like my players feeling comfortable and valued, understand? I hope they can communicate ideas with me."
What message does Fruminense's performance in this event send to the world?
"Money helps you build a great team and give you a greater chance to win the game, but the most important thing is attitude on the court, the player's commitment and the dialogue between the coach and the players. But I think the main message Fruminense is to make people respect Brazilian football. I think Fruminense, along with Botafogo, Flamengo and Palmeiras, has brought Brazilian football back to the map."
