Coach Renato Portaluppi continues his personal war against the press. Even after Grêmio’s 2-1 victory over São Paulo this Sunday afternoon (01/12), which removed Tricolor Gaúcho from the relegation zone, the commander continued to maintain a tense atmosphere in relation to the professionals.
When leaving the field, in the tunnel that takes the players to the Arena Grêmio dressing room, Renato did not allow the Grêmio fans to give interviews to the professionals present in the mixed area of the stadium.
Villasanti, who was beginning to give an interview to one of the journalists present, was removed by Renato in the middle of his interview.
– You won’t say anything – said the coach, as he pulled the midfielder towards the changing rooms.
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Renato Portaluppi did not allow the players to meet the press after the victory against São Paulo.
— Fabiola Thiele 🇪🇪 (@fathiele)
Why is Renato Gaúcho “at war” with the press?
Renato Gaúcho’s relationship with the press, especially the Gaucho press, has been marked by hostility in recent months. Heavily charged for the results and the football presented by Grêmio in the 2024 season, Portaluppi has considered the criticisms unfair and, in some cases, even lying.
This dynamic reached its peak during the last week, after the game against Cruzeiro, when Renato made a statement that was perceived as a threat by journalists, in which the coach cited family members of the professionals.
– The president is here and knows about my capabilities. That’s why they kept me in the position. I’m damn good. Once again, I’m being polite. But if they keep lying, I’m going to give them names. This will be my last interview if you keep making up lies. You also have a family, you have children at school, and the fans know you. If you continue like this, you will also start to face difficulties – he said.
Due to the repercussion of the statements, Renato backtracked, stating that he never intended to threaten and that he is against violence.
With the victory against São Paulo, Grêmio reached 44 points, in 11th place in the Brazilian Championship.
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Grêmio’s last games: results
- 01/12 – Grêmio 2 x 1 São Paulo – Brazilian Championship
- 27/11 – Cruzeiro 1 x 1 Grêmio – Brazilian Championship
- 20/11 – Grêmio 2 x 2 Juventude – Brazilian Championship
- 08/11 – Palmeiras 1 x 0 Grêmio – Brazilian Championship
- 01/11 – Fluminense 2 x 2 Grêmio – Brazilian Championship
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Grêmio’s classification for the season
- Brazilian Championship: 11th place (44 points in 36 games)
- Copa do Brasil: eliminated in the round of 16
- Libertadores: eliminated in the round of 16
- Gaucho Championship: champion
- Recopa Gaúcha: runner-up
