Renato Praises Fluminense’s Grit After Beating Inter: “I Made My Players Believe”

Fluminense manager Renato Gaúcho was full of praise for his squad after they secured a place in the Club World Cup quarterfinals by eliminating Inter Milan. As reported by O Globo, the Brazilian coach applauded the team's resilience and how they adapted to a rare three-center-back formation.

“We weren’t used to playing that way, but over the last three days, I got it into my players’ heads that it was possible. We respected the opponent, of course, but we showed everyone that we believed. We faced a top team with far more money than us, but once on the pitch, it’s one versus one,” Renato said.

He emphasized the group’s mentality: “My team gave everything. They stayed focused, dedicated. This group deserves all the credit. And our fans too—what a celebration. People all over Brazil should enjoy this. We’re among the final eight, and many didn’t believe we could make it.”

Alongside Palmeiras, Fluminense carries the Brazilian flag in the international competition. Renato also addressed the disparity between clubs from different continents: “Brazilian football is showing its strength. European clubs have more money and can sign the best players, but on the field, what counts is attitude and commitment. That’s what my team showed today.”

Fluminense will now await the winner of Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal to find out their quarterfinal opponent.