Bruno Lage vacates Botafogo seat after loss to Flamengo

Botafogo’s second loss in a row, and consequently the second loss to Bruno Lage at the head of the team, meant that the Portuguese coach this morning gave his position to the club’s management. Shortly after the 2-1 loss to Flamengo, Lage appeared at a press conference and made only a short statement.

“As for my career at Botafogo, I think it puts a lot of pressure on the players. And I don’t accept it. There is only one way to release them from this pressure. And that’s why I’m here in front of you. I didn’t talk to anyone, I thought a lot and at this moment I place my position at the disposal of the director, at the disposal of the president. There is a championship prize, but I will refuse it without any problems, because I not greedy for money. What I cannot allow is that the pressure put on me is also on my players. That’s what I have to say. My place is at the disposal of those who are in charge, and there is nothing more for me to do. Tell. Good night, thank you,” he concluded.

Shortly after this intervention, Lage met with football chief executive André Mazuko and the club’s head scout, Alessandro Brito. The conversation, which lasted about 20 minutes, involved the owner of SAF alvinegra, John Textor, via mobile phone. After that, it was decided that Bruno Lage would remain as coach of Botafogo. The players approved of this and asked the coach to remain at the head of the team. Some players didn’t like the way Lage said he provided the position, but everyone supported his succession. The captain, former Benfica player Marsal, came to the defense of the coach. “I don’t think he has any concerns. Bruno has done an exceptional job, the band has full confidence in him, now it’s time to look ahead. He is used to pressure, he was a manager at Benfica where there are only two or more players. three clubs are working for him to become champion. He is a coach who knows how to handle it, there is no pressure on him. Bruno is top,” he explained.

Lage has been with Botafogo since July and has made 12 appearances for the team, scoring four wins, six draws and two losses. Last Wednesday “stove” Eliminated from Defensa y Justicia Copa South America., from Argentina, in the quarterfinals. Brazil have three wins in seven matches. The defeat against Flamengo was the first for Botafogo at the stadium in this Brasiliano since the installation of artificial turf. Bruno Lage’s contract with the club runs until December this year. The team will now have four days off and the re-introduction will only take place next Thursday as the Brazilian tournament will be stopped due to the qualifiers. At this point and ahead of the game between Corinthians and Palmeiras this Sunday, Botafogo still has an 11-point lead. The team’s next game will take place on the 16th, Saturday, at the Arena do Galo against Atlético Mineiro Luis Felipe Scolari.