Just a few days ago, we had a story explaining that Bruno Lage has been struggling in his first job after Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite taking charge of Botafogo when they were top of the league table, the coach had been dropping many points and risking losing a title which a looked a straightforward win. That’s why their club owner scheduled an open training session and asked for support at the weekend.
What happened since then is that they played Goiás, who were in the bottom four, last night. They drew 1-1 at home, and as reported by ESPN, there were chants calling Lage ‘dumb’.
The former Wolves coach probably understood what the fans were saying, but still applauded then, and talked about the reaction in a press conference.
“My first message is to these fans, because they supported us that day, and today, on a Monday, in the rain, at 8pm, and we know what it’s like to come here, to this area, at 8pm, and go home at 10pm.
“They filled the stadium again and supported the team from start to finish. That’s why I’m grateful, on behalf of everyone, both myself and the players. Even if we didn’t get the three points, they were there, supporting us, and that’s the most important thing. I’ve always talked about the family feeling we have here. That’s what I want to say to them, thank you for your support.
“(Applause) of support. The fans can boo whoever they want, I’m thanking them for continuing to support the team. I’m not two-faced, I’m not a hypocrite. That was my thanks. The way they want to treat me is completely different. I would have preferred it to have been in another situation, but that’s also why we have to get results. Our life as coaches is very much like that.”
On UOL, columnist Juca Kfouri writes it’s time to ‘turn the yellow light on’ at Botafogo, given they’ve lost four of their last five games. It’s said it’s ‘worrying’ to get a home draw against Goiás, and with Lage being called dumb, he should learn he can’t leave his best player on the bench. At least in case he wants to keep his job.
The manager took his time after Wolves to choose the best project, and continues to have a good chance to win a title, as Botafogo stay seven points clear from RB Bragantino. But it’s a fact that Lage isn’t continuing the good job done by Luis Castro, who went to Saudi Arabia.
Since Lage arrived at Botafogo, they have three wins in ten league games, and that wouldn’t be close enough to keep them on top if it hadn’t been for Castro’s work.
