Renato Portaluppi, Brazilian football’s ultimate entertainer, has turned the tide for Club World Cup underdogs Fluminense, morphing them from relegation strugglers into formidable contenders in just three months. They’re now set to face Chelsea in a highly-anticipated semi-final on Tuesday.
The charismatic 62-year-old, affectionately known as Renato Gaucho, has defied expectations, leading his side to a stunning victory against Champions League runners-up Inter Milan in the last 16, followed by a win over Al-Hilal in the quarter-finals, all while showcasing his flamboyant coaching style from the sidelines.
Before stepping in as Fluminense’s manager, Portaluppi was a well-known and often divisive figure in Brazilian football, inheriting a team that narrowly avoided relegation in the previous league season.
His reputation has only grown as he guides one of the tournament’s most unexpected contenders through to this stage.
A former forward with nearly 200 career goals, Portaluppi is never short of confidence or controversy. He once boldly claimed to be “better than Cristiano Ronaldo.”
His legendary status includes a memorable goal where he scored with his belly, sealing the Rio de Janeiro championship for Fluminense in 1995 with a thrilling 3-2 derby win against Romario’s Flamengo.
The following day, he was featured on the front page of Brazil’s leading newspaper, depicted with a crown and sceptre in one hand and a ball in the other, under the headline ‘King of Rio.’
A decade earlier, he had already marked his place in history by helping his childhood club, Gremio, secure their first Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup titles as a young player.
Starting from modest beginnings, he used his bonus to buy houses for each of his 11 siblings.
Libertadores Double
Fast forward over 30 years, and Portaluppi made history as the first Brazilian to display a Libertadores trophy in his home both as a player and as a coach, leading Gremio to the South American title in 2017 after clinching the Brazilian Cup the year prior, thus ending a 15-year title drought for his cherished club.
However, his career has not been without its dramatic twists, influenced greatly by his passionate personality and emotional flare-ups.
He infamously missed out on Brazil’s World Cup squad in 1986, purportedly for leaving training camp to party, and later faced dismissal from Botafogo after hosting a barbecue for rivals Flamengo post a humiliating loss in the Brazilian championship final.
_______________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup – Every Game Free, exclusively on DAZN.
Sign up here to start streaming.
_______________________________________________
Having transitioned into coaching in 2000, Portaluppi stands out as an inspiring motivator, a key factor in his success within knockout tournaments, though he has yet to secure the Brazilian league title, the significant trophy that has eluded him in his own country.
He has been a vocal opponent of the latest trend favouring foreign coaches in Brazilian football, asserting that clubs should show similar patience towards homegrown talent, providing them with adequate time to implement their vision.
Critics argue that he tends to over-rely on improvisational tactics and that he lacks in-depth strategic planning in his footballing approach.
Nevertheless, Portaluppi has instilled a brand of attacking football at Fluminense, employing a 4-2-3-1 formation and a high-pressure style he refers to as “creating chaos,” which has defined their campaign in the United States.
With this fierce determination, Fluminense is gearing up to take on Chelsea, aiming to extend their remarkable run in the Club World Cup.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
