NEW YORK : Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho said his team has come to the United States to make history before facing Chelsea in Tuesday's FIFA Club World Cup semifinal.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Renato admitted the financial gap between Fluminense and its European competitors, but emphasized that faith, focus, and discipline had propelled his team this far.
Fluminense, the ugly duckling, has made it this far despite financial hardships, but that doesn't mean the team can't reach the final and win the Club World Cup, he said.
According to Renato, the Rio de Janeiro team has less than 10% of the financial power of clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
He remarked that these major clubs have all the necessary resources to recruit the greatest players. However, we have arrived here through tremendous effort, humility, and, most importantly, by believing in ourselves.
Fluminense made it to the final four after placing second in Group F and defeating Inter Milan and Al Hilal in the first two knockout rounds.
Chelsea, meanwhile, defeated Benfica and Palmeiras in their last two matches after finishing second in Group D.
Renato acknowledged the quickness and technical competence of Chelsea's attackers, but insisted that his team would not abandon its winning strategy.
"Without a doubt, they have a very strong attack," he remarked. Two very quick wingers in one-on-one scenarios, which I appreciate, and Joao Pedro is an excellent striker. Their midfield has players who read the game effectively.
We always try to limit our opponent's influence when they have the ball, but when we have the ball, we're going to play. It's what we've done throughout the tournament.
Renato would not reveal his starting XI or formation, but he emphasized the importance of tactical flexibility.
In this Club World Cup, I switched the lineup twice, and it worked, he added. We're receiving results as a result of our effort.
The victor of the matchup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in the final on Sunday. Renato emphasized that his team would not be satisfied with a semifinal finish.
Have we made history yet? Yes. Are we happy? Yes. But we desire more. Our objective is to reach the final, he said.
