The book is on the table

This is a new feature which I hope to include in the blog from time to time. It will be about my perspective of how I view events at the club from rainy Wales. I’ve decided to call the feature ‘The book is on the table’ which was one of the first messages posted on the blog, left by a non-English speaking Brazilian! These are views of a non-Portuguese speaking, non-Brazilian about the famous red club from Porto Alegre. Being a long distance away from the club and living in a different football culture, plus the problem of language and information getting lost in translation, means that you may not always agree with the my views. Whatever you think, agree or disagree, feel free to post your opinions and comments!

Tite must be given time

As Sunday’s visit to the Estádio Olympico approaches, Internacional enter the game having lost each of away games so far this season in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The club find themselves languishing in the lower reaches of the table with just seven points from seven games. Meanwhile across the city, the eternal rivals share first place in the table having put together an impressive start following their disappointing Campeonato Gaúcho campaign and confident at the prospect of facing their rivals in front of their fans.

This weekend the population of Porto Alegre takes a deep breath as Gre-Nal fever descends on the city. Inter are under pressure. The club are expected to forget the loss of talismanic captain Fernandão whose Colorado heart and soul was born to play in the Gre-Nal, forget their disappointing away record, forget the appalling defensive performance showing last week against Vitória and show a vastly improved team performance in order to beat top of the table Grêmio in their own home. It might be easy to forget that this of course, is still only the third game for the clubs new coach- Tite, who’s main objective this year is allow the club to compete in the Copa Libertadores next year (the club’s centenary) by finishing in the top four of the Brasileiro.

From Porto Alegre to Manchester to Rome, derbies all around the world have one thing in common – previous form does not matter. Flair, technique and ability are needed in order to win most games but the derby has a different set of requirements. Heart, soul, bravery and determination are the successful ingredients to winning any derby and this is where can Inter have their chance of winning the first Gre-Nal of 2008.

As Tite prepares the squad at Beira Rio this week, the coach knows he leads a club who are lacking self belief and are without a true leader. He watches on as one of the squad’s best defenders trains alone. Sidnei, just 18 years old is the latest of Inter’s players to be sold as he seeks fame and riches in Europe. Meanwhile on Wednesday afternoon, the cameras flashed amongst a scurry of microphone as the clubs captain, one of it’s greatest ever players, Fernandão held a final press conference as he departs for Qatar. The departure of the club’s captain Fernandão becomes symbolic and represents the sun set of a golden era for the club which peaked in 2006 when Inter were crowned champions of South America as Fernandão lifted the Copa Libertadores.

Of that 2006 Libertadores winning side, only two players now remain in the current squad- left footed midfielder Alex whose knack of scoring goals makes him a key player in the team and Indio, a strong and experienced centre back. Alex this week has become the subject of a move to Spain and many have noticed a decline in his performances and suggest he is seeking a move. Whilst in recent matches Indio has become are a shadow of his former self and his poor performance last weekend was a key factor in Inter losing 2-1.

Since joining Internacional just over two weeks ago, Tite has taken over a squad which has been ravaged by both injury and suspension. Tite has been forced to make several changes for each of his first two games and is set to make further changes again for Gre-Nal. How Tite is supposed to work on improving the defence with such changes being forced upon him is nearly impossible. Tite is also expected to inject confidence and self belief into the Inter squad but with no real leader at the club and a poor run of results it is again difficult to see how Tite can do anything immediately. These things can only be grown into a team and will take time to nurture and only then can Inter bloom.

Throughout the last two weeks Inter have been linked with several names as they look to add reinforcements to the squad. Ricardo Oliveira, Andre Lima, Rosinei, Ramon, Bolivar and even Rafael Sobis have been mentioned with a return to the club. However, none of these, as of yet have emerged as Inter players.

As well as nurture and develop the current squad, Tite is needed to also help the new arrivals settle into the club and develop. This does not always happen straight away and can take time. Many Colorado’s are concerned that Tite doesn’t use the ‘juniors’. Inter have a very successful youth set up with already three or four names being mentioned as exciting young players ready for the Inter squad. Just last week, young attacking midfielder Taison came onto the field late in the game and injected life into a tired and flat looking Inter side. Inter scored almost immediately after Taison came on and there are many calls that he should be used more regularly by Tite, even as a replacement for Alex. Walter (powerful striker), Tales (pacey midfielder) are two others who Tite is being urged to use by some Colorado’s.

Despite the talent that these young players have, Tite must be careful. Who knows the damage it could cause to a young player’s development when he is exposed to a confidence lacking Inter side who are reliant on a 18 year old. The young players may occasionally enter the field as a substitute and play well but to play from the 1st minute to the 90th minute of a game can be very different. The pressure and expectation placed upon the Inter’s players ahead of Gre-Nal is incredible, even too much for experienced players. Who knows how an inexperienced young player would react? Tite must do all of these things, yes but he cannot do them in three or four matches. He must take time to ensure everything is done gradually and correctly otherwise the effects could be even worse for Internacional.