Grêmio in Focus: Looking Ahead to the Brasileirão

Last Thursday (3), Grêmio took a major step forward by beating Internacional by 3 to 1, securing a spot in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. But calm down—this doesn’t ease the pressure in the Campeonato Brasileiro! The team now has to turn its attention back to the national competition, and the next stop is in Salvador, against Vitória, this Monday (7), at 20h (Brasília time).

Time to React!

A win at Barradão can be the boost Grêmio needs, opening a six-point lead over the dreaded relegation zone. Today, Vasco and Internacional are down there, both with 25 points.

Paulo Pelaipe, the club’s football executive, said in an interview with UOL that the team’s campaigns in the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão are nowhere near comparable. In his view, the priority is to bounce back in the national championship.

"We also need to get a response in the Brasileiro. We’re working on that. We had an important win, we advanced to the Copa do Brasil semifinals, but our focus is on the Brasileiro."

Challenges on Double

Pelaipe also explained why the team’s performance has been inconsistent: with so many competitions during the season, it’s difficult to keep up the pace. Grêmio had to split its attention among the Campeonato Brasileiro, the Copa do Brasil, and the Copa Sudamericana, from which it was eliminated just over a month ago.

He was clear in saying that, for Brazilian clubs, you can’t maintain a high level by playing in three tournaments at the same time. Exhausting trips, limited time to rest between matches, and the physical wear and tear on the players are some of the difficulties faced.

"No club in Brazil has a squad to play three competitions. It’s a heavy schedule."

Confidence in the Coach

One important detail Pelaipe highlighted was Luís Castro’s continued role as head coach. According to him, poor results in the Brasileirão do not jeopardize the continuity of the work being carried out.

He believes the coaching staff’s routine is being closely monitored by the board and that it’s time to trust the group’s progress. The executive said that the arrival of new players and changes to the team are taking time to bear fruit.

"We’re competing in the tournament and building the team. Now, focused only on the Campeonato Brasileiro, I believe Grêmio will grow."

Looking Ahead to the Future

Pelaipe described 2026 as a “year of transition.” The board already expected that there would be challenges due to the restructuring of football. This change includes reducing the payroll, promoting the departure of players, and making room for the youth coming up from the academy. He stressed that these transformations require time.

"We knew we would face difficulties. We’re changing many things at Grêmio."

A Crucial Match

And now, the match against Vitória will be fundamental in Grêmio’s fight against relegation. Vitória, which is just ahead in the standings with 29 points, comes off four consecutive defeats and, if Grêmio manages a good result, it can provide a much-needed breath in the battle for a better position.

Let’s hope the Tricolor Gaúcho gets a positive result and turns this critical phase into new opportunities!