Grêmio executive backs Luís Castro but says everything has a limit after 1-0 Bragantino loss | OneFootball

Grêmio executive Paulo Pelaipe maintained backing for head coach Luís Castro after a 1-0 defeat to Bragantino in Bragança Paulista. According to Globo.com, he spoke post-match at the Cícero de Souza Marques and called for an upturn.

He was pressed on how far confidence in the Portuguese manager extends amid poor form. The side sit on the brink of the relegation zone in the Brasileirão, are winless away in the league, and were knocked out in the Sul-Americana playoffs. Castro’s return stands at 47.2%.

Pelaipe said the club are betting on the coach and providing conditions, noting the arrival of Danilo Barbosa this week after a squad reshuffle, but stressed that results also need to follow. He framed the next two Copa do Brasil ties as decisive, including a meeting with Chapecoense.

Grêmio play a Gre-Nal at 20:00 on Thursday at Beira-Rio, the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarter-finals. On Sunday they host Chapecoense at 18:30 in the league. The following Thursday brings the return Gre-Nal at 20:00 at the Arena.

He said that if results do not arrive the hierarchy will sit down to discuss matters with the coach, alongside the president and vice-president. Pelaipe added he is not worried about player motivation, saying the derby itself lifts the group.

Pelaipe also said Grêmio will send a letter to the CBF complaining about referee Felipe Fernandes de Lima’s handling of the Bragantino match. He cited a 28th-minute incident in the second half in which Braithwaite scored before the play was ruled out for a prior infringement, and argued the officiating cost Grêmio the game, calling for punishment and demotion for the referee.

Source: Globo.com

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