Renato arrival leaves Krovinovic’s role at Grêmio uncertain | OneFootball

Filip Krovinovic’s role at Grêmio is unclear following Renato Portaluppi’s return. The Croatian, signed in the last window, had been a regular under Luís Castro and now awaits clarity amid a squad reset.

In Renato’s re-debut against Palmeiras at the Arena, Krovinovic stayed on the bench in a draw. According to Globo.com, the coach may persist without a specialist creator, with tactical decisions to come during the FIFA break after initial fitness-focused sessions.

Renato said the pause will help him assess profiles and, if no natural option fits, he could improvise. He also indicated that if a player in the role is not performing, he might change the shape to use someone who helps more.

Wearing the number 10, Krovinovic was recruited to ease long-standing issues in chance creation. He started seven straight games for Castro, usually off the left with Villasanti on the right and Noriega deeper centrally. Under interim Felipão against Botafogo, he operated centrally with Villasanti and Noriega withdrawn.

The club and previous staff moved on from inherited midfielders this year. Cristaldo and Willian had contracts rescinded, while Monsalve joined Estudiantes, of Argentina, on a season-long loan after being assessed by Castro. Beyond Krovinovic, 20-year-old Riquelme has made only eight appearances in 2026, with two starts.

Krovinovic, 31, is under contract until the end of 2028 after leaving Hadjuk Split. He previously worked with Castro at Rio Ave in Portugal from 2016 to 2017. The move was endorsed by head scout Carlos Silva, who remains at the club.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”