Fortaleza in crisis: Brenno’s raw truth after derby disaster | OneFootball

Following Fortaleza’s 1-0 defeat to Ceará in the Clássico Rei, goalkeeper Brenno spoke candidly about the mounting pressure and difficulties facing the club this season, according to Diário do Nordeste. Thrust into the starting eleven at the last moment after João Ricardo was injured in the warm-up, Brenno described the current campaign as “a horrible year” and admitted the team’s struggle to find consistency.

“It’s been a horrible year, we’re not managing, our team just isn’t clicking,” Brenno said, moments after the final whistle at Arena Castelão. “We have to keep going strong, working, trusting everyone here, trusting our coach and staff. Personally, it’s been tough—so long without playing, and suddenly I'm told I’ll start during the warm-up. But that’s football, you have to be ready. We’ll keep working and won’t drop our guard at any moment.”

The 26-year-old—who has mostly been on the bench since his move from Grêmio at the start of the year—was handed just his sixth appearance for the club amid a wave of injuries and disciplinary risks, as outlined by Globo and Diário do Nordeste. In addition to João Ricardo’s late withdrawal with a finger injury, Fortaleza were already missing Moisés, David Luiz, and Bruno Pacheco due to fitness issues. Marinho’s availability, after a suspension was temporarily lifted, offered slight relief, but manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s options were severely limited for a derby of such magnitude.

Fortaleza’s struggles were evident throughout the match. Despite a cagey first half with little threat to either goal, the decisive moment arrived shortly after half time, when Galeano finished off a Ceará counter. The Tricolor failed to register a single effort on target, and the defeat extended their barren run in the rivalry to nine games without a win, as noted by NE45.

This latest result leaves Fortaleza entrenched in the relegation zone and desperate to halt a winless streak that now spans two months. With a growing injury list and a squad stretched thin, Brenno emphasised the unpredictable nature of opportunities but also his support for the team’s collective resolve: “Opportunities come when you least expect, but you have to be ready for anything. I hope it’s nothing serious for João, and that everyone will be fit soon because we’ll need everyone for the challenges ahead.”

With tension rising among the supporters and increasing scrutiny on Vojvoda’s leadership, Fortaleza must regroup quickly. Their next opportunity to turn around a troubled run comes against Bahia on Saturday at Arena Castelão—a vital fixture as both the club and its goalkeeper search for form and stability.

Original sources: Diário do Nordeste, Globo, NE45.