Tite apologises to Corinthians, regrets refusal: “I was wrong” | OneFootball

Tite spoke about Corinthians again and, this time, in a tone of regret. In an interview with GE’s Abre Aspas program, published this Monday (11), the coach revealed that he regrets not accepting the club’s invitation in 2023 and even apologized to Corinthians fans for the decision he made at the time.

Available on the market after a spell with Cruzeiro at the start of 2026, the coach discussed behind-the-scenes moments from his recent career, recalled the anxiety crisis he experienced before agreeing to return to Parque São Jorge, and said that today he would make a different decision.

Photo: Daniel Augusto Jr. / Ag. Corinthians

In one of the strongest statements of the interview, Tite acknowledged his mistake in choosing not to return to Corinthians before taking over at Flamengo.

“I’m sorry, Corinthians. I was wrong. If we could rewind, I would have gone to Corinthians. Because I didn’t want to work that year. I didn’t want to.”

The coach also recalled the episode in 2025, when he had accepted an offer from the black-and-white club but backed out hours before his presentation after suffering an anxiety attack during the early hours of the morning.

Even away from Timão in recent years, Tite continued to be frequently linked with the club because of the bond built throughout his career. He is considered one of the greatest coaches in Corinthians history, with landmark achievements such as the 2012 Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup, as well as two Brazilian league titles.

During the interview, the coach also spoke about his short spell at Cruzeiro, which recently came to an end. Despite being dismissed after less than three months, Tite said he left Belo Horizonte more motivated to keep working in football.

“It reignited my passion. Yes. The pleasure, the satisfaction of everyday life.”

The former Brazil national team manager highlighted the relationship he built with staff, players, and people at the Minas Gerais club, and said he had once again felt enthusiasm for football’s daily routine.

Speaking about the most recent jobs of his career, Tite also revealed some lingering hurt involving his departure from Flamengo. According to the coach, he did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to staff and players after leaving the Rio club.

“I was very upset because I couldn’t say goodbye to the staff or have that human connection with the players. I only went to say goodbye to them a year and a half later, when we faced each other. I was asked not to go. So, it’s a lack of human respect.”

Later in the conversation, the coach explained that he is currently in Rio Grande do Sul with his family, but assured that he is ready to take on a new challenge in football.

“I’m ready to continue my professional career again, with great calm, satisfaction, energy, and a sparkle in my eyes.”

Tite also commented on the differences between the club environment and the Brazil national team, as well as the changes in football in recent years, especially with the growth of social media and the public exposure of professionals in the sport.

The coach also emphasized the importance of professional qualification in today’s football landscape and said that returning to the daily work of club football required readjustment after his long spell in charge of the national team.

At 64, Tite has managed clubs such as Corinthians, Grêmio, Internacional, Atlético-MG, Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Cruzeiro. At Timão, he experienced the most successful period of his career, winning historic titles and cementing a lasting bond with the black-and-white fans.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.