Renato Paiva is no stranger to the highs and lows of football. After Botafogo’s stunning win over PSG in the Club World Cup, he cautioned against getting too carried away. “I’ve always rooted for Benfica, but when it comes to European competitions, I want all Portuguese teams to succeed,” he said in an interview with Globoesporte. This mindset, he believes, is what being a true football fan is all about – loving the sport and your country, even if it means supporting a rival team.
Paiva’s words were echoed in his own experiences as a fan. He remembered cheering for Benfica in local competitions, but when it came to European tournaments, his loyalty shifted to any Portuguese team playing. This perspective, he thinks, is essential for the sport. “It’s normal to want your team to win, but it’s also important to recognize the bigger picture,” he explained. As a coach, Paiva has seen his fair share of criticism and praise. Just a few days ago, he was under fire, but now he’s being hailed as a genius. “That’s just how football works,” he shrugged.
The Botafogo coach also highlighted the team’s unfinished business in the tournament. Despite the historic win, they still need to qualify for the next stage. “We can’t get ahead of ourselves,” he warned. Paiva’s own career has been marked by significant moments, but this win ranks among the top three. “When I started at Benfica, that was a turning point for me,” he recalled. “Then, winning the championship with Independiente Del Valle was a highlight – we were underdogs, and it was my first experience coaching abroad.” This win, however, is special for its global impact and the fact that it’s put Botafogo on the map.
For Paiva, it’s essential to stay focused and not get swayed by the emotions of the moment. “We need to find balance,” he emphasized. The team still has a crucial game to play, and their priority is to win and advance to the next stage. As for the hype surrounding their win, Paiva remains level-headed. “We’ve learned to tune out the noise and stay grounded,” he said. With their sights set on the next challenge, Botafogo is taking it one game at a time, and Paiva is determined to keep his team’s feet on the ground.