My last few days at the office have been strange. On the one hand I understood that I was leaving with the feeling of duty to be fulfilled. On the other hand the feeling was “I like it, I want more”.In fact, to this day and despite everything I’ve done, I feel like if I didn’t go out the back door, I did it through the side option. And this has always haunted me. Always!
However, since this is not a sofa about my dislikes and discouragements in life – and, believe me, there are many – the theme of ‘distribution’ returns, since these days I had the impression of having seen it in one of the many supermarkets of the Capital (apart from the pharmacy, the one that opens the most in the Rio Grande) Valério, an old traveling and hardworking companion. I don’t know if I’ve met another Coloradoan with this much passion; yet he has always demonstrated it in a peaceful, polite and rational way. A Gentleman!
Owner of an enviable and always well-groomed beard, on the eve of the 2006 World Cup final, Valério arrived at the office telling the promise he had made to his barber: he would cut his beard if Internacional were world champions; He was the one who grew facial hair for almost four decades, continuously; not even his wife had ever seen him with a “clean face” until than.
However,Valério knew that in those circumstances,along with the team’s performance in Japan,he,as a fan,needed to do something that went beyond the rational: sacrifice.In yoru case, shave your beard.
Inter will no longer be champions until the players themselves understand that they need something more, they really need to sacrifice themselves for the club and for the cause. Nothing distracts me from the fact that the early classification of the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, thanks to third place, meant that we entered these two matches “with sweet blood”, even if I prefer the definition of “thrown into the ropes”.” . Even the team captain was not and will not be present on the pitch, although I hope he is in the locker room to play his role, even if in a small way.
And even tho the possibility of winning four was just another daydream flirting with a dream, once again our players – from my personal perspective – demonstrated the feeling of “duty accomplished” early on. That “little more” that Fernandão shouted in the changing rooms of the yokohama stadium, not surprisingly a winner, remains far from our resigned athletes, who have once again opted for the easier path.
Is the team ready to become champion? And do you want to be champion?
I won’t go into the merits of the performances on the pitch, neither the team nor the referee (even though at this point I could or even should). Just as history rewards champions and has no space even to talk about the vice president, the last image that will remain is that of the two consecutive defeats, a mitigating condition for reaching sixteen games without losing. .And so is (and has always been) football, whether we like it or not: sixteen is an empty statistic which, without a title, is just a scribble in the context of history.
Raising a cup again will require the “blessed” sacrifice. From everyone: fans, managers and players, above all.Perhaps, still from the hair on Valério’s face. But there must be sacrifice, it’s true!
That “little more” prophesied by the Captain has never been so fundamental. For life and for football, without ambition there is no good destiny. And rarely even without sacrifice.
No pain no gain. No sacrifice,no title.
SHORTS
– Professor Roger Machado deserves credit for the work done so far. Though, you must know that the film in front will be different and the hole will be much lower;
– My reverence, equally, for the work of maestro Paulo Paixão;
– Overall the season was shit and the flood doesn’t justify it, even if it mitigates it a little;
– We have some good declarations: Bruno gomes, Bernabei, Rômulo and Wesley;
– We have some unknowns: Clayton, Gabriel Carvalho, Gustavo prado and Tabata;
– We also have some disappointments: Enner Valencia, Wanderson and Lucas Alario;
– I believe in recovering players when they want to recover. That doesn’t seem to be the case with any of the latter three, despite more than a mile a month;
– I have talked about Alan Patrick many times and I will stop talking about vitão as I think he will say goodbye to me soon. As far as Rochet is concerned, nothing changes, even if his last stay in the national team hurt him;
– The positive side (*contains irony*) of this “drop” in the final rounds is that we will not enter 2025 with that old illusion that the next season will be the season of titles. The whole team, technical staff and managers will have to truly demonstrate that the moment – finally – has arrived;
– My deepest feelings on the tragic and sudden passing of Wesley’s father. Much strength to our attacker and his family!
REQUEST
is Inter ready to be champion?
Being Colorado means knowing how to coexist with a mix of feelings in a very short space of time. Have the mindset to live off of this!
PACHECO
What role does sacrifice play in shaping the relationship between sports players and their fans?
Time.news Interview: Reflections on Passion and Sacrifice in Sports
Editor (E): Welcome, everyone, to this special interview at Time.news! Today, we have an engaging conversation lined up with sports culture expert, Dr. elena Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. rodriguez (R): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Your recent article really resonated with me, especially the notion of commitment and sacrifice in sports fandom. The way you highlighted Valério’s passion for his team, Internacional, and the dramatic decision he faced about his beard was intriguing. What does Valério’s story tell us about the emotional investments sports fans make?
R: Valério’s story is a perfect portrayal of the lengths fans go to for their teams. It’s not merely about supporting them in the stands or through social media; it’s about a deeper connection, an embodiment of their identity. The idea of cutting his beard—something he cherished for almost four decades—symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice in his eyes. When fans make these gestures, it’s a physical manifestation of their hope and dedication.
E: Sacrifice is evidently a recurring theme in sports. You mentioned that ”Inter will no longer be champions until the players understand that they need to sacrifice themselves.” How do you interpret this connection between players’ sacrifices and fans’ expectations?
R: Absolutely. There’s a profound relationship between the struggles of the players and the emotions of the fans.Fans expect dedication from their teams, reflecting their own sacrifices as supporters. When Valério decided to shave, it wasn’t just a personal decision; it was a challenge to the players to match his level of commitment. This reciprocal expectation can drive players to elevate their performance, as they want to honor the emotional and sometimes physical sacrifices made by their supporters.
E: Speaking of emotional investments, how do you think this sense of duty—like the feeling you expressed in the article of leaving through the “back door” versus the “side option”—plays into a fan’s psyche?
R: It’s fascinating, isn’t it? The psychology of fans often involves complex feelings of loyalty, frustration, and hope. The “side option” metaphor illustrates a sense of unresolved loyalty. When fans leave a season—whether it be through disappointment or contentment—they carry the baggage of their emotions with them. Beyond just cheering for victors, there’s a looming question—Did I do enough? Did they? This feeling of duty can haunt fans, influencing their relationship with the sport long after the season ends.
E: that’s incredibly insightful! how do you think sports culture can evolve to better recognize the sacrifices of both fans and players?
R: There’s always room for growth in recognizing this unique bond. Clubs could enhance their community engagement initiatives to include fan stories like Valério’s,allowing for shared experiences that showcase dedication. Additionally, player recognition for these fan sacrifices through community-focused events can foster an even stronger connection. It’s about creating a cycle of thankfulness—where players are not only playing for themselves but for the very people who live and breathe their success.
E: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Rodriguez. you’ve illuminated the intricate ties between fans and teams in a refreshing way. We appreciate your time today.
R: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these deeper themes within the world of sports.
E: And thank you to our viewers for joining us for this conversation. We hope to see you next time at time.news!
