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“The Cemetery of Football Is Full of Favorites”: Paiva’s Message Before PSG Clash
I have to share something that really caught my attention ahead of this big showdown between Botafogo and Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup. Botafogo's head coach, Renato Paiva, delivered a statement that was both bold and grounded in football realism. His quote? “The cemetery of football is full of favorites.” And that pretty much set the tone for his entire press conference leading up to this crucial match.
Paiva isn’t getting swept away by the glamour and power of facing PSG. Instead, he’s keeping things level-headed. When asked about how Botafogo is preparing, especially after a somewhat shaky win against Seattle Sounders, he admitted he “made a mess” in his debut. Yes, those were his words. He took full responsibility for the team's decline in performance during the second half of that game, where despite winning 2-1, the mood in the locker room felt, as he described, “almost like a funeral.”
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But what’s impressive is how he interpreted that reaction. Instead of being concerned, he saw it as a sign of character from his players. They weren’t celebrating a win—they were already thinking about how to improve. That hunger, according to Paiva, is what defines this Botafogo team and what gives them hope, even against a European giant like PSG.
Paiva emphasized that preparation hasn’t changed. He and his team focused on video analysis—both individual and collective—especially since some key players like Joaquin Correa and Arthur Cabral are still getting back into rhythm after their vacations. He was honest about the limited physical training time but confident in the tactical clarity they're building.
He also made a compelling point about favoritism: it's a trap. Getting too comfortable or too intimidated throws a team off balance. He doesn’t want his players to see themselves as underdogs or as giants. He wants them to be themselves, stay focused on the game plan, and understand that PSG, despite their status, can lose just like anyone else.
For Paiva, the key is balance. He doesn't just want to beat PSG—he wants his team to play better football while doing it. He openly acknowledged the mistakes he made against Seattle and shared how he’s using that experience to fine-tune both strategy and mindset. It’s refreshing to hear a coach so candidly say, “I didn’t help my team,” and then show how he's correcting course.
Now, as we look ahead to this highly anticipated clash, there’s a quiet confidence around Botafogo. They’ve faced adversity, they’ve self-reflected, and above all, they believe. Not in miracles, but in preparation, humility, and the gritty reality of football: nothing is guaranteed. And as Paiva so powerfully reminded us—favorites fill football's graveyard.
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