This midweek against Santos, Grêmio produced an inspired performance to beat the Copa Libertadores champions 1-0 at the Olímpico Monumental, with a goal from ex-Marseille and Shakhtar striker Brandão.
It was a display of vibrant, high pressing football that is all too rare in the Campeonato Brasileiro at times and Celso Roth must take great credit for the turnaround in the team"s performances.
“When I arrived the team was going through a difficult phase. They were unbalanced in terms of the staff and tactical organisation," said the experienced manager. “We are working hard. We have yet to acheive anything, other than the first step."
“What was the first step? Balance, organised tactics and a consistent selection.
“Although we have many things to do, we are in an interesting situation compared to where we were.
“We ran a serious risk of relegation. We are now out of that situation.“
Roth has acheived these aims in double-quick time, with a regular side playing with flair, balance and momentum who are now on a rapid rise up the league table.
With three attacking midfielders and a target man, there is plenty of attacking threat.
“You can have balance in this system because the two wing-backs are great, moving forward with quality," continued Roth, talking to Brazilian website Terra.
“This supports the whole system we have put together. It allows Douglas [Grêmio"s playmaker] to play.“
