Abel Braga remembers his departure from Vasco and analyzes Alexandre Mattos’ controversy: ‘Very strange’ | Vasco

Abel Braga was one of the guests at the Super Futsummit 2024 eventCleber Mendes/Agência O Dia

Published 03/27/2024 18:58

Rio – The Super Futsummit 2024 event brought to Rio de Janeiro the main topics about Brazilian sport, from communication to what involves everyday life, with a focus on football. Held at the Museum of Tomorrow, in the City Center, it featured several relevant personalities. Among them, Abel Braga, former coach with a remarkable spell at Fluminense and recently at Vasco.

Abel was invited by Getúlio Vargas and Isabel Barbosa, creators of the project, to share experiences regarding leadership in football. After his participation, in conversation with journalists, he discussed the internal crisis at SAF at Cruz-Maltino, where he worked last season.

Abel Braga’s time at São Januário in 2023 was as technical director, dealing with the commissions of Mauricio Barbieri and Ramón Díaz, in addition to the relationship with Paulo Bracks, executive director who reported to the American company 777 Partners. Abel, three months later, is still trying to assimilate his departure.

“Paulo Bracks was fired on Monday after remaining in the first division. I deeply regretted it because I didn’t understand. Many of this cast, the coaching staff, he was the one who hired him. When he left, I said ‘let me know that I’m also out’. I was taken for him”, highlighted Abel.

The 2023 season was one of more lows than highs, with Vasco only escaping relegation in the last round of the Brasileirão after the 2-1 victory over Red Bull Bragantino, in São Januário. Still, despite the turbulence, the club turned the key and hired Alexandre Mattos to replace Bracks. The professional faced a personal crisis with 777 and was fired by the company, which claimed “lack of trust”.

“I loved this role. Vasco had no locker room problems, lack of discipline. It was very cool, beneficial, I got to know a new area. I don’t have much to say about Mattos. He left upset for how long he stayed, he tried to explain the reason… When I was there, the one who dealt with them (777) was Paulo Bracks. Everyone found that very strange.”