Cuca changes his stance and says he remains distressed

In a new statement, the technician Cuca changed the stance on the annulment of the conviction for the rape of an underage girl in Switzerland. Upon arrival at Athleticothe 60-year-old coach said he was relieved that the process had expired, but reevaluated it after hearing more about violence against women.

“I thought it would be easy, that my anguish would end with the legal resolution of the process. It didn’t. I understood that it didn’t end because it didn’t just depend on a judicial decision, but also on understanding what society expects of me”, said the coach, after Athletico’s 6-0 defeat of Londrina.

The commander even made a my fault about the world of men’s football and promised actions to help transform the world into a safer place for women. According to Cuca, the change will happen through the education of young people.

“I was able to lead my life bypassing history, because the world of football and men in which I live had not demanded anything from me. Today I know that this is not just about me. A woman who goes through any type of violence cannot continue with her life remaining unharmed, the impact lasts forever.”

Cuca is applauded by the fans on his debut for Athletico; see photos

“I kept silent because society allows a man to keep silent. Now I understand, even without being able to delve deeper to speak in the way that would be right, that I can no longer deserve to remain silent, because silence sounds like cowardice. I can’t change the past . From now on, what you will see are attitudes, you can demand me”, he added.

Cuca evaluates debut with a rout

The coach received an ovation when his name was announced and was even more applauded with the team’s excellent performance. Asked about having Athletico fans at his side for the first time, Cuca

“It was wonderful. It’s great to be able to arrive on the day of the game and get a victory over a team that was going through a great moment. It was a unique feeling, I’ve always been involved with Athletico. We’re very happy because we managed to do it a great game with a great score”, he said.

With qualification for the semi-final, Athletico awaits the winner of the duel between Operário and Azuriz, scheduled for this Monday (11), at 8pm. In the first leg, the teams tied 0-0.

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Heart team

Cuca was also asked about having said, in the past, that he would never coach his favorite team, Athletico.

“Good question. I said it was my favorite club and that I would never train because when the fans insult you, you stop being a fan. It will happen one day. We will understand the day it ends and we can leave the same door he entered to continue being an athlete”, he said.

The coach also explained why he accepted the invitation from Athletico, who had fired Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio from command.

“What made me accept, I had a legal issue and I couldn’t accept some teams that came before. The moment it happened, Athletico came and invited me. That’s why I accepted.”

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Read the statement in full:

“Before closing this conference, I want to talk about the last months of my life, which were a lot of reflection, a lot of conversations. Because before I spoke I needed to listen. My wife and my daughters are helping me a lot. I wrote a text with their help, because I still don’t feel knowledgeable enough to speak about something so serious without this support. For them and for everyone. I don’t want to make a mistake!

I have been listening to opinions and trying to understand my role. I recently read a column by Milly Lacombe in UOL, in which she said this is not about me. I understood what she wanted to say, but I want to put it like this: Today I know that this is not just about me!!

I chose to withdraw into myself for a long time and yet I was able to move on with my life. A woman who goes through any type of violence cannot move on with her life without remaining hurt. The impact lasts forever!

I was able to lead my life around history because the world of football and the men in which I live hadn’t demanded anything from me. But the world is changing, I think for the better, and that’s why I’m realizing that there’s no point in understanding what it means to be a great coach, father, grandfather and husband, if I don’t understand that the world is made up of other things besides football, and that I’m part of that too.

Yes, I saw the problems, even recurring ones here in our universe of football and men. But I kept quiet because society allows a man to keep quiet. In fact, I allowed it!!

Now I understand, even without being able to delve deeper to speak in the way that would be right, I understand that I can no longer withdraw, remain silent, because silence sounds like cowardice. I’ve been trying to listen more, learn, understand. I can’t change
the past. How many of us, men, who are listening to me now, are capable of looking at the past and reviewing our attitudes?

The world is a very different place for men and women and, when we see this, we may even resist, but something starts to change. And that’s the first step. Then the feeling is one of real desire for change. But honest and true changes take time, require dedication, study, are painful and challenging.

I already understand that reality has to be transformed so that the world is a safe place for women, for everyone. The world of football is still a field of many prejudices.

I understood that when people charge me, it’s not just about me: it’s about the way we men – and society as a whole – treat women in an unequal and often violent way.

I’m not saying this today as an isolated statement, to please someone, out of the blue. If that were the case, I would have spoken out sooner. I say this from the heart. I have dedicated myself to this, I want and commit to learning more and more and being part of this transformation.

How am I going to do this? I believe in the transformative power of education. I want to help, I want to shed light on the gravity and seriousness of violence against women. I want to use the voice I have to, at the same time as educating myself, also educate other men to talk about this topic, especially with young people who love football.

Masculinity, power, sudden success. All of this is a challenge for any young person. Many get lost. Suddenly, they gain fame, money, life changes very quickly. We are led to think that we can do anything, including disrespecting women.

I think it’s important that men who are in this process of seeking understanding like me, stay close to the kids at the base, our children, grandchildren, nephews. We need to give them the opportunity not to make mistakes like so many men of many generations have made mistakes. Because that’s where we can raise awareness, make people think, guide them.

Everyone should understand what I’ve been learning: Success and money are useless if you get lost along the way. I thought it would be easy, that my anguish would end with the legal resolution of the process. It’s not over!

And I understood that it didn’t end because it didn’t just depend on a court decision, but also on understanding what society expects of me. From now on, what you will see are attitudes. They can charge me. Thank you for listening and good night.”