# Grêmio football club internal crisis and relegation struggle

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/grmio-football-club-internal-crisis
> Updated: 2026-10-26T17:58:46.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 3.

Grêmio is facing internal tension following a 4-2 home defeat against Cruzeiro. Coach Renato Gaúcho has drawn criticism for public remarks questioning the club’s recruitment processes and player profiles, specifically noting that some signings lacked proper analysis. The club is also facing scrutiny regarding the intersection of politics and football, including allegations that political ideologies have influenced decision-making processes.

In response to the controversy, players have voiced their support for the manager. Striker Carlos Vinícius defended Renato Portaluppi’s leadership during a press conference, comparing his management skills to those of José Mourinho. Conversely, Marlon has called for a squad evaluation and accountability regarding recent performances.

As the team struggles in the relegation zone, seeking its first victory in seven league matches, preparations intensified for a decisive Campeonato Brasileiro Série A match against Coritiba at the Couto Pereira stadium on October 26. The match was a high-stakes encounter for the Porto Alegre-based club, which had failed to secure any away victories so far in 2026. Coach Renato Portaluppi was also seeking his first victory since returning to the club.

On October 26, Grêmio faced Coritiba amidst significant absences, including Kannemann, Danilo Barbosa, Nardoni, Jovane Cabral, and João Borne. The match resulted in a 1-0 victory for Grêmio, secured by a Braithwaite goal in the 47th minute of the second half. This win ended Grêmio’s seven-match winless streak and their 33-round drought for away victories. While the result keeps the club in the relegation zone, it moves them to 17th place with 34 points, narrowing the gap to Internacional.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Grêmio defeats Coritiba to end seven-match winless streak

Grêmio defeated Coritiba 1-0 with a late Braithwaite header, ending a seven-game winless streak and moving closer to escaping the relegation zone in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grmio-faces-coritiba-in-crucial-relegation-battle

### 2026-10-24: Grêmio prepares for critical match against Coritiba

Grêmio faces a crucial battle against Coritiba in the Brasileirão as they fight to escape the relegation zone amidst internal pressure and tactical adjustments.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grmio-prepares-for-coritiba-match-amid-coaching-criticism

### 2026-10-23: Grêmio faces internal crisis amid coach Renato Gaúcho controversies

Grêmio faces turmoil as coach Renato Gaúcho criticizes squad recruitment and the club deals with political tensions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grmio-faces-internal-crisis-amid-coach-renato-gacho-controversies

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Cite as: Grêmio football club internal crisis and relegation struggle. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/grmio-football-club-internal-crisis