Team Focus: Grêmio Improving Fast Under Roger Machado

There was a moment during Sunday's game against Santos that, more than any other, underlined Grêmio's impressive recent progress. Deep into the second half, striker Yuri Mamute - a substitute, as he has been for much of the season so far - found a bit of space inside the area and slid a finish between the legs of Vanderlei to put his side into a 3-1 lead. To celebrate, he eschewed the now-default group-prayer routine to sprint over to the Grêmio dugout to enjoy the moment - not with his teammates but with his coach. 

Roger Machado has been a breath of fresh air at the Porto Alegre club since taking over at the end of May. Under his guidance, the Tricolor players have grown in belief, clawing their way up the Brasileirão table courtesy of a series of impressive results.  

It is all a far cry from what went before. Luiz Felipe Scolari's reign had begin in promising fashion after the World Cup, with Grêmio staggeringly frugal in defence and capable of nicking matches with a single goal. But progress slowed in the latter stages of 2014 and ground to a halt earlier this year during an underwhelming Campeonato Gaúcho campaign.  

Grêmio began the season with a 3-3 home draw with Ponte Preta and an away defeat to Coritiba - the latter game marked by an own goal so stunning in its execution that you wondered whether it had been choreographed. They won just 9 aerial duels in those two games and played only 2 through balls. Scolari was ushered out the door. 

Roger did not seem the most obvious replacement. Granted, he had plenty of credit stored up in the bank of Grêmio, having been a club stalwart during one of their most successful periods. After coming through the ranks - and making his debut under Felipão - he won three Copa do Brazil titles, the Copa Libertadores and Série A in the 90s. But his coaching experience was limited: spells at Juventude and Novo Hamburgo looked like poor training for the big leagues. 

He has proved the doubters wrong thus far. Since his arrival, Grêmio have begun to look like a team rather than a collection of individuals. Positive results have concludes wins over Corinthians, Atlético Paranaense, Palmeiras and Cruzeiro. They may have averaged marginally fewer shots per game (from 13.3 to 13.2), but they have scored more goals per game (from 1.3 to 1.4) and made more interceptions (14 per game now; 10.3 before). 

There has been a paternal approach, typified by his ability to bring the best out of players young and old. Veteran playmaker Douglas has rediscovered his touch, while the experienced Edinho has been brought back in from the cold. Emerging talents like Pedro Rocha and Luan have come on leaps and bounds. When Yuri sought him out, it was like a kid running to tell his dad after scoring in the playground. 

"He's really motivated us," said up-and-coming midfielder Walace this week. "He's a young coach, so he knows how to talk to us. He's brought some happiness into the camp. We've bought into his ideas and believe in what he's doing." 

The blossoming team spirit is translating into some delightful football. Grêmio's second against Santos, finished off by right-back Rafael Galhardo after a flowing passing move involving Giuliano and Douglas, was particularly memorable and capped perhaps the most commanding performance of the season by any side in the top flight. 

Heading into the midweek round, Grêmio sat level on points with league leaders Atlético Mineiro. They slipped to a disappointing defeat to Chapecoense on Wednesday night, but hope of a title tilt remain undimmed. Even if it doesn't materialise, though, the feeling of positivity around the club counts as a major victory after the drudgery of Scolari's reign.

Roger that.

Do you think Grêmio can bounce back from defeat on Wednesday to continue their title charge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below