Seabra opens up about Vasco and vents in Coritiba

The situation began on July 1st, when the coach accepted a proposal from the Rio club. The following day, Seabra did not lead Coritiba’s training and was close to leaving the club. However, an impasse between the parties over how to pay the termination fine prevented the deal from being concluded. After that, the coach remained in Curitiba, apologized for the episode and resumed work at Coxa alongside his coaching staff.

Before answering questions at the press conference, the coach made a long statement to explain the behind-the-scenes of the proposal, the reasons that made him stay at Coritiba and the controversy surrounding a photo published by his manager during negotiations.

Irrefutable proposal

Seabra recognized that Vasco’s offer was important not only for the financial aspect, but also for the duration of the contract and the possibility of assembling a complete technical committee. The Rio club would pay the coach a salary of R$1.3 million, a fact mentioned by players on the squad days later. In interviews, Josué, Sebastián Gómez and Jacy recognized that it was a practically impossible proposal to refuse.

“It was a very significant proposal that I received, not only due to financial issues, but also involving the contract term and the possibility of, for a Brazilian coach who has only been at this level of the market for a short time, being able to put together a very complete work team, which is normally a privilege for foreign coaches”, he said.

Seabra also highlighted that the Rio club’s interest was a consequence of the work carried out at Coritiba. Before the World Cup break, Coxa was in seventh place, with 26 points, and had one of the best campaigns as a visitor, behind only Palmeiras and Flamengo, with 14 points achieved away from home.

Impasse in paying the fine and respect for Coritiba

According to Seabra, the negotiation was close to being completed, but did not progress due to an impasse between the clubs over how to pay the termination fine. The value, which was around R$4 million, would not have been the problem, but rather the attempt to pay in installments.

“The negotiation was very close to materializing and it did not happen because there needed to be an understanding between all parties. Regarding the method of paying the fine, I was very explicit from the beginning that it should happen under the terms set by Coritiba.”

Seabra stated that he would not accept conflicting with Coxa to obtain release and that the club demanded payment in cash. “I can go to something that is very good or exceptional, but I can’t leave a bad place where I feel very good, where I have built relationships and have a lot of respect for the institution, for the people who work here and for the fans,” he declared.

The coach also thanked Coritiba for allowing the work to continue even after all the negotiations. On July 3, Seabra returned to CT da Graciosa, where he apologized to the players and fans.

“I am very grateful to Coritiba for the humanity of putting itself in the situation of a professional who was faced with a dilemma and, even so, showing itself to be open and offering the possibility of continuing the work”, he added.

Controversial photo

Another subject addressed by the coach was the photo published by his manager during the negotiations. In the image, the two appeared smiling and drinking wine, in a celebratory atmosphere, which generated criticism from Coritiba fans given the possibility of the coach leaving.

Seabra explained that the photo would only be sent to their wives, after a very tiring day, marked by intense negotiations and conversations. Later, when he was already sleeping, the businessman published the image when reacting to a post on social media.

“We took that photo to send to our wives. Later, I was already sleeping, he reacted to a publication and made that post. He’s a good person, who I trust, but he ended up making a mistake at that moment”, he revealed.

Finally, the coach apologized to Coritiba fans for the repercussion of the photo, which ended up becoming a meme in message groups. “On our behalf, I hope that the fans are able to forgive us for this situation. It was important to explain the context so as not to fail to be honest and transparent with the fans”, he concluded.

Coxa is now preparing to face Red Bull Bragantino, at the Cícero de Souza Marques Stadium, in the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship, on Sunday (26), at 6:30 pm.