The defender Maicon one of the most experienced players in Coritiba countered criticism of the average age of the cast. After forming a younger cast last year, Coxa bet on more shooting players this year.
Of the 14 reinforcements hired so far, seven of them are 30 or older. The most experienced players are right-back Rafinha (39), defenders Maicon (36) and Rodrigo Moledo (37), midfielder Geovane (36), midfielder Carlos de Pena (33) and strikers Dellatorre (32) and Everaldo (30).
The current cast also features goalkeeper Gabriel Leite (37), defender Bruno Melo (32) and midfielder Josué Pesqueira (34).
Maicon, defender from Coritiba
“Just look at the games. Just see how many games we play and how many goals we conceded together. Just see if the goals conceded were for lack of speed or will.”
“I believe a lot about what is being done and the potential. Last year it was said that the team was very young. If the young team has no experience. And if the team is older, it is very old. Football is result and if it does not appear, the questions will appear as much as possible, let the criticism come,” said the player.
Maicon suffered injury in the debut in Coritiba
Hired with Vasco at the beginning of the season, Maicon has not yet had a sequence with the shirt of Coritiba. The experienced defender suffered a musuclar injury in the debut against St. Joseense on January 15.
The initial forecast was to return within four months, but Maicon was only a month and a half away from the lawns. The defender was related to the elimination of the Brazilian Cup to Ceilândia, but did not play. The return happened in the fall in the Paranaense Championship against Maringá.
“I had an injury that the first speech of doctors was up to 12 weeks to return, but I was able to go back in five and a half weeks thanks to doctors and physiotherapists. I need to respond on the pitch to help the thigh in the best way possible. This year will be of hard work and delivery. Hard to talk about the same situations, but football is result,” Maicon said.
What is missing for Coritiba?
With early eliminations, Coritiba began a forced intertemporary. The Coxa competes for the next official match only in early April against Vila Nova, in Couto Pereira, for the first round of Serie B.
Maicon stated what Coritiba needs to improve following the season and reach the main goal of the year back to the elite of the Brazilian Championship.
“What we need to improve is the result. The team is surrendering, very high game volume, finishes and chances of goals. Even if you play well and have volume, it’s worth nothing if you have no results. What Coritiba needs urgent is victory. The only way the wins can come is work.