Czech warns about Paraná Clube’s favoritism and still has doubts

For the coach, the Paraná team is prepared to have the responsibility of being the big favorite, but warns that it is no guarantee of success on the field. “It’s always a very complicated topic for you to talk about. Not assuming our responsibility is diverting the focus to other things. We have no problem assuming favoritism as long as you prepare for it and respect your opponent”, he comments.

“Favoritism doesn’t guarantee you anything and it’s an external scenario perspective. It’s an additional responsibility to represent that and it’s also a positive factor. We become strong at home in front of the fans. When you have a quick identity, like the athletes had, that favors us. I believe that when you have discernment It’s real that it’s a favorite, but if you’re preparing for it, you’ll be safer. There’s no problem considering ourselves favorites, the problem would be if we hadn’t prepared ourselves.”says Tcheco, in an interview with OneTwo Sports.

The only one undefeated in the Second Division, Paraná Clube finished the first phase with 23 points, a campaign of seven wins and two draws. THE The team’s strong point was its defensive system which was only leaked three times. In terms of comparison, Patriotas and Laranja Clockwork, who share the second best defense, conceded nine goals.

Goalkeeper Juliano Chade, who played five of the nine matches, only conceded a goal in the last round against the Patriots. Another highlight in the defensive system is defender Thiago Dombroski, who was only left out of one game and is still Paraná’s top scorer in the State, with three goals.

Paraná Clube used more than 30 players during the first phase

Tcheco took advantage of the classification phase to test the players and also detect any shortcomings in the squad. Paraná Clube used 31 players in the initial nine matches and only three of them played eight: Thiago Dombroski, left-back Bruno Dip and striker Lucas Bueno. The first two were starters in all of them.

In recent weeks, Tricolor has reinforced the group with more experienced players. Striker Daniel Cruz, formerly of Athletico, already has two goals in just two matches with the Paranista shirt. And midfielder Thiaguinho debuted in the last round against Patriotas and became an option in a position considered lacking.

“As part of a work plan that we had, we opted at the beginning for younger players, whether those from the base, like Antônio and Gustavo Portela, and other players on purpose that SAF had asked us to do, including Gabriel Pfeifer, Arthur Yan, Alex Júnior and Caniggia, who wasn’t there at the beginning, but played. We had to be a little careful because to have this plan, we also had to respond. At the same time, when we reached the crucial point of the knockout stage, we We needed experienced players. As things were happening in the competition, we understood where we should bring more hard-core players with the personality to withstand pressure. We gave everyone the opportunity, and the victories gave us peace of mind to carry out this experience”, comments Tcheco.

The coach also praises the integration of the defensive system and admits that he has options that allow him to change the starting lineup between one game and another. “As the points gave us security, I alternated between goalkeepers, midfield and attack. The defensive system was consolidated with Salazar, Thiago, Dip and Caíque. The biggest doubt was always at the front due to the understanding we have and many characteristics. Dani [Cruz] and Thiaguinho arrived in this final stretch not necessarily to be starters, but they could be important players. The championship gave us this possibility and I needed that security.

“I can already anticipate that in the return game it doesn’t need to be the same 11 as in the first leg. It’s at home, sometimes a situation that needs to be more or less offensive. I assume that the knockout stage will never be a matter of mathematics. I will use it according to our opponent and, mainly, our moment”, ends Czech.