“It’s not just Neymar”: Seabra projects Coritiba’s game of a lifetime against Santos

The first match ended in a 0-0 draw at Vila Belmiro, and Coritiba needs a simple victory to guarantee qualification. If it advances, the club will return to the round of 16 of the competition for the first time since 2015, when it was eliminated by Grêmio. Since then, Coxa has been unable to reach this stage of the tournament.

Seabra avoids the Neymar effect and highlights Santos’ collective strength

Even so, the coach recalled the difficulties encountered in the first clash against Peixe, mainly due to the offensive capacity of the team led by Neymar, who is still struggling to convince coach Carlo Ancelotti to be on the squad list for the World Cup and has three more games to do so.

“It’s very difficult to play against the guys. They have association, creativity, when they push you in the final third, they always find a way to finish the play. And of course they have Neymar’s quality, but it’s not just him, we’re facing a team”, he highlighted.

Seabra also stated that Coritiba needs to repeat the tactical efficiency presented in the first match and highlighted that the squad sees each game of the season as decisive.

“Against Santos, in the first game, I think that what we prepared, we were very effective in putting into practice. And it’s not because it was an elimination match. We are playing each game of the Brazilian Championship as if our life depended on each point being played. So our attitude towards the game doesn’t change anything”, he added.

Lucas Ronier talks about Neymar

Coritiba’s offensive standout, striker Lucas Ronier also planned the clash against Santos and commented on the opportunity to face Neymar. Champion of the Copa do Brasil U20 with Coxa in 2021, the striker is now looking to help the club return to the knockout stages of the professional competition.

“It’s a different championship, an elimination one, but we’re playing at home, with our fans. We have to look for victory at all times, look for the goal to qualify, and that’s what we’re going to look for”, he stated.

Ronier also praised Neymar, but highlighted that Coritiba’s focus needs to be on collective performance on the field.

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“He’s an exceptional player, who everyone grew up watching play, in Brazil and on European teams. A very good player, but on the field we have to focus on our game so we can win the match”, he said.