Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Despite picking up a point in a 1-1 draw with Coritiba on Matchday 5 of the Brazilian Championship, Vasco coach Maurício Barbieri wasn’t satisfied with his team’s performance on Thursday night. Barbieri admitted that the expectation was to win the game, but due to the circumstances of the match, he had to value the point gained.
The coach acknowledged that the team has had a difficult run of games, including matches against tough opponents such as Palmeiras and Atlético-MG. The Vasco coach also said that the team has been trying to secure important points. Barbieri considered that the team’s performance in the first half was well below its potential, but changes in personnel and tactics improved the team’s performance in the second half.
The coach praised 19-year-old striker Erick Marcus. The youngster scored Vasco’s equalizer, and Maurício Barbieri explained that his entry was a measure to make the team more offensive. Barbieri didn’t agree with the fact that Coritiba coach Antônio Carlos Zago lamented the draw, arguing that Coritiba didn’t play well enough to deserve the win, and added that Vasco should have produced more.
The coach emphasized that the team needs to make adjustments and perform better in upcoming matches, including the next game against Santos on Sunday. Barbieri will miss the match due to his suspension by the STJD for being sent off against Atlético-MG. If the club’s appeal to overturn the decision is not accepted, assistant coach Maldonado will take charge of the team.