Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In a concentrated training session held on Wednesday morning at the CT Joaquim Grava facilities, Corinthians demonstrated their commitment to tactical precision as they continue to prepare for the FIFA Data period. The third day of work under coach Mano Menezes showed a renewed emphasis on quick passing and recovering the ball in attack.
The training session began with an exercise that emphasized fluid ball movement and precise passing. Coach Mano Menezes asked the players to pass the ball with precision, emphasizing the importance of targeted passes rather than aimless runs.
“Pass to the foot, not to the empty space. Be aware, or else you’ll simply be running, and those who simply run belong to fitness trainers“, warned Menezes during the exercise.
The coaching staff then divided the team into three groups, each taking turns in attacking and defending scenarios and responding to situations in which they lost possession of the ball.
Throughout training, the coaching staff made a point of emphasizing the importance of playing out from the back. Specific instructions were given to players like Pedro, with Menezes asking them to take on the opposition full-backs and create chances down the flanks.
A possible starting line-up emerged during the session, with players such as Cássio, Rafael Ramos, Gil, Lucas Veríssimo, Fábio Santos, Maycon, Fausto Vera, Matheus Araújo, Mosquito, Yuri Alberto and Romero.
While Fagner trained with the rest of the squad, Gabriel Moscardo and Renato Augusto were absent from the exercise. Renato Augusto, for example, has been suffering from a calf injury, which has kept him away from training for the third day running.
This training session was the first open to the press since Mano Menezes took over as coach two weeks ago. The team focused mainly on possession drills, pressing, one-on-one duels and two-on-two scenarios on the previous days.
Menezes promised that Corinthians will come out of the FIFA Data period significantly improved, emphasizing the focus on positioning and playing second fiddle. The team is due to face Fluminense at the Maracanã next Thursday, with seven more training sessions scheduled, including a double session on Saturday, before a well-deserved day off on Sunday.