Mano Menezes, head coach of the Corinthians soccer team, praised yesterday
the performance of his players after their 3-2 opening victory over CRB in the
second division (Serie B) of the Brasileiro championship.
The team descended into the second division after a dismal performance in
last year's tournament and hopes to win the second division title in order to
regain their status in the first division.
"We have had more positive aspects to our team than negative. I am certain
that what we are interested in is winning. Season openers were made to win. We
are off to a great start," said the coach.
"Corinthians were the only traditional big team to win in yesterday's
openers," he added, comparing his team to others such as Palmeiras and Gremio.
Despite Corinthians' victory yesterday, some players of the team were
unsatisfied with their performance.
Goalkeeper Felipe was on the receiving end of two goals by way of headers
from his opponents.
"We ended up getting scored on twice off a stopped ball. We didn't respect
them and we almost lost to them, which would have complicated our confidence,"
said Felipe.
On the bright side, midfielder Douglas scored his first goal with dressed in
a Corinthians jersey.
Menezes rewarded the athlete the highly coveted jersey No. 10. Despite his
goal, the player lamented Sunday's performance, believing that he could have
been more active offensively.