Maycon: Copa do Brasil quarters wide open, Corinthians must focus defensively | OneFootball

The clash between Corinthians and Athletico-PR, in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil, is still undecided. At least that's what Timão's midfielder, Maycon, thinks.

The player sees the tie as open and calls for a "focused" Corinthians in the return match at Neo Química Arena. He also highlighted the team's need to be defensively alert. Since returning from the World Cup, the team has conceded 13 goals in the last ten rounds of the Brasileirão.

"It's a point that we always demand of ourselves, which is not to concede goals. It's about maintaining the focus we've been having. Defensive improvement starts from our forwards and midfielders so that our defense can sustain itself better. It's a very important point for us. We came out with an important victory, but the tie is open. We have to work in the best possible way," analyzed the experienced midfielder on Corinthians TV.

Free time for training

Maycon also evaluated the team's free period for training during the Fifa date. He sees the time as a great opportunity to adjust the necessary points.

"It's very important. We have many points to correct, to evolve in our team. We have a very big challenge ahead in the Copa do Brasil and, later, the continuation of the Brasileirão. We are aware of our team's evolution in recent games. We have to evolve to achieve the goals we have," he commented.

The player, in fact, should be a starter in midfield for the black and white team. This is because Raniele, injured, and José Martínez, who was called up to the Venezuela national team, are doubtful.

Next Corinthians match

Corinthians has five more training sessions until the decisive match against Athletico-PR. The squad returns to work this Friday morning to continue preparation.

The duel is scheduled for next Wednesday, the 10th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena.

Clash situation

With a 1-0 victory in the first leg, in Curitiba, Timão only needs a draw to advance to the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. In case of a loss by one goal difference, the duel will go to penalties. A defeat by two or more goals eliminates the Paulistas.

The winner of the clash will face in the next phase the winner of the duel between Cruzeiro and Atlético-MG. The Fox had the upper hand in the first leg and decides the classic at home, at Mineirão.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.