Toloi: Chat with Crespo, ready to aid São Paulo with Euro experience | OneFootball

Rafael Toloi highlighted this Tuesday, during his presentation at SuperCT, his adaptation to São Paulo’s style of play and emphasized his versatility in defense. The 34-year-old center-back also explained how his vast experience in Europe can contribute to the system implemented by Crespo.

“I felt very good in the collective work, with an open field and high pressing. It’s a system I like because it brings the team closer to the opponent’s goal. I spoke with Crespo after training, it was a nice conversation. What I learned from Gasperini, one of the best coaches I’ve had, can help a lot. I see similarities and differences, but both are great coaches,” he said.

With Toloi’s arrival, Argentine coach Hernán Crespo gains more options in defense, which had been feeling the absence of Arboleda, who is injured. The São Paulo squad also includes Alan Franco, Ferraresi, and Sabino.

The defender reinforced his willingness to play in different positions: “I played 90% of my career on the right side, where I feel most comfortable, but I am available to the coach and the team. The period I trained alone in Goiás was not easy, but it was worth it to arrive almost at the same level as my teammates. These weeks of work at the training center were important and today I feel good physically,” Toloi continued.

Brazil vs Italy Comparison

Toloi also commented on the competitive level of Brazilian football: “The Brasileirão is very competitive, maybe even tougher than the Italian Championship. In Italy, the tactical aspect is stronger, but here we have other factors that weigh in: long trips, a tighter schedule, a greater number of games. Brazilian teams are very strong and I see a high technical level,” he added.

The defender arrives at São Paulo with a history of international achievements. At Atalanta, he was part of the squad that won the Europa League and took the club to compete in the Champions League, in addition to being a Euro 2020 champion with the Italian national team after becoming a naturalized citizen.

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