Emily Lima on Gi Fernandes absence and right-back reshuffle after Corinthians loss | OneFootball

Corinthians were beaten 3-2 by Cruzeiro at Arena do Jacaré in Minas Gerais in the Brasileirão Feminino on Monday, and head coach Emily Lima addressed the ongoing absence of Gi Fernandes and her right-back improvisations.

Forward Ivana Fuso started at right-back, then made way in the second half for Juliete, a left-back by trade. Specialist right-back Gi Fernandes was again left out of the squad.

"I think the profile of full-back we need is very clear. In the move for our goal, Ivana showed the sort of full-back we want at Corinthians. We cannot have a full-back who plays backwards and lacks the attitude to drive the game, on either side," she told Rádio Coringão.

"On the left we have strong competition between Juliete and Tamires. The numbers speak for themselves. I think Tamires, in the last match, posted incredible GPS data and even beat her own record. Our internal assessments are creating more competition on that side and less on the right."

Lima took charge in March against Palmeiras and has overseen 13 matches, with nine wins and four defeats. Gi has played five of those, starting four, and missed April’s Teal Rising Cup in the United States while on Brazil duty. Since returning, she was on the bench against Ferroviária and was not selected versus São Paulo, Grêmio and Cruzeiro in the league, though she featured against São Paulo and Bragantino in the Paulista.

"Ivana was chosen for her physical vigour and the depth we want from our full-backs, outside and inside. She still has insecurities, but when she does what is needed it brings results, as it did for our goal."

Corinthians have enquired about right-back Antônia, 32, of Real Madrid, though a deal is viewed as difficult given her contract runs until mid-2027 and Palmeiras are also in the frame. Next up is Santos in the Paulistão on Thursday at 19:15, and if Lima maintains her approach in that competition, Gi Fernandes is likely to feature.

Source: Meu Timao