Diniz gives midfielder a chance to get minutes at Vasco | OneFootball

Coach Fernando Diniz commented on the situation of midfielder Thiago Mendes and admitted that the player might start to have more opportunities in Vasco's upcoming matches. According to the coach, the athlete is still working to reach the ideal pace after a long period away from Brazilian football.

— “It's a possibility. Thiago Mendes, just like Matheus França, arrived very out of rhythm. He left France almost three seasons ago and spent some time in Qatar. He had a significant injury when he came here, and it had been a while since he last played. Playing in Qatar at Thiago's age is not simple. You remember, it was like this with Juninho and Felipe Maestro. You pay a price, and Thiago has been paying it, but he has been improving in training. He played a little in the last game, and there is a possibility of him being used more,” stated Diniz.

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The coach highlighted the physical and technical evolution of the midfielder in training and indicated that he should gradually gain minutes as he regains competitive rhythm. Thiago Mendes, 33, was signed this season as an experienced reinforcement for the squad but is still striving to establish himself as a regular option in Vasco's midfield.

With the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship approaching, Diniz might see the player as an important alternative to provide consistency and quality in the team's ball transition.

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