Officially presented by Vascocoach Fernando Diniz gave a press conference this Thursday (15), at CT Moacyr Barbosa, in Rio de Janeiro.
Among the subjects covered, the coach said he has, indispensably, with midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 32.
The player is going through a complicated moment and is even the target of constant criticism from part of the Vasca fans. However, for Diniz, Coutinho is the main reference of the Rio team, alongside, besides being, for him, one of the main athletes in Brazil in the “last 15 years”.
“I think he is indispensable. Regarding Coutinho, for me, in fact, it is a joy and an honor to work with a player of his carat. In my opinion, this generation of, he is one of the great protagonists of our football, one of the most talented guys in Brazil in the last fifteen years.
“He is a very talented player, I count a lot with him, very much. I think in this game (against Lanús-ARG) he has made a good match. I think in our relationship he will evolve a lot. Together with Payet, is the great technical reference. Having Coutinho is always a gift for Brazilian football,” he added.
Coutinho was a starter in Diniz’s first game at Vasco, but the 1-0 South American Cup.
Now, the Rio team returns to the field next Saturday (17), at 18:30 (Brasília), when it receives the Fortalezafor the 9th round do , in São Januário.
