In a closely contested match on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Athletico-PR faced off against Chapecoense, resulting in a 1-1 draw during the seventh round of the Brazilian Serie B Championship. The game showcased a tactical shift for the home team, who struggled to convert their numerous chances into goals. Interim coach João Correia addressed the media following the match, expressing both his satisfaction with the team's performance and his disappointment with the outcome.
"We encountered exactly what we expected: an opponent with a lower block, positioned in a 5-4-1 formation. We were exactly where I wanted us to be," Correia stated. Despite the tactical familiarity, the match left Athletico still searching for their first win under his guidance, marking their third consecutive game without a victory.
With a staggering 23 shots throughout the match, Athletico demonstrated their attacking intent but lacked the decisive touch in the final third. Correia noted, "The game wasn’t top-notch, but it had positive aspects. We lacked a bit of discernment in the final third, the correct decision-making. However, I was satisfied with what the players produced and completely dissatisfied with the result, because at home, the only thing that can happen is a victory." This sentiment reflects the high expectations surrounding the team, especially in front of their home crowd at Arena da Baixada.
Correia, who stepped into the interim role after the dismissal of Maurício Barbieri following a disappointing 4-1 loss to Botafogo-SP, emphasized the quality of his squad, likening them to a Ferrari. "Our squad is a Ferrari; we have many quality players. I had the opportunity to convey this term to our players," he remarked. The 31-year-old coach, previously in charge of the club's under-20 team, is now tasked with steering the first team back on track.
Despite the challenges, Correia remains focused on the immediate goal of securing victory in their next match against Vila Nova-GO, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2025. "In football, the most important thing is the victory. My only focus is to win the next game. Whether it’s with the under-20s against Palmeiras or with the first team against Vila Nova away, I know my quality, my capability, and the quality of this squad," he asserted.
As the team prepares for the upcoming match, there is still uncertainty surrounding the club's long-term coaching situation. While Correia is currently leading the team, there have been speculations regarding potential candidates to take over the role permanently. Among those mentioned is Portuguese coach Pepa, who previously managed Cruzeiro and Sport.
In the aftermath of the match, the club's president has reportedly expressed concerns regarding the team's performance and the need for improvement. This has led to a wave of discussions among fans and analysts about the direction of the team and the urgency for a decisive turnaround.
As Athletico-PR continues to navigate the challenges of the season, the pressure is mounting on Correia to deliver results. The team currently sits in ninth place in the Serie B standings, with just 10 points accumulated after seven matches. The draw against Chapecoense highlighted the need for a more consistent performance as they strive to climb the league table.
Correia's comments about needing time to implement his vision for the team resonate with the reality of football management. "To have a consistent job, you can’t see results in three days. This applies to any coach in the world," he noted, hinting at the complexities of coaching and the time required to instill a new philosophy within a team.
As the days lead up to the clash with Vila Nova, fans will be eager to see if Correia can harness the talent within his squad and translate it into the results they crave. The upcoming match represents not just another opportunity for points, but a chance for the interim coach to solidify his position and show that the quality of the Athletico-PR squad can indeed shine through.
With the spotlight firmly on Correia and his players, the stage is set for what promises to be an intriguing encounter against Vila Nova. Will they finally break the winless streak and deliver the performance that fans have been waiting for? Only time will tell as the season progresses.
