Midfielder Fernandinho acknowledged the possibility of no longer being the official penalty taker for Athletico-PR. The experienced athlete wasted penalty opportunities in two consecutive games for the Paraná team.
In the draw on Thursday against Cerro Porteño in the Copa Sul-Americana, Fernandinho missed a penalty in the second half. In the match against Ypiranga-RS in the Copa do Brasil, the midfielder also squandered a kick.
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Missed penalties
- Fernandinho missed two penalties in the last two games for Athletico-PR.
- The midfielder failed to convert penalty kicks in matches against Ypiranga-RS and Cerro Porteño.
- Fernandinho did not guarantee that he will continue as the official penalty taker for the Paraná team.
“We need to have calm and serenity. It’s time to analyze. Of course, there’s a great sadness. Being the oldest and most experienced player, the other players place a lot of trust in me,” said Fernandinho.
“There were two moments in knockout competitions against Ypiranga and Cerro. As I said, we will sit down, analyze, and discuss whether I continue or not (as the official taker) or if there are players in the squad who are more confident,” he added.
Support from the squad for the midfielder
Fernandinho is one of the leaders of the Furacão squad. The players showed support for the midfielder in light of his consecutive penalty misses.
“In the moments I took the penalties, I considered them decisive and took responsibility. The most important thing is that I have the support of the entire group, and I will continue to do everything I can to help,” he stated.
“Goalkeepers study the penalty takers. In that moment, you make a decision, which can turn out to be right or wrong. In the last two times, it was two saved penalties,” lamented the midfielder.
