Palmeiras coach Gilson Kleina: Assunção and Barcos are 'invaluable'
By Josh Pedley 2012-10-20 16:48:00
Action Images
Palmeiras may need a miracle to avoid relegation from the Brasileirão this season, but if they do stay up then it will most likely be thanks to captain Marcos Assunção and forward Hernán Barcos.
The influential pair have been directly involved in 50 of the 97 goals scored by the Verdão season, either through scoring themselves or via assists and build up play and have appeared in every victory recorded in the league.
The pair have also shown their dedication to the fight this week when both took part in the victory over Bahia despite Assunção carrying a knee injury and Barcos arriving at the ground just 40 minutes before kick off after a grueling journey from Chile where he had been with the Argentine national team.
Head coach Gilson Kleina spoke glowing of the pair to Lancenet: "Their presence is invaluable. Barcos is a player who can play with his back to goal, holding the ball well and knows how to score goals.
"Already we know Assunção can play well and he has the tactical experience. João Denoni and Patrick Vieira are always listening to his advice. That helps a lot."
Palmeiras face Cruzeiro today at Arena da Fonte, São Paulo.
Latest news
