São Paulo coach Ney Franco insists that attacking midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso is in his first-team plans, having left the player on the substitutes bench for the midweek Copa Libertadores clash with Bolivar.
Ganso, 22, played among a second-string São Paulo side on Saturday night in the state championship and impressed, scoring in his team’s 2-1 win over Atlético Sorocaba.
Post-match, Ney Franco was forced to answer questions over the player’s role—especially pertinant since the club spent around €7 million to purchase 45% of his economic rights just a few months ago.
“He is exceptional and he is here to be a starter,” the coach told reporters. “You need to give some players time to evolve. Some can be in good shape early in the season, while others need more time. We have to get him ready.
“For tactical reasons, against Bolivar, I preferred to change the team’s style of play. At the moment, Jadson is better than Ganso—mainly due to fitness.”
Indeed, when São Paulo take on Bolivar in the return leg on Wednesday night, it is Jadson who is once more expected to occupy the starting role.
In the club’s opening fixture of the 2013 state championship, Ney Franco trialled a system incorporating both players, but has reverted to the side’s familiar tactical setup for this week’s important Copa Libertadores qualifying fixtures.
Source: Globo Esporte
