Coritiba FC

Coritiba returned to top flight last season and was able to finish above the relegation line, after an irregular performance over the course of the campaign. Coxa had some good moments, but a poor sequence in the middle of the season forced them to be on their toes by the end. 'Coxa' failed to reach the final of Campeonato Paranaense, this year, which is never a good start for the season. Not being involved in continental competitions, this year, Coritiba played already the first cup round and was almost knocked out by Série B Criciúma: won on the penalties. Portuguese António Oliveira is the new coach for 2023. After a relatively successful season with the modest Cuiabá, Oliveira has now a slightly more ambitious project with Coritiba. Oliveira usually employs a 4-3-3 with creative midfielders and usually prefers technical wingers to pacey ones. Coritiba brought quite a few interesting players for the new season. Kuscevic, Bruno Viana and Victor Luís should all be first options in defence; Liziero and Moreno are strong options for the midfield and Rodrigo Pinho has already established as a star striker in the club. 'Coxa' looks a very balanced team with no apparent weaknesses in any specific areas. Goalkeeper Gabriel proved to be a good asset last season. The centre-halves were a liability, but the new signings have tackled the issue. Alef Manga will now have good company with Pinho and Robson joining in. There may be a lack of a proper creative midfielder on the team. Moreno was brought to be that man, but for now he hasn't proved to be a definitive unit with the no. 10 jersey. Natanael on the right side of defence is also a questionable option as the season starts. Rodrigo Pinho might be the best player on the squad, but he had a very long injury in recent years and is returning to big competitive games only in 2023. Gomes is a very reliable and complete unit in midfield. Alef Manga was the star of last season after Igor Paixão left for European football.