Vinicius is not ready to start games for Kotoko – Mariano Barreto

Asante Kotoko coach, Mariano Barreto has reiterated that Brazilian import Michael Vinicius is not ready to start games for the club.

Michael Vinicius scored with his second touch two minutes into his Asante Kotoko debut against Bechem United on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, but the Portuguese tactician insists he is not ready for a full debut.

The Portuguese trainer had put the mid-season signing – who had not played in a long while – on a three-week fitness program but was forced to rope Vinicius into his match-day squad for last Wednesday’s outstanding league game due to an injury setback to Guinean striker Naby Keita.

Barreto introduced the 27-year-old into game in the 80th minute when the Porcupine Warriors were 3-0 up and he went on to score the final goal in the team’s 4-0 drubbing of the Hunters.

“Vinicius is not ready, we played him because we didn’t have many players,” Barreto stated in his pre-match presser for the weekend’s clash with Berekum Chelsea at Len Clay Stadium.

“He came in, he tried and he was at the right place at the right time and he scored the goal.

“This is good for anyone especially if you score with your second touch of the game, it makes you feel happy.

“We are happy for him because he is getting the motivation and confidence to work hard.”

“In the next two weeks, he will have to get in a good physical condition to fight for the position.

“All the players know you have to be in good physical condition to play for this team,” the coach added.