The first European club of the Brazilian Maycon Morales is Babrungas Plungė, who plays at the second league level in Lithuania. Goalkeeper adapted quite quickly, and he likes life far from home in Lithuania, as he told in the interview below.
Rafał Kobza (Bałtycki futbol): You’re from Brazil. How did You get to far away Lithuania?
Maycon Morales (FK „Babrungas”): Yes, I’m from Brazil. I arrived in Lithuania through my agent and the club’s assistant coach, they agreed to my arrival in Lithuania.
What was your first think when your agent came and said that he has got an offer for You to play in lithuanian second tier?
I thought a lot about my family, because I knew we would be far away, but I also understood that it was a great opportunity to make way in European soccer. But from the beginning I was happy and motivated by the news.
Where have You played earlier?
Before I get here, I’ve played with great Brazilian clubs such as Coritiba, Sinop and went through some clubs that also had importance in my development as a professional athlete.
How do you feel in Lithuania?
I’m feeling good and happy to be here. I’m used to the Lithuanian soccer and the environment in and off the field.
How do you rate the sports level in lithuanian second division?
The level of the second division is good, I believe it has a lot to grow, but since it is a division where clubs prioritize giving opportunity to younger players, this makes a total difference and is very good for the development of soccer in the country.
What kind of football do Lithuanians play compared to Brazil? Much less technical, I guess? (laugh)
Making a brief comparison I can analyze and see that European soccer counts a lot about the tactical part, they emphasize the tactical part. In Brazil we work a lot on the tactical part, but we see some games that the talent and technique of each player can make the difference. Brazil is a barn of great world stars, I believe that Brazilian soccer is more advanced today. But Lithuanian soccer is growing a lot, they work a lot on the technical, physical and tactical part.
I know there are two or three Brazilians on the Babrungas team besides you. Are you guys good friends? What kind of people are Lithuanians compared to Brazilians?
Yes, besides me, there are three more Brazilians here, and we are great work partners. We adapted quickly, and the boys at the club welcomed us very well. The difference may be in the way they communicate, they are very direct, and have a more rigid sense of humor.. the Brazilian is more playful, and fun in some situations.
Who is your best teammate?
I’ve always been a very group player, I can easily talk and make friends with everyone, I can say that I don’t have a best friend in the group, but I’m closer to the Brazilians because we speak the same language, that makes it much easier.
Do you live in Plungė city? How do you feel there, what is your typical day like?
Yes, I live in Plungė, I feel good living here, sometimes I find fans on the streets and they treat me super well. My daily life is quiet, I usually go to the gym and late afternoon we have training at the stadium, so the day goes by quickly.
This is Babrungas’ first season at this league tier. What are your goals for the second half of the season? Are you satisfied with the current results?
Our goal is always to get the highest place in the competition, we are also in the quarterfinals of Hegelmann LFF Taurė, I always want to be fighting for titles. I’m happy with my performance so far, I want to go to the next level and keep improving and growing as a player.
In the last cup game against Neptūnas You both scored and saved the last shot in penalty shotout. Was it one of the best games in your career?
Yes! Thank God I was able to make a good game and along with my teammates we took Babrungas to the quarterfinals. It’s definitely a game that will be marked forever in my life.
What do you miss most from your homeland?
I miss my family, my friends and the Brazilian food.
Do your friends and family follow your games?
Yes, they always follow, whenever it is broadcast there are friends and family watching the games.
What can you say in lithuanian language?
I can say some numbers, some compliments, a few words of thanks. It’s a difficult language to learn for us Brazilians, but little by little I’m learning and improving.
fot. FK Babrungas
