Marcelinho: I have been out only once in the past week

Here is another of the series of interviews we have prepared during the COVID-19 pause. Marcelinho tells us how he stays in shape without group training.

- How does this long pause reflect on you?-
- I try to follow the rules like everyone else. I mainly stay home and train as much as I can – I do different exercises. It is not the same as the regular training but it is what it is. The good thing about going out only once in the past week is that I get to spend all the time with my family.

- Do you miss football?
- I miss it a lot, and so do my teammates. Fans also miss it. I miss the matches and everything, but I feel optimistic. We need to follow the rules and the pause may be short. I invite everyone to obey the rules as well.

- When will football return to normal?
- Nobody could predict that and we hope it will be soon. There are dates in discussion and maybe we will play in June. It is up to the authorities.

- How do the people in Brazil fight the coronavirus?
- There are more than 2,500 cases in Brazil and people are under quarantine. The president stated that the quarantine will not last long in order for the economy to be saved. He said the same thing as Donald Trump.

- How do Brazilian clubs cope with the championship pause?
- It is hard for them, as football is the country’s way of life. Some teams want to be allowed to train despite all, like Napoli in Italy. But no compromise will be allowed.

- Your teammates are convinced that this break will not affect their shape, so what do you think?
- I think so. The break will not compromise our shape. We have a good advantage and I believe we will win the title.

- You are a Bulgarian national. UEFA scheduled the game against Hungary, which is part of the Nations League, for June. Do you think about this challenge?
- Of course. The crisis will pass and we must play. Bulgaria has a chance against Hungary. We need to prepare for the game as soon as we are allowed to, and I have no doubt we will succeed.