Bright spark: Melaka’s Danilo Magalhaes (right) is marked by Terengganu’s Akram Mahinan during their Super League match. — Melaka FC
PETALING JAYA: Melaka’s Brazilian forward Danilo Magalhaes believes collective improvement is the key if the club are to finally secure their first win of the Super League season.
Melaka have drawn three times, against Penang (1-1), Police (0-0) and Sabah (1-1), and lost once, a 4-0 defeat to Terengganu.
Their FA Cup run also ended early after a 5-0 aggregate loss to Penang in the round of 16.
The 21-year-old Magalhaes, who can play across the front line as a winger, striker or attacking midfielder, insists that the solution lies in better pressing and cutting down the space for opponents.
“The improvement must come from the team as a whole,” he said.
“We need to press the opponents harder and also avoid giving them so much space to play calmly when they have possession.
“Our goal is always to improve individually, but the most important thing is the collective, so we can achieve our goal for now – a victory.”
Magalhaes, who joined from Monte Azul in Brazil, has been a bright spark for the Red Giants despite their inconsistent start.
He has featured in three league games and one FA Cup tie, impressing with his dribbling skills and close control, but is still waiting for his first goal in Malaysian football.
Off the pitch, Magalhaes is adapting to a new environment and language. Still learning English, he has devised his own methods to stay connected with his teammates.
“I watch videos and research words I don’t understand. I also use gestures and movements during training and matches to communicate,” he said.
The Brazilian, who had youth stints with Botafogo, Internacional and Portuguese side Alverca, says his hunger to succeed drives him forward.
“It was the desire to win and also the desire to seize opportunities. The experience has been great, as it’s the Super League,” he added.
Melaka will next face Brunei in the Super League at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Sept 30, where Magalhaes hopes the team’s hard work will finally translate into three points.
