FC Dallas announced Marquinhos Pedroso as its newest signing last week. A native of Brazil, Pedroso is now eligible to play. Left back has been a position of need for the team with Anton Nedyalkov’s departure. Currently, head coach Oscar Pareja uses a committee of sorts to temporarily solve the problem. Ryan Hollingshead, Maynor Figueroa and Kris Reaves all get playing time at the position.
Pro Soccer USA caught up with Pedroso for a quick chat after training earlier this week.
Question: What are your first impressions of the group?
Pedroso: “My first impression is the best … because everyone is helping me. The club can give me everything to [do] a good job, so I’m feeling good now. Of course, I need more [time], because I was on vacation now for 25-30 days. … Let’s see this week. But my feelings are good, the guys are amazing.”
Q: What ideas do the coaching staff have to progress you along with the team?
“I don’t know if it’s possible if I play in this game now, because I have to wait for my papers and everything, my visa. But if everything is OK, I think maybe I can play this week. Because today, we made a small game [in training]. It’s like the game, but, of course, you don’t run like in the real game. It’s almost the same. They are speaking a little bit with me, and everyday we are — we do more and more. I’m feeling good now. Let’s wait this week [and see] what’s going to happen.”
Q: Are you getting used to the other backline players, such as Matt Hedges, Reto Ziegler, Reggie Cannon?
“After the small game we had — the guys that played [last game] didn’t participate in this part — but after [Oscar Pareja] put me with the guys, we start[ed] to work together. So, I think this is good. I’m getting fit now, and I can see how the group works. And, like I told you, I have to wait more this week, and maybe I can work more with the guys with the lineback.”
Q: How are you adapting to the United States so far?
“It’s one week, but what I see here is the best things. The weather is like in Brazil, it’s hot. Of course, it’s a little bit different because there we have the beach — but here we have lake. … I hope to go there. The organization [of the city] is perfect. It’s totally different from my country, but the people are amazing here. They receive me very well, in the restaurants, and every place that help[ed] me rent an apartment and everything. My first impressions are the best.
Q: Experience wise, what do you hope to bring to FC Dallas?
“I hope to bring my best experience, technique, physique, power. I already played many games in the Brazilian Championships. I already played in Turkey, Hungary. I hope to bring this experience. Of course, I’m still young. I’m 24 years old, but I think I can help the team with experience and everything I can offer.”