Anthony Correia’s troubled start as Utrecht coach amid injury scare

Anthony Correia’s tenure as head coach of FC Utrecht has begun disastrously, with his side collecting just one point from the first three league duels and now confronting a serious injury scare involving Kevin Paredes. The setback came after a 3-3 draw with Sparta Rotterdam.

Season opens with defeats

FC Utrecht began the campaign with a 2-1 loss to FC Groningen and followed it with a heavy 1-4 defeat at the hands of AZ. Those early results left the club with a single point after three matches.

Injury worries loom over Kevin

Tegen Sparta Rotterdam the Domstedelingen appeared on course for a welcome three‑point haul, but the home side forced a third equaliser to finish 3-3. Shortly before the final whistle, Kevin Paredes was carried off on a stretcher.

“I thought the opponent came at Kevin recklessly. It is very painful,” Correia said, visibly concerned. “We are bringing him out in steps because this boy has tremendous qualities and we want to see him longer. He is a diamond.”

Paredes has already battled serious injuries and now faces another setback. “I hope the injury is mild, but having to be taken off on a stretcher is really unpleasant,” Correia added, noting that further examinations will determine the extent of the American’s damage.

Despite the late equaliser, Correia expressed pride in FC Utrecht’s performance. “I am proud of what the boys showed today against a good team, but it is not enough to win matches. When we were down to ten men, the pressure was just a bit too much for us,” he said.

FC Utrecht still aims to compete for a European ticket this season, but the early deficit has already put them on the back foot. Next weekend they host PSV, a daunting challenge that will test the squad’s resolve.

Anthony Correia also recalled that last season, while managing Telstar, he managed to beat the eventual national champion twice. Those two wins highlighted his capacity to challenge strong opposition.