There aren’t too many Brazilian footballers whose go-to phrase is “oh my days” but then there aren’t too many Brazilian footballers knocking about the sixth tier of English football. Lucas Covolan is not your typical lower-league goalkeeper but at 32 he is a veteran in the UK, after a rollercoaster career that has featured depression and a coach’s death on a journey that has taken him from Rio de Janeiro, via Spain, to Whitehawk, Worthing, Torquay, Port Vale, Chesterfield and now Maidstone United.
The team from the National League South, led by ex-Wolves player George Elokobi, has a chance to make it to the third round of the FA Cup by defeating League Two’s Barrow at home this Saturday.
Covolan began his career at Vasco da Gama, where he played alongside Philippe Coutinho and Allan on the youth teams. Despite not being a popular choice, Maidstone became his destination. In the first-team training sessions, Juninho Pernambucano, known as one of the best free-kick specialists, would often choose the 6ft 4in teenager as his goalkeeper for free-kick practice.
Covolan recalls Juninho setting up his wall and asking if he could see the ball. He responded affirmatively, but then the ball would swiftly and skillfully find the top corner of the net. The ball’s movement was incredibly unpredictable and Covolan struggled to anticipate it, often diving in the wrong direction as Juninho expertly outmaneuvered him. In essence, he felt like a mere obstacle on the field.
“Coutinho was exceptional as well. Soon after our time together at Vasco, he joined Internazionale. He elevated our team and I was selected for the Brazil Under-20 squad.”
Covolan becomes silent on the phone. He expresses his emotions through his voice as he remembers the experience of wearing the Seleção jersey, even after 13 years. “I appreciate this interview because it allows me to reminisce,” he says. “It was like a dream come true. Oscar [later of Chelsea] was on that Under-20s team – he was exceptional. Everyone knew he was destined for stardom. One time, he arrived at training in a helicopter and we were all amazed.”
The situation could have been drastically altered. Covolan was close to not making it through the initial weeks at Vasco. He hails from Curitiba, a region in southern Brazil that has a strong European influence, and also has an Italian passport. Rio de Janeiro was a completely new environment for him. During his trial there, he was shocked by the poor facilities, even at a well-known club like Vasco. The living conditions were subpar, with 10 players crammed into each room with five bunk beds. This experience made him realize that if he could survive there, he could survive anywhere in the world.
After playing for three years with Vasco, Covolan joined his childhood favorite team, Athletico Paranaense, in the top division. However, being the eighth goalkeeper on the team was challenging and Covolan decided to leave for Europe. He was disappointed by the inadequate facilities, inconsistent pay, and safety concerns in the lower leagues of Brazil. He broke his three-year contract in order to pursue better opportunities.
The initial destination was Spain, however, a string of unfortunate events caused major challenges. One particular club in Madrid failed to meet Covolan at the airport. He underwent a three-month trial with Real Mallorca, but was ultimately rejected for being “too old” at 24 years old. Finally, in 2015, Covolan joined UD Alaró, a third division team led by former pro player Julián Ronda.
“I had many connections in Spain who were eager to assist me, but one evening, one of them suffered a heart attack while playing with friends. We were all shocked and saddened by this unexpected news. Despite his physical fitness, he unfortunately passed away. It was a truly tragic loss.”
In 2016, Covolan moved to England and had successful stints at Lewes, Worthing, and Torquay, solidifying his belief that England was the right place for him. While playing at Torquay, he scored a crucial equalizing goal in stoppage time during the 2021 National League play-off final against Hartlepool, leading to extra-time. This moment is considered by Covolan as his greatest moment in football without a doubt. However, Hartlepool ultimately won on penalties, despite Covolan making two saves during the shootout.
He was signed by Port Vale in the Football League after his impressive performances. The team was promoted to League One the next season. However, what was expected to be the highlight of his career ended up being Covolan’s “lowest point”.
He expressed that he had a strong desire to be flawless. This caused me to feel immense stress and I lost enjoyment in playing football. Eventually, I became depressed, despite having everything I wanted. I am typically a joyous person who loves to joke, dance, and laugh due to my Brazilian heritage. It never crossed my mind that I would suffer from depression, but it did and it was a difficult experience. However, I am no longer ashamed to admit it.
After training, I would immediately go to bed or play PlayStation without talking to my partner, friends, or family. This had a negative impact on my performances and physical well-being, as I became more aggressive on the field. Covolan was expelled twice during that season, including on his debut with Vale, and by January 2022, he had been replaced.
Covolan explains that he received assistance from the PFA and his club, as well as seeking guidance from psychiatrists and psychologists. This support has had a significant impact on his life and he continues to receive help. He feels like a changed individual and has learned helpful techniques such as breathing and counting to manage his emotions. He is now more self-aware and determined not to let his struggles control him.
Following a stint with Chesterfield, Covolan has discovered tranquility in Maidstone, a peaceful area in Kent. He also has the convenience of a Brazilian butcher nearby.
Certain behaviors are difficult to change. “I continue to have high expectations for myself and those around me. As a member of the Maidstone team, I am responsible for imposing fines. These include £10 for not wearing flip-flops while showering and £10 for not weighing oneself before and after training. I enjoy giving orders,” he says with a grin.
Covolan’s opinion of his manager, as expressed by Elokobi, highlights his honesty, organization, and experience in the Premier League. He also believes that hard work can triumph over skill.
Maidstone and Covolan must defeat Barrow in the Cup in order to potentially be drawn against a Premier League team in the new year.
Source: theguardian.com
