Caiuby: “We like playing the role of underdogs"

Coming off the back of a newly extended contract that will keep him in Augsburg until 2020, nothing has got in Caiuby’s way this term. He’s played in all 17 of FCA’s games to date and has scored four goals. We sat down with the Brazilian to get his thoughts on all things FC Augsburg ahead of the clash with Hamburger SV. Thanks to 2018 being a World Cup year, the winter break was shorter than usual this season. How have you spent your time off? Relaxing on the Copacabana? No, but that would have been great! (laughs) I was with my wife and kids back home in Brazil. We spent Christmas together with the rest of my family. I also met up with a few friends which was really nice. After a few cold days, you and the team flew out to Tenerife for a training camp. It was probably the shortest training camp of all time, no? There wasn’t even time for a friendly. What have you taken away from the experience? The training was intense, even if it was a bit brief. We worked really hard and I think that we’re in extremely good shape for the start of the Rückrunde. The reports from the camp stated that a lot of hard work was done, but it was never without a smile on your faces. The team spirit seems to be very good, does it feel that way to you? Absolutely - even though we pushed ourselves really hard, spirits were always high. There’s no reason for us to be down about things, because we’re in a good position in the table at the moment. We’ve played well to this point and that’s had a direct effect on how we’re feeling. You arrived at FC Augsburg in 2014 and extended your contract until 2020 this past summer. FCA for life? I feel at home here and I can certainly say that I’m extremely satisfied with where I’m at. I can definitely imagine me extending my contract again. You’ll be 32 when your contract expires. Is moving back to Brazil at the end of your career not an option? It’s definitely an option, and I would certainly like to play in Brazil again. But that’s still a few years away, and football moves so quickly that it’s wrong to look that far ahead. Anything is possible. I could move back to Brazil, but then I’d be leaving my new home in Germany. You’ve played for both Corinthians São Paolo and FC São Paolo, and both are clubs that are steeped in history. A lot of brilliant players have worn those shirts. Which club do your loyalties lie with? My friends and I have been fans of FC São Paolo since we were very small. I dreamt of playing there as a child, and I was lucky enough to have realised that dream. It was such an honour to play for them - FC São Paolo is my team back in Brazil. The Bundesliga gets back underway on Saturday. FCA went in to the winter break in a strong ninth position with 24 points. No one expected that of this team. Were you also surprised? As players, we knew that we could do well this year. We strengthened well and we know what kind of quality we have in this squad. Honestly, I feel a bit disrespected when people say that they didn’t expect us to do anything. On the other hand, we like playing the role of underdogs, as it only motivates us further to prove people wrong.