Paulinho loss hurts: Corinthians coach

Paulinho of Tottenham looks on during a pre-season friendly against Espanyol at White Hart Lane on August 10, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 27 (IANS): Corinthians coach Tite has admitted his team is sorely missing Brazilian international midfielder Paulinho.

The 24-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur for 17 million pounds in July, just a week after helping Brazil win the Confederations Cup, reports Xinhua.

“Tactically, he is a very different player. It is very difficult to find a player like him,” Tite said Monday.

“Now we are re-adjusting and reconstructing our team after the loss of one important component. That is one of the challenges of being a manager.”

Paulinho was a key figure in Corinthians’ Copa Libertadores-FIFA Club World Cup double last season.

The Sao Paulo outfit is currently fifth in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings, five points behind leaders Cruzeiro.