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#1 Mailson Alves (Centre-Back)
The reigning champions failed to reach an agreement with Henrique Sereno to bring him back to the Marina Arena for the second time.
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This blow stipulated the coach John Gregory to hand over the captain's armband to the Brazilian powerhouse Mailson Alves.
Sereno and Mailson formed an excellent partnership at the back for Chennaiyin FC by conceding 22 goals from 19 games.
But, the blues defense without Sereno did not look convincing to say the least as they shipped two goals per game on a couple of occasions last season. Stats don't say much, but his absence was clearly visible when was not on the pitch.
John Gregory decided to sign Eli Sabia as the Brazilian defender prepares to spend his second stint with the club, having already had done during the 2016 season.
This adds more weight to Mailson's shoulders who is expected bigger things along with his compatriot Eli Sabia at the back to form a formidable partnership like he did with the Portuguese Henrique Sereno which lead to the Championship success.
