Corinthians boss explains using Memphis centrally in draw at Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Corinthians drew 1-1 with Cruzeiro at the Mineirão in the fourth round of the Brasileirão, with Dorival Júnior later justifying Memphis’s central role.

He rotated his side, starting Vitinho and Pedro Raul up front, then brought on Memphis Depay for Pedro Raul as his team chased parity. According to Meu Timao, the coach later discussed the switch.

Dorival said Memphis already plays that role for the Netherlands and that the position calls for a natural finisher, so there was no reason not to use him there. He added they could have kept Pedro Raul on alongside him. After a sending off, he felt a touch more patience and better organisation might have led to a kinder second half.

Corinthians levelled soon after Memphis came on, though not through him. Rodrigo Garro’s corner found João Pedro Tchoca, who rose to head past the defence.

First-choice striker Yuri Alberto is sidelined with a grade 2 injury to the left biceps femoris. Kaio César is also out with a right hamstring problem.

In Yuri’s absence, Gui Negão has seen minutes through the middle, with Vitinho and the youngster Kayke alternatives to partner Memphis. The result leaves Corinthians third in the provisional table, with some games from the fourth round still pending.

Next up is Novorizontino on Saturday at 20:30 in the Paulista semi-final.

Source: Meu Timao