Corinthians keeper on Cássio clash, thrilled with Copa clean sheet

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Central do Timão

·14. Dezember 2025

Corinthians keeper on Cássio clash, thrilled with Copa clean sheet

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Last Monday (8th), goalkeeper Hugo Souza and midfielder Maycon gave a press conference at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava, two days before Corinthians' 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals against Cruzeiro at Mineirão. The Alvinegro goal was scored by forward Memphis Depay.

This Sunday (14th) at 6 pm (Brasília time), both teams will meet again, with Corinthians only needing a draw to advance to the final. Thus, goalkeeper Hugo Souza was asked about the team's defensive solidity in the tournament. So far, Dorival Júnior's team has not conceded goals against Novorizontino (third round), Palmeiras (round of 16), Athletico-PR (quarterfinals), and Cruzeiro (first leg of the semifinal).

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“First of all, I am very happy not to concede goals in the Copa do Brasil. I think this is not just my merit, it's a team effort.” The number 1 praised the team's tactical discipline, which starts from the offensive field with Yuri Alberto and Memphis Depay: “If it weren't for Yuri and Memphis up front running and marking to help us, we would have conceded goals. It's a team effort. Our entire defensive line, midfield, attack — everyone worked hard so we could perform at our best.”

“We know that in a cup game, conceding a goal makes it very difficult to recover. And we go in with this very strong mentality. I am very happy to reach the semifinals with these numbers, but as I said, it's not just my merit. It's everyone's merit, because everyone defends together. That's how we play,” he began.

Later, he was asked about the duel with goalkeeper Cássio, now at Cruzeiro and considered one of the greatest idols in Corinthians' history, who played for the club from February 2012 to May 2024, winning nine titles (including Libertadores, Brasileirão, Campeonato Paulista, Recopa, and Club World Cup) and 712 games during the period (second most appearances in Corinthians' history).

“Talking about Cássio… I didn't have much contact with him, but every time I met him, the interaction was the best possible. He has always been a reference for me in the position. Man, I'm in a place that I think will be his for all eternity. He earned it. For me, he's the greatest in the club's history. But now he's on the other side, and we're going to fight for ours, respecting his history. And he's there proving why he did everything here — at 36, 37 years old, playing at a high level. It's something Maycon can talk about even more than I can because of their time together, but I really admire his career, his journey, and the person he is,” he continued.

He then commented on a possible penalty shootout in these Copa do Brasil semifinals. Since joining Corinthians in July 2024, the goalkeeper has been standing out in this aspect, saving penalties against RB Bragantino (2024 South American Round of 16), Grêmio (2024 Copa do Brasil Round of 16), Novorizontino (2025 Paulistão), Palmeiras (2025 Paulistão), and Athletico-PR (2025 Copa do Brasil Quarterfinals).

“Honestly, when it comes to penalties, I say something people don't believe: I don't like penalties. I think it's a suffering we don't need to go through, you know? But at the same time that I don't like it, it's a moment when I feel cold. Well, I believe the responsibility is not mine, but I'm prepared for everything, actually. For the game, for whatever I can do to help the team in the game, whatever I have to do. If the penalty situation has to happen, I'm ready. I'm ready too. I want to help in the best way. I've always said I never wanted to be the protagonist. I want Yuri to be, Memphis to be, Garro to be, because when they are protagonists, Maycon too, they score more goals.”

“So, I prefer a thousand times that they are the protagonists because when they are, they change the game's result. They score goals, they give assists. But I'm ready to help. I've always said this: my role here is to help the team, and when they need me, I'm there. Whether it's with penalties, with saves, with passing, with kicking forward, with tackling someone, we're in it together, and that's the deal. I'm here to help.”

The number 1 continued talking about the behind-the-scenes studies on penalty kicks. Hugo Souza, like midfielder Maycon, also spoke about the club's turbulent political environment.

“It's difficult. What I can say is to train in the best way possible and hit with confidence. Do what was trained. Train what you hit there. When you get to the game, you'll do what you trained and that's it. Because Cássio's quality is undeniable. We don't need to discuss that. And I hope it doesn't go to penalties. I hope, God willing, we can win the games and qualify. But if it does, we're prepared. We'll prepare in the best way possible. I, personally, study penalties a lot. I try to guess what the guys are going to do. It's not easy, but we're prepared for any occasion.”

“The message, actually, is a bit of everything we've already talked about here. Nothing will be lacking on our part. Commitment, dedication, will — that will not be lacking at all. Because we know it's our dream. When I say 'ours,' I'm talking about mine, Maicon's, yours, the 35 million fans who are eagerly waiting for this moment. And we want to make this dream a reality. So, our heart… when I say we're focused on this, it's because we put everything into it. Our heart is in it, you know? We know that today, if you ask Marcos, if we have to stay locked up in the CT until the final, we will, because we want to be champions. Because we're very focused on this, and the feeling we have is of total commitment and doing our best so we can achieve this dream”, he concluded.

Since joining Corinthians, Hugo Souza has become one of the team's main pillars, being crucial in the team's surge towards the Pre-Libertadores in the 2024 Brasileirão and decisive in winning the 2025 Campeonato Paulista against Palmeiras in Itaquera. So far, he has played 87 matches wearing the Corinthians jersey.

Maycon

What is the "knockout Corinthians"?

“I think it's like Hugo said. If we go back to that Pre-Libertadores period, we managed to be champions over Palmeiras, who reached the final. So, we can't focus on that. We have to think of the Copa do Brasil as a championship we have responded to very well. The team that will play against Cruzeiro is the Copa do Brasil team, not the Pre-Libertadores or the Campeonato Paulista. We have to separate that. We know we're champions, we know we lost the pre. Everything is a learning experience to face Cruzeiro and get a good and positive result to advance. That's the goal.”

Club politics

“Brother, I've been here for a while. I arrived when I was 12, in 2009. Not long, right? (laughs) I've been through a lot here. And when I say it might be the last title I can win here, it's the same feeling as Romero, it's the same feeling as everyone. We don't know when we'll have another opportunity. Next year starts from scratch. We'll start the Paulista, Libertadores, God willing, Brasileiro. We're already in the Copa do Brasil semifinals. We need to focus 100%. And I know the fans believe in us. We know we've left a lot to be desired at times. A lot. The political part is delicate. We, as players, can't talk about it. Our responsibility is to represent the club and the fans. Transfer ban interferes because it prevents the team from signing players. Impeachment prevents closeness with the president. But now it's the field. 11 against 11. Our coaching staff against theirs. Our fans against theirs. Let them put on a great show and let our fans leave happy.”

Experience vs. Youth Academy Players

“About the boys, I have an opinion, but I'll keep it to myself. I think this opinion should be Dorival's. He knows if it's the right time or not. They are prepared and want this. Because a game of this size changes a career. I've lived it. In 2016, my second or third game was against Cerro, with Tite. I did well, and a lot of my career went through that game. If the boy does poorly, the fans understand. But it leaves a mark. If he does well, it changes a lot. Now, whether it's a game for them or not, Dorival will know better than I do.”

Advice to the young (anxiety)

“I'm anxious. Dorival must be anxious, who is the most experienced of all. Anxiety is different from wisdom on the field. You have to have wisdom to, in a dangerous move, not harm the team. Divide all the balls, but being fair.About Pedrinho: it was expulsion due to anxiety. Everyone is anxious — the young, the more experienced, even Dorival. We have to know how to control it. It's hard to control anxiety, but we have to have a good head.”

Dorival Júnior and Copa do Brasil

“It's very important. He's a coach who won two years in a row with two different teams. I hope he can get the third with us. He's a guy who knows how to play this competition, he's already won three times. He has plenty of experience. He's already lived through all possibilities: reversing results, maintaining results, winning on penalties.This is very important for us, players. Because he knows how to win. And, God willing, he can win again with us.”

Shielding the youngsters and off-field issues

“About the boys: my biggest concern is off-field issues. They have a good head, they work hard. But off-field issues are beyond our control. I try to convey calmness. Corinthians opens huge doors, and we need wisdom to deal with that. Fabinho is very important. I've said this before. He tries to give us calmness amid a turbulent year. He's experienced and shielded us in important moments. When the club is under pressure, everything bursts in football. When football delivers results, the club breathes, even in difficult years. Fabinho played a big part in that.”

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