Corinthians plan to use 11-day pause after Paulista exit | OneFootball

Corinthians have an 11-day window to reset after their Paulista semi-final exit, their first pause since 11 January.

Pre-season offered only eight days before the opener.

According to Globo.com, they have played 15 matches in 48 days, an average of one every 3.2 days.

The period included victory over Flamengo in the Supercopa Rei. Their Paulista run ended with a 1-0 defeat to Novorizontino in the semi-finals.

Head coach Dorival Júnior said the schedule was intense after only 10 days off and eight to prepare, and he is satisfied with the team’s commitment. He said the break will allow work, recovery and conditioning, and described the campaign as worthy.

With two wins, one draw and one defeat, Corinthians sit third in the Brasileirão, which will be prioritised at this stage. He noted they would be closer to the lead without the opening loss to Bahia, and said that if plans come together the year could be much better than the last.

The pause should aid fitness, with Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Labyad available and Matheus Pereira, Kaio César, Yuri Alberto and goalkeeper Felipe Longo working back from thigh and elbow injuries. Next is Coritiba at Neo Química Arena on 11 March at 21:30 Brasília time, followed by four March fixtures before the Conmebol Libertadores group stage begins on 7 April, with opponents drawn on 18 March.

Source: Globo.com