Maycon backs Dorival, says Copa do Brasil not Corinthians’ last hope | OneFootball

Midfielder Maycon is betting on the Dorival Júnior factor in the Copa do Brasil to, who knows, lift another trophy wearing the Corinthians shirt. This Wednesday, the CBF draw decided that Timão will play the semifinal decider against Cruzeiro at the Neo Química Arena.

Dorival has an excellent recent track record in the Copa do Brasil, with two titles won in the last three years. The first trophy came in 2010, when the coach was still in charge of Santos. Then in 2022, he lifted his second trophy, this time with Flamengo, and in 2023 he won with São Paulo.

In the 2022 final, Dorival faced and defeated Corinthians, who were then managed by the Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira, on penalties. This time, however, the coach is on Timão’s side. Maycon, therefore, hopes the coach can help the team lift the trophy with all his experience.

“It’s important. I think Dorival is a super successful coach, especially in the Copa do Brasil. The run he has had in the Copa do Brasil is a run that deserves respect, and I think that’s something that will play in our favor as well. Having a super successful coach, especially in recent years. He ended up winning a title against us and we know how important he was for Flamengo on that occasion. Now, he’s on our side and we know his ability to help us at this moment as well,” highlighted the number 7.

Although Corinthians have the advantage of playing the semifinal decider at home, Maycon rejected any notion of favoritism for Timão. The midfielder valued the opportunity to play the second leg in Itaquera, but emphasized Cruzeiro’s strength and urged the team to keep their feet on the ground.

“No, favoritism is a very strong word. These are two very strong, very big teams, each with their own strategies and styles. For me, playing the decider at home is important, especially because of our fans, but I don’t consider it favoritism. We have to keep our feet on the ground, work hard, because these will be two very important matches for us. We have the chance to reach the final, but we have to play two great games to get there,” he said.

Last chance for a title with Corinthians?

With his loan contract only until the end of the season, Maycon’s future at Corinthians is uncertain. The midfielder has regained his place under Dorival and earned the coach’s trust, once again establishing himself as a leader and an important piece of the squad.

The Copa do Brasil, therefore, could be Maycon’s last chance for a title with Corinthians, if his loan from Shakhtar is not renewed. The number 7, however, avoided discussing this possibility and revealed that there are talks for him to remain at the club.

“No, no. We’re talking. I have a contract until the end of the year, but we’re talking, nothing has been decided yet. God willing, it won’t be, but it could happen, and we have to be prepared for that as well,” said the player.

At 28 years old, Maycon is in his second spell at Corinthians and has played 236 matches, scored 18 goals, provided 13 assists, and won four titles: the 2017 Brazilian Championship and three Paulista Championships (2017, 2018, and 2025). On loan since 2022, he has become one of the main leaders of the squad and a reference both on and off the pitch.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.