Breno Bidon hails Brazil call-up, maturity before Corinthians decider | OneFootball

Wednesday (9) will be especially memorable for Breno Bidon. Hours after receiving his first call-up to the senior Brazil national team, the midfielder took the field for Corinthians in a 1-1 draw with Estudiantes at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals.

After the match, the youngster spoke to the press in the mixed zone and talked about the emotion of seeing his name on Carlo Ancelotti’s list. Bidon also explained how he managed the news ahead of a decisive match, commented on his mental preparation for knockout games, analyzed Corinthians’ reaction in the second half, and revealed what he plans to do with his first national team jersey.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Bidon describes emotion of first call-up

The call-up came on the same day Corinthians faced one of its most important matches of the season. Despite his happiness, Bidon said he had to control his emotions to stay focused on the match against Estudiantes.

“It was a unique feeling to be called up. I was very happy. It’s a huge emotion to be able to represent my country. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was little, not just me, but my whole family too. And, thank God, today it came true. But we also had a very difficult match, so I had to know how to deal with the emotion and stay focused on the game. I believe I managed to do that well. And the team also played a good match. We lost focus there on the corner kick, but I believe the rest of the game was very good.”

At 21, the midfielder has been gaining ground as one of Corinthians’ main pieces. Asked about the calm he has shown in decisive matches, Bidon explained that he tries to prepare the same way regardless of the size of the contest.

“It’s a very important game, but I always try to prepare for every game the same way. I try to stay very calm, focused, watch and study the opponent so that when I get on the field I can just calmly play my football.”

Halftime adjustments help Corinthians respond

Corinthians fell behind right at the start of the match in La Plata. After going into halftime trailing, the team came back more aggressively for the second half and equalized in the opening minutes through Kaio César.

Bidon confirmed there was a conversation in the locker room to correct the problems shown during the first half of the match.

“We knew it was going to be a very difficult game, a hard-fought one. But I believe we prepared very well for today’s match. We corrected the mistakes there at halftime, as always. And I believe we managed to come back quickly, react quickly, score a goal. And I believe we played a very good match.”

Midfielder avoids looking for excuses for Brasileirão slump

The Libertadores performance came amid a period of pressure in the Brazilian Championship. Corinthians has suffered four straight defeats in the national competition and currently sits in 12th place.

Asked about the difference in attitude between the competitions and the problems recently faced in the Brasileirão, Bidon defended the quality and unity of the squad. The youngster said the group is working to find a turnaround and dismissed any need to prove its ability.

“I think our group is very good. We know we’re not doing well in the Brazilian Championship, but we’re working every day to turn this around. As we’ve shown, we also don’t need to keep proving anything to anyone. We know we have a very good group, a very united group. And we know we can improve, and we’re working on that.”

The next match will be in the national competition. On Sunday (13), at 4 p.m. (Brasília time), Corinthians visits Flamengo at the Maracanã for the 27th round. Timão has 32 points, with eight wins, eight draws, and ten losses. So far, the team has scored 27 goals and conceded 27.

First national team jersey already has a planned destination

The call-up also led to a lighter question for the midfielder. Bidon was asked who will receive his first jersey worn as a Brazil national team player.

The youngster said he intends to keep it at first and is already planning to turn it into a keepsake of the moment.

“For me and my wife. And, of course, for the family too. The first one I’m going to keep, put in a frame.”

Bidon was called up alongside Hugo Souza and Matheuzinho, giving Corinthians three representatives on the Brazil national team list.

Semifinal spot will be decided at Neo Química Arena

With the match in Argentina behind them, Corinthians will now have a few days focused on the Brasileirão before facing Estudiantes again. With the 1-1 draw, the tie remains completely open. The clubs will meet again next Wednesday (16), at 9:30 p.m., at Neo Química Arena.

Corinthians needs to win in regulation time to advance directly to the Libertadores semifinals. If there is another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.

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