Corinthians boss on Pedro Raul in Majestoso, silent on squad gaps

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·19 January 2026

Corinthians boss on Pedro Raul in Majestoso, silent on squad gaps

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians hosted São Paulo last Sunday afternoon (18th) at the Neo Química Arena, for the third round of the first phase of the 2026 Campeonato Paulista, and ended in a 1-1 draw. The Corinthians goal was scored by midfielder Breno Bidon. The result left the Alvinegro in seventh place on the overall state championship table with four points – only the top eight advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.

In a press conference moments after the end of the match, coach Dorival Júnior was asked about the use of forward Pedro Raul in the Majestoso. The number 18 came on towards the end of the derby and was responsible for the assist on the Corinthians equalizer, after holding up play inside the box. The striker is returning from a loan spell after standing out at Ceará in 2025, where he scored 17 goals and provided two assists in 45 games.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“That’s his role. He’s a player who comes in able to be a finisher, but also to provide service. I think we put even more pressure on São Paulo’s box, and given the volume we had, we deserved to score the equalizer. I think the team produced enough to get a better result. But I’m also happy that this comeback came with the spirit we have managed to recover, that of a fighter, battling until the end, until the last moment, seeking the best possible result,” he began.

He was later asked about some shortages in certain positions in the current Corinthians squad. However, the coach dodged the question and did not go into details. It’s worth noting that, so far, the Alvinegro has already announced the signings of center-back Gabriel Paulista, 35, and midfielder Matheus Pereira, 23, who were at Besiktas (Turkey) and Fortaleza, respectively. In addition, the club has also reached agreements with right-back Pedro Milans, formerly of Peñarol, who is already in Brazil, and forward Kaio César.

“Sorry, but I don’t talk about positions. I would like to have a few more elements to strengthen our group, so that we can have the conditions to play a much more consistent championship than I did last year,” he continued.

Finally, he spoke about the intense Brazilian football calendar, mentioning that Corinthians were on the field until December 21st – the final of the Copa do Brasil against Vasco, at Maracanã – and stated that the coaching staff is trying to minimize as much as possible the physical impacts from one game to the next. It’s worth remembering that, later this month, Alvinegro will debut in the Campeonato Brasileiro against Bahia, and will play the Supercopa do Brasil final, in Brasília, against Flamengo, on February 1st.

“No one works miracles, there’s no way to do it. It’s a team that’s not yet conditioned, that is seeking physical recovery, since we played finals just 20 days ago. It’s impossible to maintain and achieve consistency in a competition that’s already started. I believe it will improve in nine or ten days. We’re doing everything to minimize it, including changes to the squad, the group. One team plays Wednesday, another Sunday. We have no other way. Otherwise, we’ll risk, right at the start of important championships, like the Brasileiro, losing players to the medical department, which is the last thing we want. We’re trying to avoid this kind of situation as much as possible,” he concluded.

Now, after the draw in the Majestoso, Corinthians are preparing for their next commitment in the Campeonato Paulista. Next Thursday (22nd), Alvinegro will visit Santos at 7:30 PM (Brasília time), at Vila Belmiro, for the fourth round of the first phase of the state championship.

See More: