Corinthians keeper backs Dorival Jr, on draw and synthetic pitch | OneFootball

Corinthians faced Chapecoense last Thursday (19th) at Arena Condá, in a match valid for the seventh round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship, and ended up drawing 0-0. The result left the Corinthians team only in ninth place with nine points – two wins, three draws, and two losses – six goals scored and six conceded.

A few minutes after the end of the match, goalkeeper Hugo Souza spoke with journalists in the mixed zone and defended the work of coach Dorival Júnior. At this moment, Corinthians is going through a period of instability in the season, as they haven't won in six matches this year, that is, exactly one month. It’s the worst streak for Alvinegro since mid-2024. Having been at Alvinegro for almost a year, the current coach won the Copa do Brasil (2025) and the Supercopa do Brasil (2026), against Vasco da Gama and Flamengo, respectively. The number 1 also analyzed the draw against the team from Santa Catarina.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“He has given us all the freedom to perform our work, he has always managed to get the best out of everyone, it’s no wonder he’s a winner. And for everything he has achieved in his career, he’s someone who knows the path to victory and we have been working hard, he has been correcting what needs to be corrected and I think today’s game was more or less that. I think it was a game where we struggled a bit at the end, in finishing, in the final pass, but it was a game where we created more than in other matches. We need to take what we did well and improve it so we can get the wins we need,” he began.

Next, he talked about the quality of the synthetic pitch at Arena Condá and responded about the play where he made a mistake in the first half. The goalkeeper made a risky pass to left-back Fabrizio Angileri, which almost resulted in a goal for the opposing team: “Actually, it’s different when you play on a synthetic field, even though it’s a new field, a new pitch, a pitch that for the game itself isn’t so bad, but physically speaking it gets in the way a lot. I think I come out with some pain after the game. But that was a play on a synthetic field that doesn’t have much stability, but I take a step there and sometimes step sideways.”

“And it wasn’t even the studs, it was the side of the boot that ended up slipping twice, but thank God everything was fine, it didn’t affect anything, but I think that’s it. So we have to adapt as quickly as possible and try to do our best regardless of the pitch.”

He then responded about the fact that Corinthians kept a clean sheet and, at the same time, showed frustration with the goalless draw against Chapecoense. Hugo Souza believes the team controlled and played a good match, praising the performance of the opposing goalkeeper, Léo Vieira.

“Actually, maybe yes, but we really wanted the win. We can’t just focus on our defensive efficiency and the fact that we didn’t concede a goal, which is important, but we really wanted the win. We played better, we managed to play, we managed to create chances. I think their goalkeeper was even the best on the field.”

“Now we have to keep working so we can find the path to victory and achieve it. I think we played a good game, we managed to control the match, we managed to limit their chances, and when they did have opportunities, we were ready to defend. Now we have to work, work as hard as possible, because we have a very tough game on Sunday. We’re going to go for the three points at home.”

Finally, Corinthians’ number 1 spoke about not being chosen by the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. The award in question went to Carlos Miguel, from Palmeiras, who won the competition. In the state quarterfinals, it’s worth remembering, Alvinegro’s goalkeeper was decisive in the penalty shootout against Portuguesa, at Canindé, which gave Timão a spot in the semifinals.

“That’s part of it, right? It’s common, the champion wins and that’s fine. I think it’s up to the federation, the votes. I think I have to do my part, regardless of that. My focus is to help the club and we weren’t lucky enough to reach the final. Well, I’ll keep working, helping the club in whatever way I have to, in the game, in penalties, wherever I have to help. But I don’t think that’s a focus, it’s not something that impresses me or draws my attention. I think, as I always say, if individual achievements come while helping the club, then yes, they are important. I think it was a moment where we, those who reached the semifinals, we couldn’t reach the final. And I think that justifies a lot. Now it’s time to keep our heads up and work,” he concluded.

Hugo Souza was signed by Corinthians in July 2024 after standing out for Chaves, in Portugal. Initially, he arrived on loan from Flamengo and, five months later, was bought outright. In 107 matches wearing the Corinthians shirt, all as a starter, he has 51 wins, 30 draws, and 26 losses – a 57.01% success rate.

He participated and was crucial in the team’s comeback in the 2024 Brasileirão – from the relegation zone to the Pré-Libertadores – and was also decisive in winning the Campeonato Paulista (2025), Copa do Brasil (2025), and Supercopa do Brasil (2026).

Now, after drawing with Chapecoense away from home, 0-0, Corinthians looks to get back to winning ways and remains focused on the national competition. Next Sunday (22nd), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), Alvinegro will host Flamengo at Neo Química Arena, for the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship.

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