Corinthians keeper: Young understudy, Brazil call-up, backs chief

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Central do Timão

·20 October 2025

Corinthians keeper: Young understudy, Brazil call-up, backs chief

By Daniel Keppler / Central do Timão Editorial Team

After Corinthians' victory over Atlético-MG this Saturday, the 18th, in the 29th round of the Brazilian Championship, goalkeeper Hugo Souza spoke to the press in the mixed zone of the Neo Química Arena. He talked about Felipe Longo, who replaced him in the previous round of the tournament, when Alvinegro was defeated 1-0 by Santos, away from home.

“Felipe Longo is an exceptional guy. He works hard every day. In training, I say, the guy is a tough kid, it's hard to score against him. Unfortunately, he played a game where the opponents were on target, but he did his part. He is ready for any opportunity he gets. Sometimes we have a day off, and he's working out in the gym, training, and I keep telling him, take a break, kid, go rest. This is an example for us because even when not playing, he dedicates himself to the maximum. He will still contribute a lot to us.”

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

Hugo Souza lamented the defeat in the classic but pointed it out as a learning experience for the team. “It was a painful game, where we really, within a context not only of the game against Santos, but we suffered in some games where we didn't need to suffer as a sport, as youth. Among us, we closed ranks, united, said what we needed to say, understood what we needed to improve as a group, as a team, and I think we gave that response on the field,” he said.

He also talked about his experience with the Brazilian National Team, where he played as a starter for the first time in the last FIFA date. The goalkeeper commented on the criticism he received due to the goals conceded against Japan, stating that he understands the judgment of his work but reflecting on the nature of the criticisms.

“First of all, I am very happy to have fulfilled my dream. Fulfilled my family's dream. Well, criticism is common, it's normal, it's part of it. If I save it, it's a miracle. If I don't, I'll be criticized just the same. So it's part of it, that's the game. I think a friend of mine sent a message and said our first half was a dream. I said, no, but just because we lost doesn't mean it stopped being a dream. Not everyone gets there. Not everyone can get there and play.”

He continued: “I was very happy to make my debut for the national team. I hope it's the first of many. And criticism is part of it. I'm criticized when I save a penalty, but when I concede a goal that everyone thought I conceded, a goal two meters away from me, everyone says it was a mistake. But it's okay, it's part of it. That's the burden I want to carry. I keep working so I can have more opportunities and show my football there too.”

Finally, he was also asked about executive Fabinho Soldado, defending the professional, who has been under pressure within the club. “I'm only here because of him. He was the one who rescued me when I was without a club, nobody wanted me. Not just me, I think a good part of the squad that was formed there in the middle of last year, but those who stayed from the beginning of last year. He was the one who formed it, he takes care of our entire environment in football, he makes us feel comfortable to work,” he said.

Hugo Souza concluded by asking for respect for the executive: “I think everyone has to respect him a lot, not just the fans, but the entire council, board, presidency. We who are there every day hear stories about what used to happen here, he really revolutionized football within the club. So, I think people need to give importance to that. Six years without winning a title, we won. We are in another Copa do Brasil semifinal. We have to praise his work and not create situations to criticize.”

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