Corinthians stick with Brasileiro priority despite Paulista jeopardy | OneFootball

Sunday’s defeat to Palmeiras ended hopes of early Paulista knockout qualification. Corinthians will keep the Brasileiro their priority and plan to field a full-strength side against Red Bull Bragantino on Thursday in round three.

According to Globo.com, Dorival Júnior intends to stick to the plan and believes in the work, resisting calls to rest players in Série A. Internally, the club view the league as the focus for the first quarter, before the Conmebol Libertadores group stage.

An alignment meeting between staff and board set a target of finishing among the leading positions in the Brasileiro. Corinthians have ended the last three campaigns in the bottom half, facing real relegation danger in 2023 and 2024.

Few structural changes are expected from the team that faced Palmeiras. André Carrillo could regain his starting place in midfield, depending on improvement to the Peruvian’s left knee discomfort.

Against São Bernardo on Sunday, the final round of the Paulista groups, rotation is likely even though defeat could bring elimination. The view is that risking Série A form for other competitions is no longer acceptable.

The squad is still being built. Four signings have arrived, Pedro Milans, Matheus Pereira, Gabriel Paulista and Kaio César, with Fabrizio Angileri, Zakaria Labyad and Allan close. Dorival still wants further additions.

Corinthians face a packed 2026 with Paulista, Brasileiro, Copa do Brasil and the Conmebol Libertadores. Earlier this month they won the Supercopa Rei by beating Flamengo in a one-off match.

Source: Globo.com