Corinthians striker: Progress made, eyes on league and cup success

In partnership with

Central do Timão

·1 December 2025

Corinthians striker: Progress made, eyes on league and cup success

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians faced Botafogo on the afternoon of last Sunday (30), at the Neo Química Arena, in a match valid for the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship and ended up drawing 2 x 2. After the match, forward Vitinho evaluated his current moment at Corinthians and highlighted that he has been going through a process of evolution in the final stretch of the season.

“Ah, I think it’s been good, it’s been important, I was in a period of great growth and ended up getting injured, having this break for a few games and only returned now in the game against São Paulo here, so I think the conversation is always the same, it’s always about being ready and when you have the opportunity to come in, to make a difference.”, said Vitinho.

OneFootball Videos

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“Thank God, the last two games before home were games where I had a good performance and the goal is to keep improving more and more, so I think it’s one step at a time, we’re doing things as we get opportunities, especially working day by day, and that’s it, we’ll keep working to keep evolving and to arrive at the finals in great shape.”, he continued.

The player also commented on the expectation of scoring his first goal after returning. According to him, the desire to find the net exists, but the priority remains to contribute to the team’s collective performance.

“Ah, I think so, I think every chance we get, we want to score, but today was a day when I could contribute with an assist, so I’m dying to score my goal, of course, but that will happen naturally, it’s about continuing to work, continuing to dedicate myself, because we reap those rewards over time.”, commented the forward.

Vitinho also explained how he has been feeling physically after the recovery period. For the athlete, although he has already reached the required numbers in training, the game pace requires gradual adaptation.

“Yeah, I think this physical aspect, we work daily to reach the metrics, the numbers, and I managed to hit those numbers, but the game is a bit different, even though training is a different pace and that adaptation takes a little time, it takes playing games, the coach has been giving me this opportunity to be on the field, but with these two games going well, we always manage to achieve what’s expected and as we get results, things start to happen, confidence comes and we’re ready.”, he detailed.

Asked if he considers himself the “12th option” in the squad, the forward stated that he doesn’t think in terms of hierarchy, but rather about being prepared to help whenever called upon, regardless of the role or moment in the match.

“Ah, I don’t usually think that way, about being the twelfth, whether I’m the first to come in, the second to come in, what matters is playing a great game, what matters is changing the game, bringing results, bringing performance, that’s the mindset, thinking about the collective, thinking about the team, thinking about Corinthians, right, so I focus on working and being ready for the opportunity to do my job well.”, said the player.

Vitinho also commented on the challenge of keeping focus on the Brasileirão before the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. He emphasized that the group can’t let themselves get down and needs to react quickly to stay competitive.

“Yeah, face this as a great opportunity, face this as a great chance to finish as best as possible, of course today for us it was a super important game to move up well in the table and we’re disappointed not to have achieved that goal, but we can’t stop, we don’t have time for that, we have to reset as quickly as possible, already show up tomorrow to train with a new mindset, with new energy to keep thinking about the goal, which is to reach the end and achieve what we agreed on as a team.”, said the forward.

Finally, the player projected what Corinthians needs to improve to arrive strong for the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. For him, winning the next matches in the Brasileirão will be fundamental to boost the squad’s confidence.

“I think, like, we need to win especially these matches, because victories make confidence grow, make us arrive better prepared, I think there are two opportunities now in the Brasileirão for us to win these games and get to the Copa do Brasil with those two victories, with our spirits high and confidence sky-high.”, Vitinho concluded.

Before the decisive clashes against Cruzeiro, Corinthians still has two rounds to play in the final stretch of the Brasileirão. The team led by Dorival Júnior is focused on the next match, which takes place against Fortaleza, at Arena Castelão, this Wednesday (3), at 7pm (Brasília time).

See more: