Corinthians vow redemption after Copa heartbreak | OneFootball

Corinthians goalkeeper Hugo Souza has opened up about the recent setbacks the squad has faced, describing their current situation as “a tough blow” but insisting that the team is emerging stronger for it. After a surprise exit from a key competition—one the club had targeted for a deep run—Hugo acknowledged the disappointment but was determined to focus on what remains within reach.

“We didn’t expect to go out this way in a competition that was important for our season, that we wanted to go far in, even win. So it really was a hard blow for us,” Hugo told reporters at CT Joaquim Grava. Still, he was adamant that the experience has catalyzed a renewed drive within the squad: “We need to understand what needs improving, develop everything we can so that, with the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileiro still to play for, we can put into practice what we’ve learned and get good results.”

With the Copa Sudamericana now out of sight, Corinthians have redirected their ambitions toward the domestic front. “We have to aim high if we’re going to honor the shirt. Go for the Copa do Brasil? Absolutely. And why not fight for something in the Brasileiro too?” Hugo asserted, emphasizing the responsibility the group feels to give supporters a season to respect.

The campaign has been marked by inconsistency, with Hugo quick to point out not only the collective need for improvement but also the impact of missing key figures. “When you lose Garro, Memphis, Yuri Alberto—who for me are our main players, the ones who make the difference—you really feel it. But we have a strong squad and we have to believe we can achieve our targets.”

Asked to analyze the team’s erratic results, Hugo stressed that solutions would come from collective reflection and unity: “Maybe each of us has our personal view, but the critical thing is understanding as a group what we need to get better at. The coach will guide us, we’ll talk as a group, and work out the way forward, just as we’ve tried to do already.”

Despite the emotional rollercoaster of recent weeks, Hugo believes the squad has gained resilience, or as he put it, “toughened up” for the road ahead. “All these ups and downs, this roller coaster we’ve been on, it’s built character. From now on, we’ve got to make this a season worthy of the badge we wear.”

Hugo is expected to start for Corinthians against Vitória in their next league fixture before reporting for international duty, marking a key juncture as the club tries to get its campaign back on track. His message is clear: adversity might just be the platform for a stronger finish to the year.

Source: Globo