Diniz defends Garro and refuses to apportion blame after Corinthians’ Libertadores exit | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz defended midfielder Rodrigo Garro and declined to single out individuals after Corinthians were knocked out by Estudiantes in the Libertadores quarter-finals. According to Meu Timao, he framed the performance as a collective issue on a difficult night.

The tie finished 2-1 on aggregate, after a 1-1 draw in La Plata before Estudiantes scored late to win 1-0 in São Paulo. Memphis Depay missed a last-minute penalty that would have taken the contest to a shootout. According to Sofascore, Garro’s second-leg output was modest.

Diniz felt Garro’s form has fluctuated, pointing to a strong first leg in Argentina and a positive cameo in Sunday’s league defeat by Flamengo. He said the game was hard for everyone, with Corinthians short on inspiration and Estudiantes deserving credit for their organisation, while his side neutralised much of the visitors’ play. He added that no one stood out individually or found attacking solutions amid the tactical battle.

The data showed one key pass and no shots for Garro, with three of five crosses failing to find a team-mate. He miscontrolled once, his only attempted dribble did not come off and he lost possession 13 times. In mitigation, he won seven fouls, plus one tackle, two interceptions and one clearance.

Corinthians now turn fully to the Brasileirão for the rest of the year. They have lost five league games in a row and need a response to pull away from the relegation zone. Their next match is against Fluminense at 16:00 on Sunday 20 at the Neo Química Arena.

Source: Meu Timao

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