Diniz explains Corinthians selection and renews hope of Memphis staying | OneFootball

After a 2-1 home defeat to Cruzeiro, Diniz defended selecting a near full-strength Corinthians side and voiced renewed hope that Memphis will stay as talks over an extension have been revived. According to Globo.com, the board reopened negotiations days after publicly calling them off.

With a Libertadores decider later this week against Rosario Central, he still started almost all regulars, resting only midfielder Raniele. He said the team must balance league aims with continental progression.

Diniz stressed the Brasileirão remains a priority and said he is not worried about fatigue. With four days between games and no travel, he expects the players to arrive in good physical condition. He said there would be no physical excuses on Thursday, and that if the tie were on Wednesday, with two days of recovery, he would have rotated.

He described the crowd’s post-match chants about the upcoming tie as encouragement rather than pressure. Diniz praised the backing in Argentina, against Inter and throughout the Libertadores, and said the squad are striving to meet supporters’ expectations.

Corinthians host Rosario Central at 21:30 Brasília time on Thursday at Neo Química Arena. They must win by any score to reach the quarter-finals.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”