Diniz rues defeat and wants Yuri Alberto to stay at Corinthians | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz said Corinthians cannot afford to lose players after a 3-1 defeat to Botafogo at Engenhão in the 16th round on Sunday. He wants key men Yuri Alberto, Hugo Souza and André to remain.

According to Globo.com, Diniz accepts it is natural for players to aspire to Europe, but insists departures cannot happen now, adding he is not someone who asks for signings at every turn.

Yuri Alberto revealed after the Copa do Brasil tie against Barra that he wants a move in the next window. He has an understanding with the board to be sold if a suitable offer arrives, as does goalkeeper Hugo Souza. In the last window, Corinthians almost sold midfielder André to Milan before pulling out late.

Diniz described Yuri as essential to the club’s aims this season and said there is no immediate replacement. He intends to do everything he can to keep the forward, stressing Corinthians need Yuri now, along with Hugo Souza and André. He called Yuri a rare type of player and wants him available through to the end of the campaign.

The loss, Diniz’s second in charge, left Corinthians 17th on 18 points in the relegation zone. He called the situation deeply uncomfortable, said he immediately checked whether they had entered it, and insisted the club must not allow it to continue.

Corinthians visit Peñarol in the fifth round of the Conmebol Libertadores on Thursday at 21:30, Brasília time, at Campeón del Siglo in Montevideo. They are already through to the round of 16.

Source: Globo.com