Dorival: I didn’t request Moroccan at Corinthians, don’t know him well | OneFootball

Dorival Júnior spoke about the imminent arrival of Moroccan midfielder Zakaria Labyad at Corinthians after the defeat in the derby against Palmeiras last Sunday at Neo Química Arena, for the Campeonato Paulista. He said that he did not recommend the player.

The coach stated that he knows little about Zakaria and obtained some information through Memphis Depay. The Dutchman played alongside the Moroccan at PSV.

“Regarding Zakaria, it was not my request, but I am here to coach the team. I don't know the player very well, I got some information from Memphis. Let him come, he will be treated very well. There is no problem with him not being a recommendation from the coach. He will be an important player and I hope he is in his best condition to fight for his place,” said the manager.

Zakaria Labyad was a free agent after playing for Dalian Yingbo in China. He was at Neo Química Arena to watch the Derby and is expected to sign a contract until the end of the year with Timão.

(Photo: Reproduction/Instagram)

Another player close to joining Corinthians is left-back Fabrizio Angileri. The Argentine full-back also watched the Derby live from Itaquera.

In a press conference, Dorival valued the retention of the player, whose contract with the alvinegro club ended at the end of last year.

“We know Angileri. May he be welcome again and continue the work he had been developing since last year,” he commented.

“Three or four more reinforcements”

Awaiting Angileri and Labyad, Dorival expects “three or four” more reinforcements at Corinthians. The coach did not reveal the positions, but made it clear that he needs more players to strengthen the squad.

“I would still like three or four more reinforcements. We need a stronger team. The president is aware of this, I talk daily with Marcelo [Paz]. If we want a strong team, we will need more reinforcements for our group,” he stated.

So far, Corinthians has announced four signings in this window: Gabriel Paulista, Matheus Pereira, Pedro Milans, and Kaio Cézar. The club is close to confirming Angileri and Zakaria and has advanced negotiations with Flamengo for the loan of midfielder Allan.

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Standings Situation

With the defeat, Corinthians is in fifth place in the State Championship standings, with 11 points. Dorival Júnior's team goes into the last round of the competition needing a win to advance to the next stage without depending on other results.

Corinthians' next match

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.