Gabi Zanotti hails Corinthians spirit, backs team after Palmeiras win | OneFootball

Corinthians secured a place in the next round of the Women’s Copa do Brasil by defeating Palmeiras 1-0 on Saturday morning (30) at Allianz Parque. The goal that sealed qualification was scored by Gabi Zanotti late in the match. After the final whistle, the number 10 gave an interview and analyzed the team’s performance, the progress of the work led by Emily Lima, and the importance of the result achieved in an elimination Derby.

The midfielder stressed that the group believed positive results would come naturally as part of the adaptation process to the coaching staff’s new work. She also highlighted how balanced the derbies played this season have been and praised the team’s attitude against their rival.

Photo: ©Rodrigo Gazzanel / Ag. Corinthians

“We knew it was only a matter of time, with a new project and a period of adaptation. And in all the other matches, even when we lost, things were always very balanced. A derby is always a game decided by details, and today we were very fortunate out there. I think, collectively, we functioned really well. We push ourselves every day because we’ve noticed we’ve fluctuated a lot in the first half, the second half, and at certain moments during matches. Today we managed to balance that a little better and make some adjustments. It’s something we’ll keep demanding from ourselves so we can continue improving. We have a break now, so there’s time to make those adjustments. But today is about celebrating this result. It’s always good to play in a derby, to understand how difficult it is here at their stadium, with everything that comes with it. And today we came with the true Corinthians spirit, with fire in our eyes. And we’re very happy with this qualification,” she began.

Asked about the intensity Corinthians showed during the match and the relief after the winning goal, Gabi said the team took the field motivated by the result of the last meeting between the clubs and highlighted the strategy used to neutralize Palmeiras’ main weapons.

“Without a doubt. I think that comeback loss in the Brazilian Championship really stuck with us because of the first half we played in that match. And they have a very strong transition game. That’s their style of play. So we knew we had to kill the game at some point. Just like they also rotate fouls on me. They don’t let us break forward with speed or use the depth of the field very often. And I think we managed to do that very intelligently today. Neutralize some plays that could maybe have resulted in chances for them. I think the whole team deserves congratulations. The entire coaching staff, the whole support staff, I think everyone is part of this. The board, everyone.”

The player also commented on the outside questions surrounding the coaching staff’s work and made it clear that the squad remains united and committed to the project led by Emily Lima.

“Well, maybe that distrust is on your side. I don’t know where that distrust is coming from. Inside the group, everyone is fully united. And everything is always very clear. The will, the desire to keep winning. This group’s winning mentality is still the same. So I don’t know where people are talking about distrust. If you know, you can tell me. We’re committed to the work. Everyone is giving their all every day. And that’s why I think winning a derby shows once again the strength of the squad, the strength of the group, and why we are here, why we came here today,” she added.

Next, the number 10 assessed the impact of winning an elimination derby and highlighted the confidence that a result of this magnitude can bring for the rest of the season.

“Winning a derby is special. I think it changes a lot. You gain more confidence in the work. But there are several other derbies that are also important to win. And we’re seeking that daily improvement. We took a step forward. We’re in the next round. I think that’s what’s important to point out. We already faced Palmeiras here at their home, without even knowing the pitch conditions. And this wasn’t just a knockout game, it was all or nothing. In those 90 minutes, we didn’t have a second leg. So we knew how to play intelligently, how to manage the full 90 minutes. And what we came here to do today was get the win and qualification.”

The scorer of the goal that decided the matchup, Gabi downplayed her individual spotlight and credited the decisive moment to the collective work developed by the team over the 90 minutes.

“I just pushed the ball into the net, really. I think it was very much a collective effort from the whole group. I even said that to some of them. Sometimes you don’t show up throughout the game. You don’t win your duels. Many times I received the ball with my back to goal under pressure there. I couldn’t hold it up. But in the most important moment, there was a great play, a quick transition. A beautiful assist from Jaque. I managed to get into the box intelligently. I went toward the near post first and then drew them in, moved toward the far post. And I was happy with the finish. I think it was the work of the whole group. I just put the ball in the net. But I always say it’s collective work.”

The experienced midfielder also spoke about the friendlies scheduled during the break and highlighted the importance of those matches to keep the squad active and provide opportunities for players who had fewer minutes in the first half of the season.

“It’s important to give more minutes to some players who played less in the first half of the season. It’s a different kind of learning experience. Just like we had at the World Cup, and when we already played the tournament in the United States. We know it’s a marathon of matches in a short period of time. But it’s important to give everyone those minutes. For us to get used to different styles of play. I think it’s good for Brazilian football and for us to keep evolving. What matters is that, regardless of the opponent we get in the draw, it’s all about commitment and dedication. And we want them to be with us at all times. We will always give our lives for this badge, always with fire in our eyes.”

Finally, Gabi revealed how she tried to guide her teammates during the match while the score remained level and stressed the importance of the team’s defensive performance in securing qualification.

“Even on the field, we’re able to read certain situations. We like to be the proactive team, and at times we lost possession. But defensively we did well and also managed to neutralize them, as I said. It’s a team with very strong transition play, with great players, a very well-organized team that knows very well how to get to goal. We managed to do that very well defensively. Just as they could have killed the game, we managed to kill it on the counterattack, which is maybe their strongest kind of play. I think that’s what it is. It’s the growth, the commitment from everyone. This goal, this win today is for our fans. I hope they stay with us throughout the whole season,” she concluded.

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