Gabriel Paulista hails Libertadores intensity, eyes title for Corinthians | OneFootball

Signed by Corinthians at the start of this year after terminating his contract with Turkey’s Besiktas, center-back Gabriel Paulista quickly established himself as a starter for Timão alongside Gustavo Henrique. The player has been an important piece in the team’s Copa Libertadores campaign and spoke about the feeling of playing in the competition after spending most of his career in European football.

“Man, I’ve already had a lot of experiences. I played in the Spanish league, the English league, the Champions League, the Europa League, several other competitions. And hearing that Champions League anthem is exciting too, it gives you chills, it’s crazy. It’s really good. But coming back to Brazil, playing for Corinthians, competing in the Libertadores is something else, it’s a different environment,” the defender began in an exclusive interview with Central do Timão.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

“What we experienced now, for example, in the round of 16, playing that match there against Rosario. What a great atmosphere, you know? Rosario’s fans are also really intense, the atmosphere there was very cool, the stadium packed, their supporters also trying to push their team on. The Libertadores atmosphere is totally different, it’s more intense, the week is more intense, everything is different, being able to be there, represent Corinthians in the Libertadores,” he continued.

Gabriel Paulista also spoke about Corinthians’ goal in the continental tournament and made it very clear that the target is to win the title. The center-back pointed out that the competition features other teams capable of fighting for the trophy, but said the Corinthians squad is very focused on achieving “Eternal Glory.”

“Of course, from the beginning, from the first match, we want to be Libertadores champions. It’s our objective, it’s what we want for this year. So the group is strong, with the same mindset, the same mentality that the Libertadores is our main objective. Obviously there are teams that also have the ability to be champions, but I believe they won’t beat us in desire. So we have a lot of desire, a real hunger to go far with Corinthians in the Libertadores,” the player projected.

The center-back also commented on the hostile atmosphere faced throughout the tournament, citing two episodes involving Hugo Souza. The Corinthians goalkeeper was harassed in the 1-1 draw against Santa Fé in Colombia, still in the group stage, and also reported racist insults in the first leg of the round of 16 against Rosario Central, played in Argentina.

“That’s what the Libertadores is, man. Of course in Europe this kind of thing sometimes happens, but it’s much less common. And here, in the Libertadores, there’s practically some kind of commotion in every match. That’s why I said the atmosphere is totally different, it’s another atmosphere, another environment. And of course, in the Libertadores, we already had that episode there in Santa Fé, when the Santa Fé players claimed that Hugo was celebrating with their fans. And Hugo said that’s not really what happened.”

“Hugo always has his ritual, when the match ends, of saying a prayer inside the goal. And I think the players thought it was provocation. And we tried there to separate things. Then, of course, the police came in to try to break it up too. They didn’t let us celebrate that draw, which for us felt like a victory because it came right at the end with Gustavo’s great goal. And the police didn’t allow it. And here against Rosario there was also trouble with the police and their fans. So it’s a different environment, but it’s enjoyable to play in the Libertadores.”

After eliminating Rosario Central, Corinthians will face another Argentine team next. The São Paulo black-and-white side will take on Estudiantes in the quarterfinals, with matches scheduled for September 9 and 16, both at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time). The first leg will take place at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in Argentina, while the return leg will be held at Neo Química Arena.

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