Garro admits Corinthians errors, apologises and backs Memphis after exit | OneFootball

The elimination in the Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals intensified the pressure Corinthians have been under this season. After the 1-0 loss to Estudiantes on the night of last Wednesday (16), Rodrigo Garro acknowledged the frustration of the elimination, analyzed the team’s difficulties at Neo Química Arena, and apologized to the fans.

The result brought the black-and-white side’s run in the continental competition to an end. After the 1-1 draw in the first meeting in La Plata, Timão needed a win to advance directly or a draw to take the decision to penalties. The loss in Itaquera, however, made the aggregate score 2-1 for the Argentines.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

As they left the field, Corinthians once again heard boos. Asked about the fans’ reaction and the need to quickly shift focus to the Brazilian Championship, Garro said the disappointment is also shared internally by the squad.

“The fans’ feeling of frustration is also my feeling, the group’s feeling. We really believed we could once again win a title wearing this shirt. We knew the size of the responsibility we were carrying, the size of the dream we were carrying. That’s why the sadness is also very great, the disappointment is very great. Now we have the obligation to pick up the pace, and it’s hard to speak at this moment.”

Garro acknowledges difficulties against Estudiantes

Corinthians had trouble turning possession into clear chances during the match. When asked about the reasons behind the elimination, Garro admitted the team could not find solutions to overcome the organization shown by Estudiantes.

The Argentine, however, avoided making a deeper assessment immediately after the result and stressed the players’ dejection.

“At no point were we able to break through Estudiantes’ setup. We couldn’t create danger. As I said, it’s difficult, at this moment, to make an analysis. I’m very sad, the group is very sad. I also understand that this is the time to speak, but I also don’t want to lie to you.”

The Argentine team managed to decide the tie in the 42nd minute of the second half. Alexis Castro scored the game’s only goal and put Estudiantes ahead on aggregate.

In stoppage time, Corinthians still had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Memphis Depay shot over the bar and wasted the opportunity to take the battle for qualification to a shootout.

Midfielder apologizes and says the squad needs to hear the criticism

Garro also addressed the fans in his remarks. The No. 8 said he had no excuses to offer after the elimination and stressed that this moment requires the players to accept the criticism.

In addition, the Argentine pointed to the need for Corinthians to respond in the final stretch of the season in search of a place in a continental competition in 2027.

“To the fans, I can’t say anything other than apologize. We have to know that we share the same sadness, but it’s also no use, at this moment, putting myself in the position of a victim instead of listening to the criticism. I also understand that the fans speak and live with a passion that we also feel, except that we are players. We are left with a very great sadness. Now, as I said, it’s time to take the criticism. To understand that the group, in this final part of the year, has to do its best to try to qualify for some cup so that next year Corinthians can take part again.”

Garro defends Memphis after missed penalty

The penalty missed by Memphis also became a topic after the match. Garro was asked about the moment and ruled out any attempt to place individual blame on the Dutchman for the elimination.

The midfielder highlighted the No. 10’s personality in taking the kick in a decisive moment and said the group needs to stay by his side. Garro also reinforced that responsibility for Corinthians’ current situation belongs to the squad as a whole.

“It would be very cowardly of me to say that here. I think Memphis has something very special to do that. Missing the penalty does not take away his prestige, it does not take away the image we have of him. I also understand that it is a very big responsibility, I also understand the magnitude of it, but it would not reflect well on me to say that I wanted to take the penalty. I think Memphis took the responsibility, struck it, and what happened happened. Now we have to stay close to him and we also, as a group, have to take responsibility for Corinthians’ situation, not just Memphis. I think Corinthians are much bigger than any player who comes through here.”

Corinthians now turn to the Brazilian Championship

With Libertadores no longer on the schedule, Corinthians must immediately turn their attention to their situation in the Brazilian Championship. The club will play one more match before the FIFA international break. Next Sunday (20), Timão host Fluminense at 4 pm (Brasília time), once again at Neo Química Arena, for the 28th round.

Corinthians currently sit in 13th place, with 32 points from 27 matches. Their campaign consists of eight wins, eight draws, and 11 losses, with 28 goals scored and 29 conceded.

Given the scenario, the need for a response mentioned by Garro goes directly through the Brasileirão. After exiting the Libertadores in bitter fashion at home, the black-and-white side will have the final stretch of the national competition to try to find winning ways again and improve their place in the table.

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