Gui Negão on Diniz trust after Corinthians goal | OneFootball

Even with Corinthians’ 2-1 loss to Flamengo last Sunday (13) at the Maracanã, Gui Negão had a personal reason to leave Rio de Janeiro feeling differently. Starting in the match valid for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship, the forward scored the team’s only goal and found the net again after the break for the World Cup.

After the match, the youngster spoke about the period without scoring, the confidence he has received from Fernando Diniz, and his current moment at the club. Gui also commented on the possibility of leaving Corinthians during the last transfer window and revealed that he did consider an exit because he felt he would have little space in the squad.

Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

Analyzing the goal he scored in front of a packed Maracanã, the forward gave thanks for the opportunity and highlighted Corinthians’ collective performance despite the negative result.

“First of all, I want to thank God for the opportunity to be here. I believe this goal, after the return from the break for the World Cup, took a while to come, but thank God it came. I believe at the right time, but unfortunately we ended up losing today’s game. I want to thank God so much, thank all the players, the staff, and Diniz as well, for trusting the whole team, because we gave absolutely everything too. And from here on out, God willing.”

Gui Negão highlights Corinthians’ attitude at the Maracanã

Despite conceding the comeback in the second half, Corinthians showed a different attitude compared to recent matches. The performance was highlighted by Fernando Diniz in his press conference and was also part of Gui Negão’s assessment.

For the forward, the intensity did not show up solely because of the opponent’s strength. He recalled the performance previously shown against Santos and at the same time acknowledged that facing Flamengo brought extra motivation.

“I believe that, because of the opponent, we didn’t change much, because against Santos we also showed great commitment. I believe we were better than Santos, but we ended up not scoring. Today’s game also had extra motivation, of course, because it was Flamengo too, but unfortunately we couldn’t turn it into goals. But the commitment, as the coach also pointed out, was very important.”

With absences in the attacking sector, Gui Negão once again received opportunities in the team. The forward explained that Diniz tried to keep him calm during the period when he was not being used as often. The youngster also acknowledged that he had difficulties recovering his best level after returning from injury.

“He always kept me very motivated, very calm, telling me to work and keep working the way I was. Of course, I had the injury too. After the injury, I didn’t come back very well, but I believe that over the last two months I’ve improved a lot. He also has complete confidence in me, and I knew that sooner or later the opportunity would come. I was preparing myself so that, God willing, everything would work out.”

Forward avoids criticism and reveals he considered leaving the club

Still young and going through a period of pressure because of Corinthians’ recent results, Gui Negão was also asked how he handles criticism. The forward said he avoids following outside comments and tries to focus his attention on the work done day by day.

“I’ll tell you that I don’t really follow the criticism much. Of course, people kind of… People say a lot of things, and sometimes they’re not true either, and it’s about me too. I always keep working, I’m a hard-working kid, also blessed, and today I was blessed again with another goal. But that’s it—keep working and not keep looking at what people say.”

The situation had been different during the last transfer window. Not seeing many possibilities to play at that time, Gui admitted he considered changing clubs. The deal, however, did not go through, and the forward started getting minutes after the window closed.

“So, I believe that, at the time, it was important. I felt that I wouldn’t have much space, but thank God it didn’t work out, because today I’m getting space, I’m getting minutes. And also, after the window closed, the coach made it clear that I was going to play, he showed confidence in me. I believe that this issue of confidence in the player is important and that’s why it resulted in today’s goal.”

Gui asks for confidence ahead of Libertadores decider

Corinthians will have two straight matches at Neo Química Arena. The first will be the most important of the season so far. On Wednesday (16), at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, the team hosts Estudiantes in the second leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals.

After a 1-1 draw in La Plata, a win puts Timão directly into the semifinals. If there is another draw, the spot will be decided on penalties.

Gui Negão highlighted the support received from the Fiel and said the squad has already shown its determination both against the Argentinians and against Flamengo. The forward also predicted that Corinthians will find the net in the continental decider.

“Telling the Corinthians fans to believe is kind of stating the obvious, because Corinthians fans believe in us a lot, I’m sure of that. We’re fighting—you could see it in today’s game, in the game against Estudiantes too. We fought a lot and, since the goal didn’t come today, next Wednesday it will, God willing.”

After the Libertadores match, Corinthians will remain in Itaquera. On Sunday (20), at 4 p.m., they host Fluminense in the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship.

Family and squad helped in recovery

Finally, Gui Negão detailed the personal side of the period in which he faced difficulties after the injury. The forward acknowledged the frustration caused by moments when work does not immediately turn into results and highlighted the support he received from his family and Corinthians professionals.

The youngster also gave a critical assessment of his own performance at the Maracanã. Even understanding that he did not deliver his best technical display, he valued other contributions to the team and the goal he scored.

“Of course we suffer. Sometimes we do the right thing, but things seem not to be working out. But I believe my family foundation helped me a lot, the people at the club too, all the players and the coaching staff. If I mention one person here, it would be unfair to the others, but everyone helped me so I could get back in my best form. Today, I also believe it wasn’t a very good game for me technically, but I was able to help in other ways too and I was blessed with the goal.”

The goal at the Maracanã comes just ahead of a match that could define the course of Corinthians’ season. Now, Gui Negão and the rest of the squad temporarily put the Brasileirão aside to focus on the search for a place among the four best teams in South America.

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