Hugo Souza hails Corinthians response, trio call-up, dressing-room unity | OneFootball

Corinthians left Argentina with the Conmebol Libertadores semifinal race still wide open. On the night of last Wednesday (9), Alvinegro drew 1-1 with Estudiantes at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Kaio César scored Corinthians’ goal early in the second half. After the match, Hugo Souza spoke to the press in the mixed zone and analyzed Timão’s performance.

The goalkeeper commented on Fernando Diniz’s instructions at halftime, spoke about an important save during the match, and shared his joy over being called up to the Brazilian National Team with Breno Bidon and Matheuzinho. The No. 1 also addressed the behavior of the Argentine fans after the incident against Rosario Central in the round of 16 and spoke about the relationship between the players, coaching staff, and board amid the club’s financial issues.

Photos: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Hugo reveals Diniz’s halftime instructions

Corinthians conceded the opening goal in the very first minutes, but managed to stay in the game and reacted right after halftime. According to Hugo, Diniz asked the players to take more risks and have greater confidence in their decisions on the ball.

The goalkeeper believed that the change in attitude was crucial to the team’s improvement in the second half.

“Well, first, speaking about the match, I think our team played a great game. And Diniz was spot on with what he said at halftime. He asked us to try a little more, take a few more risks, and loosen up a little more, because we were doing well in the game and just needed a bit more precision in our decisions. And he was very right, because I think that brought out something important in our team, where we managed, when we had the ball, to make the best decisions. And without the ball, we did a very good job defensively.”

Hugo also played a direct role in keeping the score level. In the second half, the No. 1 made an important save and prevented Estudiantes from scoring their second goal. For him, the play represents exactly one of the roles he has to fulfill within the team.

“Talking about the save, I think that’s what I work for. I’m here to help the club, help Corinthians. And whenever I’m needed, I have to be there. I’m very happy today to have helped in that way.”

Bidon and Matheuzinho call-up moves the goalkeeper

Wednesday also brought another special moment for Hugo Souza. Hours before the match, Carlo Ancelotti announced the Brazilian National Team squad and included three Corinthians players: the goalkeeper, Matheuzinho, and Breno Bidon.

All three were on the preliminary list and watched the announcement together. Hugo said his reaction was also tied to the happiness of seeing both teammates get the opportunity, especially Matheuzinho, with whom he has been friends since before their time at Corinthians.

“And it wasn’t just an impression, I think it was the truth. I was very happy about Breno’s and Matheus’s call-ups. We were watching it together at that moment, because since all three of us were on the preliminary list, we went to watch it together. And we were really happy that all three made it. Breno—everyone knows how talented he is, what a gem he is, the star he already is. And Matheus, for the way he’s been playing over the last few years and for the growth he’s shown. And my friendship with him goes back years, not just from here, but from before. I get very emotional for them, especially because of the friendship I have with Matheus, and I’m very happy. One day I told him that the first time he went to the National Team, I wanted to be there with him. Thank God, we’re making that dream come true together.”

Hugo speaks about his return to the Brazilian National Team

The call-up also represents a new chapter for Hugo after not being included by Ancelotti in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup. Asked how he handled that moment until being called up again, the goalkeeper said he tried not to stay stuck in the frustration.

“Always a new day. I’m the kind of guy who always prioritizes the next day and doesn’t stay stuck on what happened, doesn’t stay stuck on the past. I try to dedicate myself as much as possible to the next day and live in the present while thinking about the future. What’s gone is gone. I think that made me improve as a person, improve as an athlete, dedicate myself much more, work much harder so that today I could be rewarded with a call-up. And may it be a blessed cycle until the next World Cup. God willing, I’m going to do everything I can to be there.”

Goalkeeper comments on Estudiantes fans’ behavior

Hugo was also asked about the atmosphere at Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium. The topic gained importance after the clash with Rosario Central in the Libertadores round of 16, when the goalkeeper had reported problems involving the opposing fans.

This time, according to the No. 1, the situation was limited to the usual taunts of an away match.

“Today it was a common, normal attitude. You go play away from home, the fans are going to insult you. But today, thank God, it was normal. I didn’t hear anything different. I’m happy because, in the last interview, I said that when we come play here, it’s difficult and it always happens. Today it really didn’t happen. So I’m happy because it’s a step forward that we’ve taken. And I hope it serves as a lesson for the other fan bases as well.”

Hugo calls for unity between squad and board

One of the leaders of the squad, Hugo Souza also answered questions about Corinthians’ financial issues and the internal talks taking place. The goalkeeper did not point to a new promise or deadline for resolving the situation, but said the group is trying to stay united with the coaching staff and the board.

For the No. 1, the players’ responsibility at this moment is to deliver results on the pitch while the club’s leadership works to solve the administrative issues.

“For now, no. Actually, what we’ve been talking about is joining forces, understanding that everyone is together: players, board, and coaching staff. And everyone wants what’s best for the club. We trust the president, we trust the board. I believe they are doing their best to resolve everything as quickly as possible. And our mission is to keep performing on the pitch so that we can bring results and give them more support.”

Corinthians to decide qualification in front of the Fiel

With the 1-1 draw in La Plata, neither team took an advantage into the second meeting. Corinthians and Estudiantes will face each other again next Wednesday (16), at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, at Neo Química Arena.

A win in regulation will secure Timão a direct spot in the semifinals. If the match ends in another draw, regardless of the score, the place will be decided on penalties.

Before turning their full attention back to the Libertadores, Corinthians have a Brasileirão fixture. On Sunday (13), at 4 p.m., Alvinegro visit Flamengo at the Maracanã in the 27th round.

Fernando Diniz’s team sit in 12th place with 32 points, the result of eight wins, eight draws, and ten losses. Timão have scored 27 goals and conceded 27 in the domestic competition.

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