Hugo Souza praises point in Salvador, hails Corinthians v Bahia | OneFootball

Corinthians left Salvador with a 1-1 draw against Bahia this Sunday (26), in the 20th round of the Brazilian Championship. After the match at Arena Fonte Nova, goalkeeper Hugo Souza assessed the team’s performance, spoke about the difficulties of the clash, and said the squad returns to São Paulo satisfied with the point earned away from home.

With the result, Timão reached 28 points and sits in seventh place in the standings. In the player’s view, Corinthians took the field in search of victory, but knew how to compete against an opponent fighting for the top spots in the competition.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca / Corinthians Agency

“I don’t think we gave up on the result at any moment. We came here to get the three points. We played the game we had set out to play. There were good things, there were bad things. At some moments we weren’t able to put our game on the field. But playing here is always very difficult. Bahia are a very qualified team. But we also did very well defensively, we gave them very little space, and they had few chances to score. And we leave here with an important point. I think every point in this extremely difficult league is something for us to celebrate and take positives from. So I think we leave here feeling very good and calm, knowing that we did a good job.”

During the match, Hugo needed medical attention after showing physical discomfort, which caused concern among the fans. The goalkeeper, however, calmed the situation and explained that the episode was caused by dizziness.

“Actually, during the game I felt dizzy. So I ended up asking for treatment so I could catch my breath and throw some water on my head. But that was all and everything is fine, thank God. Nothing serious? Nothing, nothing, nothing.”

Asked about the physical toll caused by the match conditions, Hugo acknowledged that the heat affected the pace of the game, but stressed that this cannot be used as an excuse for the team’s performance.

“Yeah, I think a little bit. It’s always very hot here. But I don’t think that can be an excuse. We have to adapt to any kind of environment we’re in. And, well, within that, as I said, we had good things and bad things. But I think, overall, we played a good game.”

The goalkeeper also commented on the information that Memphis Depay is close to renewing his contract with Corinthians. For Hugo, the forward staying would be an important boost for the squad.

“Well, if that’s really the case, we’re happy, right? He’s a player we know the size of, the weight he carries, what he adds for us on and off the field. And, well, hopefully he’ll stay and keep contributing, keep writing this story he’s been building together with us here at the club. He’s been here for two years, and I’ve also been here for two years. So, within these two years, we’ve managed to build something really nice. And hopefully everything works out so he can keep building this story together with us.”

Regarding the more heated atmosphere between the players at some moments of the match, the goalkeeper treated the situation as something natural within a balanced contest.

“It depends on the game, man. I think that’s part of the game, it depends on who’s out there. But it was just one of those moments when tempers flare, and now everything’s fine, everyone off the field respects each other. We know the affection and respect we have for one another, and it’ll always be like that. There are games where things get a little more heated, but that’s normal.”

In the next stretch of the season, Corinthians will face decisive matches in different competitions. Hugo believes games like this Sunday’s help strengthen the squad.

“For sure, for sure. We have decisive games coming up and we have to know how to deal with every possible situation. This, unfortunately, is one of them too. But what matters to us is playing football and performing our game, doing what the coach is asking. That’s what matters to us in football, and that’s what we’re trying to do with every game that goes by.”

After the match in Salvador, Corinthians return to the field next Thursday (30), at 7:30 p.m. Brasília time, when they host Athletico at Neo Química Arena in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship.

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