Hugo urges improvement after Corinthians exit: "This can't happen"

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·1 March 2026

Hugo urges improvement after Corinthians exit: "This can't happen"

The goalkeeper Hugo Souza avoided making excuses after Corinthians was eliminated in the semifinals of the Campeonato Paulista. The current champion, the Alvinegro lost to Novorizontino 1-0 at the Dr. Jorge Ismael de Biasi Stadium, bidding farewell to the chance to defend the state title.

One of the captains of Corinthians, Hugo mentioned the wear and tear due to the tight schedule but did not blame fatigue for the fall in the Paulista — after all, Novorizontino also played twice this week.

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“I think we played ten games just in February, but I might be wrong. Of course, it's exhausting for us, it tires us out. Coach Dorival always says in interviews that it's hard for us to be physically whole, so he tries to mix the team. It's part of it, unfortunately, we have to adapt, but I don't think that was a factor that weighed in the game,” the player evaluated in the mixed zone.

As mentioned by the goalkeeper, Corinthians played almost ten games in February. There were nine matches between decisive phases of the Paulista, initial rounds of the Brasileiro, and the Supercopa do Brasil decision against Flamengo.

Frustrating Elimination

Hugo Souza also expressed his frustration with Corinthians' elimination. The athlete acknowledged that the team was below par technically and made a general critique of the play that led to Timão's conceded goal, which resulted in their Paulista exit.

Novorizontino scored the winning goal at 28 minutes into the second half. Robson crossed to the far post, and Mayk appeared as a surprise element, behind the defense, completing it into the net.

“The physical aspect makes a big difference, but that's not what we should use as an argument for today. We managed to push the opponent back, hold the ball a bit, but we couldn't create the best opportunities. Technically, it wasn't our best game. We held the ball a lot but created little. We knew it was a qualified and tricky team. Now it's about correcting what needs to be corrected. This kind of mistake in such a game cannot happen. Now it's time to look forward, we have a lot to fight for. Today, there's a big frustration. Congratulations to the Novorizontino team, they played a tactically perfect game and scored when they had the chance. We leave here very sad, but now it's about thinking ahead,” said the goalkeeper.

Corinthians now needs to pick up the pieces and refocus on the Campeonato Brasileiro. Timão will have just over a week of rest, as they return to the field only on March 11, when they face Coritiba at the Neo Química Arena.

“We really wanted to win this back-to-back championship, and today's defeat doesn't mean we are satisfied with everything we've achieved so far. We want to continue achieving much more,” concluded Hugo.