Matheus Bidu plays down off-field issues, says Corinthians focused on turning season around | OneFootball

Corinthians slipped to a 2-1 home defeat to Chapecoense on Sunday at the Neo Química Arena, in the 26th round of the Brasileiro, a result that made it four straight league losses. Left-back Matheus Bidu said the poor run has not been caused by off-field issues.

According to Meu Timao, Bidu explained in the mixed zone that once the players step on the pitch they concentrate solely on the game, even if results have not followed. He said the group stay focused in training and warm-ups on delivering their best.

Corinthians have not won in the league since 9 August, when they beat Red Bull Bragantino 2-0 in Bragança. They then lost 2-1 to Cruzeiro at the Casa do Povo on 16 August, and seven days later were beaten 2-1 by Coritiba at the Couto Pereira. On 30 August they fell 1-0 to Santos in Itaquera, before extending the sequence against Chapecoense.

The squad has been dealing with delayed payments, including a tranche of image rights that forms most of monthly wages, plus bonuses from the Libertadores group stage and the first round of the Brasileiro. Payment of August salaries under CLT had not been confirmed by the fifth business day of September. Bidu noted that obligations should be met, but said players must shut out worries during matches and give everything for the fans.

Attention now turns to continental duty. On Wednesday at 21:30, Corinthians visit Estudiantes at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals.

Source: Meu Timao

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