Yuri Alberto disappoints in crucial stage, but keeps Corinthians’ trust | OneFootball

The forward Yuri Alberto has disappointed in the decisive stretch of the season. The number 9’s performance has dropped at the most important moment of the year, but he still has the trust of Corinthians.

Yuri Alberto was discreet in both legs of the Copa do Brasil semifinal against Cruzeiro, and in the first leg of the final, against Vasco at Neo Química Arena. This string of poor performances has drawn criticism from the fans.

The player, however, has the trust of Dorival Júnior’s coaching staff to turn things around in the second leg of the final at Maracanã. He is the team’s top scorer this season, with 18 goals, but hasn’t scored in five matches.

“Yuri Alberto is a goalscorer and we trust him. You write off a player too easily. That’s not our job,” Dorival fired back at a press conference.

(Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians)

Playing through pain

Yuri Alberto has been dealing with pain and played the second leg of the semifinal through the pain. The Corinthians striker has been undergoing intensive recovery work after matches, but it’s clear he is not 100% physically.

Recently, the player suffered an edema in the pubic region and an overload in the adductor muscles. Since then, he hasn’t been able to repeat his previous good performances.

And what about Gui Negão?

Even with Yuri Alberto in poor form, Gui Negão did not get a chance to play against Vasco last Wednesday. In a press conference, Dorival explained his absence and reinforced his confidence in the young academy player.

“I feel confident, that’s why I gave him his debut. Nobody knew who he was. How could I not be confident? I am very confident. He just didn’t come on due to circumstances. Vitinho is doing well, Dieguinho has been coming on well. It’s all a matter of time and the needs of the match,” Dorival explained.

Corinthians’ next match

Match situation

The 0-0 draw in the first leg left everything open for the second match of the Copa do Brasil final between Corinthians and Vasco.

Whoever wins the match takes the title. If the aggregate score remains tied, the winner will be decided by penalties.

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