Corinthians begin Copa do Brasil with changes to champion side; see | OneFootball

Champions of the Copa do Brasil in 2025, Corinthians begin their 2026 campaign in the tournament with major changes to the squad and behind the scenes. In addition to a change in the coaching staff, Timão also oversaw player departures, new arrivals, and changes in the club’s football management.

Overall, the squad overhaul was significant. Eleven players left Alvinegro through contract terminations, loans, and expired deals. Names such as Ángel Romero, Héctor Hernández, Fagner, Félix Torres, Ryan, Matheus Donelli, Cacá, Diego Palacios, Maycon, and Talles Magno left the club.

Corinthians Agency

The most complicated case in the squad was that of Venezuelan José Martínez, who returned a month late after issues renewing his passport, and upon returning was diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee. The case had already caused discomfort, and it got even worse when images began circulating of the midfielder playing with a brace below his knee during an exhibition match while on vacation. In the end, an amicable termination brought the player’s time at Corinthians to an end.

After the wave of players leaving the club, Corinthians went to the market and brought in some replacements. Midfielders Allan and Matheus Pereira arrived on loan with an option to buy, as did forward Kaio César, who had been at Al-Hilal. In addition, center-back Gabriel Paulista, full-back Pedro Milans, and attacking midfielders Jesse Lingard and Zakaria Labyad joined Timão on permanent deals.

New manager and club executives

Just two days after winning the Copa do Brasil, Fabinho Soldado, who had been serving as football executive, left the position. According to Meu Timão, the executive’s work was well regarded by part of the coaching staff and some players, but in a broader context, some club advisers questioned the salary he was receiving and also saw him as a holdover from Augusto Melo’s administration. A few days later, Marcelo Paz was announced as his replacement. He left his position as CEO of Fortaleza’s SAF and officially began working at Timão on January 3.

Last week, former goalkeeper Júlio César arrived to take over as the club’s football manager. Trained in Football Management by the CBF Football Academy, with further studies in Sports Management at FGV and Football Management through Conmebol, Júlio continues to develop professionally and had been working as technical coordinator at RB Bragantino, the club where he made his final appearances as a player.

There was also a change on the touchline. After a run of nine matches without a win, Corinthians dismissed then-head coach Dorival Júnior, winner of the Copa do Brasil and the Supercopa, and quickly moved to hire Fernando Diniz, who was announced a few weeks ago.

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