Hugo Souza praises Gabriel Paulista debut and experience, hopes for better days at Corinthians | OneFootball

Corinthians’ 3-0 defeat by Red Bull Bragantino on Thursday featured the debut of Gabriel Paulista, with goalkeeper Hugo Souza praising the defender’s pedigree and expressing hope for better days ahead.

Paulista started alongside João Pedro Tchoca, with Hugo and Cacá at full-back, the latter playing out of position. According to Meu Timao, he is the club’s first signing of 2026 after arriving from Beşiktaş in Türkiye.

The centre-back completed 90 minutes and recorded four ground-duel wins, nine ball recoveries, two interceptions, three clearances and two blocks.

Hugo Souza said the defender has built an outstanding career and deserves respect at Corinthians, adding he is sure Paulista will help through leadership, demeanour and experience. He welcomed him, acknowledged it was not a good day, and wished him many more good days than bad.

Paulista reinforces a defence that could lose Félix Torres, who has a loan move to Internacional in the works, and Cacá, who interests Athletico Paranaense. Academy product Renato is sidelined and not in Dorival Júnior’s plans.

Despite a promising bow, Paulista is expected to be on the bench against São Paulo on Sunday at 16:00, with Gustavo Henrique and André Ramalho expected to return to the starting XI. The clássico at Neo Química Arena is the third round of the Paulistão.

Source: Meu Timao