Diniz praises draw in derby, calls row ‘push and shove’ | OneFootball

Corinthians played out a goalless draw with Palmeiras on Sunday night, in a match valid for the 11th round of the Brazilian Championship. Fernando Diniz, Timão’s coach, praised the point earned and downplayed the post-match scuffle.

“I think Corinthians showed the team’s strength. A fighting spirit. It was a match that will be remembered for the commitment, for representing the fans on the pitch. The team and the fans were on the same wavelength. Everyone on the pitch was fighting, just like the fans’ motto. Fighting nonstop. The team deserves congratulations… We learned that we can be competitive,” said Timão’s manager.

The Alvinegro played two-thirds of the match with one man down, after midfielder André was sent off in the 25th minute of the first half. Late in the game, in the 23rd minute, Matheuzinho also received a red card for unsporting conduct.

Even with two players fewer, Timão managed to hold off Palmeiras’ attack and secured a point at Neo Química Arena. Fernando Diniz described the team’s performance as heroic.

“In my life, I never give up the ability to fight. In that sense, I identify a lot with Corinthians. And the players don’t either. They were heroic today, and that’s what brings the team closer to the fans. Of course, after that we’ll make tactical adjustments, but there’s no adjustment that can make up for a lack of energy, desire, and fighting spirit,” he added.

Scuffle

Lastly, the manager spoke about the post-match confusion. The coach said that when he arrived, the commotion was already happening. However, Diniz described the episode as something normal, calling it “a bit of pushing and shoving.”

“I got there and the confusion was already going on. But pushing and shoving is normal in football, from what I could see. This kind of thing happens all the time… They could create a protocol to avoid this kind of encounter. The players walk very close to each other.”

“But it happens. I know Palmeiras’ security staff are friends with Corinthians’ security staff. From what I heard, there was nothing about anyone hitting anyone,” he concluded.

Corinthians’ run

With the draw, Corinthians reached eight matches without a win in the Brazilian Championship. The team is in 16th place with just 11 points — one more than Cruzeiro, the first team in the relegation zone. Now, Timão turns its attention to the Copa Libertadores.

Corinthians’ next match

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