Dorival Júnior not planning immediate academy promotions at Corinthians | OneFootball

Dorival Júnior has played down immediate academy promotions at Corinthians after the defeat to Bahia in the Brasileiro opener. According to Meu Timao, the head coach said he does not plan to elevate further youth players to the first team at this stage.

Speaking at Vila Belmiro, he said the programme already in place is being worked through and he does not see a scenario that changes it now. He added the picture could shift in two, three or four months as a new group takes shape.

He also noted six or seven departures have left the squad short, with replacements still in progress, so he does not view adding more youngsters as necessary right away.

Despite that stance, the 16-year-old centre-back Iago Machado is training with the seniors and has the board’s close attention. He is expected to remain with the group at least until the end of the Campeonato Paulista, with a remote chance of inclusion against Capivariano on five February.

Other academy names involved in first team sessions include the 18-year-old forward Luiz Fernando, 20-year-old midfielder Guilherme Pires, 16-year-old forward Léo Amistá and 19-year-old goalkeeper Matheus Corrêa.

Since taking over, Dorival has already handed opportunities to youngsters Felipe Longo and Kauê, right-back João Vitor, midfielder André Luiz, midfielders Dieguinho and Guilherme Amorim, and forward Gui Negão.

Corinthians are next in action on Sunday, one February at 16:00, facing Flamengo at the Mané Garrincha in Brasília in the Supercopa do Brasil.

Source: Meu Timao