Hugo Souza hails derby fight, plays down row, backs Corinthians | OneFootball

Goalkeeper Hugo Souza was one of the standout players in the goalless draw between Sport Club Corinthians Paulista and Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras last Sunday (12), in the 11th round of the Brazilian Championship. In addition to making decisive saves during the derby, the goalkeeper also commented on the confusion after the final whistle, the team’s current moment, and the arrival of coach Fernando Diniz.

Right after the Derby, events off the pitch drew attention, with reports of confusion involving security staff and members of the delegations. Hugo, however, played down what happened and treated the episode as something common in derbies, dismissing the idea of more serious aggression.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“Man, actually, I was doing an interview and didn’t see it, but from what I was told, it was hot heads, pushing and shoving, one trying to push past the other. It’s not normal, but it happens a lot, especially in derbies. I may be criticized for what’s being done, but I think they’re making a huge storm out of a very small teacup”, Hugo Souza began.

“They said one of our staff members was aggressive, but their security guards also came at our players first. So I think there’s a bit of bad faith in all this, a bit of wanting to blow things up. But it was a situation of pushing and shoving, everyone hot-headed, and nothing beyond that”, he continued.

On the pitch, Corinthians put in a performance full of commitment, especially after going down to nine men. Even under heavy recent pressure, the team was acknowledged by the fans at the end of the match, something the goalkeeper valued.

“Man, it’s gratifying for us. We’re a squad that everyone talks about, and we feel it too, as being very connected with the fans, a squad that gives the fans the importance they deserve. We were criticized, put under pressure, and the fans have every right to demand more. We hadn’t been putting up results that made the fans happy, so we’re going to be held accountable for that”, Hugo pointed out.

“We really came together, understood what needed to improve, and won an important away game, and today was a game of great sacrifice. Obviously, this whole context of confusion spoils a little what Corinthians’ performance was today”, he continued.

“With two players less, we managed not to give the opponent chances, we were very strong, we gave everything on the pitch. Raniele ran for five players, Yuri ran for five, Bidon too. I think that’s what needs to be highlighted. I’ll never celebrate a draw against these guys, never, but today it was a very important point given the circumstances of the match”, the goalkeeper added.

The goalkeeper also commented on the troubled atmosphere around the club, highlighting the need to shield the squad from off-field controversy.

“I think we have to stay out of that, try to get our minds off those things and focus only on playing, doing our job, doing what we’re paid to do and, above all, what we love doing, which is playing football and defending Corinthians. That’s what matters. We have to shield ourselves from these things all the time and make defending Corinthians the priority. And that’s what we’ve been doing”, said the player.

Another topic addressed was the sending-off of young André, which left the team in a delicate situation during the match. Hugo Souza revealed some behind-the-scenes details of his conversation with his teammate and took a sympathetic tone after the controversial red card.

“Man, I asked André because I was surprised it was him. André is a guy who has a mouth and doesn’t talk, he stays quiet all the time. You talk to him, he lowers his head and just agrees. He’s very shy, but he’s a guy with incredible personality on the pitch. When he steps onto the field, it seems like he’s been playing football for 33 years. I was surprised and asked: ‘So, big man, was it on purpose?’ He said: ‘Bro, it wasn’t, but it looked like it was’”, the goalkeeper revealed.

“It’ll be a learning experience, a lesson for him. He said he was adjusting his shorts, and I’m going to believe him to the end. I even joked with him: ‘I hope the cameras don’t catch me, because I adjust my shorts all the time.’ But it looked like an intentional gesture, and I hope it serves as a lesson so that neither he nor anyone else goes through that again”, he added.

The squad’s response to the criticism was also part of the interview. For Hugo Souza, the group responded the right way, with commitment and improvement on the pitch in the last two games. Before the Derby, Timão had beaten Platense 2-0 away from home in the Libertadores.

“I think we reacted the way we have to react: by delivering results and improving. As much as I’ll never be in favor of aggression, insults, or swearing, there comes a time when the pressure comes more intensely and we have to respond with results. That’s what happened today and also last Wednesday. That’s what’s going to start happening again: we’re going to start delivering results again”, said the Corinthians goalkeeper.

One of the striking moments after the match was when Hugo Souza carried Yuri Alberto, who could barely walk after the game because of severe cramps in both legs. The goalkeeper detailed the situation and praised the collective effort.

“Sometimes that’s my role too, being a superhero (laughs). But Yuri couldn’t handle walking, he had cramps in both legs. Even on the play where he missed the goal, he said that when he headed the ball and got ahead, his legs were already tightening up. He went to the limit. He ran so much, gave so much of himself. With eight players on the field, everyone had to run double. He was clearing balls even on corners”, he said.

“I said, ‘Get on my back and let’s go, I’ll carry you.’ And I did. He got here and couldn’t even walk to the locker room, he was waiting for someone to take him. But it’s just fatigue. He went to the limit. And in the middle of all this, that’s what needs to be highlighted”, the player added.

Hugo also commented on the first few days working with Fernando Diniz, highlighting the intensity and the attempt to implement new ideas into the São Paulo club’s style of play even with little training time.

“Man, we’ve had very little training time. It’s videos, information, conversations. Yesterday we started training and it was already nighttime. We went to practice set pieces and you could barely see anything. I even joked: ‘If I can save it here in the dark, imagine in the light.’ We have to make the most of coach Diniz. He’s a guy who brings a lot of energy, a lot of ambition, who lifts everyone up. We want to absorb everything he has to offer, information, emotion. He’s someone who has a lot to add, and we feel that day to day”, Hugo Souza said.

Finally, the Corinthians goalkeeper addressed criticism about his style of play and the outside view of his performances, reinforcing confidence in his own work and valuing the recognition he receives internally every day.

“I’m a guy with a very calm mind. Over the course of my life, I’ve learned to understand who I am, regardless of other people’s opinions. I’m someone who delivers results. I’ve been at Corinthians for almost two years at a high level, winning titles and being decisive. What matters to me is how the club sees me, how my family and my teammates see me”, he commented.

“If people say I only save penalties, that doesn’t matter. I really am very good at penalties, but I’m also very good in open play. Penalties are a bonus. I’m 27 years old, I still have a lot to improve, and I’m willing to learn. What matters is the respect of those who are with me day to day. That’s what really matters to me”, Hugo Souza concluded.

After the derby draw, Timão now turns its attention back to the Copa Libertadores. The team returns to the pitch on Wednesday (15), at Neo Química Arena, to face Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time.

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