Corinthians midfielder on Portuguese, Diniz and win | OneFootball

By Fabio Luigi / Central do Timão Newsroom

Corinthians hosted Peñarol of Uruguay at Neo Química Arena in a match valid for the third round of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores group stage, and ended up beating their rival 2-0. The Alvinegro’s goals were scored by center-back Gustavo Henrique and midfielder Jesse Lingard. The result put the Corinthians side at the top of Group E with nine points — six goals scored and none conceded — and with qualification for the knockout stage well on track in the international tournament.

Moments after the final whistle, midfielder Jesse Lingard, who made the Conmebol Libertadores Team of the Week and became the first Englishman to score in the competition’s history, spoke to the press and talked about the feeling of finding the net in Itaquera, Fernando Diniz’s work, Memphis Depay’s future at the club, and his adaptation to the Portuguese language and to Brazil.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Check out Jesse Lingard’s answers in the mixed zone below:

Victory and the feeling of scoring in Itaquera

“It’s a special feeling. We worked hard to get the three points. In these games it can get difficult if we’re not focused, but everyone was focused and worked hard today, it was wonderful.”

Fernando Diniz’s style

“It’s really good when you have a coach who gives you freedom and wants you to do well. As a team, we work hard defensively, and in attack we have the freedom to play. He says we can make mistakes as long as we try to play and make things happen. He gives us a lot of confidence in games like this.”

Future of Memphis Depay, who is currently recovering from a muscle injury, at Corinthians

“That’s not a replacement; Memphis is a huge player for the club. He will help when he returns and has supported me since I arrived at Corinthians and in Brazil. When he comes back, he will be a key addition for us.”

Adaptation to Brazil and Portuguese lessons

“Yes. Very good (in Portuguese). I’m learning and studying. Of course, it’s difficult to adapt at first, but I’m studying and getting used to it. I take online classes and I’m enjoying it.”

Similarities between the Champions League and the Conmebol Libertadores

“They are similar. Both are huge competitions. As players, we know how important it is to reach the final and we dream big. They are very similar tournaments, with great teams and great stadiums; it’s wonderful.”

Announced by Corinthians in the first week of March, Jesse Lingard has a contract with Corinthians until December 2026 and already has two goals in nine matches (four as a starter), with five wins, two draws, and two losses. Throughout his career, he has had spells at Manchester United, Derby Country, Brighton, West Ham, Nottingham Forrest — all in England — and FC Seoul of South Korea, the club he was at before arriving at Timão.

Next match

After beating Peñarol-URU 2-0 at Neo Química Arena in the Conmebol Libertadores group stage, Corinthians now turn their focus back to the Brazilian Championship. That is because next Sunday (3), at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time), Alvinegro will visit Mirassol at Maião for the 14th round of the national competition. Timão currently sit in 14th place with 15 points — three wins, six draws, and four losses — with nine goals scored and 11 conceded.

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