Diniz hails brave Corinthians, backs Raniele: “To err, you must try” | OneFootball

Head coach Fernando Diniz praised Corinthians’ approach in the 3-2 win over São Paulo last Sunday (10) at Neo Química Arena, in the 15th round of the Brasileirão. After the derby, the coach spoke at a press conference and commented on the team’s performance, Raniele’s mistake on the opponent’s first goal, and the current moment the black-and-white squad is going through.

During the match, Corinthians conceded the equalizer after a mistake in the build-up by Raniele, a play that ended with Luciano scoring. Even so, Diniz defended the midfielder and stressed that he does not intend to give up the team’s style of play. “The only way to never make a mistake is not to do it. It was Raniele’s mistake, but not one I condemn. What I condemn is lack of effort, and Raniele never lacks that. He was brave enough to try. It’s the kind of mistake you learn from,” he said.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

The coach then explained that he prefers to encourage building plays from the back, even with risks during the match.

“I encouraged the team to play. We had a very good first half. He had never made that mistake in training sessions or matches. It’s a difficult play for the ball to go through the middle. We tell them to make that forward pass with a high margin of safety. When those mistakes happen, I think the confidence to try it and the courage matter more. On my end, it’s about teaching how to do it. The goal we conceded was even more motivation not to back down and to play with the confidence and courage we show in training. Corinthians’ win today had a lot to do with that courage.”

Diniz also highlighted the squad’s commitment and said the main goal is to maintain full effort on the pitch, regardless of the team’s current situation in the season.

“The main idea is commitment and desire. Sweat blood to win matches. That has a lot to do with the Corinthians fans. As for the rest, tactically, obviously training sessions go by and things happen. You know I spend many hours on the field. The tendency is tactical improvement, to keep evolving more and more and master the phases of the game, both to defend and attack.”

Another player heavily praised by the coach was right-back Matheuzinho, who scored one of the goals in the derby win. The player spoke about possible offers in the mixed zone, but Diniz said he hopes to keep counting on the No. 2.

“There’s no reason for Matheus to leave Corinthians now. He’s another player whose quality is obvious. He has been playing with great consistency, got an assist in the last match and scored a great goal today. He has been playing well consistently. His path should be another one — he has been one of the best full-backs in Brazilian football for some time. He should be fighting for a spot on the national team. I’ll do everything I can to make sure he stays, and I think he will.”

Commenting on the starting lineup being repeated in recent matches, the coach explained that the players’ physical condition has been decisive in keeping the team unchanged.

“There’s the physiology department, the medical department, the technical and tactical staff, but the main thing is the player’s own feeling. Deep down, the ones who help me decide and repeat the lineup are the players. If a player gives me negative feedback, I think about resting him. In some cases it comes from my own feeling. For this match, I felt very confident.”

Diniz also revealed some behind-the-scenes details of the squad’s preparation before the derby against São Paulo.

“The players are very dedicated at Corinthians. We left to play Mirassol on Saturday morning and they only went back home on Thursday afternoon. No one complained. Quite the opposite. Yesterday, most of the players were doing ice baths to play today. It’s an exemplary level of commitment.”

Even after taking the lead, Corinthians came under pressure late in the match. Even so, the coach gave a positive assessment of the team’s defensive display.

“I think when the team scored the third goal, we didn’t drop off, we stayed aggressive. We had chances to score a fourth and fifth goal. We created all the chances we had in the game; São Paulo’s goals came from an own goal and from the build-up mistake. We were defensively solid, those were avoidable goals. The team defended well again.”

The coach also commented on Yuri Alberto’s current moment, as he reached nine consecutive matches without scoring for Timão.

“He’s fundamental to everything that’s happening. He does a lot, gets assists, runs, battles with center-backs. It’s true that the goals have been missing, but I believe they’re close to coming. It’s only a matter of time.”

Besides Yuri, Diniz praised the attacking unit and highlighted the importance of players such as Rodrigo Garro, Breno Bidon, and André Carrillo.

“They are three very talented players. One very experienced, one in his middle years, and one a youngster. They combine very well in tight spaces. I do everything I can to make the most of their talent.”

The coach also took the opportunity to highlight Gabriel Paulista’s current form.

“I’d also like to mention Gabriel Paulista, who has been one of the team’s most consistent players. He gives us very good defensive balance and has been very important in the first phase of build-up.”

Regarding Carrillo and Bidon, Diniz reiterated his confidence in both players and said they have both been important to how the team functions.

“I don’t consider Carrillo a backup, nor the other players who have been coming on. Everyone needs to feel important. I like Carrillo a lot; I’ve followed him for some time. He is very calm on the pitch and gives a lot of confidence. His style matches what I think football should be.”

“Bidon played very well in Colombia, against Palmeiras. He has been playing well consistently. He was rewarded with a very beautiful goal, plus another assist from Garro. I think André is also a player with a brilliant future ahead of him.”

With the derby win, Corinthians reached 18 points and moved out of the Brasileirão relegation zone. The team’s next match will be on Thursday (15), at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time), against Barra at Neo Química Arena, in the second leg of the fifth round of the Copa do Brasil.

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