Luiz Gustavo Bahia on academy return after Corinthians stint

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Central do Timão

·2 Januari 2026

Luiz Gustavo Bahia on academy return after Corinthians stint

By Vinícios Cotrim | Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians begins their journey for the 12th Copinha title next Saturday (3), against Trindade-GO. One of the 'veterans' of the under-20 team is Luiz Gustavo Bahia, who returned from the professional team to strengthen the squad led by William Batista, serving as the team's captain.

The young player spoke about the anxiety of competing in another Copinha. “Man, I think every player deals with pressure, right? I think controlling this anxiety is something that's very much part of my daily life. I do psychological work, and it helps me a lot. And what I can bring from the professional team is experience. We are there with the older, more experienced players. They were always in contact with us, telling us what was right, what was wrong,” the midfielder began.

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Photo: Reproduction/TV Central do Timão

“Even when we made mistakes, they embraced us. And I think I learned a lot there. And I think coming down here, I can bring a lot of experience. Even without many games, but by following the training, going to games, sitting on the bench, playing twice, you can learn a lot and bring it to the boys here,” he added.

As mentioned, he was in the professional team and returned to the youth categories after discussions between the two technical teams. Even being 'demoted,' he thought of it positively to showcase his potential even more. Moreover, he highlighted the longevity of his contract, valid until 2027.

“I thought of it in a positive way. I think every situation has a negative side and a positive side. I thought of the positive side. I think it's another opportunity to show my potential. I have a contract for another year here with Corinthians. And I think with them passing this information, I had to obey in any way, whether I liked it or not, but I liked it and I'm here to help,” he commented.

Bahia struggled with injuries, competed in the Copinha, which ended with a defeat to São Paulo in the grand final. After that, he was promoted to the professional team still under the command of Ramón Díaz. He returned to the youth team and even started in a Brasileirão match against Botafogo.

“2025 was a year of great maturity for me. I think in the Under-20, I gained a lot of experience. I reached the professional level, learning a lot. I arrived as a young boy, as is normal. But I gained experience during training. Facing training as games. And I think I matured a lot. And what I take to 2026 is consistency. Being consistent. In any aspect you do, you don't need to prove anything to anyone. You don't need to be the protagonist in everything. You just need to be consistent, and things happen,” the midfielder projected.

Check out other responses from Luiz Gustavo Bahia:

Position in the professional team and the youth team

“Here I am playing as a second midfielder. As it is, me, Tomaz, and Gui Amorim are playing. Tomaz as number 5 and me as the second midfielder. Setting up the game, having total freedom. As I was doing in the professional team. But here it's 3 in the middle. In the professional team, I played practically with 4. One midfielder, two central midfielders, and a number 10. But practically the same position. The same characteristics.“

Professional players who provided support

“I think Raniele and André Ramalho. They were athletes I always talked to about the game, about experience, about game maturity. About understanding the game, about understanding positioning. About game circumstances. I think these athletes helped me a lot“

Concentration tip to win the Copinha title

“We are very strong in the São Paulo Cup. But I think we have to enter with the mindset of playing each game 100%. Not wanting to think about another phase already. And about the final, I tried to convey to them that you can't lose focus. I think we were doing well in the game. We made it 2-0 and lost focus and conceded 3 goals. Then we faded. I think if we enter focused, on the smallest details, it's tough to stay focused after 8 games, consecutive games, the final which is always at 10 in the morning. You have to enter focused. The one who makes fewer mistakes will win. That's what happened. We made it 2-0, but we made 3 mistakes and conceded 3 goals.“

Praise for Breno Bidon

“Bidon is an extraordinary guy. Both off the field and on it. We always exchange ideas, we always talk about football, about personal life. He's a guy I'm very happy for. For what's happening in his life. He was an athlete who came from here with us, I used to pair up with him in the midfield. He's an athlete whose football I really like. And he still has a lot to offer Brazilian football.“

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