Neo Química Arena operations manager addresses pitch criticism after Corinthians stalemate | OneFootball

Neo Química Arena operations manager Marcio de Luna issued a response after Corinthians drew 0-0 with Athletico-PR, addressing concerns about the pitch. The match formed part of the 21st round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

According to Meu Timao, the stadium’s social channels posted De Luna’s video hours after full time, in which he spoke about the surface that coach Fernando Diniz had heavily criticised in his post-match press conference.

Diniz said the current turf at Itaquera is the worst he has seen there. He also suggested Zakaria Labyad’s injury could be connected to the conditions.

Players and staff had already voiced misgivings after a training session days before facing Remo in the league. Midfielder Raniele missed that game with an ankle sprain caused by the state of the pitch.

De Luna said stadium officials met president Osmar Stabile and football executive Marcelo Paz to gather technical feedback on the poor reception among players. He noted the pitch was replaced during the World Cup break.

He stressed this was the first winter-time replacement in the venue’s history, whereas previous summer changes performed satisfactorily. He added that World Sports, which maintains the turf, should make adjustments to reach the expected standard.

The company has six days to make any changes should it seek to improve conditions before Corinthians’ next home match, against Internacional next Thursday at 20:00 in the Copa do Brasil last 16 second leg. The first leg is on Sunday at 19:30 at Beira Rio.

Source: Meu Timao