Spanish paper hails Fernando Diniz’s start at Corinthians | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz has made an upbeat start at Corinthians, stringing together six games unbeaten and a perfect Libertadores record. According to Diario AS, his immediate impact has stood out despite turbulence around the club.

The report notes he is working amid political instability and the injury to Memphis Depay, formerly of Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid, who strained his right anterior thigh muscle against Flamengo on 22 March and has been out since.

It also highlights Gabriel Paulista’s adaptation to Diniz’s set-up. The No 3 arrived from Besiktas at the start of the year and has started five of the six matches under the new coach. Jesse Lingard is mentioned in relation to the side’s limited attacking output, despite never having played for a Spanish club.

The piece says Corinthians remain fragile in attack. It adds that Lingard’s performances have improved over recent outings and he appears to have rediscovered his scoring touch.

It suggests Diniz has unified a squad that looked lost under Dorival Júnior, who was sacked after nine winless games. His interviews have repeatedly stressed emotion and desire as driving forces.

The coach arrived targeting defensive solidity, which has been achieved so far, with no goals conceded under his watch. The report notes that further development in attack could make the project viable over the long term.

Corinthians host Peñarol of Uruguay at 21:00 on Thursday, 30 April at Neo Química Arena, in the third round of the group stage.

Source: Meu Timao