Under-20 coach praises Corinthians squad after Copinha absences

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Central do Timão

·11 Januari 2026

Under-20 coach praises Corinthians squad after Copinha absences

By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians defeated XV de Jaú 3-2 last Friday and secured the lead in Group 8 of the São Paulo Junior Football Cup. With this result, Timãozinho advanced to the second phase of the competition but continues to deal with significant changes in the squad during the tournament.

After starting the Copinha as starters in the 1-0 victory over Trindade, João Vitor Jacaré, Luiz Gustavo Bahia, and Gui Amorim were absent from the second match against Luverdense. The trio was called up to join the professional squad led by Dorival Júnior, who debuted in the Paulista Championship this Sunday.

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In a mixed zone interview, the Under-20 coach, William Batista, commented on the absences and highlighted the significance of the players' promotion to the main team.

“Well remembered. When they go to the professional team, it's a pride for us. It's a pride for them too, it's a pride for the club to see the players reaching the professional level. I think we want to win, but placing players in the professional team is above that for us. We lost some important players. We lost Gui Bom, Caipira, a full-back, and Yago, a midfielder,” the coach began in the mixed zone.

Subsequently, William emphasized the importance of the squad and the stance adopted by the group in light of the absences.

“These are three losses that, for us, were very important players. So, once again, I think this shows the strength of our group, the strength of our squad. We want to remain humble, focus on the next two or three days until the game against the next opponent, to represent the club well, play a worthy game, and try to advance with a lot of humility and groundedness,” he concluded.

In addition to the call-ups to the professional team, the coach also lost athletes due to physical issues. The right-back and captain Caipira suffered a stress fracture in the tibia, while midfielder Yago Gonçalves had a meniscus injury in his left knee. Meanwhile, forward Gui Bom sustained a sprain in the collateral ligament of his left knee.

With the absences, other players have gained space, such as full-back Pellegrin and midfielder Caraguá. William detailed the duo's characteristics and evaluated their performance.

“Caraguá brings some different things from Bahia. Bahia provides a lot of offensive play, like entering the area, shooting from outside, offensive heading. Caraguá offers more defensive support, can balance to free up Pellegrin more on the flank. I think both offer very important things. I'm happy because Caraguá is a guy who works hard and deserves it. He is hardworking, dedicated, a warrior on the field. So, we are very happy for him. Our joy is immense for the game he played,” he analyzed.

During the 2025 season, Pellegrin and Caraguá were frequently used in the Under-20 under the command of Orlando Ribeiro, even starting matches on the bench. Pellegrin, who began his career playing as a right winger, has been utilized in the full-back position since the opening of the spot.

Despite the changes, William Batista does not rule out the possibility of having the players promoted to the professional squad back in the upcoming phases of the Copinha, depending on the decision of the main technical committee.

“I usually say that we always work for the professional team. Whatever is best for Dorival and the professional committee, we are available to help. They also have a heavy schedule, were champions less than a month ago, debut in the Paulista Championship on Sunday, have the Brazilian Championship close to the 25th, and the Super Cup final. In other words, little rest and many games, with little preparation time. We are here to serve them.” he said.

Another positive point from the victory against XV de Jaú was the return of forward Nícollas, 17, who returned to action after four months out due to a thigh injury. William explained the recovery process and the caution taken with the player.

“I trained Nicolas little during the four months I've been at the club. He was injured for a long time. I, along with the committee and the management, bet a lot on Nicolas's history within the club, a great São Paulo Cup last year, a good Brazilian Under-17, and good minutes in the Under-20. I think we have to be a little patient with him. The competition is very important, but the player's health is too,” he commented.

“There's no point in speeding up a process out of desire and putting him in a condition for which he may not be prepared, due to the recent return. Besides, the Brazilian Championship starts in practically a month for us. So, one thing will join the other. The São Paulo Cup is important, the season is important, and having Nicolas at the right moments, to resolve the game and help us, is crucial,” he concluded.

Nícollas is considered one of the main promises of Corinthians' 2008 generation. Still only 16, the forward had already participated in the 2024 Copinha, when the club finished as runners-up after the final against São Paulo.

Corinthians faces Guarani next Monday at 9:20 PM (Brasília time) at Estádio Zezinho Magalhães, for the second phase of the tournament. The winner will face the winner of the match between XV de Jaú and Athletic, valid for the round of 16.

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