Yuri Alberto explains muted celebration, discusses Corinthians future | OneFootball

Scorer of the winning goal in Corinthians’ 1-0 victory over Barra-SC at Neo Química Arena, Yuri Alberto was one of the standout performers in the team’s qualification for the Copa do Brasil round of 16.

After the match, the No. 9 spoke to reporters in the mixed zone and commented on everything from ending his goal drought to adapting to Fernando Diniz’s style, as well as his future at the club and his partnership with Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

The striker drew attention for his more subdued celebration after finding the net. Asked about his reaction after the goal, Yuri revealed that the physical toll of the match weighed heavily at the moment of celebration.

“Everyone keeps asking me that, man. Even the guys from the club’s video team over there. I said, ‘bro, I had no energy left, man.’ And there was one play where Garro came down the right side and he saw that I didn’t make the run, so he drew the foul. Then he looked at me and said, ‘you’re dead, aren’t you?’ I said, ‘bro, I’m tired as hell.’ But thank God, it was another goal. Another goal at home, together with our fans. And a very important win, right? We knew qualifying was the main thing. Just qualifying was already very good for us. But winning at home gives us a lot of confidence for the importance of the game we have this Sunday. It gives us a ton of confidence.”

Even after ending his scoreless streak, Yuri said Corinthians’ collective moment had been more important than his individual numbers. The striker also highlighted the physical effort demanded by the playing model implemented by Fernando Diniz.

“I was giving everything for my team, and I think that’s what mattered. What still matters, right? Always. In this new system under Diniz, we know the pressing starts up front. So the strongest pressing comes from me, Garro, Jesse and Breno, whoever is out there on the side. We put in a huge effort. And, thank God, we’re already starting to recover a bit physically. Because of course, at the beginning it’s different. Until your body adapts to pressing really hard and then being able to transition with energy. So, thank God, we’re already getting more energy so we can get into the attacking third and finish the plays with goals.”

Speaking about the work of the Corinthians coach, Yuri said he was pleased with the relationship he has built with Fernando Diniz and commented on adapting to new roles on the pitch.

“Man, he’s a guy who gives me unbelievable support. He likes me a lot, gives me confidence that, man, is really great. And I’ve had to fit into his style of play. Thank God it’s working out, because it was one of my traits that, like, didn’t really match, I think, with Luxemburgo, with someone who needed me to play with my back to goal more, to hold the ball up a bit more, it didn’t work. But with him, thank God, it’s working really well, because when I receive the ball, I’ve got a lot of support, I’ve got a lot of options to lay it off right away.”

The striker also spoke about his relationship and attacking partnership with Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard, highlighting both players’ technical quality.

“It’s incredibly rewarding, the stature these guys have. Lingard is an unbelievable guy, unbelievable technique, unbelievable quality. Memphis too, unbelievable strength. So, man, when we can all play together, it’s going to be something really nice. And I believe Diniz will make the best decision.”

Yuri also spoke about the impact of Memphis possibly staying on after the World Cup and how the Dutchman positively influences his performances on the pitch.

“It’s nice to play with players of Memphis’ stature. Because, whether you like it or not, it’s not that you split the responsibility a bit, but when you’re on the field with a guy like that, he draws a lot of attention from the center-backs. So if you’re smart and start taking better advantage of those spaces, like it has been when we play together, man, it’s great for us.”

Asked about his own future, Yuri confirmed that he should consider possibilities during the next European transfer window and said his goal is a fresh start.

“We’re going to sort that out now. We’re going to make the best decision now in the middle of the year. We’ll wait and see what offers come in, if any. And together with the president and my agent, we’ll make the best decision.”

At the end of the interview, the No. 9 also commented on his absence from the latest Brazil national team call-ups and admitted frustration at not having received recent opportunities.

“Of course I’m sad, right? Because I really could have had an opportunity in 2025 after the 2024 season that not only I, but many teammates had as well along with me. And at the start of the year I ended up not being called up. So not being able to… If I could have been called up in that… if I had been on that list, I think it was in March, last year’s call-up, the first one, right? Maybe the story could have been different. But I’m calm. I’m focused on performing.”

Yuri also praised Rodrigo Garro, Corinthians’ main attacking playmaker, and highlighted the Argentine’s importance to the team’s attacking functioning.

“I’m very happy about Garro’s return, his joy on the pitch, that boldness to try different spaces, different plays. Today he almost scored a great free-kick goal that hit the post. And he’s a guy who, man, my style of play really needs someone like him. And that pass he gave me for today’s goal was sensational.”

With the win over Barra-SC, Corinthians secured a spot in the Copa do Brasil round of 16 and now turns its attention to the rest of the season under Fernando Diniz.

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