Zakaria hails first Neo Química Arena goal, settles in at Corinthians | OneFootball

Scorer of the winning goal in Corinthians’ 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG at Neo Química Arena, attacking midfielder Zakaria Labyad celebrated his current moment in the black-and-white shirt after the match, which was valid for the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship. The player spoke about the emotion of scoring in front of the Corinthians fans, his relationship with Fernando Diniz, adapting to Brazilian football, and the expectation of playing alongside Memphis Depay.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, he came on in the second half and decided the match in the closing minutes, securing three important points for Corinthians in the fight to stay away from the bottom of the table. In the mixed zone after the game, Zakaria admitted he was emotional after scoring his first goal in Itaquera.

Photo: Agência Corinthians

“Yes, I think it was a very important goal. Winning the game and winning here at home with the fans. When I scored, I didn’t know how to celebrate. I went crazy, because I knew it was an important goal for our team and for the club. To move higher up the table. I was very happy.”

The midfielder also commented on his expectation of sharing more minutes on the pitch with Memphis Depay, who returned to action after a spell out.

“Yes, I’m really looking forward to playing with him. He is the best player in the Brazilian league. We should be grateful that he is playing with us. I’m looking forward to sharing goals with him. His quality is incredible. We, as a team, are going to help each other score goals and decide games. I think he has already proved that. So he will do it again, for sure.”

Zakaria also highlighted the relationship he has built with Fernando Diniz since the coach arrived at Corinthians and said he has been gaining confidence through the run of work at CT Joaquim Grava.

“Yes, I think my relationship with the coach is very good. He is very clear with me. I am clear with him. When he came here, he didn’t know me. But now we have been working together for almost two months. He knows my quality. He is looking for my best position in the team. So yes, I try to repay his trust. To decide games. As I said, I try to do my best to help the team get the three points.”

Comparing the current moment with the beginning of his time at the club, the player explained that he now feels physically more prepared and better adapted to the Corinthians environment.

“For me, they are two completely different situations. When Dorival was here, I had just arrived at Corinthians. I had only one month to prepare and earn minutes. Now I’m ready. And the coach has given me opportunities. He knows my quality as a player. So I hope to have more time to play in the future.”

The midfielder also made a point of thanking the fans for the support he has received since arriving at the club.

“I know the feeling of winning here at the stadium is incredible. But I have always felt supported by them from the beginning, from the very first minute. They have always shouted my name, applauded. So I want to give that back. And I hope they sleep well tonight.”

Asked about his preferred position on the field, Zakaria said he feels comfortable playing in different attacking and midfield roles.

“For me, if you put me as a number 10, on the left side, or as a number 8, I can play. Each position requires a different reading of the game. As a number 8, I’m not going to play the same way as a winger. So for me, the important thing is to be on the field. If I get minutes, I don’t care where I play.”

The player also commented on adapting to Brazil, Brazilian culture, and the Portuguese language, made easier by his previous spell in Portugal.

“I think I’m already adapted to Brazil. To the culture, the people. I have my daily routine between training and matches. My family is also already adapted. I speak the language, I understand everything. Even your question was in Portuguese, and I was able to understand it. So I don’t need to adapt anymore, because I already feel adapted.”

Zakaria also showed confidence in Corinthians’ recovery over the rest of the season and projected improvement for the team in the competitions.

“In the Libertadores, we are doing a fantastic job. In the Copa do Brasil, we advanced to the next round. And in the Brasileirão, I am sure we are going to improve, because we have the quality to win more games. Now Memphis is back and he is going to help us a lot. I believe we can do incredible things with this team.”

Despite the importance of the goal against Atlético-MG, the midfielder said the move was not the most beautiful of his career, but emphasized the weight of the result for the club’s current moment.

“It wasn’t my most beautiful goal. I’ve scored many incredible goals in my career. But it was one of the most important. We really needed this win because we were close to the relegation zone. Now we have a little more room to breathe.”

Finally, Zakaria stressed that the squad needs to stay focused for the decisive stretch of the season and once again praised Fernando Diniz.

“We have to keep going. On Wednesday we already have another game, then Grêmio comes next. We can’t think that because we won today we can rest. We know we still need to improve a lot. Today was not a great game from our team. We missed easy chances and Atlético-MG started the match better. So we need to improve.”

“My relationship with the coach is incredible. He is very clear, a good person, and a good coach. I like winning games, and he thinks the same way. Outside football I am very calm, but on the field I want to win. And I will do everything to win games,” he concluded.

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