Corinthians coach criticises packed schedule and hints at rotation before Paulistão semi | OneFootball

Corinthians drew 1-1 with Cruzeiro at the Mineirão in the fourth round of the Brasileirão. After the match, Dorival Júnior criticised a congested calendar before Saturday’s Paulistão semi and signalled rotation.

According to Meu Timao, the semi-final date was set after the FPF’s technical council met on Monday. The other tie, São Paulo v Palmeiras, is on Sunday, 29.

Dorival offered sarcastic thanks for the planning, noting both teams played on Thursday, 10 February, then had to return only two and a half days later. He highlighted overnight arrival back in São Paulo and further travel for a decisive game.

February has been a marathon for Corinthians. With the semi next, they will reach nine matches this month, a rarity in the calendar. So far they have played eight times across Paulistão, Brasileirão and Supercopa, totalling 14 official games this season.

He stressed squad management is essential, saying 42 days have passed since reporting back and 14 matches have already included derbies and finals. Players are not machines, so rotation and recovery must be prioritised. He added the first half was unstable but the second much better, meriting the draw.

Despite the complaints, Corinthians start preparation on Thursday for the Campeonato Paulista semi-final against Novorizontino at Estádio Dr. Jorge Ismael de Biasi, the Jorjão. Kick-off is 20:30.

Source: Meu Timao