Dorival Jr on the performance of backup strikers in Yuri Alberto’s absence

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Central do Timão

·20 febbraio 2026

Dorival Jr on the performance of backup strikers in Yuri Alberto’s absence

By Henrique Vigliotti/Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians defeated Athletico 1-0 with a goal from Rodrigo Garro in a match valid for the second round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship at Arena da Baixada. After the match, coach Dorival Jr gave a press conference discussing the performance of Yuri Alberto’s substitutes in the alvinegro attack.

Initially, Dorival Jr began by evaluating Vitinho’s performance, who is still searching for his first goal wearing the Corinthians jersey: “He’s an interesting option, he has been important in some games. I think Vitinho needs this run of games so that he can develop into a better condition and I hope we can have him in even better situations going forward.”

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

When talking about Pedro Raul and Gui Negão, Dorival Jr admitted the lack of opportunities, especially for the number 20 alvinegro: “The one I’ve given the least opportunity to so far has been Pedro Raul. I recognize that, and I hope he intensifies things on his end and that we can also provide a few more opportunities for the player. I think that’s what we want. Pedro, I think he can still help us, as long as, naturally, part of that comes from him as well. I hope so, he’s a very balanced, hard-working guy and we’re rooting for him to find his best form. Gui, Vitinho has had more opportunities than him, I admit. And now it’s just a matter of time before one of them takes over that position. We’re waiting.”

Corinthians return to the field this Sunday (22), at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), for the decisive match against Portuguesa, valid for the quarterfinals of the Campeonato Paulista, at Canindé, which should see a large presence of alvinegro fans.

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