Gabriel Paulista downplays row with Diniz: “Not our first argument” | OneFootball

Center-back Gabriel Paulista spoke for the first time about his argument with Fernando Diniz during Corinthians’ 1-0 win over Barra-SC last Thursday (14), in the Copa do Brasil. Present at the Kings League Brazil last Friday (15), the defender told ESPN that the incident was handled naturally internally and revealed that he had already spoken with the coach after the match.

The situation happened during the second half of the match played at Neo Química Arena. In the broadcast footage, Diniz is seen sharply calling out the center-back from the touchline. Shortly after, Gabriel went over to the bench for another heated exchange with the coach.

Photo: Douglas Moreti/Agência Corinthians

Despite the reaction on social media, the No. 3 described the incident as something common in football’s competitive environment and stressed that the relationship between the squad and coaching staff remains positive.

“The atmosphere at Corinthians is the best possible. People on the outside have no idea. We’re going through an incredible spell, a very good moment. With Diniz, we’ve been improving with every game. It’s been really good. That there (the argument) was something normal between people who want to win. He called me out, I answered back. But that was all it was. We’ve already talked and sorted it out,” he said.

Gabriel also said it was not the first time he had argued with Fernando Diniz since the coach arrived at Corinthians. According to the defender, both have similar personalities, which contributes to more intense moments during games.

“Diniz’s energy—I’m very similar, we both have very strong personalities. It wasn’t the first time we argued. But, as I said, it’s something progressive, it was for improvement. As he himself said in the interview, when he called me out, I improved in the game. Everything is fine between us.”

In a relaxed tone, the center-back also joked about the coach’s temperament.

“Diniz is ‘crazy life,’ and he found someone even more ‘crazy life’ than him.”

After Corinthians secured qualification for the Copa do Brasil round of 16, Fernando Diniz also commented on the episode in a press conference. The coach admitted that situations like that are better avoided, but stressed that the disagreement did not affect the relationship between the two.

“We always have to improve. If I can avoid it, that’s better. But the way I am helps much more than it hurts. In today’s case, it helped. Gabriel has a behavior similar to mine, he’s a bit more explosive, so the argument happened. But considering that what matters in life is what’s essential, the essential thing is that there was no wrongdoing there, from either side,” he said.

The coach also pointed out that the issue was resolved quickly in the locker room and assessed that the defender improved his performance after being called out during the match.

“After that, Gabriel started playing much better in the match. He hit the post, won more duels, progressed more with the ball… But it’s a situation that, if we can avoid it, I think that’s better. I’m trying to control it. The problem with this is what people can make of it, not what it means internally. Gabriel and I have similar hearts. We came out of this situation much better than if nothing had happened.”

On the pitch, Corinthians confirmed their place in the Copa do Brasil round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Barra-SC. The game’s only goal was scored by Yuri Alberto in the second half. Gabriel Paulista nearly got on the scoresheet too with a long-range shot that crashed against the post.

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