Dorival Júnior accepts blame as Corinthians fall 3-1 at Fluminense | OneFootball

Corinthians lost 3-1 to Fluminense at the Maracanã in the ninth round, and Dorival Júnior accepted responsibility, saying the plan was not executed despite a nine-day FIFA break.

According to Meu Timao, he felt the side started well then lost their way after 15 minutes as the approach failed on the pitch.

Having conceded twice before the break, Corinthians then lost Allan early in the second half after a VAR review for an obscene gesture towards the home bench following a clash with Lucho Acosta. With 10 men against a slick passing team, they struggled.

Memphis Depay, Gui Negão, Kaio César and Hugo Farias were out injured, Hugo Souza and André Carrillo were on international duty, and Raniele was suspended. Dorival said responsibility is collective and refused to single anyone out.

He packed midfield with Allan, André Luiz, Breno Bidon, Charles and Rodrigo Garro to cover central areas in Raniele’s absence. He said they did not win duels, the second goal came inside, and the team lost organisation after conceding.

The result extended the winless run to eight, five draws and three defeats. Dorival called it a first in his career and said recovery depends on work, repetition and belief.

Corinthians sit 11th with 10 points and could be pulled towards the relegation zone depending on other results. They host Internacional on Sunday at 19:30 at Neo Química Arena.

Source: Meu Timao