Dorival Júnior hails youngsters and squad rotation after Corinthians win

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Central do Timão

·06 de fevereiro de 2026

Dorival Júnior hails youngsters and squad rotation after Corinthians win

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

Corinthians defeated Capivariano 3-0 on the evening of last Thursday (5th), in the sixth round of the Campeonato Paulista, and climbed up the standings in the state competition. After the match, coach Dorival Júnior held a press conference and analyzed different aspects of the team’s performance, from the physical management of the squad to individual situations involving both experienced players and young academy talents.

Right from the start, the coach explained the rotation strategy adopted by the technical staff, considering the physical wear and the heavier schedule ahead. Dorival emphasized that the main objective was achieved, but admitted that the tendency is to reduce this kind of rotation as the matches become more decisive.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Ag. Corinthians

“Overall, we achieved our goal, which was to rest most of the players. We’re trying to alternate each match as needed, but we know that soon we’ll have more decisive games. That ends up limiting this possibility,” the coach began.

One of the highlights of the night was defender João Pedro Tchoca, who was praised for his composure even after a period away from training. Dorival highlighted the defender’s quick adaptation and the confidence he showed on the field.

“He did very well, even after some time without training. He played with confidence. He already knows our methodology. I thought he might feel it a bit because of the time he was away from training, but he did very well, had no problems at all. That’s what we want and expect, and hopefully he has a favorable return,” he stated.

Regarding Rodrigo Garro’s physical condition, the coach explained the decision to rest the midfielder, even though the player was already fit to play the full 90 minutes. According to Dorival, the decision was made with the next fixture in mind.

“He’s been improving, gaining important minutes, I have no doubt he’ll reach his best condition. He could have played 90 minutes, but we have an important game at the weekend. I chose to rest him so we can have a team ready to put on a great performance, especially since it’s a tough, complicated game. We always need to have all players in top condition and recover them for the next match,” Dorival pointed out.

Dorival also commented on Vitinho’s lack of goals, treating the moment naturally and asking fans for patience, highlighting the striker’s experience and his collective usefulness: “Vitinho is an experienced, mature player. There’s no reason to worry. Let him keep being useful, the goal will come naturally. We just need to be patient. I don’t see a problem with that.”

Regarding Gui Negão’s inconsistency and the young player’s goal drought, the coach contextualized the maturation process of developing athletes and mentioned the need for a longer run of games to achieve consistency.

“We need to keep making him believe, it’s just a temporary thing. It’s natural for players to fluctuate a bit during this process. I’ve already given my opinion: a player reaches consistency after playing between 80 and 120 games. Players fluctuate during this period. The vast majority need to reach this point to achieve stability. I think that’s what’s happening with Bidon, it’s another example. It’s something we observe living with these youngsters. He’s seeking maturity and growth.”

The coach also explained the introduction of striker Memphis Depay in the second half, highlighting both the pursuit of the result and the need to give the player more minutes ahead of upcoming fixtures.

“A bit of both. Memphis was one of those who played less, he needs more minutes. We thought about putting him in a bit earlier, but things were developing with good dynamics. We held off a bit, but even so it was important for him to get a bit more activity and be in better shape for the weekend’s game,” commented Dorival Júnior.

Another point addressed was the performance of goalkeeper Felipe Longo, praised for his composure and consistency. The Corinthians coach predicted a promising future for the player, highlighting his evolution in the development process.

“It was a very solid performance, much more consistent. He showed great confidence. That’s what we want. It’s a process that’s evolving at every moment, he’s a very good player technically. I hope he continues in this process. We’re moving forward according to the needs we observe,” said the coach.

Asked about the use of academy players, the coach reinforced that the youngsters are part of the main squad and remain constant options, depending on each one’s performance day by day.

“They’re part of the squad, always a great option. Some get more opportunities than others, it depends on each one. The chances will be given,” concluded the Corinthians boss.

After facing Capivariano in Itaquera, Corinthians remain focused on the Campeonato Paulista. Next Sunday (8th), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), the Alvinegro will face Palmeiras at the Neo Química Arena, in the seventh round of the first phase of the state championship.

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