Fernando Diniz backs fixed XI as Corinthians limit rotation and face enforced changes | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz has resisted rotation at Corinthians, keeping a settled side to restore confidence in his first games, Globo.com reports.

He named the same XI in each of his first three matches, selecting Hugo Souza, Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, Gabriel Paulista, Matheus Bidu, Raniele, André, Breno Bidon, Rodrigo Garro, Kayke and Yuri Alberto.

The strategy is to reassure regulars that brief dips will not lead to instant changes. On the training ground he accepts mistakes if players show courage and keep executing the week’s work.

Across 293 minutes he has used only 17 players, with Jesse Lingard, André Carrillo, Allan, Pedro Raul, Vitinho and Zakaria Labyad the only substitutes to feature.

He says decisions are not driven solely by medical and GPS data, with intangible factors like fear, bravery, joy, enthusiasm and a player’s personal moment weighing heavily.

Next up is Vitória on Saturday at 20:00 at Barradão in the Campeonato Brasileiro, when suspensions for André and Matheuzinho after red cards in last Sunday’s Dérbi in Itaquera will force changes.

Source: Globo.com