Corinthians coach explains benching of Memphis

Corinthians were held to a 1-1 draw by Fortaleza on Sunday evening at the Neo Química Arena, in a result that frustrated fans but came with context.

Several of the team’s biggest names including marquee signing Memphis Depay were left out of the starting lineup as head coach Dorival Júnior chose to prioritize rest ahead of a decisive Copa do Brasil clash later this week.

Alongside Memphis, Stephano Carrillo, Yuri Alberto, Matheuzinho, and Rodrigo Garro all began the match on the bench. The decision to rotate heavily was a calculated one: Corinthians are set to face Palmeiras on Thursday in the return leg of the Copa do Brasil Round of 16. The Timão head into that tie with a narrow but valuable 1-0 lead, and Dorival made it clear that preserving his key players for that match was non-negotiable.

The draw, however, meant another two points dropped in the Brasileirão, where Corinthians have been struggling to gain consistency. Despite fan disappointment, Dorival was unwavering in defending his tactical choices. “Yes, I would have made the same decisions again,” he stated post-match. “They were the right decisions. There’s a big difference between asking players to give seventy or eighty minutes and limiting them to forty-five. We’re managing workloads carefully, especially ahead of a knockout tie like the one we have on Thursday.”

The match itself saw Corinthians take the lead but fail to capitalize on their early momentum, allowing Fortaleza to find an equalizer and leave São Paulo with a hard-fought point. The absence of attacking firepower was felt, and Dorival acknowledged that the lack of depth in certain positions particularly up front has been a growing concern.

One of the major factors complicating the coach’s job has been the unfulfilled promises made during his hiring process. Reports suggest that upon arriving at the club, Dorival requested four specific reinforcements to strengthen the squad and address glaring gaps. Yet, weeks into the season, none of those signings have materialized. In contrast, the squad has actually been weakened, with key departures including Alex Santana, Igor Coronado, and Giovane. These exits have left the coach with fewer options, particularly in attacking positions.

This became especially evident during the recent injury to Yuri Alberto. With no striker of similar profile available, Dorival was forced to reshuffle his formation and field midfielders or wingers in central roles, a tactical compromise that cost the team offensive fluidity and sharpness.

“We’ve already had several matches without a player like Yuri Alberto,” the coach explained. “In some areas of the pitch, we desperately need reinforcements. Until that happens, I’ll continue to get the most out of the group we currently have. I’m proud of the players' effort, but we have to be realistic about the physical and tactical limitations we’re facing.”

Despite the frustrations, the focus now turns to the Copa do Brasil, where Corinthians are just ninety minutes away from a potential quarter-final appearance. The second leg against Palmeiras promises to be one of the most intense matches of the season, not only due to the rivalry but also because of what’s at stake progress in the most prestigious cup competition in the country, and possibly a much-needed turning point for Dorival's tenure.

Memphis Depay, who has been carefully managed since joining the club, is expected to return to the starting eleven, and fans will be looking to the Dutch star for inspiration in what is expected to be a sold-out, emotionally charged atmosphere. Dorival has already hinted that he sees Memphis as a decisive figure in the club’s short-term ambitions and reiterated that preserving him for Thursday was vital.

For Corinthians, the Fortaleza result may sting, but in the bigger picture, it’s Thursday’s performance that will define the current trajectory of the season. With a thin squad, rising pressure, and an urgent need for results, Dorival Júnior is walking a tightrope balancing pragmatism with ambition, short-term survival with long-term rebuilding.