Corinthians expands Kaio César's role while waiting for Memphis

The striker will start against Athletico-PR, this Thursday (30), for the Brazilian Championship. Kaio gained prominence after the World Cup break and began to lead the Corinthians squad's offensive and defensive statistics during the period.

In the two matches played by Corinthians after the resumption of the Brasileirão, Kaio led the squad in successful dribbles, with six, and tackles, also with six. The number 37 was still the player on the team with the most duels won, winning 17 individual contests.

The striker shares the lead in shots in the period with Yuri Alberto, with two, in addition to being among the players who suffered the most fouls, with four, alongside Breno Bidon and Rodrigo Garro. Kaio also scored one of the goals in the 3-0 victory over Remo, in Corinthians' first official match after the break in the calendar.

"I'm very happy with the moment I've been experiencing here at Corinthians. This is the result of a lot of work and dedication. I really value the work of the group of players. The collective always prevails and, with a strong collective, individual actions start to appear more and more", Kaio told the reporter.

MEMPHIS CONTINUES IN NEGOTIATION

Kaio César's growth takes place while Corinthians is still awaiting the definition of Memphis Depay's contract renewal. The club sent the draft of the new contract to the Dutch striker's staff, who analyzed the document before returning to Brazil.

Memphis wants to play for a few minutes in the clash against Internacional, on August 6th, for the Copa do Brasil. The player's expectation is to be in a position to play the 90 minutes of the two matches against Rosário Central, in the round of 16 of the Libertadores.

Corinthians intends to subject Memphis to medical examinations and physical tests as soon as the attacker returns to the country. The player agreed to the procedures, but made their completion conditional on receiving the contract with the bases already verbally agreed between the parties.

While the negotiation is not completed, Kaio César has continued in the team led by Fernando Diniz. The striker has participated in Corinthians' three games since the resumption of the season and expanded his participation in the offensive sector.

Still, the player rules out any comparison with the Dutchman. According to Kaio, the two have different characteristics.

"I believe they are different players. Memphis is a top player in the world, I have been evolving a lot, but I continue with the positive thought of adding a lot to Corinthians, solving the games and I believe that we have different characteristics. I don't believe that I will replace Memphis, because we are different players, but I will do my part", said Kaio César, when questioned by UOL in the mixed zone after the victory over Remo. In the Brazilian Championship, Kaio César has played eight games, four of which as a starter. The striker scored two goals and provided an assist in the competition.

The player is one of Corinthians' second top scorers in the Brasileirão. The numbers were built even after a start to the season with lower numbers compared to the other attackers in the squad.

JUDGMENT AT STJD

Hours before the duel against Athletico-PR, Kaio César will also be judged by the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). The attacker was reported for an act considered hostile during the confusion that occurred at halftime of the match against Bahia, last Sunday.

The STJD Attorney's Office classified the player under article 250 of the Brazilian Code of Sports Justice, which provides for a suspension of one to three matches. A possible punishment, however, will only take effect from this Friday (31), which does not prevent the attacker from participating in this Thursday's commitment for the Brazilian Championship.