Diniz awaits response about Memphis and approves Arthur and Wesley at Corinthians

Memphis is on vacation after playing in the World Cup for the Netherlands. The player did not participate in the friendly against Cascavel and, regardless of the contract negotiation, he would not be available due to the rest period.

For Fernando Diniz, Corinthians' main priority in the transfer window is to maintain the base of the squad. The coach stated that the stay of the main players will be decisive for the continuation of the season, including Memphis.

"In relation to Memphis, there is an ongoing negotiation. I hope he stays with us, but that is out of my hands. He wouldn't be in that game anyway, because he is enjoying the vacation period. We hope he returns. The biggest uncertainty that weighs on Corinthians, regardless of the financial moment we are going through, is not losing anyone, or losing as little as possible. We need to keep the main players to continue the season", said Diniz after the friendly against Cascavel.

ARTHUR AND WESLEY ON THE RADAR

Although he prioritizes maintaining the squad, Fernando Diniz admitted that he would like to have two players who are on Corinthians' radar: midfielder Arthur and striker Wesley. The two were consulted by the board last week, with the coach's approval. Negotiations, however, depend on the club's financial situation.

In addition to the need to adapt salaries so that both fit into the Corinthians budget, eventual registrations also depend on the payment of a debt of around R$7.5 million with the Philadelphia Union, in the United States. The discharge is necessary for Corinthians to be able to overturn the transfer ban currently in force.

"They are two players that I like. Arthur is a player well above the average in Brazilian football and I would really like to work with him. But it all depends on financial suitability. Today we have a short blanket in this aspect. Wesley also has characteristics that we need in the squad. He is a player with characteristics similar to those of Kayke, who suffered the knee injury. He is an athlete trained here and a name that I really like. But there is the budgetary issue and also the transfer ban situation, which needs to be resolved", says the coach.

DRAW ON RETURN TO GAMES

On the field, Corinthians drew 1-1 with Cascavel, in the team's first match after 43 days without matches. The squad had 25 days of vacation and resumed training on June 25th during the World Cup break. The return to official games will be on July 23rd, against Remo, for the Brazilian Championship.

Fernando Diniz assessed that the team is still not in the best physical condition due to the training load during the interseason. The coach also complained about the condition of the pitch at the Regional Olympic Stadium, in Cascavel.

"The condition of the pitch made it quite difficult. There is a concern because we train and normally play on an excellent pitch. Furthermore, the players are still not in ideal conditions. We came from a very long sequence of training, some in two periods. So, this match served to gain rhythm and, at the same time, protect some players from the risk of injury. We made mistakes because of the pitch and, at times, also due to a lack of concentration. But it was worth being here and playing this game", declared Diniz, in a press conference.

TEAM HAD TWO FORMS

Corinthians started the friendly with a formation close to what was considered ideal. At halftime, Fernando Diniz made nine changes and only kept defenders Gabriel Paulista and André Ramalho on the field. The duo left the match during the second half, and the defensive system began to feature midfielders Charles and Allan improvised in defense.

Matheus Pereira scored the Corinthians goal in the 15th minute of the final stage. Cascavel's equalizer came nine minutes later, when Charles lost the ball on the way out and allowed Cleiton to equalize the score.

In addition to Memphis, defender Gustavo Henrique was left out of the match due to load control after feeling pain in his hip during the week. João Pedro Tchoca, Hugo and Vitinho, in physical transition, also did not play. Kayke continues to recover from an injury to his left knee and is unlikely to play again this season.

Read Also: Flamengo coach blasts Benfica member: “The cowards run away”