Following a fourth defeat in the Campeonato Brasileiro, Corinthians forward Memphis Depay delivered a blunt assessment of his team’s mentality, stating that the squad must learn how to play like a major club. The remarks followed a 2–1 loss to last-place Chapecoense in São Paulo, a result that intensified pressure on head coach Fernando Diniz and the playing roster.
Memphis Depay Blasts Corinthians Mentality
Early Lead Evaporates Against Chapecoense
The fixture saw Corinthians take an early lead through Matheus Bidu just two minutes into the match. However, the hosts failed to maintain control as Chapecoense capitalized on mounting tactical disorganization. Marcinho leveled the score in the 40th minute before netting the winner in the 32nd minute of the second half, handing the visitors an unprecedented victory in Itaquera.
“Again, we went ahead, and the result is not acceptable,” Memphis said in post-match comments reported by regional outlets. “We started well, opened the scoring, lost control, started making mistakes, and lost balls. We have to learn how to play like a big team with more responsibility.”
Supporters Jeon as Frustration Boils Over
The defeat marked Corinthians’ fourth straight loss in the Brasileirão and three losses at home, leaving a crowd of more than 44,000 supporters audibly frustrated. Chants of “Vergonha, time sem vergonha” echoed around the stadium at the final whistle, reflecting mounting tension ahead of upcoming continental fixtures.
Head coach Fernando Diniz accepted primary accountability for the downturn in form during his post-match press conference, expressing embarrassment over the team’s performances.
“I apologize on behalf of the players because we have to deliver the victory,” Diniz stated. “The fans have put on a show here, we have to deliver more. There is nothing else to do except apologize and find a way to improve. I feel embarrassed, especially for the fan who deserves more smiles.”
Defensive Breakdowns Plague Diniz’s Side
Diniz acknowledged that the defensive vulnerabilities observed in recent weeks contrast sharply with the solidity his teammates displayed earlier in his tenure. Specifically, the manager pointed to avoidable defensive breakdowns, including conceding goals directly from opponent goal kicks, as a primary driver of the losing streak.
Addressing reports of delayed salary and image-right payments within the club, Memphis dismissed the financial distractions as a factor during the 90 minutes on the pitch. While acknowledging that the situation is far from ideal, the forward emphasized the squad’s immediate sporting priorities.
“Once we are on the field, we play for our families and for the fans. In 90 minutes at the stadium, you don’t think about your salary,” Memphis explained. “Does this situation help? Of course not. I have never experienced this in my career, but the team doesn’t talk much about it because we have the Libertadores next week. The club has enough problems. We, as a team, are focused.”
Libertadores Test Offers Immediate Lifeline
Corinthians will return to action on Wednesday to face Estudiantes in the quarter-finals of the Libertadores, providing an immediate opportunity to reverse their domestic trajectory. Looking ahead to the continental clash, Memphis emphasized the urgent need for a reaction from the squad.
