William Batista values Corinthians U20's victory, celebrates classification and plans a classic against Palmeiras
- By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial
This Sunday morning (5), Corinthians beat Sertãozinho 1 x 0, at Fazendinha, in a duel valid for the fifth round of the group stage of the Campeonato Paulista U20. Even playing part of the match with one player less, Timão secured the three points with a goal from Luiz Eduardo, from a penalty kick, and took second place in Group 1 of the state competition.
After the match, coach William Batista gave an interview and evaluated the team's performance. The coach acknowledged that Corinthians could have presented a better performance, but highlighted the positive balance of the confrontation and has already focused on the classic against Palmeiras, in the quarter-finals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship.
Photo: ©Rodrigo Gazzanel / Ag. Corinthians
"The performance could have been a little better than it was. I emphasize understanding a little also about the issue of the lack of training. I think one thing goes a little with the other. In the end, winning is important, playing a little better football is also, but there is the issue of the minutes. So we put several things together and the balance is positive. Now it's just about changing that key and thinking about Palmeiras for the Brasileirão. It's one game, actually two games, and we know the importance.
We are happy because Corinthians didn't qualify in the Brasileirão U20 three years ago. I think we managed to do this well, taking the team out of the situations of the last two years, when it was at the bottom of the table, and putting the club back in qualifying condition was very important for us. Now let's go with great humility to seek the next step, which is to advance to the semi-final."
When asked about the possibility of athletes who are of Under-20 age and currently training or playing in the professional squad reinforcing the team following the category's Brazilian Championship, William explained that the definition will still be discussed internally by the club.
"We are happy with the classification. Corinthians didn't qualify, I think they had been in the category for three or four years. We came out of a situation, I think, that was very complicated in the last two years, especially in the Under-20s. With little sporting results, little individual appreciation for many of the players, a lot of criticism towards the category.
I think it is a very honorable classification, with a lot of merit. We built, with a lot of momentum, what we did during the Brazilian Championship. We remained almost the entire first phase undefeated away from home. We only lost the last game. So we are happy with the classification. I think Corinthians' place is to qualify every year.
This also connects with player development. If you classify, there are better level games; If you have better games, you produce better players. We are happy for these reasons. It will be discussed tomorrow. We don't have a definition about who comes, whether they come or not. This will be discussed internally and then we will continue planning for Wednesday's game.
Our minds were also very focused on Sertãozinho, because we want to have a better campaign than last year at Paulista, so that the decisive games are played here at Fazendinha and not away from home, as happened against Santos in the round of 16."
Finally, the coach took the opportunity to call on Corinthians fans for the clash against Palmeiras, highlighting the importance of support from the stands in a decisive classic.
"It's a classic, Fiel's presence is important for us. I think it motivates, generates enthusiasm in our players. We know their strength. So we invite all Corinthian fans to be here, help us so that we can do what we can, have a great first game and give us a good chance to go to the second game at our opponent's home."
Corinthians returns to the field next Wednesday (8), at 3pm (Brasília time), when they host Palmeiras, again at Fazendinha, in a match valid for the quarter-finals of the Brazilian Under-20 Championship.
The post William Batista values Corinthians Sub-20's victory, celebrates classification and plans a classic against Palmeiras first appeared on Central do Timão.
The content William Batista values Corinthians Sub-20's victory, celebrates classification and plans a classic against Palmeiras appears first in Central do Timão.
Source: Timao Central