Fernando Diniz has called for calm at Corinthians ahead of one of the club's most important matches of the season. After a difficult run in the Brasileirao, the coach believes squad stability and the gradual return of injured players can help his team recover before facing Estudiantes de La Plata in the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals.
Diniz calms the waters before facing Estudiantes
Despite four consecutive league defeats, Fernando Diniz is backing squad stability and the return of injured players as Corinthians prepare for their Copa Libertadores quarter-final against Estudiantes.
Corinthians' situation became more complicated after Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Chapecoense. It was their fourth consecutive loss in the Brazilian league and left the team 11th in the standings with 32 points.
Diniz accepted responsibility for the poor run and admitted he felt embarrassed by the results, particularly because of the support the team continues to receive from its fans. However, his immediate message was clear: Corinthians must stop looking too far ahead and focus on winning their next match.
Diniz Backs Squad Stability
One reason for optimism is that Corinthians are not expected to lose important players during the remainder of the season.
"At first, nobody is leaving," Diniz explained. The coach acknowledged that a transfer could still happen, but indicated that any potential departure would most likely only take effect in January.
That scenario would allow Corinthians to retain players such as Breno Bidon, Matheuzinho, Matheus Bidu and Hugo Souza for the decisive months of the campaign.
The coach is also waiting for reinforcements from within his own squad. André and Yuri Alberto remain in the medical department, but Diniz expects both to return soon.
Neither will be available for the first leg against Estudiantes, although there is hope they could feature in the return match in São Paulo on September 16.
Corinthians Turn Their Attention to Estudiantes
Corinthians will now travel to Argentina for the first leg against Estudiantes on Wednesday, September 9 at 21:30, at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium in La Plata.
It will be the first meeting between the clubs in Libertadores history. Their only previous official tie came in the 2023 Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals, when Corinthians advanced on penalties after each side won 1-0 at home.
Diniz's team will face an opponent with an imposing home record: Estudiantes have never lost a Libertadores first-leg match at home, recording nine wins and three draws.
Corinthians, however, have their own weapon. They lead the 2026 Libertadores with six goals from set pieces, while Estudiantes have conceded only once from those situations.
The pressure remains significant, but Diniz is trying to shift the focus away from the crisis. With the squad expected to remain together and important players approaching their returns, the coach believes Corinthians still have the resources to respond when their Libertadores campaign reaches its decisive stage.
