Surprising statement from Luxembourg about Yuri Alberto and Matías Rojas after Corinthians classification

In a press conference after Corinthians qualified for the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil over América-MG on penalties, coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo praised his team and praised some players. Among them were striker Yuri Alberto and midfielder Matías Rojas.

Yuri Alberto has been heavily criticized for his last performances with the shirt of rudder. In the match against RB Bragantino, the player was booed by the fans when he was substituted. But he played a key role in this Saturday’s match by scoring one of the goals that put Corinthians in the fight for classification.

“I always said it’s a phase, don’t forget to play ball. There are times when he hits the ass and leaves and there are times when he hits and enters. It’s football. I didn’t care. When I had to take it off, I took it off. But taking it out of the game is easy, you won’t have a chance to show it. But it’s on the field that it solves. We have to do what needs to be done. The players are to be congratulated today. Difficult, intense, painful victory, because Corinthians is like that, more painful than usual”, said Vanderlei Luxemburgo about Yuri Alberto.

Already the Paraguayan, Matías Roja made his debut this Saturday (15), the player who came from Racing in Argentina is the main signing of Corinthians in this mid-year transfer window, had a great performance, especially in the first half. For the Argentine club, Rojas came from a good sequence of games and that was decisive for his performance on the field. In the second half, the player was substituted.

“Rojas asked to leave, I didn’t ask him to. He showed that he is a great player. I didn’t invent to play inside. He plays on the wing, on the inside, he’s versatile. I can use it in the best possible way.” declared Luxemburg over Rojas.

With the classification guaranteed, Corinthians faces São Paulo in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. A CBF this Monday (17) will draw the field men. Now Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s team will play the return match for the play off of the Copa Sudamericana against Universitario do Peru away from home. In the first game, Corinthians won by 1 to 0, and as happened in the first game, there is the possibility of the São Paulo team entering with base players.

Featured photo. Vanderlei Luxemburgo coach of Corinthians. Playback/Marcos Ribolli/GE