After Corinthians’ disappointing 1-0 defeat to Santos, the interim coach, Thiago Kosloski, stood in the midst of a storm. “We cannot deceive the fans,” he said, his voice carrying a weight of responsibility. It was clear: the team’s string of losses, now five in a row, had plunged them into a dire situation. Halfway through the first phase of the Paulistão, Corinthians found themselves teetering on the edge, second from the bottom, a position that threatened relegation.
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“Our reality,” Kosloski admitted with a heavy heart, “is to take Corinthians out of the relegation zone, simple as that.” The prospect of aiming for the title seemed distant, a dream overshadowed by the immediate need to claw back from the brink. Yet, there was a glimmer of hope in his words. “If tomorrow or the day after we achieve two, three victories, then we can see a qualifying situation,” he suggested, envisioning a turnaround that could revive their campaign.
Life after Mano Menezes
Kosloski had stepped into this intense scene after the departure of Mano Menezes, taking charge with the shadow of change looming; a new coach from Portugal, António Oliveira, was on the horizon. Amidst this transition, Kosloski’s focus was twofold: refining players’ positions and bolstering their mental fortitude. “It’s difficult to play for Corinthians and have five defeats,” he acknowledged, aware of the heavy mantle of expectation that came with the club’s storied history. The dressing room, he revealed, was united in their belief that their current form was “unacceptable.”
Reflecting on the challenges faced since the start of the year, Kosloski highlighted the team’s period of rebuilding. “We had to dismantle the squad,” he noted, pointing out the departure of numerous players which had left the team in a state of flux. This period of transition, coupled with a packed schedule that afforded little time for recovery or reflection, added layers to the adversity faced by the team.
“Our calendar is cruel,” Kosloski remarked, touching on the relentless pace of matches that allowed no respite for the players or himself. The psychological strain, the constant pressure to perform, was a testament to the harsh realities of professional football. Yet, despite the setbacks and the specter of relegation, Kosloski’s resolve was clear: “Corinthians will find the path to victory.”
