Dorival Júnior said heavy rain in Santos left the Vila Belmiro pitch in poor condition and disrupted São Paulo’s plans in their 0-0 draw with Corinthians on Wednesday night. The coach had prepared a mobile attacking trio, but said the heavy surface led him to bring on a more fixed forward option.
Dorival started Artur, Lucas and Luciano, leaving Calleri on the bench. He said the intended approach was to use movement rather than give Corinthians’ defenders a central reference point. The lineup had been settled shortly before a downpour began, he said.
The coach defended his decision to keep the original plan, saying the team had worked on it during the week and that he did not regret the choice. He also said the weather, rather than the formation, did not explain why São Paulo were inferior to Corinthians in the first half.
Asked about Marcos Antônio, who has missed São Paulo’s last two matches, Dorival said the midfielder is in significant pain and cannot walk. He described the problem as an injury associated with wear and a possible ligament-related rupture, but said he did not know whether the player would return this year.
Dorival said Marcos Antônio had been assessed and that medical intervention was not considered necessary. The club is proceeding with conventional treatment, he added.
Sources: Globo Esporte.