Corinthians has made a significant change in their management after a disappointing start to the season, firing coach Ramón Díaz following a 0-2 home defeat against Fluminense on April 16, 2025. This decision comes on the heels of critical remarks made by star player Memphis Depay, who openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's tactics and performance.
Díaz, a seasoned coach at 65 years old, had been at the helm of Corinthians since July 2024. During his tenure, he led the team to a seventh-place finish in the Brazilian top division and secured the Sao Paulo state championship just a month prior. However, the club's fortunes have taken a downturn this season, with Corinthians currently sitting in fourteenth place after four matches, having earned only four points and remaining just one point above the relegation zone.
After the loss to Fluminense, Depay did not hold back in his criticism of the team's tactical approach. He stated, "We have a number of great players, some who work hard, and a few who need to deliver extra quality. But right now, I think we are losing many matches because we lack tactical awareness when we lose the ball." Depay further elaborated on the team's structural issues, mentioning that there are times when there is a staggering fifty meters between the lines of the team, which he described as "not football".
These comments seemed to resonate with the club's management, leading to a swift decision to part ways with Díaz. The Argentine coach, who has a rich history managing clubs like River Plate, Napoli, Fiorentina, Internazionale, and AS Monaco, faced mounting pressure as the team struggled to find form in the league.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Depay insisted that the players must take responsibility for their performances. He remarked, "If we think we are the best team in the world just because we won the state championship, we are mistaken. We need to critically examine what is happening at the club and what we can do better during matches." His candid assessment highlights the urgency for change within the squad, particularly as they also face challenges in the Copa Sudamericana, where they have managed just one point from two group matches.
Despite the recent success in the state championship, the club's management felt that the poor start to the league season warranted a decisive action. The board has yet to identify a successor for Díaz, and in the meantime, youth coach Orlando Ribeiro has been given the reins to lead the team.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Corinthians to see if they can turn their fortunes around under new leadership. The upcoming matches will be crucial not only for Ribeiro's interim tenure but also for the players, especially Depay, as they look to regain their form and avoid slipping further down the table.
Corinthians' next match will be a critical test of their resolve and ability to adapt quickly to the changes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to this shake-up and whether they can translate their potential into performance on the pitch.
In summary, the firing of Ramón Díaz represents a pivotal moment for Corinthians as they seek to rectify their early-season struggles. With Memphis Depay's vocal leadership and the club's determination to reclaim their status in Brazilian football, the coming weeks promise to be filled with intrigue and high stakes.
