Dorival at a crossroads: is Corinthians’ rotation era ending? | OneFootball

According to UOL, Dorival Júnior's opening months at Corinthians have been defined by a continued squad rotation, with the manager using 11 different starting lineups in his first 11 matches. This policy, designed to manage the physical demands on players amid a packed fixture list, has attracted criticism from sections of the fanbase calling for a more settled side.

Dorival and his coaching staff have repeatedly stressed that the rotation is a response to clear signs of fatigue within the squad. Physical trainer Celso Resende explained that maintaining a uniform level of fitness across the squad is ideal, enabling any player summoned to start to do so in optimal condition. He noted, “The ideal is that your entire squad is at the same level. That way, whoever comes in is ready.” However, match rhythm and accumulated fatigue make that goal difficult, particularly with the intensity of Brazil’s football calendar.

Corinthians' recent exit from one tournament has opened a rare window for extended training, giving Dorival about two weeks with the team before their next match. This break is crucial, according to Resende, as it offers Dorival a genuine chance to implement his ideas and potentially establish a clearer first-choice lineup. He suggested that the coach might feel able to reduce the rotation once the squad returns to a more balanced physical state.

The club’s approach to injury prevention has been highlighted by the careful management of players like Fabrizio Angileri, rested for games against Internacional and Atlético-MG, and Rodrigo Garro, who has been eased back following a knee problem and has only recently completed a full 90 minutes. Reverson Pimentel, the club's fitness coordinator, said that the reality of playing three times a week forces staff to rest or rotate players, arguing that precaution now can prevent longer-term absences: “I always say the player is made of flesh and bone. At certain times you have to rest them. Otherwise, you risk losing a player for four or five matches instead of one.”

There have been some positive developments, as nearly all injured players are now available for training, giving Dorival the fullest squad he’s had since arriving. Only Luiz Gustavo Bahia remains sidelined, recovering from an ankle injury, with key players like Raniele and Gustavo Henrique already reintegrated into the group.

Dorival’s reputation is founded on demanding high intensity in both training and matches—a standard the fitness staff emphasise is essential to compete given the physical parity in Brazilian competitions. With Corinthians returning to the pitch on July 13 against Red Bull Bragantino, attention will be on whether this period allows Dorival to leave behind early turbulence and start building the kind of consistent, cohesive lineup the supporters crave.

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