Inside the Tevez era: chaos, egos and the Corinthians that survived | OneFootball

Behind-the-scenes accounts of Corinthians during the Carlos Tevez era offer an unvarnished look at a dressing room defined by strong egos, internal battles, and relentless pressure, according to an extensive interview with Dyego Coelho in Globo. Coelho, a product of the club’s academy and a key right-back during those tempestuous seasons, shared candid reflections on his experiences, highlighting the extraordinary highs and the dark side of a star-studded squad.

Coelho describes the 2005 Corinthians team as a cauldron of talent and tension. The influx of major signings under the MSI partnership—Tevez, Nilmar, Mascherano, among others—created an environment where clashing personalities and intense competition were ever-present. “It was a heavy atmosphere, but these guys played good football," Coelho recalled. "We actually wanted that chaos. The more confusion there was, the more the fans demanded—and the more we played. The dressing room was run by the players. Coaches would come in, but it was really the athletes who were in charge."

Tevez, in particular, drew Coelho’s admiration for his demanding approach. "He was the leader. He pushed everyone—sometimes to the point of calling out teammates who didn't work hard enough. If you didn’t give your all on the field, you didn’t play,” Coelho said.

Such a potent mix produced unforgettable moments, including the emotional 2005 Brasileirão triumph, but also exposed the players to immense external pressure. Coelho emphasized the lengths some had to go to protect loved ones. "There were threats, and my daughter had to go to school in an armored car with security," he admitted, highlighting the extremes of supporter passion.

Inside the squad, Coelho described a constant battle for status and reward, referencing the “egos”—both among new signings and the homegrown core that ultimately secured starting places. The club’s hierarchy, from Kia Joorabchian to Andres Sanchez and Paulo Angioni, helped nudge the group toward collective purpose, but rivalries and grudges simmered throughout. “If we did another season together, someone might not have survived it,” Coelho admitted, half-joking.

The obsession with success—particularly in the Copa Libertadores—led to further strain. Following elimination to River Plate in 2006, fan anger threatened to boil over, and security had to intervene on matchdays. Yet for Coelho, the real pain came in 2008, witnessing Corinthians struggle in the aftermath of relegation. “Not having money for wages and seeing a giant unable to find its feet—that was the hardest part,” he reflected.

Years later, Coelho’s experiences at Corinthians influenced his approach as a coach, underlining lessons learned in managing both pressure and personalities. Still, for all the drama and adversity, the former right-back remains proudest of simply achieving his dream: “The greatest goal of my life wasn’t the one I scored, but playing for Corinthians professionally.”

(Source: Globo)

Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images