In São Paulo, Corinthians’ struggle to stay clear of relegation has become a crisis played out well beyond the pitch, with Memphis Depay now facing fierce public criticism as Clarence Seedorf takes charge of the Brazilian club.
Key takeaways
- Former Brazil player and broadcaster Neto has named Memphis Depay as the leading figure responsible for Corinthians’ current turmoil.
- Corinthians remain under the threat of relegation during a deeply difficult period for the club.
- Clarence Seedorf was appointed head coach on the previous day, but the change has not eased tensions around the team.
- Neto questioned the circumstances of Seedorf’s arrival, pointing to his Dutch nationality and connection with Depay.
A crisis around Corinthians
Depay, the Netherlands forward, has become a focal point of the anger surrounding Corinthians as the club fights to avoid being dragged into the drop. The scale of the situation has brought an unusually severe reaction from Neto, a former Brazilian footballer who now works as a commentator.
Speaking on Rádio Craque Neto, he described Depay as the principal culprit for the troubled atmosphere at Corinthians. “For me, he is the biggest incompetent and he will remain so,” Neto said. “It is unbelievable what he is doing to Corinthians. It hurts; it makes you want to cry when you see the club’s prestige. He has set the club on fire.”
The comments reflect the anxiety around one of Brazil’s most prominent institutions, where survival has become the immediate concern and the appointment of a new manager has done little to settle the mood.
Seedorf appointment draws suspicion
Seedorf’s arrival has added another layer to the dispute. The former Netherlands midfielder has been named Corinthians coach, but Neto believes Depay had a role in bringing his compatriot to the club.
“Now they have hired Clarence Seedorf, who is Dutch as well,” Neto said, directing further criticism at the company involved in the appointment. “This company, whose name I do not even know, has brought in Seedorf. They are going to destroy Corinthians. They are all opportunists. That is what is happening. For me, Memphis is chiefly responsible for what is happening at Corinthians now.”
For Seedorf, the task begins in a city where every point will matter and where the club’s battle near the bottom of the table has turned managerial change into a test of authority as much as football.
