Corinthians sack Dorival Júnior after prolonged slump

Corinthians have parted ways with Dorival Júnior after Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Internacional, a defeat that extended the team’s winless run to nine matches. The decision, taken by president Osmar Stabile and football executive Marcelo Paz, ends a tenure that began in April last year and delivered two trophies: the 2025 Copa do Brasil and the 2026 Supercopa do Brasil. 

Recent performances, including seven league games without victory in the Brasileirao Betano, accelerated the dismissal just days before Corinthians open their Copa Libertadores campaign against Platense in Argentina. The club also fell short in the Paulistão, exiting in the semi-finals to Novorizontino. 

U-20 coach William Batista will take interim charge. Dorival’s final months were complicated by significant off‑field turbulence, including the political crisis and impeachment of former president Augusto Melo, a long injury list and unexpected departures such as midfielder José Martínez.