J. Todd Wilkins
For those readers who are unfamiliar with the beaming culture that is Brazilian soccer, the events of the past year have been downright shocking in the first division. At this time last year S.C. Corinthians found itself relegated from the top flight for the first time in its history and amid a major crisis. While this sounds like any other year in professional football, Corinthians demotion added an extra element of dismay and surprise. After all, we are talking about a team holding the second most Serie A titles with four.
Imagine if you will, Arsenal becoming ensnared in a web of catastrophic events brought on by crooked dealings with a corrupt foreign investment firm which brought marquee players to the club, then quickly sold them off to larger clubs for undisclosed fees. Within the controversy, the manager and the investment firm’s lead executive exchanged heated words through the media, turning the dressing room into a daily battleground. With all the off-the-pitch drama, it is no wonder that the teams on the pitch form would lack any consistency or spirit. Now stop imagining, and replace Arsenal with Corinthians and you have glimpsed into the reality that is Brazilian football.
Nearly one calendar year later, Corinthians have regained their place in Serie A and the real work will begin. Coming into the transfer period, Corinthians have a steep uphill battle to reassure fans that the 2009 season will have little to do with last year’s debacle. We know that at this time last year the Timão, as the club is affectionately known, was struggling with low morale, as supporters had their heads hung low and harboured serious doubt over if the ship, with MSI (Media Sports Investments) at the helm, could in fact be righted. Team executives have moved to ensure last year was a blip on the club’s radar.
Corinthians have indeed acted quickly to ensure that a trip down to the second division does not happen any time soon. The four time champions signed Ronaldo in early December to bolster an attack who recorded an impressive 79 goals in Serie B last season. Ronaldo has been brought in to be the proficient goalscorer Corinthians lacked during their last campaign, having had four leading scorers with 10 goals each.
The greatest question surrounding the signing of “Fenômeno”, or the Phenomenon as Ronaldo is referred to in his homeland, is whether or not the former Footballer of the Year can regain most, if any, of his previous form after major knee surgery. Concerns have also been raised over Ronaldo’s off-the-pitch antics and decision making ability, or lack of it. Brazilian tabloids and talk shows are notorious for needing little ammunition to attack and berate star players. Between the incidents involving three transvestite prostitutes, to a battle with his increasing weight, and the fact that he hasn’t played a competitive match since last February, Ronaldo has given his critics enough fodder to haunt him for the rest of his life.
The team fans, known as the Fiel, are obviously on edge over the signing. Sentiment on the street is that Ronaldo will do little more for the club than sell jerseys. Those at the helm of the club hope for more.
The club has not stopped with Ronaldo though, with the signing of Sergio Escudero, and rumours swirling around about the possibility of adding Juan Veron next summer it looks an exciting time to be a Corinthians fan. Timão has also shown interesting in acquiring Dynamo Kyiv striker Kléber, on loan at rivals Palmeiras. Currently Palmeiras look to be the closest to come up with the reported $8M price tag for the Brazilian, though Internacional and Cruzeiro have voiced a desire to sign the player as well.
It looks as if Corinthians aim to make a title run based on a combination of aging superstars and a stout defence. Presumably, Ronaldo, and possibly Veron, will also be expected to help develop the younger players in the squad to ensure continued success. Corinthians have seen its fair share of stars playing in their ranks, with players such as Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, and Carlos Alberto having all played for the club in the last few years. However, this year has a special twist to their off-season activities as they seek seasoned veterans to reinvigorate both the fan base and the dressing room.
In order to create an atmosphere conducive to winning, as well as keep his job, manager Mano Menezes will look to apply knowledge from his other two passions outside of football; wine and politics. Menezes’ favorite wine, Malbec, which is often used to blend other wines, will be the example he will follow in assembling his team. The balance of experience with youthful flair will be a difficult, but necessary challenge this season. Mano will also need to employ his political talents as he must balance player egos inside the dressing room, not to mention a dysfunctional board of directors.
Winning trophies in 2009 looks to be a daunting task as cross town rivals São Paulo, who just wrapped up their third straight Serie A title, do not look to be losing many players to European clubs. Internacional, coming off their Sud-Americana title, also look to be a major roadblock on the road to silverware. While Corinthians will not likely contend for the top crown in Brazil next season, a top four finish and automatic qualification for the Libertadores would be a resounding success and a sign that the club has turned its fortunes around.
