Corinthians want to sack Depay immediately after Libertadores loss

After a recent contract extension, Memphis Depay scored only one goal in 21 matches for Corinthians, after which the Brazilian team lost 0‑1 to Estudiantes of Argentina in the Copa Libertadores on Sunday, causing the club to be eliminated from the tournament and the fans to be amazed by the performance of the all‑time Dutch top scorer.

After a long series of incidents, Depay recently signed a new deal with Corinthians, keeping him officially in São Paulo. The extension was completed despite rumours of a dispute with the coaching staff. Now several parties, led by club icon José Ferreira Neto, are calling for an immediate termination of the contract and a departure from the city.

Yesterday the Brazilian team lost 0‑1 to Estudiantes of Argentina in the Copa Libertadores, causing Corinthians to be knocked out of the tournament. Depay received the ball in the very last minute, struck from eleven meters high over the goal. The missed chance was seen by the supporters as a symbolic end to a disappointing season.

Net criticism from José Ferreira Neto

José Ferreira Neto said that consequences must follow and blames Depay for the money that still has to be paid. “What did Memphis speak to Corinthians and the coaching staff about? The money they still owe him. This was the most terrible penalty kick in Corinthians' history, even worse than Roger’s,” said Neto. He emphasized that the club no longer tolerates such behaviour.

Neto wondered aloud whether Depay constantly demanded that all balls be played to him. “He got the perfect chance to be the big star, but he completely failed. Corinthians didn’t even deserve to continue,” said the club legend. According to him, the team was “soft and cowardly”, lacking tactical shape or purpose.

Call for coach Diniz's departure

Neto praised the history of Corinthians and stated that the club is bigger than any individual player, even bigger than legends such as Rivellino and Sócrates. He pointed out that Depay has scored only one goal after 21 matches and that, thanks to him, the season is already over. The fans who support Depay, the so‑called Memphizetes, are seen by Neto as a threat to the club culture.

Neto called for the dismissal of coach Fernando Diniz and his entire staff, who in his view would lead the club to the second division. He cited the defensive weakness – the team concedes the most goals against and has the second‑worst attack in the competition. While another star has scored twice in three years, Yuri Alberto still has not contributed anything, according to Neto.