Corinthians name Seedorf as head coach amid losing streak

Corinthians name Seedorf as head coach

Corinthians have appointed former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf as head coach, signing him to a contract that runs until 2027. The appointment marks Seedorf’s first coaching role since 2019 and comes as the club seeks to avoid relegation.

Corinthians are currently 16th in the Brazilian top flight after an eight‑game league losing streak. The streak included a 4‑1 defeat to second‑placed Palmeiras on Sunday. The poor run led to the dismissal of head coach Fernando Diniz last week, and the board then appointed Seedorf ahead of the Palmeiras clash.

Management consulted forward Memphis Depay before finalising Seedorf’s arrival, according to reports. Depay recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 2024, helping Corinthians win the Copa do Brasil and the Supercopa do Brasil. This season he has managed only one goal and two assists in 23 appearances. Former striker Craque Neto called Depay “the biggest incompetent” on his Radio Craque Neto podcast.

Corinthians are scheduled to face Vasco da Gama on Saturday, 24 October, at 18:30 Brasília time in the 32nd round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match will be played at São Januário stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Both clubs consider the encounter decisive in their fight against relegation. Corinthians will line up with changes for the game, while Vasco will be without Barros and Cuesta, who remain out with injuries.

Memphis Depay will miss Seedorf’s managerial debut against Vitória after receiving a booking. Léo Porto is set to lead Corinthians against Vitória on Monday, 19 October, at 20:00 at Neo Química Arena. Seedorf has already faced criticism after just one match, with some labeling him a “donkey, a real fool.”