RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- New Corinthians manager Clarence Seedorf said Wednesday he is hopeful of instigating a rapid change of fortunes as the club seeks to avoid relegation.
The 50-year-old former Netherlands midfielder faced the media for the first time as Corinthians head coach after he was appointed to replace Fernando Diniz on Sunday.
"It's a group with a lot of talent," said Seedorf, who agreed to a contract that runs until December 2027. "Now, just because they've had some negative results, it doesn't mean there is a lack of quality. With hard work and dedication, things can turn around very quickly."
Diniz's dismissal followed a 2-1 loss at Internacional, the club's seventh straight league defeat. The seven-time Brazilian top-flight champion is now 16th in the 20-team standings, just out of the relegation zone.
"It is a complicated and complex situation," Seedorf said. "I am here because I believe in the resources I have available. The infrastructure is fantastic, and a negative spell can turn around in two seconds."
"I would like to invite everyone involved at the club to get behind us. I know the difficulty because I've been there as a player. As a manager I've always taken over teams in tough spots and one of my jobs will be to change the emotional side. Even if we don't win, the players aren't going to step onto the pitch to lose."
Seedorf will take charge of Corinthians for the first time in its home clash against Vitoria on October 19.
The former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan player has not coached since ending a brief spell in charge of Cameroon in 2019. He has also managed AC Milan, Shenzhen FC and Deportivo La Coruna since ending his playing career in 2014.
The Corinthians role is Seedorf's second experience in Brazilian football, having spent 18 months as a player at Botafogo before announcing his retirement. ■
