RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Mano Menezes, head coach of the Corinthians soccer team, declared on Sunday that he was disgusted with his team's performance after the Brazilian side lost to Flamengo 1-0.
It was Corinthians' fifth straight winless draw in the Brazilian soccer championship. Adriano's goal for Flamengo was the only goal of the game.
To the opinion of Menezes, the Corinthians players have basically "given up" on any chance of winning this year's tournament.
"We are no longer focused on winning the Brazilian Championship," said Menezes. "We are smart enough to recognize that our team from the first half of the year greatly differs to what we are now.
"We cannot attribute our decline in play to anyone. It is our responsibility...The only way to turn things around is by closing out the tournament strong."
The team has been plagued by the absence of many players, including star striker Ronaldo, who's recovering from an injury after being operated on. Other top names at Corinthians were sold or traded.
In their last five matches, Corinthians has tied twice (Santo Andre and Avai) and lost three times (Palmeiras, Nautico and Flamengo). In consequence, the team has dropped multiple positions in the leader board and currently stands in 11th place with 25 points.
Pessimistic and critical of his team's performance, Menezes said it is as if his players have "thrown in the towel".
The coach hopes to turn things around on August 12 when they play the third place team, Atletico-MG.
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