Abel Ferreira eyes historic Copa do Brasil treble with Palmeiras | OneFootball

The alchemist’s touch of Abel Ferreira has turned Palmeiras into gold, and on Saturday’s final against Flamengo, the team will try to win a third Copa Libertadores title under the command of the Portuguese coach. The final, however, comes at a difficult moment, with Verdão on a streak of five games without a win, on the verge of losing the Brasileirão title to their rival in the continental final in Lima.

No coach has ever won three Libertadores titles with a Brazilian team. That’s why a win this Saturday would place Abel Ferreira in an unprecedented position in the world champion football nation.

“Brazilian football is one thing, the Copa Libertadores is another. They are completely different competitions,” Ferreira warned at a press conference after the 3-2 loss to Grêmio last Tuesday.

Five Years of Magic

Beyond the current phase, the 46-year-old coach is the architect of the most successful era in the centennial São Paulo club’s history. When he arrived in Brazil five years ago, it was hard to imagine the impact this young former player would have, with coaching stints at Braga (Portugal) and PAOK Salonika (Greece), no titles, and initial experience in the youth ranks of Sporting Lisbon.

Now, he could become the third coach to win the Libertadores three times, after his titles with Palmeiras in 2020 and 2021. Argentine Carlos Bianchi lifted the trophy four times (Vélez Sarsfield in 1994 and Boca Juniors in 2000, 2001, and 2003). The legendary Osvaldo Zubeldía, of Independiente de Avellaneda, won three consecutive titles (1968, 1969, and 1970).

“I never imagined this phase would last so long,” Ferreira commented at the start of the month, when Palmeiras honored him for five years at the helm. Controversial in interviews, critical of refereeing and often clashing with journalists, he is now the longest-serving coach in Brazilian football, where patience is usually in short supply.

Only three other coaches have been with their clubs for more than a year: Filipe Luís (Flamengo), Rogério Ceni (Bahia), and Léo Condé (Ceará). Along the way, Ferreira has racked up almost 400 games, over 200 wins, and 10 titles, including two Brasileirãos (2022 and 2023).

Just days before the tribute, Palmeiras pulled off a miracle in the Libertadores semifinals, thrashing LDU Quito 4-0 after losing 3-0 in the first leg. On the eve of the match, Ferreira had promised “a magical night.” “I say the real magic is the five years he’s been with us,” said president Leila Pereira.

Abel Ferreira – (Photo: Cesar Greco/Palmeiras)

Contract on the Table

Despite Palmeiras’ financial strength, Ferreira has known how to value young talents from the academy, such as Endrick and Estêvão. “Abel told me: ‘if you don’t mark the full-back, you don’t play.’ I learned to play tactically,” said Estêvão as he said goodbye on his way to Chelsea. “I thank God for putting Abel and Palmeiras in my life,” he added.

With the Libertadores finalist squad, Ferreira recovered the best version of striker Vitor Roque, 20, after a frustrating stint at Barcelona and Betis. The renewal of Abel Ferreira’s contract, which ends in December, is a constant topic among fans and the board.

The coach has already stated he is willing to stay, while the press reports he turned down offers from Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton to return to England. “It’s been five years, but it feels like just five months. Everything went by so fast,” said Ferreira. “Let’s keep going together to make our club even greater. It’s an honor and a privilege.” Now, he’s under pressure.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.