Abel Ferreira hails Palmeiras rout, praises squad: ‘Ready to play’

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Nosso Palestra

·21. September 2025

Abel Ferreira hails Palmeiras rout, praises squad: ‘Ready to play’

With a reserve team amidst clashes with River Plate for the Libertadores, Palmeiras defeated Fortaleza at Allianz Parque 4 to 1 and continues to chase the leader Flamengo, who plays this Sunday (21). The Palmeiras goals were scored by: the captain of the night, Raphael Veiga, Ramón Sosa and Andreas Pereira (2).

After the match, Abel Ferreira spoke to the press about the result and the Palmeiras squad.

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Starters' entry and first half

-Sometimes it seems like we play alone, right? It seems like the opponent doesn't even count. We live in a country that I like – Brazil, São Paulo, Palmeiras –, but the culture of 'winning at any cost' is not true, neither here nor anywhere in the world. In the first half, we faced a team that didn't let us in, that took away the spaces from Sosa, Facundo and Veiga. The strategy at halftime was to try to surprise the opponent with arrivals in the area and shots. It worked well, but it doesn't always work. – he said.

Physical preparation and importance of sleep

-We had only two days to prepare for this game, after arriving at the CT at seven in the morning. The interference of lack of sleep is great – ask the experts. Sleep directly influences the physical and mental performance of the players. They are prepared to play, but it is something we always need to consider. – he commented.

Full squad and young players

-It's always good to have a full squad, with competitive players in all positions. In the Libertadores, we can have the youngest team, and it's important to give time for adaptation and acculturation. Many times people think it's just about arriving and winning, but building takes time. Having everyone available allows choices.

Better performance and consistency

Work, work, work. There are no secrets to being good at what you do: it's about being consistent. In football, no team always wins. In a season there will be highs and lows. We are criticized and idolized by the same standard, but I don't hold onto that. The important thing is to stay serious at work and always give our best.

Palmeiras pressing high up

What team can maintain this level for 90 minutes? None. It's impossible. A team only dominates another when the level is very different. The culture here, of thinking we are bigger than everyone, that we are penta, forget about it. We need to work and respect each opponent. There is no easy game.

And now?

Palmeiras returns to the field next Wednesday (24) in a match valid for the quarterfinals of the Conmebol Libertadores. Verdão won the first match 2 to 1, in Argentina.