📹 Abel clashes with journalist after defeat: Could Palmeiras do more? | OneFootball

Palmeiras lost 3-2 to Fluminense, coming from behind, this Saturday (15), in the 23rd round of the 2026 Brasileirão.

After the match, coach Abel Ferreira had some "friction" with journalists during the press conference, still at the Maracanã.

The 47-year-old Portuguese manager, who is under contract with Verdão until December 2027, even got into an argument with a reporter when asked whether, given the squad at his disposal, Palmeiras could be playing better.

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Besides this "clash," Abel Ferreira questioned the criticism he has been receiving.

For the Portuguese coach, the pressure does not match a team that leads the Brasileirão by six points over the runner-up (Flamengo have 42 points, but two games in hand over Verdão).

"The feeling I get from your question is that we lost the title today. No! We lost a game, we did not lose the title. And let that be very clear. Right now, Palmeiras are not going through a good spell. In another week, or one or two games from now, we'll see. Because here, the evaluation you make is based on the moment. And right now, we are not doing well. Right now! Just so we are not here... because otherwise the feeling I get, that my players will get, and that the Palmeiras fans will get, is that we are bottom of the table, that we were knocked out of the cup, that we are out of all competitions. Calm down!"

In their last five matches, Palmeiras have won only one (3-0 over Fortaleza in the Copa do Brasil).

Verdão also had two defeats (3-2 to Fortaleza in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, and 3-2 to Fluminense) and two draws (0-0 with Inter in the Brasileirão, and 1-1 with Cerro Porteño in the Libertadores).

Palmeiras are back in action next Wednesday (19), when they visit the Paraguayan side needing a win to advance to the quarterfinals of the continental tournament.

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

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