Abel explains Palmeiras changes, cites mental fatigue after intense match | OneFootball

Coach Abel Ferreira explained the changes made to Palmeiras for the 2-0 victory over Juventude this Sunday at Alfredo Jaconi, during the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship. With a mixed team, Verdão overcame the opponent with goals from Bruno Rodrigues and Felipe Anderson, reclaiming the lead in the competition.

After the match, the coach highlighted that the changes were motivated by the physical and mental fatigue caused by last Thursday's game, when Palmeiras overturned a 3-0 disadvantage against LDU, delivering a 4-0 thrashing and securing a spot in the Libertadores final.

“It's game by game. I won't change the discourse: it's about understanding how the players are after a physically and mentally exhausting match. The last game brought us very, very strong mental fatigue. I had already said it would be a game of great mental and tactical resilience, where focus and concentration were essential,” stated Abel.

The coach further explained that he chose to give opportunities to players who have been playing frequently, in addition to highlighting the importance of the entire squad in the continuation of the season: “I had no doubt in changing today and putting in players who have been playing. Felipe has played many times, Bruno has been coming in lately, Veiga hasn't started, but has participated. The one who has played less is Facundo, but he trains very well and we know we can count on him. Jefté is doing well, Khellven has been a starter,” he continued.

Abel also assessed the team's performance and admitted that Palmeiras felt the pace in the final minutes of the match: “What I did was game by game: understanding who played on Thursday. We would have to change five or six pieces, and thankfully we did. They played well, except in the last 10 or 15 minutes, when we struggled a bit and lost easy balls, which we cannot lose. Honestly, Juventude deserved a goal, but the victory is entirely fair.”

With the result, Palmeiras reached 65 points and surpassed Flamengo, who defeated Sport 3-0. Verdão reclaimed the leadership of the Brasileirão, now with a one-point advantage over the rival. Meanwhile, Juventude remains in 19th place, with 26 points.

The alviverde team returns to the field next Thursday at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), when they host Santos at Allianz Parque, for the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship.

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