Abel Ferreira: Happy with result, urges youth ahead of Allianz tie

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Nosso Palestra

·18 September 2025

Abel Ferreira: Happy with result, urges youth ahead of Allianz tie

Palmeiras came onto the field with intensity and defeated River Plate 2-1 in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Libertadores in Argentina. The score was built in the first half, with goals from Gustavo Gómez and Vitor Roque. The Argentine club scored their goal late in the second half, with a shot from outside the box. The next game will be on Wednesday (24th), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque.

After the match, Abel Ferreira spoke to the press about the game, the restructuring of the Palmeiras squad, and the decision on the lineup.

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Speak, Abel!

About the game

We have been working hard over these last fifteen days. It was a pity that Andreas went to the national team, but it's part of it. Our opponent started in a 3-5-2, but we had a very good first half, we deservedly reached 2-0. In the second half they changed the scheme, we lost a bit of the fit in the midfield on the right side, they created superiority, and we had to suffer, defend a bit lower. Their goal ended up being what it was. But we achieved the result we were looking for.

About acculturating new players

-Of course it's an important victory, but it doesn't go beyond that. We still have the second part, which will be at our home. It's true that since the beginning of the year we are restructuring the squad, but we continue to compete on all fronts: it was like this in the Paulista, in the World Cup, and we are having a good campaign in the Libertadores. It seems easy, but it's not. We need to acculturate these players, because at Palmeiras time and patience are short.

-We are working a lot, working well, and this adaptation process is fundamental. Sixteen players left and seventeen came in, also counting those from the base. Since I've been here, the team has always competed. We won't always win, but we always compete. Now there are 90 minutes left at our home. – said the coach.

About corners and set pieces

We have been working a lot recently, even more with new players. We made some changes in the team's dynamics. I don't like to talk much about this specific situation, because then they end up copying (laughs). I used to do this in Braga's B team, even because of the adaptation to the pitch. Here it's a carpet, the grass doesn't rise, there's no hole at all. Despite the many changes in the squad, the demand is always the same, but things don't work immediately. We know that Andreas hits the ball very well in set pieces, and he had been playing little in his last club, he played one or two games this season that started. It's a good option.

Andreas Pereira and Evangelista together

-This is my job: to choose. I understand the question about who is a starter or a substitute, but that's my job. People don't know, but it took me eight years to do my coaching course: four of theory and four of practice. And I make mistakes and get it right like everyone else. The most important thing is that they are prepared to help the team. Above all of us is the team. The star is the team. – commented Abel Ferreira.

AND NOW?

Palmeiras hosts River Plate next Wednesday (24th) at Allianz Parque for the second leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals. Before that, Abel Ferreira's team faces Fortaleza on Saturday (20th), at 9 pm (Brasília time) for the Brasileirão also at Allianz Parque.