Abel Ferreira: not first to quit, nor last to return to Palmeiras | OneFootball

The Palmeiras team presents itself for the 2026 season this Sunday (4th) at the Football Academy. As in recent years, the absence will be Abel Ferreira, the coach who less than a month ago agreed to renew his contract until the end of 2027.

The agreement for extra vacation days is a deal between the club and the coach. The issue is that the current scenario is different from the past of victories and titles. Abel, as a leader, should be the first to welcome the team at the Academy. It's what is expected from a commander.

It is worth remembering that it was precisely he who gave up on the Brazilian Championship three rounds before the end and asked the players not to "waste energy on this competition," as revealed by the good documentary Acesso Total, produced by the Globo group.

The lack of internal pressure became evident in the series about the behind-the-scenes of Palmeiras' losing season. The tone only slightly increased in the middle of the negative streak of six consecutive matches, when the two competitions were practically decided.

The 2026 version of Palmeiras needs more of a coach and less of a motivator. The clichéd motivational phrases need to be replaced by action. The first of these is having the commander close to his team from day one.

The president and the football director, out of convenience, prefer to keep everything as it is and do not dare to change the routine of the one who actually commands them. Abel, the coaching staff, and the team will start the year in a very different scenario.

The problem is that Abel Ferreira can return from Portugal whenever he wants because he knows he won't lose his place.

Captain and Leader

Gustavo Gómez is the athlete who appears most in the documentary. The leadership exercised by the number 15 is exemplary and it's no wonder he is already among the greatest in history, not only for the number of games, goals, and achievements but for everything he represents.

In a club that decided to close itself off, especially after the pandemic, having a bit of behind-the-scenes information reveals, among other things, the importance of players like Gómez. Something that the fans know, but moments like this amplify the stance and character.

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