Abel Ferreira on Palmeiras win: 'We need the ultras' | OneFootball

We have to break some beliefs we hold. Like: “We have to have a five, an eight, a ten.” Above all, I want to say that I’m enjoying how we’re playing. You say the team is predictable, but today was how I want it: flexibility. Whether it’s an eight, five, or ten, they are players who dominate the midfield. Marlon, Andreas, and Maurício. Second game they’ve played together at the start of this year, game after game. This match started to be won in the last game we lost, where we rested them.

I have a different way of seeing things than you do. For me, what matters is that the team plays, scores goals, and works differently. An unpredictable team, that’s what we’re looking for. Different dynamics from recent years, and that’s it. I’m creative and I don’t like to always do the same thing. I like to create surprises. The forwards have their processes, but when they don’t score, let the defenders and wingers do it. And this center-back duo, years ago, each scored ten goals.

Look, I’m only going to start preparing tomorrow, but I fully understand what the organized supporters are saying. What I have to say about this is: when we play together, we are always stronger. Never in Palmeiras’ history has it been strong by being divided, and it has always shown strength when we play together. We need the organized supporters and Palmeiras fans. It’s not with anxiety that you build competitive teams. Palmeiras, in the last ten years, has lived by processes and the results aren’t that bad. We have to trust the fans, and the fans the coach. Fans in the management. We all need to play on the same side. Palmeiras’ history is immense, great, made of many joys. It’s a centenary club, but it hasn’t won every year. We need to play together. With work, time, and trust, we are capable of playing great football. We have a very strong starting eleven, but the calendar is devastating for the athletes, and today you saw a fresh and dynamic team. But I know where I am, I live this, and I know that the result dictates everything.

Lucas might return, he got injured at an important moment, but no one wants to know. Thankfully, inside, we have the ability to analyze with our heads and not with our hearts. Our team can have many more solutions with Lucas, with Paulinho, many more solutions with Felipe, who unfortunately has had problems. Andreas himself, who had been injured. The internal analysis goes far beyond the result. It’s not because we won today that we’re the best team in the world.

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