Abel Ferreira praises CBF, responds to Ceni after Palmeiras win | OneFootball

Palmeiras thrashed Vasco 3-0 on Wednesday night (1st) at Allianz Parque and found their way back to victory in the Brazilian Championship after stumbling last weekend against Bahia. In a textbook first-half attacking display, Flaco López (twice) and Vitor Roque secured the three points, with all goals scored in the first 45 minutes of the match.

After the match, Abel Ferreira commented on Palmeiras' current moment, Lucas Evangelista's injury, and gave his take on Rogério Ceni's opinion from last weekend.

Speak up, Abel!

EVANGELISTA'S INJURY AND SOLUTIONS

— When we signed Andreas, the idea was precisely to strengthen the number 8 position, which is his. We already had Alan, we have 27 or 28 players and we always count on our youth academy. He came for the role he knows best, but has always shown himself willing to help in other positions. We tried to bring him in earlier, it didn't work out, but now it has. He's a vertical player, breaks lines, has a unique pass. I'm glad our president made the effort to bring him in. — he said.

TURNING THE PAGE AFTER DEFEAT

— The first thing I did was change my sneakers, because they were all painted green, I couldn't even wear them. (laughs) Then, the reaction was that of a big team. It wasn't the result we wanted, but it was exactly what I expected from my players: an immediate response.

— We're not going to win all the time. Away from home we've been very competent, but you can't win them all. What I asked for was an early goal, because we had one less day of rest compared to our opponent. That would give us peace of mind. I'm happy with the team's effort and performance. — he commented.

SCHEDULE, PITCHES, AND VEIGA

— In my book I asked for three things: better pitches, a more balanced schedule, and professionalization of refereeing. At the time I was called annoying, but I have to congratulate the CBF for starting to address this. It's hard to change already established structures, and I welcome it, not just for Palmeiras, but for the good of Brazilian football.

— About Veiga, talking about him is talking about Palmeiras. He feels the club inside him. We've been together for five years now, four extraordinary ones, and now he's looking to regain his best physical condition. I talk to him openly: ‘when it's your turn to be at your best, give your best’. He's a champion, and a true champion is never satisfied. — he revealed.

ROGÉRIO CENI'S COMMENTS

— I want to be consistent: even before the game I made it clear that I have a lot of respect and consideration for Rogério Ceni. For me, he's one of the best Brazilian coaches. That's his opinion. I have respect and admiration for everyone, whether it's him, Diniz, or other colleagues in the profession. I have no problem saying that. In fact, I've even gifted Rogério a bottle of wine. But my focus is always on improving my team so Palmeiras keeps winning. — commented Abel Ferreira.

VITOR ROQUE AND LARSON

— Larson is a player we have a purchase option on. He's a very interesting young player, plays as a number 8, is mobile, covers both sides of the field, links up play. He just arrived, still has a lot of time and room to grow. Palmeiras has this ability to spot talent, take care of them, and give them space to show themselves. Whether he'll stay with us or be loaned out, we'll evaluate. This year it will be difficult for him to play. — he concluded.

And now?

With fewer games played compared to their rivals, the team currently sits in second place with 52 points, behind Flamengo with 54, and ahead of Cruzeiro with 50. The Cariocas, who will finish the round with one more game than Palmeiras, and the Mineiros, with two more games, face each other this Thursday (2nd) at Maracanã.

Verdão returns to the field for the Brazilian Championship next Sunday (5th) against São Paulo at Morumbis, for the 27th round of the national competition. The match kicks off at 4pm (Brasília time).

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