Abel: No doubt resting players, Palmeiras to fight for Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Palmeiras faced Juventude this Sunday (2), in a match valid for the 31st round of the Brasileirão. Even before the game started, there was already a change: Verdão had to change uniforms due to the similarity with the Caxias club’s kit. But this alteration did not hinder Palmeiras’ victory at all.

With goals from Bruno Rodrigues and Felipe Anderson, the Greatest Champion of Brazil won and remains at the top of the Brazilian Championship.

Speak, Abel!

Strategy until the final

— It’s game by game. I’m not going to change my speech: it’s about seeing how the players are after a physically and mentally exhausting match. The last game brought us a very, very strong mental strain. I had already said it would be a game of great mental and tactical resilience, where focus and concentration were essential.

— I had no doubts about making changes today and putting in players who have been playing. Felipe has played many times, Bruno has come on recently, Veiga hasn’t started but has participated. The one who’s played the least is Facundo, but he trains very well and we know we can count on him. Jefté himself is doing well, Khellven has been a starter.

— What I did was go game by game: understand who played on Thursday. We would have to change five or six pieces — and it’s a good thing we did. They played well, except for the last 10 or 15 minutes, when we struggled a bit and lost some easy balls, which we can’t afford to lose. Honestly, Juventude deserved a goal, but the victory is entirely fair. — he said.

What is your ambition, Abel?

— I don’t owe anything to anyone. Everything is settled between me and Palmeiras, and Palmeiras with me. I’ve already said: my ambition is to be better every day. On Thursday, I said my goal is to prove to myself — and to the people who like me — that I am where I deserve to be. To prove that. I don’t want to be better than anyone else. That’s who I am, and that won’t change.

— Let me correct you: when you say that nobody expected us to go through, only those who don’t like Palmeiras thought that way. Palmeiras fans and the coach were convinced we would advance, and we proved that on the field. — he said.

Abel Santana or Telê Ferreira? And the rivalry with Flamengo

— Abel Ferreira. I like both of them a lot, but my name is Abel Ferreira. I don’t compare myself to anyone, but I do take inspiration. Telê Santana is one of the people I admire: the way he spoke, how he valued fundamentals.

— If I hadn’t competed every year, you all would have torn me apart. I’m very happy to be fighting for titles, as we’ve always done — and will continue to do.

The best squad at Palmeiras?

— How many times have I said that we are all one? How many times have you heard me say there are no starters at Palmeiras? How many times have you heard me say I don’t train 11, but 28 players? Just pay attention. I talk a lot — sometimes too much. There’s even a book written, I know many haven’t read it. We need to talk about this year’s journey: the number of players we sold, traded, integrated, and even so, we kept competing — often against everything and everyone. Keeping faith in our work.

— From my first interview until today, I haven’t changed anything. The only thing that’s changed — thanks to everyone — are the titles. The club has grown internationally, the youth system has grown, the number of sales and their values too. Every year fighting for titles. Palmeiras is a different club now.

— We’ve lost too, of course. Little has changed: I still believe in my players. But that’s internal, things from our house. We still have a lot of room to improve. I told those who were left out that these were the best 11 to start the game, considering the physical and mental fatigue. It was impossible for the others to be 100%.

And now?

Palmeiras returns to the field next Thursday (6), in a match against Santos for the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship, at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Allianz Parque. Verdão leads the competition with 65 points, Flamengo, in second place, has 64.

Upcoming Palmeiras matches

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