Allan eyes Juventude clash, values Palmeiras’ free week: “Intense run” | OneFootball

Palmeiras is expected to have a starting lineup with some changes to face Juventude this Saturday, in a postponed match from the 12th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Among suspended, called-up, and injured players, Verdão will have eight absences. The youngster Allan is therefore looking forward to having more minutes, whether as a starter or coming off the bench.

“It’s a very important game, which can put us even further in the lead. It’s a game with a lot of absences. We know how important this match is and the opportunity that we, who haven’t played much, might have. It’s about preparing well to play a good game on Saturday,” said the midfielder.

Due to the FIFA date, Palmeiras had a free week to prepare for the match. Verdão started training last Monday and continued their work on Wednesday. The team still has two more days of activities ahead.

Allan appreciated the short break in Palmeiras’ tight schedule. The Alviverde had just played three consecutive matches against tough rivals: Bahia, Vasco, and São Paulo.

“It’s going to be good, because we’ve been on a very intense run of games, one match after another. I believe that this week, all the players will be able to work well. Since there were call-ups this week, there will be more opportunities for everyone against Juventude. I believe we can have a good week to be ready for the game,” projected the midfielder.

The Importance of the Reserves

Last Sunday, Allan was brought on in the second half of the derby against São Paulo and entered ‘in the fire,’ when Palmeiras was losing 2-0. The midfielder, however, helped build the Alviverde’s comeback, which ended victorious 3-2 at Morumbis.

The player highlighted the importance of coach Abel Ferreira in dealing with athletes who usually start on the bench. Allan himself, for example, is almost always brought on later – he started in only 10 of the 40 matches he played this season.

“During the week, Abel talks a lot with us who start as substitutes. A few minutes before the game, he also talks about how important it is to warm up well, to prepare well, because most of the time those on the bench come into the game to solve things, to turn a match around, like against São Paulo, or sometimes to hold on to a win as well,” said Allan.

Allan’s Numbers This Season

Palmeiras’ Situation in the Brasileirão

Palmeiras took the lead in the Brasileirão last Sunday, after beating São Paulo 3-2 in the 27th round. The result left Verdão with 55 points, tied with Flamengo, but with one more win than the team from Rio.

Palmeiras’ Upcoming Matches

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