Keirrison recalls 2009 Palmeiras after latest LDU clash: "Top class" | OneFootball

On the field for both matches between Palmeiras and LDU in the group stage of the 2009 Libertadores, former striker Keirrison recalled his time with the team, lamented not having lifted any trophies with the Alviverde, and also praised the current phase of Abel Ferreira's team.

Keirrison stayed at Palmeiras between January and June 2009. During his time wearing the Verdão shirt, he played 36 times and scored 24 goals, with the best scoring average of his career (0.66). The striker was a key player for Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s team, which reached the semifinals of the Paulista and the quarterfinals of the Libertadores. He left the club in a transfer to Barcelona.

“We had high-level players, even from the national team, and also talented young players on the rise. That was my case, I came from Coritiba… Everyone had personality and took pleasure in representing Palmeiras. Being with these athletes day to day was sensational, on and off the field, because of their intelligence and understanding of the game. Even with little training time, the chemistry happened very quickly. Our team had a very strong connection,” recalled the striker, in an exclusive interview with Gazeta Esportiva.

On January 19, 2009, Keirrison was presented alongside model Adriane Galisteu (Photo: Fernando Pilatos/Gazeta Press)

No trophies…

Despite the great atmosphere, Keirrison regrets that the team ended the season without winning any titles. The attacking system, marked by the presence of young players — such as the striker himself, Cleiton Xavier, Diego Souza, and Lenny — led the first phase of the Paulista with the best attack, but was no match for Santos with the young Neymar in the semifinal of the State Championship.

“We faced a Santos side in development, with youngsters like Neymar and Ganso, in very tough matches. Someone had to be eliminated, and unfortunately it was us. It was a tough moment, but the Brazilian Championship soon started and we kept a good streak of victories. We had a well-structured team that deserved to win a title for what we were showing. Nothing happened by chance. It was the result of our work. But football is like that: things don’t always go as we want. What remains is the memory of the strong connection between players, staff, and fans. It was an unforgettable period at Palmeiras. I wish I could have crowned that time with a title, but I cherish all the good moments I experienced there,” reflected the striker.

Palmeiras’ current phase

In addition to talking about the 2009 team, the former striker also praised Palmeiras’ current phase. Keirrison highlighted Verdão’s history, lavished praise on coach Abel Ferreira, and emphasized the overwhelming moment of the Alviverde.

“Palmeiras naturally carries the responsibility to win, because of its history and greatness. In recent years, the club has consolidated this standard of always being in finals and fighting for titles. Today, it’s a highly structured and professional institution. I was recently at the training center and could see up close the level of organization at the club,” he said.

“Abel is an exceptional manager and coach, a reference in football. He and the team maintain solid work, even with departures and squad renewals each season. Palmeiras is prepared to compete at a high level and keep winning. The players show focus, motivation, and awareness of what needs to be done. They just need to keep this winning mentality and execute on the field to achieve the goals and titles the club seeks,” he concluded.

Palmeiras is fighting for a spot in its seventh Libertadores final and is seeking its fourth continental title. The first leg of the semifinal will be this Thursday at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium in Quito (ECU). Whoever advances from the duel will face the winner of the match between Flamengo and Racing.

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