Leila defends Abel Ferreira, jibes at critics, calls Libertadores exit 'inconceivable' | OneFootball

Leila Pereira defended Abel Ferreira amid criticism from sections of Palmeiras’ support and said missing the Libertadores knockouts would be inconceivable. According to Globo.com, she spoke on Thursday at a museum tribute to captain Gustavo Gómez.

She repeated she will not run the club by the opinions of a segment of fans, saying decisions follow staff guidance and daily work. She accepted most supporters are upset but said she must act with reason, adding some critics only surface in difficult moments.

After the main organised group called for Ferreira to go, Pereira said the priority is to make supporters happy and that she wants the coach and players content too. She added Palmeiras will not win all the time, with the Paulista hailed as trivial when won yet labelled a crisis when lost.

She said players, staff and the football department are held to account behind closed doors, accepted the 1-0 loss to Cerro Porteño and the below-par display, and noted Group F is now complicated with Palmeiras second.

Gómez urged calm, saying he avoids social media after defeats, values freedom of expression in Paraguay and Brazil, and that the squad know what to improve and keep. The calls for change come amid three straight Brasileirão draws and the loss of top spot in Group F. Palmeiras visit Flamengo at the Maracanã on Saturday at 21:00 in round 17, the sides four points apart.

Source: Globo.com