Palmeiras seek response after Cerro Porteño defeat as Abel laments lack of desire | OneFootball

Palmeiras are aiming to get back on track after a 1-0 home defeat to Cerro Porteño in the Libertadores on Wednesday 20, a night when Abel said the side lacked desire and intensity.

According to Nosso Palestra, the coach highlighted dips in form among players in contention for international call-ups, naming Gustavo Gómez, Flaco López, Jhon Arias and Maurício as concerns with the World Cup approaching.

He admitted it was among Palmeiras’ poorest recent displays at Allianz Parque and accepted responsibility, adding that the visitors were sharper in aggression and duels.

Abel again pointed to a gruelling schedule and extensive travel, saying physical and mental fatigue influence performance. He noted the team had gone 17 home matches unbeaten before this setback.

Asked if the World Cup proximity might slow players, he empathised with their situation and stressed how rare that stage is. Even so, he avoided a direct link and said he prepares every game the same way.

Despite the Libertadores loss, he played down pressure before meeting Flamengo on Saturday 21 in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, citing Paris Saint-Germain to underline that defeats are part of a season, even for elite sides.

Source: Nosso Palestra