Palmeiras set 16 finals mantra and use international break to reset | OneFootball

Palmeiras have set a 16 finals mantra for the run-in and are banking on the international break to recharge. Chasing the Brasileiro title alongside the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil, they also have a free week to reset.

According to Globo.com, the 16-game count covers the 10 remaining league rounds and, if reached, the finals of both cups. The club are not prioritising competitions, with Abel Ferreira keeping changes to a minimum, which increases the load on his regulars.

Staff insist there has been no physical drop-off, but admit mental fatigue has crept in. The squad were given time off until Friday morning, when they are due to report back.

Andreas Pereira said the aim is to try to win all three trophies rather than save legs for one or another, adding the group must return well prepared. He stressed the pause is chiefly to rest and recover physically and mentally before that 16-game push.

Eight players are away on international duty for friendlies, Giay and Flaco López with Argentina, Gustavo Gómez, Mauricio and Sosa with Paraguay, Arias with Colombia, and Piquerez and Emiliano Martínez with Uruguay. The Paraguayan trio play until 2 October, the others have games scheduled to 6 October.

Palmeiras resume on 8 October against Bahia at Nubank Parque. The Libertadores semi-final with Fluminense is set for 14 and 21 October, they will then face Vasco in November for a place in the Copa do Brasil final, with the finals on 28 November and 6 December respectively.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”