Abel admits Palmeiras are favourites, praises Novorizontino and urges focus | OneFootball

Abel Ferreira participated in the press conference for the finalists of the Campeonato Paulista this Tuesday, at the FPF headquarters, and did not hide Palmeiras' favoritism in the decision against Novorizontino. However, he highlighted the good campaign of the Tigre in the State Championship and called for attention.

“We have to take on the responsibility of Palmeiras' greatness, but the desire we have, they also have. It was no accident that they beat Santos, Corinthians, Palmeiras and finished first. The easy games are over. What I can say is that we are prepared, we are driven by titles. Enderson has done an extraordinary job, it is a very organized team. We have to be attentive,” said the Portuguese coach.

“A final is always special, the emotional side is always present. The obligation to win is ours, our opponent has nothing to lose. We have to approach it seriously,” he added.

(Photo: André Costa/Gazeta Press)

Finalist Tradition

This will be Abel Ferreira's 16th final in charge of Palmeiras. The team accumulated runner-up finishes in the Paulistão and Copa Libertadores last year and seeks to turn things around, but the coach does not feel pressured by the title.

“This is the 16th final. I have won and lost. I will do what I always do, help my players to be prepared. We know that anyone representing Palmeiras needs to always fight for titles. When I signed with Palmeiras, the requirement was at least one title per year. I have won and lost some. We always aim to play to win, it's part of my DNA and the club's. For me, nothing changes. My desire to win is the same,” he commented.

Abel also does not cling to numbers and emphasizes that his work will not be defined based on results.

“When the competition starts, I meet with the players and set goals. This purpose is to play to win, to fight for titles. The rest is history. I never sought numbers or records, I seek to be the best. The rest is a consequence. The emotion of being present in another final has to do with a work of continuity, of values,” he declared.

“Abel has already won and lost, but he was not fired because Palmeiras has a competent president. What defines me are not the victories or defeats, it is my character. We will play and fight until the last second for the title,” he concluded.

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The Paulistão 2026 finals will be played this Wednesday and Sunday. The first leg takes place at Arena Barueri, with Palmeiras as the host. The second match will be in Novo Horizonte.

Palmeiras, the current runner-up of the State Championship, is seeking its 27th title. Last year, the team was surpassed by Corinthians. Abel Ferreira's team defeated Capivariano and São Paulo to reach the final.

Novorizontino, on the other hand, is trying to lift the trophy for the first time in its history. The Tigre boasts the best campaign of this edition of the tournament and left behind Santos and Corinthians.

Finals Details

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