Abel Ferreira rues Santos loss in FIFA break: ‘We lacked spark’

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·16 novembre 2025

Abel Ferreira rues Santos loss in FIFA break: ‘We lacked spark’

Palmeiras was defeated by Santos 1-0 with a goal in injury time on Saturday night (14), at Vila Belmiro, and lost the leadership of the Brazilian Championship to Flamengo, who beat Sport. After the defeat, Abel Ferreira spoke about the poor result.

– We didn't come to draw, we wanted to win, but Santos had more possession, more danger, had chances with our ball losses. In terms of passing, we didn't function. Our engine is the midfield and an important piece.

– Overall, Santos was better in the first half. In the second half, Santos scored, but I remember Palmeiras' chances. The number 8 lacked energy, the number 5 lacked energy. Veiga and Anibal had to play until the end and couldn't keep marking.

With 11 absences, six due to international call-ups during the FIFA Date, two suspended, and three injured, Abel did not want to talk about having to replace the match during the FIFA Date.

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– I am the coach of Palmeiras, I play with what Palmeiras has best. I don't want to talk about that. We entered with a strong team, we made the corrections, what makes me sad is wanting to replace Anibal and not having more options.

With the setback, the Verdão loses the leadership of the Brasileirão with five rounds to go. The team has 68 points, against Flamengo's 71, who beat Sport 5-1 also on Saturday, in another delayed match. Despite this, Abel seemed satisfied, he also said he will evaluate the physical performance of each player in this final stretch.

– Let's be serious and clear, we can't change our discourse, it was a transition season and we are on all fronts. I will evaluate the pieces to see the energies. Today we didn't have options, that's what happened.

Finally, he spoke about the situation of Bruno Henrique, from Flamengo, acquitted by the STJD in a trial about favoring family members in a sports bet. Abel, without mentioning Bruno's case, even when asked, said that football needs to be an ambassador of ethics in Brazil.

– I am a citizen of São Paulo, I've worked for five years in Brazil, I was well received, football here is in people's genes, they breathe football here, I think football should be the ambassador of what is an example for society. I'm not anyone to judge, but I believe football has to be the ambassador of ethics, respect, and values for future generations.

And now?

With Flamengo's victory in the delayed match against Sport on Saturday, Palmeiras lost the leadership. The Rio team reached 71 points, against Verdão's 68 with the defeat.

With five rounds remaining in the Brazilian Championship, the Palmeiras team returns to the field next Wednesday (19) against Vitória, at Allianz Parque, at 7:30 PM (Brasília time), in an advanced match of the 37th round. Flamengo, in turn, faces Fluminense at 7:30 PM.

Upcoming Palmeiras matches

Palmeiras vs. Vitória – Brazilian Championship – 11/19 – 7:30 PM (Brasília time)
Palmeiras vs. Fluminense – Brazilian Championship – 11/22 – 9:30 PM (Brasília time)

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