Abel Ferreira on Paulinho: ‘Adductor issue, but we brought him’

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Nosso Palestra

·2 Agustus 2026

Abel Ferreira on Paulinho: ‘Adductor issue, but we brought him’

Palmeiras beat Fortaleza 3-0 in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16 at Nubank Parque. Verdão’s goals in the match were scored by Mauricio, who reached the mark of four goals in his last four games wearing the Alviverde shirt, Jhon Arias, and Flaco López.

Abel speaks!

After the 3-0 win over Fortaleza in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, Abel Ferreira explained his decision to change the defensive system, commented on the adjustments made at halftime, spoke about the competition for places in attack, and also responded about the official statements released by Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Vitória in recent days.

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The main novelty in Palmeiras’ lineup was the change in the defensive setup, with Abel Ferreira opting for a back three even without Gustavo Gómez. The coach explained that the change was planned according to Fortaleza’s characteristics and stressed that, for him, a formation does not define whether a team is offensive or defensive.

Any system can be offensive or defensive. In the 21st century, everyone already knows that I want attacking aggression. I want Marlon close to the box, Andreas too. A team with seven attacking and three balancing the team. We adapted a way of playing according to the characteristics, and now we did the same thing. We need to have a balanced team. In my opinion, a team playing with three players at the back can be very offensive. That’s how I see football.

Detailing the choice, Abel highlighted that he also took Fortaleza’s strength on set pieces into account and recalled that he has used this system many times throughout his career.

We also thought about set pieces. One thing was having Giay if the game called for it; that was already planned. But that wasn’t the case. Against Atlético-MG, they played with 11 players on the defensive line. Fortaleza came here, took the game on, and pressed us. When you play knockout football, you have to think about everything. They rely heavily on set pieces, and that was my choice.

The coach then spoke about the squad’s current moment, praised the options he has in defense, and acknowledged Fortaleza’s merits in the first half.

I’ve played more than 500 times with three center-backs and they always ask me about it. Honestly, I asked Murilo if he was enjoying playing there, because it was this Murilo that took him to the national team. I’m happy to have options. In the first year I had few; today I have many. In the first half they had a lot of merit and we had difficulties. I congratulate them, because they didn’t come here to defend, but to play.

Official statements from Flamengo and Vitória

Asked about the exchange of official statements involving Palmeiras, Flamengo, and Vitória, Abel lamented the whole fallout and said he prefers to resolve any situation on the pitch.

I didn’t want to talk about it. I regret all of this. You know what happened last year after the game against São Paulo. It wasn’t between Palmeiras and São Paulo, but about the others who joined in.

In his response, the coach also recalled past episodes involving Palmeiras and said the club should never feel ashamed for having been relegated.

I want to win games on the pitch. You know the history of Brazilian football better than I do. Palmeiras should not be ashamed of going down. It went down with pride and honor. There was no need to do anything not to go down. That’s how it works.

Abel also referred to last year’s Libertadores final, criticized football’s short memory, and avoided expanding the discussion.

We all have very short memories. The Libertadores final was last year and there was an asterisk that no one is going to erase. I already told the referee what I thought about it and I’m not going to say anything else.

To close the matter, the Portuguese coach said the episode concerned only Palmeiras and Vitória.

We live in a world of men and we know we all have virtues and flaws. Palmeiras’ statement is very clear, and the images are also very clear. Now, this was a situation between Palmeiras and Vitória. Between A and B, not between A, B, and C.

Change in the first half

The coach also explained why Palmeiras found it difficult in the opening half against the pressure applied by Fortaleza.

When your opponent presses you well, we weren’t able to find the way in the first half. You need help. If they have three, you put in four. Mathematics.

Abel said mistakes in simple fundamentals hurt the team before halftime.

I talk a lot about doing the basics. We missed simple passes in the first half and that takes the team’s confidence away.

He then revealed the main adjustments made in the locker room so Palmeiras could control the match in the second half.

At halftime I said two things: we needed more closeness to create support, and in attacking the box, to be where we know we need to be. The result ended up opening up. In the first half we missed an opportunity with Allan and, in this kind of game, when you open the scoring, everything becomes easier. To be honest, the result was more emphatic than what we created.

Fortaleza selling home-field rights

Asked about Fortaleza selling its home-field rights, Abel said he understands the financial issue but said he is against the practice.

If you ask me my opinion, this should not be allowed. For anyone. But I understand the financial side. No one will do that without compensation. It has to do with the regulations. Every team should play at home. That’s my opinion.

Flaco, Roque, Maurício and Sosa / Rotating the squad after the 3-0

With all forwards available, Abel highlighted the current form of Vitor Roque, Flaco López, Maurício, and Ramón Sosa and celebrated the competition for places in the team.

Vitor Roque went a long time without playing and we are giving him minutes so he can get back to being what he already showed us. Flaco López, the same thing. In this second half of the season, Maurício and Ramón Sosa have been performing spectacularly. We really like them together. But I’m lucky to have four players up front. The season is long, we have many competitions, and they need to show it. The ones who came in did well.

In the coach’s view, modern football requires everyone to take part in both the offensive and defensive phases.

When I look at a player, I don’t look at just half the game. Some people think it’s enough to play only when we have the ball. I’ve heard a lot that a winger or striker doesn’t need to defend. Did you see how Spain played? I take inspiration from the best in the world. The club has clear goals and we need to win titles. Everyone has to attack and defend. I like to talk about complete players. Fifteen years ago it was different. Today that doesn’t exist. Look at Spain: everyone attacks and everyone defends as a team.

Finally, Abel joked about the difficulty of fitting so many quality players into the lineup at once.

I’m very happy to have these four players. I thank our president and Barros. The problem is mine, because FIFA only lets me play with 11. If I could, I’d put all four together up front.

First match with all forwards available and Paulinho in pain

Also asked about Paulinho’s absence, as he stayed on the bench throughout the match, Abel explained that the decision was motivated by a physical issue the forward had before kickoff.

For me it’s simple: meritocracy. A squad is not built with 11 players. You have to understand that we have rules. Paulinho didn’t play because he felt pain in his adductor. He told me he wanted to play. We took him with us, but today, in the warm-up, he didn’t feel that comfortable. Even so, it’s very good to have these players.

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