Abel rues Vitor Roque injury, Jacuipense stance: ‘Aggression was costly’

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·24 April 2026

Abel rues Vitor Roque injury, Jacuipense stance: ‘Aggression was costly’

Palmeiras thrashed Jacuipense 3-0 on Thursday night (23) at Allianz Parque in the first leg of the 5th round of the Copa do Brasil, putting one foot in the competition’s round of 16. After the match, Abel Ferreira lamented Vitor Roque’s injury, as he left the field in the opening minutes after a heavy challenge from an opponent.

– Honestly, I expected that kind of approach from Jacuipense, because it’s normal in this type of match. And we are not evaluating quality, but intensity. These games motivate every team, especially one like this, aggressive. It was a game of attack against defense. That aggression cost us dearly. – I’ve said it before, Vitor Roque is special in many ways, an experienced player from abroad who came back, went through ups and downs, and internally we helped him, welcomed him, rebuilt his confidence, he started playing well again, and went to the Brazilian National Team. He wasn’t 100% fit to play in the Paulista final, he played, and from then on the pain he was feeling subsided, he recovered, and today, unfortunately, just as he was regaining confidence, he got injured.

Abel also praised the refereeing in a match with many important decisions from the man in charge. Jacuipense lost Talisca, a Palmeiras academy product, who was sent off in the first half. Verdão had two goals by Ramon Sosa disallowed and a penalty overturned, in addition to two other penalties being awarded.

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– Honestly, today VAR and the referee were good, that’s how it should be. Palmeiras wants that, consistency and fairness no matter the club. What we have seen is not what has been happening.

The coach also spoke about Felipe Anderson. Criticized, the midfielder scored the second goal in Palmeiras’ big win. Abel recalled that the player experienced his physical peak in Europe, but that in the Brazilian calendar he has been suffering injuries.

– Brazilian football is specific. I’m not here to defend Felipe. In Italy he played consecutive matches without injuries, here he has been out 30% of the time because of injury. He can and must give more, that’s what we want from every Palmeiras player.

Lastly, the Palmeiras coach once again spoke about the motto ‘we are all one.’ In a message to “Palmeiras fans and Palmeiras media,” he said the year will be difficult, but that he feels an energy of unity among all sides.

– I’m feeling something I’ve never felt before. We are united in pursuit of a spirit of unity against everything and everyone. In search of truth, equality, and I’ve said this before… This will be a difficult year on and off the pitch.

What now?

Palmeiras return to action on Sunday (12) in the Brazilian Championship. Top of the national competition with a six-point lead, Verdão will face Red Bull Bragantino in Bragança Paulista at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time).

In the Copa do Brasil, the second leg will take place on May 13 at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) in Londrina, Paraná.