Abel aims to turn frustrations into energy and anger to bounce back in 2026 | OneFootball

The Palmeiras held their first activities on the field at the Football Academy under the command of coach Abel Ferreira, who returned this Tuesday after his vacation. The coach, who renewed his contract until the end of 2027, projected the season and hopes to turn the frustrations of a titleless season into "energy and anger" to bounce back in 2026.

"As I promised, 5 years ago, I didn't promise titles, I promised that we would fight to win titles, and that is what we are going to do. And this year, as we always do, counting on your help, in every game being united, being together so we can start a new season, not to repeat, but to do better than what we did last year," Abel began.

"May the frustrations and disappointments of last year turn into energy, character, pride, and some anger as well, so that this year we can bring those joys that we owe not only to you but also to ourselves. We know how much we dedicate ourselves within the club to reach the titles we so desire and work for them to happen," the coach continued.

Abel analyzes the season after three runner-up finishes

For the first time under Abel Ferreira's command, Palmeiras finished the season without winning any titles. In 2025, Verdão only came close and was runner-up in the Paulista, the Brazilian, and the Libertadores. Additionally, they suffered eliminations in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil and the Club World Cup.

"This team showed, in almost all competitions, except for the Copa do Brasil. I know it's hard, I know it's frustrating to be runner-up three times, but at the same time, it tells me as a coach and gives me signs that this team is ready, is prepared. It's not easy to make decisions when you have a team that is extremely successful and during a period where the successful team undergoes the restructuring that Palmeiras did the previous year and still manages to compete in most competitions until the end," he analyzed.

"Even selling important players in what was the team's dynamic, but also understanding what our financial health is, and a coach today has to understand football as a whole, not just look at the sporting aspect, but what the dynamics of a football club and its management are. In this, Palmeiras is an absolutely extraordinary team because it fulfills and honors all its responsibilities. Logically, for a coach like me, it's a great pride to belong to a prestigious club, a club that fights for titles," he continued.

Criticism of the FPF

Abel Ferreira took advantage of his first statement of the year to criticize the Paulista Football Federation. Palmeiras debuts in the Paulista Championship on Saturday night. The match kicks off at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Canindé Stadium, less than a week after the team's return.

"I cannot fail to make a constructive criticism of the Paulista Football Federation. Considering some teams, not Palmeiras, even stayed competing later, and it doesn't seem sensible to me that it takes care of the players' health at the end of a week when you have the first official game, while other clubs have been preparing since November and December," he criticized.

Renewed until 2027, Abel enters his 6th season at Palmeiras

In December, Palmeiras agreed to renew Abel Ferreira's contract. The previous contract was only valid until the end of the last season. The coach begins his sixth season with Verdão and is in pursuit of his 11th title with the club.

"Records, time... That's not what drives me, but when you stop and think, it's been five years. It went by so fast... It's a pride, an honor to represent a club like Palmeiras. I know how difficult it is. Sometimes, maintaining a five-year marriage is difficult, let alone being the coach of a big club. I really enjoy being here. The desire to continue winning, to bring joy to the fans is what keeps me going," he declared.

"I am a project coach, of relationships, of work, and that's what I see within the club. That's why it matched so well, besides also saying that I really like green. These records and references are a pride, but they are not the trophies we are looking for. We are looking to turn our work, our dedication, our effort into titles," he concluded.

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