Filipe Luís praises Abel ahead of Palmeiras clash: "Best in Brazil" | OneFootball

Flamengo coach Filipe Luís highlighted Palmeiras’ strength and praised coach Abel Ferreira just days before the clash that could define the course of the Brazilian Championship. In a press conference after the Rubro-Negro’s 3–0 win over Botafogo on Wednesday at Nilton Santos Stadium, the coach emphasized the quality of the Palmeiras squad.

“Palmeiras are a great team, in a great moment. They have one of the most expensive squads, or the most expensive (in the Brasileirão), without a doubt, with all the signings they made this year. It’s a powerful squad and they have the best coach in Brazil, who has proven it with titles and numbers over all these years. Therefore, of course Palmeiras will always be in the fight,” said Filipe Luís.

Flamengo remain second in the Brazilian Championship with 58 points, three behind Palmeiras, who beat Red Bull Bragantino 5–1 to maintain their lead alone on 61 points.

“We arrive in a similar situation, practically the same as in the first half of the championship. And as much as anything can happen, the championship won’t be decided in this game. We have examples from previous years, from Botafogo themselves. Therefore, we have to approach the Palmeiras match as the game demands, like a final, but like today (against Botafogo), another final. And from here on out they’ll all be finals,” the Rubro-Negro coach added.

In Wednesday’s clash, Flamengo built the win with goals from Pedro, Luiz Araújo, and Plata, controlling the match even when Botafogo tried to press. With the triumph, Filipe Luís keeps the team with real chances of fighting for the title and prepares the squad for the head-to-head against leaders Palmeiras, set for Sunday at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at the Maracanã.

The derby will be the highlight of Round 29 and could define the direction of the Brasileirão race, which remains tight at the top of the table.

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