Abel Ferreira unhappy with Palmeiras’ schedule as fatigue bites | OneFootball

Abel Ferreira has railed against Palmeiras’ congested schedule, arguing that short turnarounds are leaving his team fatigued and affecting recent displays. According to Globo.com, he views the lack of rest as the main issue.

Since the last FIFA window in late March, Palmeiras will reach 10 matches by Saturday against Santos. In that span there were only three three-day breaks, and on six occasions only two days separated fixtures.

Ferreira has long objected whenever the gap is under 72 hours, citing FIFA guidance and saying three days are needed for near-ideal recovery. The CBF competitions manual sets a minimum interval of 66 hours.

The current run illustrates his point. Since the 3-0 win over Jacuipense, Palmeiras have played every two days against Bragantino, Cerro Porteño and Santos, with the same turnaround before Sporting Cristal on Tuesday in Lima. He said Palmeiras are the only side to face such a four-game streak, yet stressed they will travel, prepare and play to win.

Despite the squeeze, he has barely rotated and has kept a core starting structure, a contrast to previous seasons when he mixed selections more often.

Palmeiras still have nine fixtures before the World Cup pause in June, aiming to stay top of the Campeonato Brasileiro, confirm a Copa do Brasil last-16 place after a 3-0 first-leg win, and complete the Conmebol Libertadores group phase.

Source: Globo.com