Verdão’s idol, the coach has also been criticized for “stubbornness” in the team
Palmeiras decides this Thursday (5) a place in the Libertadores final, against Boca Juniors, at Allianz Parque. Even though they are close to making another piece of history in the competition, the team is far from being in a good phase. And the protagonist of this moment, once again, is Abel Ferreira. The coach is just one ranking away from being the tournament’s record holder, but he also faces some protests from fans over his lineups.
ABEL HERO?
Since arriving at Verdão in November 2020, Abel is in his fourth consecutive semi-final with the Libertadores. Two rankings for the final, with two titles, and one elimination, in 2023, for Atletico-PR. The four semi-finals in a row are already a Brazilian record, equaling Pelé’s Santos, which is already historic.
But Alviverde and Abel want more. If they manage to secure qualification for the final, Palmeiras will become the record holder for the number of decisions among Brazilians in the Liberta with seven. So far there are six, the same as Sao Paulo, which has reigned in this position since 2006.
For Abel Ferreira there is also the possibility of isolating himself as the coach who has played in the most international finals played by Verdão in history. Currently, the Portuguese have five (Libertadores 2020 and 2021, Recopa 2021 and 2022 and Mundial 2021), together with Felipão (Libertadores 1999 and 2000, Mercosul 1998 and 1999 and Mundial 1999).
Not to mention that Abel would join a select list of coaches with three Libertadores finals, something only 11 have achieved so far. Among them Carlos Bianchi (has five), Felipão (has four), Telê Santana (has three) and Marcelo Gallardo (has three). Furthermore, the Portuguese would be only the eighth coach to reach three Liberta finals with the same club.
ABEL Bad?
But in the midst of all this and the dimension acquired at Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, Abel Ferreira is going through a phase of protest, since a part of the fans did not like what he did with the team in recent times, especially with the loss of Dudu due to injury. It is clear that the cast is limited and offers few options, a fault shared with the management, but the considerations fall on the choices.
This is because the coach seems very convinced that, without Dudu, the best solution is the “double” of Mayke and Marcos Rocha on the right flank of the pitch. But this ended up worsening Artur’s performance, which was not going well, and practically “killed” the left side of the attack, which he rarely creates. Furthermore, Rony seems to fight alone among the defenders and has done nothing more than play a tactical role.
It is no surprise that since Dudu was injured, Palmeiras have played six games and scored just two goals, such is the impact of this defeat and shows that a solution has not yet been found. There are those who ask Endrick or even Luis Guilherme to try something different in this semi-final. But Abel seems intent on insisting on his plan and will bring onto the pitch the same team that did not come back from the 0-0 draw at the Bombonera.
If this classification does not arrive, the blame will be shared between Abel Ferreira and the board, in different proportions, of course. Players must stay out of this account. Now, if the position is won, the coach will most likely be the ultimate hero, as he will have overcome enormous adversity to do so. The fact is that he is an expert in the role of the main character and he also adopts this form as a strategy. It remains to be seen whether he will be a hero or villain at Allianz Parque this time.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
