The Portuguese praises the families at home and in CT and explains the inspiration for the alviverde turn in Libertadores
Since I arrived in Palmeiras, five years ago, Abel Ferreira he created dissonant images on the pitch, at the Football Academy and in press conferences. The complaining Portuguese on the sidelines transforms into an emotional profile, especially when he talks about family and when he achieves unlikely feats, such as the 4-0 defeat against LDU which qualified the whites for another Libertadores final.
Abel did not hide his tears when talking about his daughter, who went to Portugal to pursue higher education. He also praised the role of the family around him in Palmeiras’ training centre. “Family is the foundation for me. I cried and cry, but I don’t like to show my weak sides. It’s a relief (the classification)“, said the Portuguese.
The Palmeiras coach revealed that he had defined the tactical plan for the match against LDU on Tuesday morning. His main mission would be to make the athletes understand the plan and motivate them after three consecutive games without a win. “Never is fuel for us,” he said. Abel needed to surprise the opponent, so he set up a line with three defenders, supported by a single midfielder (Andreas Pereira), who would have the task of providing an attack composed of six athletes.
“I had to find something that would make them believe that it would be possible. The first thing to do is to inspire the people who work with you. I prayed all these days. God told me that there is no point in praying, because your opponents also pray. There is a lot of work and preparation. It was a tactical and mental game. We climbed the mountain, only victories and only one defeat,” he added.
The “magic night” was only possible thanks to a well-knit team, with the support of the fans in a match full of many more successes than errors. “Magic has to do with what you believe. I didn’t know Palmeiras before crossing the Atlantic. What made me come here is believing without seeing. It also has to do with your work and transforming everything we do at CT on a night like today.”
On the day he completed five years at Palmeiras, the Portuguese revealed what he would say to the “boy” Abel of 2020. “I would say to this boy, who was never the best student, the best player or the best coach, ‘don’t let yourself be your block. Congratulations for your audacity, for challenging your limits’.”
Palmeiras returns to the pitch next Sunday, at 6.30pm, to face Juventude and defend the leadership of the Brazilian championship. The match will be held in Caxias do Sul. The Libertadores decision, against Flamengo, is scheduled for November 29th in Lima.
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.
