Palmeiras, led by Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira, regained the title of Brazilian football champions on Wednesday and claimed their 12th title in the competition after a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro in the 38th and final round.
The ‘boy’ Endrick advanced the ‘verdão’ in the 21st minute and scored his 11th goal in the competition, and Nikão restored parity in the 80th.
The São Paulo side, who finished with two points more than Grêmio and four points against Atlético Mineiro and Flamengo, strengthened their leadership in the league table – four titles more than Santos, who today fell for the first time in Serie B – and added the ninth trophy under the leadership of the Portuguese coach, and third in 2023.
The 44-year-old Abel Ferreira, who arrived in Palmeiras at the end of October 2020, has now won two victories in the Copa Libertadores (2020 and 2021), one in the South American Super Cup (2022), two in the Brasileirão (2022 and 2023). ), one in the Brazilian Cup (2020), one in the Brazilian Super Cup (2023) and two in Paulistão (2022 and 2023).
Abel Ferreira says he doesn’t know if he has the energy to continue at Palmeiras
Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira questioned his continued control over Palmeiras on Wednesday.
“I don’t know if I have the energy to continue to get the most out of the players,” said Abel Ferreira, who secured his ninth trophy for the São Paulo team, on a journey since October 2020, which includes two victories in the Copa Libertadores.
With a contract until the end of 2024, the Portuguese coach recalled that it was not easy to achieve so many achievements for the ‘verdão’, who remained in fifth place after 11 rounds of the 2023 edition of the Brasileirão, 14 points behind the then leader Botafogo.
“It’s easy to win consistently once, twice, nine times,” said Abel Ferreira, adding: “People always expect you to do more and better.”
Regarding the second victory in a row in the Brasileirão, the 44-year-old Portuguese coach emphasized that Palmeiras never gave up, even though the delay was very long.
“If you ask the players, we never gave up internally. We came up with a strategy halfway through and if later they ask the players what I said, I think they will tell them. I’m not going to open the game.” , but if they want to say it is no problem, no problem,” said the Penafidelense.
Abel Ferreira also stated that “above all it was the victory of a team that knows what it is doing”.
“In difficult moments we were able to overcome ourselves. Looking at the championship, we were very consistent and the strength of this team was clearly visible. This is proof of a lot of work and great consistency and regularity,” he emphasized. .
Source: DN
