Abel takes stock of his career at Palmeiras and cites learning in three years

Last Monday, Abel Ferreira completed three years at Palmeiras. This Saturday, after the 1-0 victory over Athletico-PR, the coach took stock of his career at the club. The Portuguese once again praised the structure offered to him in Verdão, but expressed concern about his health.

“I didn’t imagine that training in South America would be so exhausting, but I imagined that I would coach a big club. When you have the best cast, the best resource, they are the ones who win, you are closer to the title. I didn’t hesitate when I received the invitation. Palmeiras has history, fans, players, resources, a fabulous structure. Combining the competence of a technical team, with ambition, audacity and knowledge, we were amazed by the organization of the club,” he said.

“We didn’t expect to be expecting so much organization. I had many exams over these three years. I had difficult periods, in terms of health, physical and mental. So it’s up to me to think about what I want. Football doesn’t make anyone healthy. Something will have to change”, he added.

Announced on October 30, 2020, Abel arrived to replace Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Since then, there have been 246 games, with 141 wins, 59 draws and 46 defeats, in addition to 421 goals scored and 197 goals conceded.

The commander stands out, mainly, for the titles he won. There were two Libertadores (2020 and 2021), a Brazilian Championship (2020), a Brazilian Cup (2020), two Paulista Championships (2022 and 2023), a Brazilian Super Cup (2023) and a South American Recopa (2022).

“There are three years of hard work, 11 finals… There is turbulence, but mostly from the press. No Palmeiras fans came to complain to me, it’s just gratitude. And there are fans from other teams who come to talk to me too, with admiration. Turbulence is part of it and difficult moments define true champions. Three years of a lot of learning”

Abel Ferreira has a contract with Verdão until 2024. Under his command, Palmeiras returns to the field next Wednesday, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), when they visit Flamengo, for the 33rd round of the Brasileirão.