Watch Abel Ferreira’s press conference after São Paulo 0 x 0 Palmeiras
Raphael Veiga usually appears at the Football Academy outside of training hours to work on his own recovery. Less than a week ago, he used social media to vent about the bad moment he was experiencing at Palmeiras and ended up being embraced by the fans. In the locker rooms, support is constant, even when they disagree with the athlete’s decisions.
– There was no need to go to the networks to apologize, because when he decides games he won’t say he decided either – said Abel Ferreira, regarding the midfielder’s post.
– That’s what I think. But if my player feels good about doing this, he will have my full support – added the coach.
In the goalless draw with São Paulo, on Monday, Veiga led the midfield as a starter for the seventh match in a row at Verdão, only being left out of the draw with San Lorenzo in this sequence, risked two shots and had 72% accuracy in the passes.
In Abel’s opinion, he played a good game, even though this is not the rule for the midfielder.
– Veiga is not a machine. He is a human being, he has emotions, feelings, he always tries to be in the best shape. Sometimes he goes to the CT at night to recover, but there are so many expectations for him, not from me, but from everyone… – says Abel, in defense of the athlete.
São Paulo 0 X 0 Palmeiras | Best Moments | 4th round | Brasileirão 2024
Over the last few weeks, in fact, the coach even signaled his concern about Veiga’s physical condition due to the game schedule and put him on the field anyway. To replace him now, the options are Luis Guilherme, Jhon Jhon and Rômulo, still below the level of the number 23.
And the possibility of sparing him seems more distant now.
– We respect Veiga a lot, and he knows how much the team needs him. If I understand that he must gain shape by playing, that’s how it will be because I’m the coach and I know him. If we have to risk the injury limit, we will risk it, if we have to manage it, we will manage it – says Abel.
– There were many issues that I spent sleepless nights trying to understand each player’s desire, speaking to them individually (before the game with Del Valle). It’s my attitude, that’s what I do with my players. I think I’m very good at reading what people say to the body – he adds.
24 minutes into the 2nd half – free kick saved by Raphael Veiga from Palmeiras against São Paulo
Now, after Choque-Rei in the Brazilian championship, Palmeiras will return on Tuesday morning at the Football Academy to begin preparations for their debut in the Copa do Brasil. Verdão hosts Botafogo-SP, on Thursday, at Allianz Parque, in the third phase of the competition.
+ Watch everything from Palm trees on Globo, sportv and ge
Tags: Abel disagrees Veiga outburst defends midfielder Palmeiras Hes machine palm trees
