After the home draw with Juventude, which left Palmeiras further from the leadership of Brasileirão, Abel Ferreira did not forget the analysts who criticize him for the defensive style of the team, especially in the Libertadores games.
«Don’t talk to me about a retranqueiro [n.d.r. jogar na retranca, à defesa]. We have to improve the collective commitment defensively. That’s what this team has at Libertadores», said Abel Ferreira after the game, having also left some messages inside:
– We cannot concede the goal as we suffered. The players were told that the opponent was going to look for the dead ball and the transition, it was essential to have security, patience and speed. Have been warned. The numbers are clear as water. We have an average of conceded goals for a relegation team.
“I can’t have 22 games and have 26 conceded goals. It’s a lack of defensive collective commitment. (…) I’m also part of the team and I also criticize the coach. It’s a collective criticism and the coach is in it. It is collective defensive commitment and solidarity. It’s not for the defense or for the forwards, it’s for everyone», he concluded.
The slip against Juventude left Palmeiras, second-placed with 39 points, ten points behind leader Atlético Mineiro.
– .
