The Portuguese coach speaks again about his future at the club, says he didn’t kiss the medal “by chance” in the Libertadores final, and that Brazilian football “will move forward, but at a snail’s pace.”
Statements from Palmeiras’ coach, the Portuguese Abel Ferreira, after the 3-0 victory against Atlético Mineiro, on the night Flamengo won the title :
Future at Palmeiras:
“Nothing to say, I’ve spoken as many times as necessary during all this time, and so has our president. I only have one word, and I gave my word to the president: she understands that I’m a project-oriented coach and that she wants me to continue; it’s her dream, until 2027. And I’ve always said that I would never be a problem for Palmeiras, I will always be a solution. Nothing to add.”
An assessment of Palmeiras’ season and whether they think changes are needed next year:
“Changes are needed, but not at Palmeiras. Only those I want to fool will fool me. I just want to tell the fans: Palmeiras is a different and special club. And I am, more than anything, a relationship coach, but only those I want to fool will fool me. Today, an incident happened on the field that was exactly the same as what happened in the Libertadores final. The titles I won at Palmeiras don’t have asterisks. Yes, we lost, we were runners-up, but did you see the kiss I gave the medal? It was a kiss on the medal [editor’s note: from the Libertadores final] and on the Palmeiras symbol; I’m proud to be from Palmeiras. How many times have you heard me say that I would be against everything and everyone? That after the São Paulo game, a lot changed? The day you feel that I don’t represent Palmeiras to the level of Palmeiras’ greatness, I don’t want to receive another penny. I didn’t kiss the medal by chance, and everyone heard what I said to the president of CONMEBOL.” Congratulations to Flamengo, they were the winners, they have an excellent squad, coach, and are well-organized, but I’m proud of what we accomplished.
Game:
“We carried the scars from the last game. I understand that many people want to say: second place is bad, nothing is good enough, but once again we proved what the team has shown throughout this year while they let us. Down 2-0 and with one less player, we were warriors, we won deservedly.”
Assessment of the organization of Brazilian football:
“You won’t catch me talking about anything. I was banging my head against a brick wall, they warned me in the first year. Regarding that, they know better than I do and I’m not going to say anything. I love being at Palmeiras and this is where I like to be. As long as I feel there’s energy from my players and we fight for titles… regarding the evaluation, I can gladly do it. I’ll go further. Paulista Championship: five years, three titles. Libertadores Cup: six appearances, three finals. Brazilian Championship: five appearances, two first places, three runner-up finishes. In the Copa do Brasil, yes, we won one, played four more and lost. To the Palmeiras fans I say: the earth is not devastated and I am lucky to be present in Palmeiras’ history, in the most victorious cycle. Palmeiras is more recognized, nationally and internationally, for the prestige of its organization, the greatness of its processes and for what it does as an institution. 15 days ago, a director and a vice-director from Liverpool came to see our training center.” Regarding Brazilian football, it will move forward, but at a snail’s pace.