Palmeiras lost to Flamengo in the Libertadores da America final on Saturday (29/11). Coach Abel Ferreira did not hesitate to acknowledge the opponent’s superiority, highlighting the experience and skill of the Rio team in moments of pressure. He also mentioned that some basic features are missing.
Regarding the team’s strategy, which gives rise to the impression that Palmeiras was waiting for Flamengo’s initiative in the first half, Abel answered:
He said in a press conference: “Despite having a young team, we lacked more courage and boldness. I think that is what we lacked, and I think it is as I said here, the way our opponent plays is not surprising, they are destroying the team.”
He also claimed that there was no justification for the defeat. “I will not justify much, I will just say that our opponent was better and more experienced and knew how to deal with this moment of tension, which is a final match. I think that experience today overcame disrespect and they were better, although the match was decided by one detail, but I think that in general our opponent was better than Palmeiras,” the coach said.
The coach said he noticed similarities with the 2021 final. “The dynamics of the game are not much different, but the team is different. It is a team that has multiple options, on and off the pitch, has a lot of experience, and is very well coached. Comparing the dynamics, it is quite similar.”
The coach also commented on the details of the match and the opportunities it created. “He was heavier, tougher and more experienced, and he knew how to deal with this moment of tension. Even though the game was decided by a set-piece, we still had a clear and brilliant chance from Roque. Flamengo was better,” he analyzed.