In response to Jogada10’s question about the possibility of entering the list of the top 3 coaches with the most Libertadores titles, the coach answered with a philosophy; See the answer
November 29
2025
– 07:12
(Updated at 7:33 a.m.)
Photo: Disclosure / Conmebol – Caption: Abel Ferreira during Verdão’s match for Libertadores-2025 / Jogada10
How much does it cost to make history? Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira may achieve an astonishing personal achievement on Saturday the 29th, the day the Libertadores da América title will be decided. After all, the 46-year-old could slot into the top three coaches with the most titles in the continent’s premier competition.
Already with two titles with Verdão (2020 and 2021), the Portuguese can leave 11 other historic coaches and join Argentine Osvaldo Zubeldia as the only three-time champion of the tournament, behind the legendary (and also Argentine) Carlos Bianchi, who has won four times.
This issue was addressed through a report Play10Abel revealed that he does not “care” about such numbers. This is because, according to his opinion – in the philosophical response – humility comes first.
“Honestly? I don’t care. I’ve said it many times: I’m from a small town (Penafil), very humble, I’m the son of humble people. Nothing was given to me, everything was occupied. And what I tell my players, and when I say it, I listen to myself, ‘Be the best you can be’. Take advantage of this opportunity, this experience, because it will remain prominent in our history and in our memories,” he said.
Is the journey or destination important, Abel?
Abel continued with the long answer, explaining the importance he places on the people around him. After all, for the two-time Libertadores champion, the important thing is not the destination, but another factor.
“I have been asked several times, because we have already won two, what have I kept or kept. And sometimes they ask me what is more important: the journey or the destination? For me, Abel Ferreira, the most important thing is the company. It is the company. This is everything we have gone through throughout this journey to reach the final, but with whom I lived with. With the people I lived with. The players I interacted with, that is what I keep”.
Finally, the multiple champion and Palmeiras fan star admitted that he has a clear conscience about the decision against Flamengo. The reason is simple: according to Abel, he did everything in his power to prepare his athletes for eternal glory.
“For me, more than if I were first, second, fifth… I want to get to the end of the game tomorrow and make sure I sleep well. I have a clear conscience that I did everything, but everything I could to prepare my players, so that when they enter the field, they are light, fresh, and quick to make good decisions, so that Palmeiras is the winner in the end. It’s not Abel. It’s Palmeiras. That’s what I work for. Serving others.” He concluded: “I want to give my best. This is my primary task as a coach.”
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