Palermo celebrates Fortaleza’s transformation: “This group has been reborn”

Coach Martin Palermo celebrated Fortaleza’s 2-1 victory over Corinthians, on Wednesday (3), at Arena Castelao, in the 37th round of the Brazilian League.

Thanks to the goals of Pochettino and Herrera, Tricolor raised its tally to 43 points, jumping to 16th place, and depends only on itself in the final round to ensure its continuity.

“We still have not achieved anything“, Palermo began, despite the joyful atmosphere that prevailed in the stadium.”I believe we are making important steps towards this major challenge that we have set ourselves since my arrival. Today was a victory as we do in every match: a lot of fighting, a lot of dedication and a lot of suffering until the end. It’s part of football, the adrenaline of living those 90 minutes“.

The coach stressed that the team is adapting to its identity. “The team recognizes the way I live football, this passion. It wasn’t easy for me as a player, and today, as a coach, I want my team to reflect that. I would like to have a more glamorous spectacle sometimes, but today’s football has to recognize what the team has to offer. This makes me happy“.

Palermo praised Perino’s decisive performance once again. “Breno being a character and creator of the end result is part of what goalkeepers are asked to do: to react and save games. Just as strikers are required to score goals. Today the team is complete in everything“, male.

The coach also valued the team’s collective and individual growth. “We build a solid foundation across all lines“He explained.”We knew there was human material, and that it was a great band. Players’ minds did not respond sometimes, and their confidence was low. But we were making the team grow collectively and individually“.

Palermo highlighted that the cast was emotionally reborn. “Today we are more alive than ever, with enthusiasm and confidence in what we can achieve“, He said.”This would have been difficult to imagine three months ago. And we keep fighting. One match remaining“.

Regarding the substitutions, the Argentine explained that they are strategic and physical decisions. “I took Parreiro out because he was a commentator and I knew how he fought for every ball; I didn’t want to risk it. Brino has put in a lot of effort. Pierre left because he was feeling uncomfortable since the last match. I kept the rule because the team is strong“, he declared.Now we have to analyze who will arrive better on Sunday“.

When asked why the team has changed so much under his leadership, Palermo emphasized simplicity and confidence. “What I did was work, believe in my work and especially in the players“I didn’t make any sudden changes,” he said. I sought simplicity. One match sparked everything, the match against Juventus. And there we said: “We can.” Since then we have been more alive than ever.”

The coach also planned the decisive match against Botafogo in Rio.”We know the difficulty of the artificial field and the strength of the competitor. But we beat the Libertadores champions“, he declared.Why don’t we believe we can achieve the result that keeps us in Series A?“

Finally, Palermo praised the team environment. “What has been generated at the club is very strong. Important players who are not playing continue to support. This forms groups that achieve goals“, highlighted.”Today, when the match ended, many cried. They are exhausted. It’s a passion to live it all. But the answer has always been there: the team gave everything until the end, and today was no different“.