The first meeting between Abel Ferreira and Palmeiras fans at Allianz Parque, Saturday, was not perfect, as the team lost to Bragantino 2-4 in a 25th round match. The third defeat in four games, which prompted fans to toast the team with boos at the end and chants of “Team Unabashedly”.

Abel Ferreira thanked the support and noted the cheers:

“We are bad. It is a moment of anger, pain for those who love Palmeiras, we want more and better. But that’s what I want from our fans, who support us throughout the match and cover us after the end. Today for me, the positive record is that in 90 minutes rally Palmeiras has always supported the team.”

I can say that fans win matches. We’re with a great team and these fans are pushing… Did we get to 2-3 (after losing 0-3) and there was only 30% capacity on the field? Yes, fans win matches. Often it didn’t take four goals, they saw the players were running and supporting. Finally, cover. Today we deserve nothing but censure.”

Regarding the title, with Atletico Mineiro now at 14 points, the Portuguese coach was direct: “I have to be realistic, I can’t sell dreams. When you see Atletico Mineiro very strong, without facilitating anything, and Flamengo very strong … There are a lot of games ahead of us and we have to remember that we have a match on the 27th. [a final da Libertadores frente ao Flamengo] And these Brazilian games will prepare us.”