A prominent former player has sharply criticized Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira for comments suggesting his team had given up on the Brazilian league title, sparking debate over sportsmanship and strategy.
Luisão, a former captain for Portuguese club Benfica and now an ESPN Brasil pundit, made the strong remarks after Palmeiras’s recent 0-0 draw against Fluminense. Ferreira had publicly declared that “the championship is decided” with three rounds remaining in the Brasileirão.
Luisão labeled Ferreira’s statement “disdain for the Brazilian championship” and an “unfortunate strategy.” Speaking on the program ‘Resenha da Rodada’, he added that Ferreira and Palmeiras President Leila Pereira sometimes “behave as if they are above good and evil.”
While Luisão expressed doubt that Ferreira would genuinely “throw in the towel,” he reiterated that the comments showed disrespect. The criticism extended to the current league leaders, other competing teams, and the eventual champion.
Flamengo currently leads the top-tier Brazilian league, the Brasileirão, by four points over second-placed Palmeiras. The title could potentially be decided as early as Wednesday in Brazil. This scenario depends on Flamengo securing a win against Atlético Mineiro and Palmeiras suffering a defeat against Grêmio.