Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira is urging his team to stay grounded despite a seven-game winning streak across the Brasileirão and Libertadores. After beating Bolívar 3-2 in La Paz, Ferreira stressed the need for improvement, pointing out errors in the first two goals conceded. The team’s goalkeeper made a crucial mistake, Ferreira said.
The coach is worried about the impact of praise on his players. “I’m going to put ice on the press,” he said, warning his team not to get caught up in the hype. The same media outlets that are now praising them were quick to criticize them after they lost in the Paulista final. Ferreira reminded his players that their strength lies in their collective spirit, not individual performances.
A Warning Against Complacency
Ferreira’s comments come as Palmeiras looks to build on its recent success. The team managed to perform well in the Paulistão despite injuries and no new signings. But Ferreira is cautious, knowing that complacency can creep in when things are going well. He’s telling his players to ignore the praise and stay focused on their goals. “When we let our egos get massaged, it’s a danger,” he said. “So, let’s stay calm and keep our feet on the ground.”
The coach’s words are a reminder that success is fragile and can quickly turn to failure if a team becomes too confident. Ferreira’s team has shown it can overcome adversity, but now they face the challenge of staying motivated and hungry for more.
