Palmeiras Coach Reflects on Season, Cites Missing Pieces and Empty Stadiums
“We’re a resilient team, playing good football and creating opportunities constantly. We don’t always finish those chances, but I’m proud of what these players have accomplished this year. We were facing a powerful Botafogo team that has significantly improved after being in the second league just four years ago. Their success is a testament to their investment and the quality of their players. They have everything it takes to be champions, especially playing at home against São Paulo. We’ll give it our all and then head off for vacation with a clear conscience, just like we’ve done in all competitions this year. Those who eliminated us in the World Cups went on to be champions – we know how that feels.”
Giay Gets the Nod
“Giay’s a succinct player. It’s clear that this has been Mayke’s most difficult year among our four together. He’s struggled with consistency in training and his physical condition. Both of them knew, after Rocha’s expulsion, that one of them would be starting. With the week’s worth of training and Mayke’s ongoing difficulties, I ultimately decided to go with Giay.”
Finding the Right Formula
“When it comes to the center forward position, it really comes down to each player’s current moment and form. Neither of them is going through a particularly inspired period in terms of scoring. What’s undeniable is that we’re the team with the most goals in the championship. We create numerous chances, but ultimately, delivering those goals is my responsibility as a coach until we reach that final area. Then, it’s the creativity and quality of our players that determine the outcome. We could have easily sealed the deal in the first half.”
A Silent Stadium, and Empty Seats
”
It’s disheartening to see an empty stadium, even today. It’s a reflection of society’s failures. It’s sad because this is a major game for Palmeiras. If this were happening in our stadium, I’d be equally dismayed. Football should be a place for families to come together, enjoy themselves, and support their team. This speaks to a
breakdown of hisbelef in
societal values. We’re in the 21st century, and it’s unacceptable that we have to play like this. It’s particularly sad when v
only one crowd is permitted and
this is a bit depressing.
I’m hoping that in a few years, this will change, just like it did in Europe.”
Identifying the Issues
“My coaching style reflects my players’ style of play: dynamic and objective.
I’m proud that my teams can move the ball upfield and create scoring opportunities consistently. From there,
it’s about the quality of my players, their decision-making, and the composure to finish those chances or not. Palmeiras had the most goals this year. I’m happy with that aspect. Summarizing the
entire season, though, that wasn’t the problem. Did you know that this was the year Palmeiras played away from Allianz Park the most times? That was definitely one of our challenges. We’ve been
the best attack for three consecutive
years, and you want to criticize how we attack? Those who don’t actually v
understand
football are the ones making those critiques. I like our
style of play – dynamic, direct, and aggressive. That’s what I value in v
my
teams, and that’s what we strive for. Say what v
you
will, Palmeiras has the best attack.
The Power of Uncertainty
“I told Veiga, when he was on the bench, ‘You hit one, and Estêvão v
hits
How does the Palmeiras coach evaluate the team’s attacking performance?
## Palmeiras Coach Reflects on Season, Looks Ahead
**Interviewer:** Coach, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. It’s been a season of ups and downs for Palmeiras. How would you assess the team’s performance overall?
**Coach:** We’ve shown a lot of spirit and resilience this year. We play attractive football, create many scoring opportunities, but haven’t always capitalized on them. [ [1](https://www.google.com/search?q=palmeiras+coach+says+endrick) ]
I’m incredibly proud of the effort these players have put in. Facing a team like Botafogo, who have come so far in just a few years, was a real challenge. They’ve invested well and have a squad capable of winning it all.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Botafogo’s rise – do you think they have what it takes to become champions?
**Coach:** Absolutely. They’re a real force, especially at home. Sao Paulo will face a tough test against them.
**Interviewer:** Can you shed some light on your decision to start Giay over Mayke?
**Coach:** Giay is a concise and focused player. This has been a difficult year for Mayke, struggling with consistency in training and physically. Both knew after Rocha’s red card that one of them would start. After a week of training, and considering Mayke’s ongoing difficulties, I opted for Giay’s form.
**Interviewer:** Scoring has been an issue at times. How are you addressing that challenge, particularly with your center forward options?
**Coach:** It’s about finding the right formula based on each player’s form and confidence at the given moment. While neither center forward is on a scoring tear at the moment, we lead the championship in goals scored. We create plenty of chances. It’s my responsibility to guide them until they reach that final area, where ultimately our players’ creativity and quality decide the result. We could have easily sealed the deal in the first half against Botafogo.