Abel Ferreira’s New Suspension: What’s Happening at Palmeiras?

Once again, Abel Ferreira was unable to give instructions from the field and had to hand the mission over to the already experienced João Martins. The reason? A suspension following an outburst of anger that resulted in a microphone being kicked. This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and the assistant—who has also already received his share of warnings—had to take charge.

The Retractation After the Win

After the emotional victory over São Paulo at the NuBank Parque, João Martins was asked about the increase in the penalty that Abel received from the Superior Court of Sports Justice (STJD). The suspension went from two to three matches. Calm as someone who has seen it all, he commented:

"At university, I had a discipline called History of Sport, where I learned that football is a reflection of the society of our country. Just like in Norway, in Portugal and in Brazil, football says a lot about who we are. And if you follow the news today, you’ll understand what I mean."

It’s hard not to think that the Portuguese coach was comparing the situation of our top sports court to an agency that neither he nor the fans view favorably. Criticism of the STJD has merit, and the reality is that the Palmeiras coaching staff’s frequent lack of emotional control often leads to punishments.

A History of Warnings

Abel Ferreira has already racked up more than one hundred cards since taking over at Palmeiras, and his assistants aren’t far behind, with dozens of warnings as well. It’s true that many of those cards were unfair, but a good portion ends up being deserved, doesn’t it?

The problem? Responsibility often doesn’t fall on them. Behaviors like this, along with the history of always trying to dodge criticism, becomes exhausting. Maybe it’s time for João Martins and his group—which only recently got here—to take a look at the concept of self-criticism.

The Need to Reflect

It’s always easier to point the finger at Brazil and its issues when things aren’t going well, but the truth is that maybe the team needs a bit of therapy. And yes, plenty of therapy.

The situation is complicated, and only time will tell whether Abel and his staff will truly change this narrative. In the meantime, fans remain hopeful, rooting for better days.