By Melody Gross 
Coach Abel Ferreira has been accused of machismo after telling a Brazilian journalist that he only gives “justifications to three women”, shortly after Palmeiras' defeat to Cuiabá de Pite.
Abel Ferreira is embroiled in controversy in Brazil after answering a question from a journalist on Saturday during a press conference following the committee meeting. Brazilian.
Asked about Palmeiras player Mike's injury in the first half, the Portuguese coach responded angrily:
“One thing you have to understand is that I only have three women to please: my mother, my wife, and Laila. [presidente do Palmeiras]”They are the only ones who can ask me for clarifications. Others can express themselves, praise and complain. A coach must know how to listen and accept. Unfortunately, things happened within the club in August, the worst of which were injuries. Some you knew and some you didn't.”
There are posts on the Internet pointing the finger at the Portuguese, accusing him of being macho and disrespecting the journalist in question.
“I'm not that machine”
The defeat to Cuiabá came on the heels of elimination from the Libertadores, leading to many Verdão fans criticising the Portuguese coach.
At the same press conference, Abel Ferreira objected to the criticism he received and praised the Palmeiras president.
“I'm not that machine, I do the best I can with what I have. The only thing I'm lucky to have is that I have players who always give their best and a president… you only see a few coaches in that position,” he said, noting that Brazil, but not all of them, lead like him.
The coach also highlighted Palmeiras's excellence in August, a difficult month for the team plagued by injuries. In August, in addition to being eliminated from the Libertadores Cup, São Paulo was eliminated from the Brazilian Cup.
“Injuries, two yesterday, one from Vitor [Reis] And one from Gabriel Menino. We are serious about the games we have, there is no way. Also the “haters” are eroding, we have to distinguish between the fan and the hater. Football is a much more mental game than you think, and it is a pity that we do not demand as much from the rest of society as we do from players and coaches. Why are they not the same? Shot.
Sao Paulo achieved its second consecutive victory in the Brazilian League, and remained in third place with 44 points, behind the leader Botafogo (46), Arthur Jorge who plays today with Bahia, and the surprise Fortaleza (45), who is in second place. He played at least two matches.
Cuiaba have gone six games without a win in the championship, including five defeats, and remain in the relegation zone, in 19th and penultimate place with 18 points.