Ferreira praises Cerro Porteño's intensity after Palmeiras advances in Libertadores

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira acknowledged the intensity of Cerro Porteño after his team secured a 1-0 victory to reach the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Ferreira specifically lauded the Paraguayan team's "delivery and intensity," stating that it forced Palmeiras to compete at a high level.

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Cerro Porteño has a delivery and an intensity that are abundant.

Ferreira highlighted Palmeiras' transformation into a "super winning team" since 2020, capable of competing in multiple competitions. He defended the club's sporting project and its emphasis on developing young players, like Luis, while also criticizing what he perceives as damaging and "toxic" influences from certain segments of the Brazilian press.

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We knew this was a game that could define the moment of an era. But few Brazilian football teams are in all competitions.

"There are some [critics] I admire for constructive criticism, because it makes sense, but there are others that one day I will have to name," Ferreira stated. He contrasted Palmeiras' current talent with the "capacity for suffering" of his earlier teams, drawing a parallel with Cerro Porteño's strong commitment and intensity, which he believes compensates for any perceived lack of talent.

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This Palmeiras you see now, since 2020, has had the capacity to transform into a super winning team, valuing not only Brazilian football but also the titles we have collected for our club.

To overcome Cerro Porteño in the demanding La Nueva Olla stadium, Ferreira explained his strategy was to "go out better than them where their strong point is." The coach expressed satisfaction with the qualification, achieved in a challenging environment.

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There are some [critics] I admire for constructive criticism, because it makes sense, but there are others that one day I will have to name.