Palmeiras Coach Urges Estêvão to Shine vs. Chelsea
The match at Lincoln Financial Field follows a series of tournament upsets, including Al Hilal and Fluminense knocking out Manchester City and Inter Milan, respectively.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira urges 18-year-old winger Estêvão to give everything against Chelsea in the Club World Cup quarterfinal, despite his future move to the Premier League club. Photo/Getty Images.
By Robert Assad
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has urged 18-year-old winger Estêvão to give everything against Chelsea in Friday’s Club World Cup quarterfinal, despite the English club being his future team.
The teenager, already signed by Chelsea in a deal potentially worth up to €67 million ($78.8 million), is set to join the Premier League side later this month.
Until then, Ferreira expects full commitment from the rising star, calling the upcoming match an opportunity to “show all his talent.”“While he’s with us, he has tasks and commitments to fulfill,” Ferreira said at a news conference Thursday.
“After that, he’ll be free to return to Chelsea. Until then, he’ll give his best, and there’s no better way to say goodbye than by helping us in this World Cup.”Estêvão, who admitted the transfer has been emotionally challenging, has yet to record a goal or assist in the tournament.
His comments earlier in the competition drew some criticism from fans and media, but Ferreira defended the young player, saying it’s “normal to be nervous” under such pressure.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said his squad is focused on Palmeiras as a whole, not just Estêvão. “We prepare against Palmeiras, not just Estêvão,” he said.
“He is a talented player, but he is a Palmeiras player right now.”Despite being heavy underdogs against the 2021 UEFA Champions League and current Conference League champions, Ferreira said his squad is united in its ambition.
“To say that Chelsea are better than Palmeiras is simply being realistic,” Ferreira said. “They came here and bought our best player. But no one plays alone in my teams. We run, fight, suffer and win for each other.”
The match at Lincoln Financial Field follows a series of tournament upsets, including Al Hilal and Fluminense knocking out Manchester City and Inter Milan, respectively.
“The fact that Chelsea are favorites does not mean that we do not also have weapons and ambition,” Ferreira added. “We must face our opponents within our means, within our strategy, within our game plan.”
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