Football Season Guide

Verdão had mixed feelings in the last two seasons. While struggling to put out a challenge for the title in domestic league, Palmeiras proved to be specialized in knock-out competitions, winning Copa Libertadores twice in a row. Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira was the mastermind of these two major successes. Already in 2022, the international success continued, as ‘Verdão’ won Recopa Sudamericana (Continental Supercup) against Athlético PR in March. In February, Palmeiras had reached Clubs World Cup final only to lose to a strong Chelsea on extra-time. Big celebrations as well in Campeonato Paulista, as Palmeiras defeated rivals São Paulo in an amazing 4-0 win in second leg after defeat in the first one. Jailson and Atuesta are important additions for midfield, increasing the number of competent options for the position. Rafael Navarro is a good option for the reference striker as alternative to the mobile forward Abel usual starts the games. Centre-half Murillo is, for now, the only new signing that seems destined to be a firm first-team option. Felipe Melo, Danilo Barbosa and Luiz Adriano left unsurprisingly, but there is some shock over the youngster Patrick de Paula leaving this summer to Série A rivals Botafogo. The midfielder was expected to be involved in a big transfer just a year ago. His profile outside the pitch seems to have been the main reason for the club wanting to let him go. Dudu is the reference in attack, while Rony will always be an important option for pace and depth in attack. Weverton and Gomez should remain the rocks at the back, while Raphael Veiga seems to be more and more the man for creative moves and passes. The biggest hopes for 2022 and on are, nonetheless, the young talents. Danilo, Menino, Véron and Wesley are confirmed assets and should be involved in big moves in the next future. At 15, midfielder Endrick may be given a couple of calls to at least sit on the bench, during this season. Abel Ferreira is an icon, already, and should continue his highly pragmatic posture. The biggest problem of Palmeiras seems to be getting regular wins against weaker sides, as they struggle to play those games where they will have lots of the ball and very little space in the final third.