After winning the classification for the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup, this Saturday (28), Palmeiras coach, Abel Ferreira, praised Paulinho, author of the only 1-0 win over Botafogo, ten minutes into the extension. The attacker underwent surgery in the right cinnamon in December because of a bone fissure, but will have to undergo a new operation after the tournament, which is being played in the United States.
“That’s why we brought Paulinho. We knew we couldn’t count on him more than 30 minutes. After this World Cup is over, everyone knows what will happen. He will have to be operated again,” said Palmeirense coach, publicly confirming the information for the first time.
According to Abel Ferreira, a special plan was necessary for Paulinho before the trip to the United States. After medical examinations performed in Brazil, the coach and the coaching staff defined his participation in the World Cup.
“He deserved this goal. For all he conceded and suffered. We knew his conditions. We thought he could be important here. We talked. No one forces anyone,” said the Portuguese, who had to replace the hero of the day. “It was Paulinho who asked to leave after the goal.”
Palmeiras will return to the field on Friday (4), fighting for a place in the semifinals. Abel will not be able to count on Gustavo Gómez and Piquerez, suspended. Murilo, who suffered injury during the first phase dispute, is out of the World Cup.
