Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira hit out media for criticising sensation Estevao Willian ahead of his much-awaited move to Chelsea this summer. The youngster recently revealed his nervousness at finally joining the Blues after the Club World Cup. The attacker played a key role in the club topping their Club World Cup group and reaching the round of 16 stage.
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Ferreira backed Estevao WillianUrged media to sow empathy towards youngsterPalmeiras face Botafogo in Club World CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Addressing the 18-year-old's anxiety ahead of the big move to the Premier League, Palmeiras head coach Ferreira came to the player's defence as he slammed the media for their comments and urged them to show empathy towards the 'pure and naive' talent.
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Speaking to reporters, the Portuguese coach said: "I have nothing more to say [about Estevao's performance]. It was you who chose [to give the man of the match award to him in the first two matches], not me. I don't know what you want. I think it's perfectly normal [what Estevao said]. Do you know what the difference is between a human being and an animal? It's feelings and emotions. It's normal, in this type of game, for us to be more nervous, anxious. It's normal for a kid who had a dream and is seeing that dream come true.
"What he's feeling is normal. And the kid, who is already 18 years old, naive, said what he felt. Because what he's feeling is normal. And a good part of you [the media], the fans, is this what you do with the players here? Top players, who played in Brazil and abroad. They're going to talk about what the media does here with the players and coaches. Listen. It's not what Abel says. These are top players and coaches. Willian, who played for Corinthians, for example. But I understand. That's what sells. The blood, the criticism, sells more. That's right. That's what sells today. And we all make money one way, or you make money another way."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea announced a year ago that Estevao would be heading to London this summer following his 18th birthday. He has kept up his impressive form since the move was confirmed, scoring 11 goals in all competitions before the Club World Cup. His admission at having growing anxiety as his move from Brazil to England nears sparked a lot of talk in his homeland, but his manager was passionate in his defence.
The 46-year-old added: "Do you have a degree, did you take a course? Did you leave home, leave your parents to study on your own? You know what that cost, don't you? Sometimes, the exercise of empathy, especially you, who are the ones commenting, shooting… If we all made an effort to put ourselves in his shoes, when he was 18 years old half a dozen days ago, you'd have more understanding. He's my daughter's age."
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PALMEIRAS?
Palmeiras will be back in action on Saturday as they take on fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in their round of 16 clash at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
