Palmeiras will be the underdogs when they take on Chelsea in the quarter-final of the Club World Cup on Friday but they will be hoping for a bit of support from the home crowd.
This summer’s tournament is played exclusively in the United States and the Palmeiras - Chelsea clash will take place on July 4, Independence Day. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira jokingly called on Americans to come and support his team, “against the English.”
“Yes, we are the underdog,” Ferreira told reporters ahead of the game. “It can be a good opportunity for the local people to join up with us against the English. Because tomorrow — if I am not wrong — it is Independence Day, against? The English!”
He continued: “So join us, come with us because we need your support.”
Palmeiras made it through the group stages and eliminated fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in the round-of-16. The meeting with Chelsea represents their sternest test to date but they will take real confidence from the impressive showings from all four Brazilian teams at this summer’s tournament.
With four representatives, no other nation can match Brazil at the Club World Cup. Even more impressively, all four of Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo made it through to the knockout rounds. Ferreira is hoping that his side can continue that good form.
“We will give our best tomorrow and I hope that we are in a good moment, focused on our job, and try our best,” the Portuguese head coach promised.
“It’s true that Chelsea have a big team with a lot of talent, young players. But we have one dream and we will fight for that dream with open eyes, and give our maximum tomorrow.”
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