Among the greatest in America! Abel Ferreira equals Carlos Bianchi's record.

Palmeiras won 2-1 against Flamengo and became champion of the Copa Libertadores 2021. This way, Verdao achieved its second consecutive title in this continental tournament, under the direction of Abel Ferreira. The Portuguese coach equaled the record of Carlos Bianchi, who was the last coach to win a double championship in this competition (Boca Juniors 2000 and 2001).

Despite the criticism of his playing style, the former Sporting Braga coach convinced his players that his idea is the right one. The Portuguese coach aims to keep a clean sheet and attack on the counter through the wings, taking advantage of the speed of his forwards.

To do this, he found two leaders in the team: Felipe Melo and Gustavo Gomez. Ferreira sees them as natural leaders on and off the field. In addition, their intensity and tactical rigor are fundamental to his game plan.

Abel Ferreira was born on December 22, 1978, in the city of Porto. During his playing career, he defended the jerseys of Vitoria Guimaraes, Sporting Braga, and Sporting Lisbon. However, in 2011 he retired from football due to an injury.

That same year, he started his coaching career in the youth divisions of Sporting Lisbon. In 2016, he had his first experience as a first division coach when he managed Sporting Braga. Subsequently, he coached PAOK in Greece and arrived at Palmeiras in 2020.

Ferreira is an avid follower of his compatriot José Mourinho, whom he considers his greatest reference. In some interviews, the Portuguese coach has mentioned that he has read many books by 'Mou' and has used many of his strategies. He is also an admirer of Argentine Marcelo Gallardo, River Plate's coach, whom he has praised on several occasions.

With this title, Abel Ferreira joins a select group of coaches who have won two consecutive titles in the Copa Libertadores de América. Furthermore, he is the first European coach to achieve a double championship in this continental tournament.