Pokerface

With delight or more likely fear, you might think I’m referring to Vanderlei Luxemburgo: the coach who has led Palmeiras no less than four different times and an avid man with the cards. Paulo Nobre keeps his face and claims it’s all speculations. I take his words for it. After all, Luxa hasn’t been anywhere near his old self for quite some time.

That not meaning Kleina can relax in his seat. On the contrary: there’s a growing feeling he’s not cut for Palmeiras’ centenary. Seemingly unable to motivate the squad in their 9 to 5 approach to the Serie B, he’s also doing too little too late during games, being overly careful, defensive, hesitant, almost gutless. There’s no spark. It still works, for now. But it’s not but one envisions for 2014.

Nobre must be thinking the same, but he keeps his face, knowing that there’s nothing a swap at this moment would achieve. Better conduct discreet negotiations, sign a heavy hitter as soon as the season ends and give him the squad to mold as he pleases during the, for Palmeiras, unusual long rest in between seasons.

Tonight, Flamengo coach Mano Menezes resigned. Will he be called back to Corinthians? Where would Tite be heading, to Internacional? Is anyone at all interested in what Dunga has to offer if he’s sacked at Inter? To what extent can Palmeiras stir the waters?

— ooo —

Great 2-4 victory last Tuesday against Avaí’s eleven and the referee, who was nothing but a disaster. In any case, with 52 points, Palmeiras lead six points ahead of Chapecoense and only need four or perhaps five victories out of the remaining 15 rounds to secure. On Saturday, Sport is the opponent, at the Pacaembu. Expect a good turnout.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!
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