Artur Jorge projects Botafogo x Palmeiras in the Libertadores: “Exactly the same”

Arthur Jorge has been making a great start to its work with the Botafogowith the team fighting for the top of the league table Brasileirãoand guaranteed in the round of 16 of the Libertadores. In fact, in the continental competition, Fogão is preparing to face the three-time champion Palm treespromising to be one of the great duels of this phase.

In an interview with ‘Seleção SporTV’, the Portuguese coach spoke about the confrontation against the team of Abel Ferreira. Showing a lot of respect to Palmeiras, Artur Jorge admitted that it will be a complicated game, but understands that the São Paulo club will also have difficulties to overcome Botafogo, defining the duel as very balanced.

Asked about his reaction upon learning that Palmeiras was Botafogo’s opponent, the coach responded calmly. “(I reacted) Exactly the same, as if it were any other. I can’t be in a Libertadores round of 16 competition choosing opponents. It won’t be easy for us and it won’t be easy for Palmeiras. We want to make this Botafogo have a unique mentality. We will compete to see if we will be stronger or not”he stated.

Last year, Botafogo and Palmeiras played one of the biggest games of the season, in Nilton Santos, which ended with a sad ending for the Botafoguenses. Furthermore, the Brasileirão, which Fogão led for dozens of rounds, ended up with Verdão, but the subject now is the Libertadores. The Brazilian clubs face each other on August 14th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Glorioso’s home, and define the place a week later, at Allianz Parque.