Alexander Barboza addresses tactical debate and Botafogo criticism

Palmeiras defender Alexander Barboza has addressed recent controversies following his club's 1-0 victory over LDU in the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals.

Barboza clarified his comments regarding manager Abel Ferreira's three-center-back tactical system, which had drawn criticism from some supporters. He explained that the formation provides defensive security and allows attackers to remain more advanced without excessive physical fatigue. He noted that language barriers in Portuguese may have contributed to misunderstandings during his initial interview.

Additionally, the defender responded to boos received from Botafogo fans during a recent match. Barboza expressed that his affection for the Botafogo supporters remains unchanged despite the hostility from a few individuals, noting his positive history with the club. Looking ahead to the second leg of the Libertadores, Barboza emphasized the need for a near-perfect defensive performance to overcome the challenges of playing at high altitude.