Kleina: Palmeiras problems must be solved

Palmeiras coach Gilson Kleina believes the club must looked internally to turn themselves around after relegation to the second tier of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Yesterday's 1-1 draw at Flamengo condemned the Copa Brasil holders to the drop. They are seven points adrift of safety with two games remaining and will compete in next year's Copa Libertadores from outside the top flight. Kleina, who succeeded Luiz Felipe Scolari in the hot-seat at the end of September, told the club's official website: "We have worked hard but it was not easy. Football can be cruel sometimes. "Problems must be solved but they are internal. I deeply respect the players who are here but we have to get results in the league. Let's raise our heads and work hard." The visitors appeared on course for a much-needed win when Vinicius put them in front in the 64th minute. Flamengo had substitute Paulo Sergio sent off in the 85th minute but still conjured up a deflected equaliser through former Palmeiras striker Vagner Love. Palmeiras striker Hernan Barcos refused to be too hard on his team-mates, particularly the youngsters who have been thrown into the fray recently. "There was a great sacrifice from all the lads. I really appreciate the fact that all the lads came here trying to win. We tried everything we could but now it's time to turn the page," he said. The Palmeiras striker lamented the fact the side had not converted recent good performances into victories and refused to single out one contributory factor for their relegation, adding: "We didn't do enough. We haven't won a game in four or five attempts and we're all to blame. There are 30 players at the club and it's not just down to the guy who brought us here. "Did you see the game? Did you see what happened? We went straight at Flamengo, scored the goal and had the chance to finish them of. But we didn't. Then the ball comes off Roman and goes in. There have been at least four or five games where we've played well but not managed to win." From : Fifa