Palmeiras striker Hernán Barcos was a surprise passenger on the flight to Columbia on Monday as the team from São Paulo flew off to take on Millonarios in the second leg of their round of 16 Copa Sudamericana tie.
Barcos, 28, was expected to be rested for the midweek fixture after a hectic few weeks have left him on the brink of physical exhaustion, and Palmeiras head coach Gilson Kleina is keen to keep the player fresh given the superb form he has been in recently, highlighted by his 2 goals in this weekends 2-0 victory of Cruzeiro.
However, Barcos had other ideas. He told Lancenet: “I told the coach I wanted to play, I wanted to be in the group, but for him, he wants to save me for Saturday. I chose to come and be in the group.
“I’m a bit tired physically, but very well. I’m head strong, I feel like playing and helping the group.”
Palmeiras go into the game with a 3-1 lead from the first leg and will Grêmio or Barcelona of Ecuador if they go through to the next round.
