BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 23 -- Palmeiras midfielder Bruno Henrique has lavished praise on coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as the Brazilian giants prepare for their Copa Libertadores semifinal first leg against Boca Juniors.
The Sao Paulo outfit have won 16 and lost just two of their 23 matches in all competitions since Scolari returned to coach the club for a third time in late July.
Scolari, who led Palmeiras to the Copa Libertadores title during his first spell in charge in 1999, has stressed the importance of claiming at least a point in Wednesday's clash at the Bombonera.
"The work that Felipao has done and the way he prepares the team when we play away leaves us in good shape for the return match at home," Henrique said. "We have to be motivated and concentrate on what we have to do to win."
The 29-year-old former Palermo player urged his teammates to maintain their composure at a venue that is notoriously intimidating for visitors.
"We have to keep cool and be conscious of the fact that it's difficult to play here," Henrique said. "We are also aware of our qualities. We have to play with high intensity, especially in our marking. Up front we have fast and high quality players who can make the difference for us."
The return match will be played at Palmeiras' Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo on October 31.