Sao Paulo, who won the last three Brazilian league titles under Ramalho, lost for the first time in 10 matches, their surge into the top four in the standings halted in a 1-0 defeat away to Atletico Paranaense on Sunday.
Surprise team Goias are in second place following a 2-1 home win over Santos, while promoted Avai beat Flamengo 3-0 to go 11 matches unbeaten and climb into the top four.
"When you don't have time to improve in training, you have to strengthen the lads in the psychological aspect," Ramalho said referring to Palmeiras' run of three draws and a defeat and the regular pattern of two league matches per week.
"What was most missing was the emotional part. We beat a great team, one of the best in Brazil," he told reporters.
Sao Paulo had won their previous seven matches, the best run of any team in the championship, and created more chances but were stunned by 35-year-old Paulo Baier's goal three minutes from time.
The midfielder set off from inside the home side's half, played a one-two with Gabriel and scored with a header.
"In a moment when we dropped our guard they scored," was Sao Paulo defender Miranda's rueful comment.
The home players complained that, when they were 2-1 up, striker Andre Lima slipped going for Alessandro's cross and used his left hand to help the ball into the net for the equaliser, something television replays appeared to confirm.
