13/08/2010
«We want to keep the team alive and concentrated»
 After winning the Super Cup by 2-0 against Benfica, André Villas-Boas' team wants to maintain a high pace. The game against Naval 1.º de Maio (scheduled for Saturday, at 19h15, in Figueira da Foz) marks the start of FC Porto’s participation in the 2010/11 League and represents an «important challenge» for FC Porto. The team aims to «swiftly» reach first place, as the team’s coach stated this Thursday, during a press conference held in FC Porto’s training center.
No easy way out
«It is important not to lose our momentum in terms of organization and continue to consolidate the message that we have been transmitting. It is also important that the team doesn’t allow itself to become too relaxed in view of the recent and overwhelming praise that it has received, as opinions drastically changed from being negative to positive. We want to keep the group alive and focused, not get into euphoria and not give in to an easy way out. We must continue our journey, improve wherever we can and continue to portray a strong image, one which transmits confidence and that will allow us to ambitiously win the remaining games in August, aiming to rapidly consolidate our overall position, which we aspire to be first place.»
Fighting for the national title
«The big three have this responsibility and this is their key objective. However, why should Sporting de Braga not be a contender when it has strengthened its status and has already proved its value in the qualifying round of the Champions League? It is a kind of responsibility that may be disproved by some, but it is still a concealed dream for Braga and perhaps the team is indeed here to face the big three. Perhaps the big three should re-evaluate Sporting de Braga, not allowing themselves to be overtaken, as it happened last year.»
The market
«The most important thing is not to go fanatical in the market. Those that exude an image of desperation end up paying unrealistic prices. We want to be fully aware of all aspects when making any appropriate decisions, taking into account the quality of the player identified. Until 31 August, we aim to play with discretion and certainty in the market and we will look into any players that fit the required profile.»
The Super Cup win
«We were strong yet you, the media, thought that we would not be as strong. We believe in our talent, our quality and our work. Some tried to undermine the consolidation of our message, but no one must ever overlook our transcendence and motivation factors. Perhaps other coaches intensify tactical work because it suits them. I warned you, the media, that the emotional factor of a week’s work and effort would affect the performance of the players. Thus, when an organized team absorbs the motivation, adding the message in its entirety, there has to be an unquestionable performance. The Super Cup proved that we are in fact an organized team, with a great desire, and this brought about a cry of upheaval. We don’t neglect either aspects and it is through this logic that we can maintain the team at its peak of organization and motivation.»
Renewed opponent
«Naval has changed its coach and style, having now a coach that encourages possession. We anticipate a major challenge and want to ensure a high pace, so that we can attain a positive outcome that we can be proud of. This Saturday, will Naval present itself as it did in the pre-season training or will it be strategically different? This is what we have to define.» |
