This Friday, FC Porto beat Portimonense (4-1), at Estádio do Dragão, consolidating the lead in Liga NOS. By the end of matchday 12, Sérgio Conceição admitted the first-half was far from brilliant, but a change in “mentality” and “attitude” allowed the national champions to turn the disadvantage and win. The ovation dedicated to Jackson Martínez, who remains the top scorer in the history of the grounds, was also discussed by the blue and white coach.

The usual difficulties
“We knew it would be a difficult match, against a team that becomes more dangerous when facing stronger opponents. We knew Portimonense would try to make use of quick counter-attacks and we were keeping an eye on that. Knowing the man on the other side, there was a chance they would prepare to use that tactic. We worked to prepare for that. I knew it would be a difficult match, as Portimonense has a lot of good players, and a good coach. We felt some difficulties, that they caused, but also because we let our guard down, remained passive, especially in the first-half. We changed what we had to change in the second-half, especially in terms of mentality. What I asked during the break was a change in attitude. We played a second-half closer to what we want for the team and we deserved to win.”

Óliver for Herrera
“There are many variables in our attack, but we can’t have everyone going up without purpose, as our defensive balance is fundamental. When I did that substitution, I felt we need to control the centre better.”

11 consecutive victories
“We are a group of great professionals and great players, with above average human quality. The players felt we didn’t start well, as they feel what it means to represent FC Porto. The 11th consecutive victory means close to nothing to us, as we think match by match and don’t really care about statistics. It was an important victory, which gave us three more points, against a difficult team. Now we want to have a good match in Turkey, despite having already assured the first place in the group.”

Jackson Martínez returning to Estádio do Dragão
“It was a deserved ovation and homage. Jackson is a great professional and an even greater person. He has been going through some rough time, and it’s an honour to have someone like him playing in Portugal. When he played for the club, I applauded him many times. He is a great man and everyone admits that.”