Sérgio Conceição praised the work of the players after the tie against Atlético (0-0), in Madrid
FC Porto started the 2021/22 Champions League with a tie in Madrid, against Atlético (0-0), on the opening matchday of Group B. After the match at the home of the Spanish champions, Sérgio Conceição spoke of a first-half that was better for the Colchoneros, but the second-half “had a lot more balance”, with “the best situations” belonging to the Dragons. “I have to praise the work of the players in what was our strategy for the match”, the coach continued, also revealing “some frustration” with the result: “It’s a sign that we played a good match”.
The resume of the match
“It’s a point won, but we wanted all three. We knew how difficult the match would be and the individual and collective quality Atlético has. I think it was a very competitive match, as I expected, with Atlético starting on top, with one or two situations in the first 15 minutes that could have created problems for us. Atlético dominated the first-half, but the second-half had a lot more balance, and I believe we had the clearest situations to score. I have to praise the work of the players in what was our strategy for the match. We always have to face the opponent with humility and respect, but we do feel somewhat frustrated, it’s true, and that’s a sign that we played a good match.”
Replacing Zaidu for Wendell at halftime
“It was for the yellow card that he had that I replaced Zaidu. I felt that the referee was showing yellows to FC Porto players too easily and we couldn’t risk being outnumbered. The work of the wingers was very important in our strategy, but it all started with the work of the forwards up front. Although João Mário is having a fantastic start in the season, despite feeling some fatigue, I thought Corona’s experience and Zaidu’s freshness and speed would be interesting for this match. I replaced Zaidu at halftime because he had a yellow card.”
The disallowed goal to Mehdi Taremi
“I haven’t seen the play yet, but I’m not sure if a penalty shouldn’t have been given before a possible hand or not. What I do know is that there is no reason for Mbemba to be sent-off. The red card was exaggerated. The refereeing team was the one under-performing in the match. It was a competitive match between two well-organized teams.”
Pepe
“He was replaced because he was in pain. He went out injured, otherwise he would never have gone out.”
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