Portugal defeated the Czech Republic ‘in extremis’ (2-1) and now faces the match against Arda Güler’s Turkey with the hope of securing the lead and securing a place in the round of 16. However, Roberto Martinez distrust
Match against Türkiye. Different adversaries. Against the Czech Republic we dominated a lot. They marked the man. Türkiye is a mix of young talents with veteran players. In addition, Montella has given it a strong structure.”
Characteristics of Türkiye. “I think the stadium is a stadium with a lot of atmosphere. I watched the game against Georgia and Turkey had a lot of support in the stands. We need to be strong inside and be ourselves. The game against Turkey showed that they can attack, but they also know how to defend” .
Possible ownership of Conceiçao. “You are here to analyze, but I have 23 players. Eleven start and others leave. The important thing is that they are prepared. Chico came in, Nélson Semedo, Neto… and they all showed that they are prepared. We need everyone to be ready, play start or not”.
Portugal improvements. “The result has an important role, but the statistics were good: 73% possession, 13 corners… In the first half we did not have the shots we wanted. In the second we improved, but, above all, I highlight the maturity we had “We finished five times, scored two goals, another disallowed…”
Pepe. “Pepe is a player who can play in different tactical structures. He likes to defend, to communicate… Line of three or line of four.”
Arda Guler. “People who play football. Arda Güler is a sensational talent, she has an exceptional left leg… I love seeing that young people are important in teams. Yildiz is also a good example.”
Cristiano Ronaldo. “I think Ronaldo had three shots, he was the striker who had the most shots on goal in the first day. He is an area player, a scorer, a very important player. He always opens up spaces. Cristiano is very important for what we want to do in the area. Our team does not want to arrive directly, we want to arrive with 6-7 players. He gives us knowledge, experience, goals, in physical terms… He scored 51 goals in 50 games.
Influences. “The coach who marked my way of seeing the game was Johan Cruyff. He changed football. Then I was able to see many others like Toshack, Capello, Maturana… Coaches who work very well, but the greatest was Cruyff.”
The testimony of Rafael Leao
Difference in statistics between club and national team. “Playing in the Euro has always been a dream, not just individually. I’m enjoying playing with great players and a great coach and I hope we can have a great tournament.”
Personal feelings from the first game. “I had a good first half, trying to make a difference, especially in the first half. In the second I didn’t manage to do so much and they replaced me, but the teammates who came on brought energy and I was very happy with the victory and Neto’s contribution. Jota, Conceiçao…”.
Role in Portugal. “I think that in attack we have great players. Of course I want to be a starter and help the team. Every time I go out on the field I try to show it.”
Match against Türkiye. “It is an important match against a dangerous team, with a lot of talent, we cannot give them space. We studied the match well with the coach. It is going to be a different match from the Czech Republic.”
More open match than against the Czech Republic. “We believe that we will have more space than against the Czech Republic and thus we will be able to demonstrate our strength in attack. It will be a more different game and I hope a more beautiful one.”
The danger of Türkiye. “They have dangerous players, like Çalhanoglu, who I met with him at Milan; or like Arda Güler, who plays for Madrid. They are two footballers who make the difference.”
Hostile environment. “Difficult, different environment, there are many Turks in Germany, but I am also sure that we will have the support of many Portuguese.”
Locker room. “The atmosphere is very good between young people and veterans. We have a very strong group.”
2024-06-21 16:18:32
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