Roberto Martínez and Rúben Dias spoke to the press ahead of Portugal’s Euro 2024 opener at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig. Portugal, aiming to navigate the challenges of Group F, will face Czechia tomorrow in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
What did Roberto Martínez say?
Head coach Roberto Martínez expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness, while also hinting that their full strength will emerge only after the group stage.
“The preparation was very good. All the players are fit. They’ve all had minutes in the preparation phase. Even the players we had some doubts about are perfectly fit to play. The team is ready, but it’s not at full strength yet. That won’t come until after the three group games,” he said.
Martínez emphasised the importance of ambition and responsibility as the team embarks on their Euros campaign. “We need to believe and dream. If we don’t dream, it’s hard to succeed. But we also have to be responsible and play well. Tomorrow’s game [Tuesday] will be the perfect moment to show that we’re ready.”
Highlighting the passion within the squad, Martínez reflected on their recent friendly against Croatia as a crucial learning moment. “In that game, we went through adversity that hadn’t happened before. We conceded a goal for the first time in the first half, in the first few minutes. It was important to get through that.”
He added: “I think the qualifying phase showed that the group has a very important attitude and commitment. We won 10 games, but now it’s the tournament. There are three games and we have to demonstrate the level we have here.”
The Spanish coach also touched on the significance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe’s experience. “Ronaldo and Pepe are the oldest players in the competition. That’s why there’s no other locker room like Portugal’s, with the experience of these two players. It’s something unique. And Cristiano is going to another European Championship because of his merit and not because of his name.
“He stood out at his club scoring 51 goals and scored nine goals in qualifying. He’s someone who can open up spaces in opposing defences, makes moves like no one else and is our first man to defend. The numbers back it all up.”
Martínez then turned his attention to their opponents: “[They] have a very clear style. A style of high pressure, of taking risks. They have players who want to score goals. The experience of Souček, Schick. They’re players with clear ideas. They’re a team that plays to win, they like to take risks and I think it’s going to be a fantastic game for the neutral fans.”
What did Rúben Dias say?
Embed from Getty ImagesDefender Rúben Dias addressed the media on Portugal’s defensive strategy against a physically imposing Czech side. “Yes, it’s part of knowing Czechia and being aware of that factor. Until recently I saw a comment that they were so tall and strong and we were a bit the opposite. I don’t think so. We may have some players who are shorter than usual, but I still think we have a very good balance in terms of physical ability. We’re very aware of the team we’re up against and we know where they can be strong.”
Discussing this year’s Portuguese squad, Dias highlighted the influence of their captain as well as the unity of the side.
“Cristiano Ronaldo represents inspiration and that anything is possible. You can dream, you can achieve it. It is a pleasure to be with him, with his mentality he still wants to win again.
“Our togetherness is our biggest strength. If we are the team we know we can be, we will get a good result.”
Stay tuned for more updates as Portugal embark on their EURO2024 journey.
