The Porto captain admitted on Tuesday that “the final against Benfica is always a special game” and said the team is ready to win the Super Cup, which will take place on Wednesday in Aveiro.
At a press conference for the match against Benfica, Pepe stated that the Dragons needed to be at their best level in order to achieve the goal, which included winning the trophy.
“Firstly, here we represent the region, we feel this weight. This is a club where our fans give a huge support. That was the case last year as well. Even when we were in very difficult situations, they were always on our side. The final against Benfica is always a special game. We have to be at our best to play in this final and win it,” he said.
Pepe also discounted the fact that he did not face Goncalo Ramos in the Classic, a player who moved to Paris Saint-Germain this week.
“Only 11 can play against 11, plus those who enter. As a Portuguese and Gonçalo’s partner, I hope he can continue his career, but we are focused on our work and what ‘master’ has passed on to us so that we can be at our best and delight the fans,” he stressed.
However, the Dragons centre-back foresaw a “super tough final”.
“There is nothing better than starting the new season with the Super Bowl because we deserve to be in the final. We will certainly be very well prepared to play in the final and please the fans,” he said.
Asked if this could be a “shout of riot” for Porto, who lost the championship to Benfica, Pepe evaded the answer and said that the main focus was on winning the trophy.
“We don’t shout, we play football. Last season, this group showed that it is very competitive. We know where we have failed. The first games were not what the coach expected from us. we got the League Cup and the Portuguese Cup,” he stressed.
Benfica, the national champions, and Porto, winners of the Portuguese Cup, will contest the 45th edition of the Super Cup on Wednesday at 20:45 at the Municipal Stadium of Aveiro, under the refereeing of Luis Godinho of the Évora association.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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