Martinez believes Conceicao’s statements were taken out of context

Portugal national football team coach Roberto Martinez admitted on Monday that Porto coach Sergio Conceiço’s statements following Joao Mario’s debut for Quinas were taken out of context.

“I cannot misinterpret the words of Sergio Conceição. I have a very respectful relationship with all the coaches in Portugal and I don’t think these statements have a negative context. I have experience. We have to speak publicly every day. It’s normal that some words don’t have the context we want to convey, but Sergio and I have a very good relationship,” said Roberto Martinez.

The selector had to deal with the Dragons coach’s claims after Conceicao was pleased with Joao Mario’s debut for Quinas, despite the irony that the defender arrived at the Blaugrana “asleep”. stating that his job is to “wake him up” and make him understand that “he has a Portuguese coach, not a Spanish one.”

“I think Sergio was talking about a player like Joao Mario, who was an example. His attitude and play were at a high level and he played the entire game. [na vitória por 2-0 com a Islândia, no dia 19]. I think our selection helps new players because we are not working with 23 players, but with 40, and Joao Mario’s example was ideal,” he said.

The coach was present at the renewal of the Portuguese Football Federation’s (FPF) contract with BPI until 2030, together with Francisco Neto, head coach of the women’s national team, confirming the good relationship he has with all coaches, including Sergio Conceiço.

“When there are words without context, I think it’s normal and it’s easy to come up with a thought that’s not his own. I haven’t talked to him, but I will, not for that reason, because I talk to our players’ coaches.” , Martinez emphasized.

The national team’s helmsman said he is looking forward to the draw for the final stage of Euro 2024 in Germany to set goals and also find opponents in the preparation process.

“We will choose opponents [dos três jogos particulares] after the draw on Saturday. Then we will look for an opponent for a second date in March and two before the European Championships. It was important for us to work and qualify to be in the first pot, but we need luck to win,” he warned.

In 2024, Portugal will face Sweden, who missed out on the final, on March 21 at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimarães.

“This game is important for us. Now we have two important steps: an internship in March, two games to finalize the team composition and two games to prepare for the European Championship. Sweden is not in the final stage, which is a surprise given the quality of its players (…). And the opportunity to play at the Vitoria de Guimarães stadium will also bring other fans to our team,” he explained.

Martinez was asked to evaluate Swedish striker Victor Gyökeres of Sporting ahead of the Kinas’ next match.

“I think he is the most influential foreign player in the Portuguese First League. And we are interested in meeting with a striker who can do everything, is a good striker, we need opponents of a good level,” he admitted.

Regarding national goals for Euro 2024, the selector was cautious.

“The team has a dream – to give everything. We are ready to give everything. To do this, we need to see the draw, go through the group and see step by step where we can get,” he concluded.