Roberto Martinez considers the Nations League draw “very interesting”

Portuguese football coach, Spaniard Roberto Martinez, called this Thursday “very interesting” the draw of the Nations League, which resulted in the teams of Croatia, Poland and Scotland being placed in Group A1 on the Portuguese route.

“This is a very interesting draw for us (…), but there are no good draws. The important thing is that we want to grow. Qualifying stage [para o Euro2024] It was flawless, but now we need to keep winning. I really like the new tournament format,” he said in response to Canal 11, assuring that “there are no favorites.”

The Portuguese coach was referring to the fact that the competition will now consist of quarter-finals – with the top two from each of the four groups qualifying – as well as the fact that six rounds will take place in a short space of time. , from September 5 to November 19.

“A very long period often means changes in the dressing room and the form of the players. It is very important for Portuguese football to be in a new format,” he said.

As for Croatia, the finalist who lost to Spain in 2023, he recalled their ability to compete in several international finals in recent years, highlighting their “generation of magic football”.

For Poland, he praised striker Robert Lewandowski for allowing the team to “have the ability to score goals”.

“On the other hand, Scotland has the best generation for the last 20 years. This is a team that returns to the European Championship and even beats Spain,” he warned.

Roberto Martinez understands that the Portuguese “will have a lot of fun with six entertaining games”, admitting that Croatia are “technically superior” opponents.

While he is happy with the draw, his main focus is on the 2024 European Championships, for which the Quinas squad will even have a special preparation match against Croatia on June 8 at the Estádio do Jamor in Oeiras.

“Right now we are focused on the European Championships. We have an internship in March, which is very important to test the skills of 15/16 players, and then in May to finalize the team composition, which is not yet confirmed. And then enjoy the European Championship. Championship,” he emphasized.

As for the Nations League, the selector suggests that “it is important for the future” as he understands that Portugal, who are “responsible for winning the first edition”, must “always be at the best level of European football”. “, highlighting the fact that the competition is becoming increasingly important and famous.

The third-placed team from each group advances to the “play-offs” with the second team from League B, while the fourth team is promoted to the “Second Division”.

The Final Four of the fourth edition of the Nations League, a competition already won by Portugal (2018/19), France (2020/21) and Spain (2022/23), will take place from 4 to 8 June.