Defender Ruben Dias said this Monday that the Portuguese football team has all the conditions to do something special at Euro 2024, but stressed that this will depend on its ability to cope with difficulties and grow throughout the competition.
“I don’t like to focus on favoritism. We know what quality we have and the conditions in which we have to do something special, but it depends on our ability to come together in each moment. Each new stage is a moment when we must unite. and this one, more than ever before, will be the result of that ability. The ability to deal with difficulties, overcome them and grow throughout the competition is what will determine success,” he said at a press conference ahead of the game against the Czech Republic at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany.
The Portugal-Czech Republic match for the first round of Group F is scheduled for Tuesday at 21:00 local time (20:00 in Lisbon), and will be refereed by Italian Marco Guida.
The 27-year-old Manchester City centre-back explained that the team is ready for their debut, but rejected the idea that Portugal are the main favorites to win the tournament.
“I don’t think we’re the favorites, but we have the potential to be very dangerous. It will depend on how we grow throughout the race. We have everything we need, but we have to find the right mentality and the right approach. moments,” he defended.
Ruben Dias, a regular starter in the backline, explained that the players still don’t know who will play on Tuesday and reiterated the 2-1 defeat in the private match against Croatia, given that the game came at the right time .
“A moment to reflect and address the issues we need to improve. We’re going to start getting involved and because of what happened in that game, we’re a lot more ready,” he said.
As for the opponent, Ruben Dias explained that it will not be one player who will create problems, but the entire Czech team and its style of play, despite the fact that he noted that he is aware of the dangers and is ready to stop them.
As for coach Roberto Martinez, the Benfica-trained centre-back said he is a man who simplifies things.
“He’s a guy who makes everything simple, day in and day out and in the way we approach our game and the game of our opponents. He has a very clear way of communicating and that helps us a lot,” he defended.
Ruben Dias, who already considers himself one of the most experienced players in the team’s dressing room, also praised captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Ronaldo represents inspiration, that anything is possible, that we can dream and achieve those dreams. He enjoys being with us and being here means he wants to win again. He is our captain and we will follow him.” “, he concluded.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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