Portugal international Joao Felix said on Tuesday he hopes to be in the eleven against Georgia in the final round of Group F of Euro 2024 football, ensuring he is ready to help whenever he is called upon.
“The coach will make some changes and I hope to be in the starting lineup to help the team. The coach decided not to include me in the squad.” [nos dois primeiros jogos] and I just have to respect that. He made sure to talk to me and the trust between both of us is 100%. I said that when you need me, I will be here,” he said at a press conference held at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.
The striker recalled other cases, even in clubs, when this was not possible, but assured that he was ready: “I am here, I am one more, and whenever the team needs it, I will be here to help.” in any possible way.”
Joao Felix did not feature in Portugal’s first two games at Euro 2024 in Germany, against the Czech Republic and Turkey, and is still awaiting his debut at the tournament but denies there are any problems with coach Roberto Martinez.
“Every day I feel more prepared for everything that is said, and most of it is not true. Many times they questioned my professionalism and my passion for the game. I’m not worried about anything anymore, I’m worried about stories like this after the discussion and put pressure on the manager,” he stressed.
“I saw the news, but it’s obviously a lie, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. This is disrespectful to my name and the name of the coach, as well as to the team as a whole.”
The striker said the game against Georgia will be difficult and could be a good opportunity for some of the lesser-used players to shine, although he stressed that anyone in the working group can start.
“All 26 players have a place in the eleven and the choice is up to the coach. This is an opportunity for me and everyone to demonstrate that they are here to help. This is a good opportunity for everyone who will play,” he explained.
The striker, who has been playing for Barcelona this season on loan from Atlético Madrid, ensures he always gives his best, despite admitting that some parts of his career have not gone the way he wanted.
“In some situations things don’t go well, but you won’t see me give up and you will still see me triumph, better times will come,” he stressed.
The Georgia-Portugal match will take place on Wednesday at 21:00 local time (20:00 in Lisbon) at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen. The judge will be the Swiss Sandro Scharer.
The Portuguese national team has already reached the 1/8 finals and took first place in Group F, in which it has six points, having beaten the Czech Republic (2-1) and Turkey (3-0), and Georgia has one. point, after a defeat to the Turks (3-1) and a draw with the Czechs (1-1).
Author: Lusa This morning Post
Source: CM Jornal
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