Portugal’s Coach Martinez Is Pleased With The Team’s Development Following Their Elimination From Euro 2024

Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez expressed high praise for the enhanced depth, competitiveness, and meticulous preparation exhibited by his team in the wake of Euro 2024. 

Their seamless victory over Poland last Saturday further solidified their impeccable kickoff in the Nations League, showcasing a squad that is not only powerful but also well-rounded in all aspects of the game. 

The coach’s satisfaction with the team’s performance is evident, reflecting the positive impact of their thorough training and strategic planning.

“Our focus and total objective is the World Cup”

Portugal dominated Poland, leading 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva. Pietr Zielinski, a midfielder for Poland, gave his team a goal back, but Jan Bednarek’s own goal made it 3-1 in favor of the visitors. 

Portugal lost to France in a penalty shootout to exit the European Championship, but Martinez stated that their current primary goal is to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Martinez said “We have more players (now), the competitiveness for what we are working on is growing, we are an even better prepared team after the European Championship, Our focus and total objective is the World Cup. I am happy, the attitude was incredible, the players’ personality was fantastic in a difficult stadium. For us it is a very important performance.”

He added “We don’t want to concede goals, but the performance was very good. We’re seeing new debuts, new players, who are coming into the group in a natural way.”

Portugal continues to set the pace in League A Group One

Portugal leads League A Group One with nine points, three ahead of Croatia. They are still setting the pace. 

Martinez, the Portugal manager since January 2023, has faced criticism in the past for using his star player Ronaldo excessively; but, in the match against Poland, he substituted the 39-year-old forward in the 63rd minute.

Martinez said “It’s important, it’s part of us managing the players, because there are two games in 72 hours, Diogo Jota came on very well. It’s important to use the players we have on the bench. Cristiano is perfect now.”

Along with bringing in a number of new players, the Spanish coach made two debuts versus Poland: Renato Veiga and Samuel Costa. 

Veiga, who signed with Chelsea in July, partnered with Ruben Dias as a central defender. In stoppage time, Mallorca midfielder Costa was unexpectedly called up to replace Silva.

Martinez added “Renato Veiga is very mature and aggressive. I think the relationship and connection with Ruben Dias was good, We are talking about a game with one of the best penalty area players in modern football (Robert Lewandowski). I think (knowing this) his debut is even more important.”

“I am happy with Samu, (Francisco) Trincao, and all the new players who worked very well. They showed that they are part of the team.” He concluded.

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