Carlos Martingo: “we were always ahead” | OneFootball

Carlos Martingo, coach of FC Porto’s handball team, was pleased after the 35-27 win over Marítimo Madeira at the Dragão Arena. The coach highlighted his side’s commitment, analyzed the different phases of the match, and admitted there is still room for improvement. Even so, he assured: “the overall assessment so far is extremely positive.”

The victory allowed FC Porto to extend their perfect record in the league, in a match where the team was always ahead on the scoreboard. Carlos Martingo saw a side true to Porto’s identity, capable of responding to difficulties and closing out the game with what he considered a very solid performance.

In his reading of the match, the coach highlighted the periods of higher quality, without hiding the phase in which the team lost control. Vasco Costa’s exit also forced FC Porto to adapt during the game.

“As in any league match, our goal was to win. We had some very interesting periods. Vasco Costa’s exit affected us a bit, but the truth is that we were always ahead on the scoreboard,” he said. “We started the second half very well, then we lost control of the game, but we managed to settle down again and I think we put in a very interesting performance. Obviously, we always want better, but given the circumstances, I think it was a very well-executed game.”

Carlos Martingo’s satisfaction does not erase his demanding standards. The coach valued the team’s ability to regain stability, but made it clear that the search for a higher level of performance remains ongoing.

The winning run was framed as the result of a recognizable competitive mindset. More than the results, Martingo emphasized the group’s commitment, attitude, and defensive work.

“So far, we are very satisfied with the team. I think we have been playing the Porto way, with great commitment, attitude, and fighting for every ball with a compact defense,” he stressed. “Obviously, there is still a lot we can improve on, but the overall assessment so far is extremely positive.”

The message combines pride and caution: the team has delivered, but the coach is not treating the perfect run of wins as a finishing line. The team’s competitive identity thus emerges as the main measure of Porto’s current form.

Regarding Vasco Costa, Carlos Martingo did not give any definite information about the player’s physical condition. His return for the second half was, however, taken as an encouraging sign.

“We still don’t know exactly what he has, but the fact that he came back for the second half is a good sign. However, we still don’t know exactly what he has.”

Caution dominated the coach’s assessment, as he preferred not to jump to any conclusions. Between the concern and the positive sign given by his return to the game, the situation remained open.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.