Gabri Veiga after scoring for FC Porto: ‘Right track, but we must improve’ | OneFootball

Gabri Veiga opened the Primeira Liga season with a goal in FC Porto’s 2-0 win over Alverca and offered a demanding assessment despite the result. The midfielder valued the victory on the opening matchday, acknowledged the difficulties created by the opponent, and pointed to both collective and individual improvement. In the end, he assured: “We’re on the right track, but we have to improve.”

In the interview area, Gabri Veiga spoke without euphoria after the Dragons’ winning start. The FC Porto player placed the team at the beginning of its journey, convinced that the result brings confidence but does not remove the need for work.

About Porto’s performance and the meaning of the first win in the league, the midfielder admitted there is still room to raise the level.

“Maybe we started well, but this still isn’t our best version. We’re on the right track, but we have to improve,” he said. “We’re in the first round, obviously there are many things that need to improve, but it’s always very good to start with a win.”

The message is clear: FC Porto leaves the first round with three points and a foundation of confidence, but Gabri Veiga does not confuse a positive start with a mission accomplished. The win comes as a starting point for a team that wants to grow game by game.

Asked about Alverca’s strategy and the difficulties encountered in the match, the player responded with respect for the opponent and its coach.

“Did Alverca’s strategy make the game difficult for FC Porto? It’s always difficult to play against these opponents. On top of that, they have a coach I know very well, and they certainly have a lot of potential,” he stressed. “I have a lot of affection for him, and they have great players. I have a lot of respect for them.”

Far from reducing the match to a formality, Gabri Veiga acknowledged Alverca’s merit. The analysis also explains a game in which FC Porto had to build its win against an opponent determined to make things difficult.

The goal scored by the midfielder naturally brought the conversation around to his individual emergence. Gabri Veiga embraced the moment with ambition, linking personal confidence to collective usefulness.

“Is this Gabri’s year? It’s good to start with a goal, it gives confidence and above all helps the team get to 2-0,” he explained. “I have to take a step forward because I have the ability to do that.”

There is no grand promise in his words, but there is a clearly set standard. The goal serves as a boost, while the player himself places the demand on taking a step forward that he believes is within his reach.

Asked about the pressure surrounding FC Porto this season, Gabri Veiga refused to look outward. His response was built on internal focus, routine, and the club’s competitive duty.

“More pressure on FC Porto this season? No, we don’t look at anyone else, we only have eyes for ourselves. We have to focus on ourselves, go game by game, week by week, day by day,” he assured. “Try to be better every day and look for victory in every match, regardless of who is in front of us, because Porto is Porto and has to be up there.”

It is a statement of identity and method: less attention to outside noise, more commitment to daily improvement. After a debut with a win and a goal, Gabri Veiga made clear the tone he wants to maintain.

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