Helton: “Dragão match is crucial for FC Porto’s qualification” | OneFootball

Former FC Porto goalkeeper Helton pointed out the differences between André Villas-Boas and Vítor Pereira, ahead of the Europa League quarter-final clash with Nottingham Forest.

Helton, who worked with both at the Dragão, began by identifying what set them apart, highlighting the more technical profile of Vítor Pereira, who now manages the English side.

“He had more technical knowledge, more focused on drills and practical work,” he said, in contrast to Villas-Boas, now the Porto president, who in his view stood out mainly for his leadership: “He had what for me is most important: managing people. He controlled the dressing room like no one else.”

Helton talks about the relationship between Villas-Boas and Vítor Pereira

The former Brazil international also recalled the dynamic within the coaching staff, confirming that Villas-Boas often delegated tasks to his assistant.

“It’s true that many training sessions were delegated to Vítor Pereira, because of the trust in him and the knowledge he already had,” he explained, stressing that those qualities ended up helping the development of Nottingham Forest’s current coach.

Comparison of his development under the two coaches

When asked under which of the two he improved more, Helton refused to make distinctions, emphasizing that both contributed to his development.

“There is no difference in terms of development. I think I was able to grow under both of them within their own approaches,” he said, adding that aspects such as the dressing room, the players and the way of working always influence individual and collective performance.

Thoughts on Vítor Pereira’s future

As for Vítor Pereira’s career path, Helton said the Portuguese coach has quality and experience, but avoided predicting a possible move into executive roles.

“That depends on whether he wants it. He certainly doesn’t lack quality or knowledge, but I don’t believe he wants to go through that kind of adventure,” he said.

As for André Villas-Boas, he suggested that Porto’s current president still has the traits that could bring him back to the dugout, especially in terms of leadership and group management, though he did not go into possible scenarios.

Importance of the match at the Dragão for FC Porto

Regarding the tie, Helton stressed the importance of the first-leg match at the Dragão, believing it could be decisive for Porto’s ambitions.

“Every match is crucial, especially at the Dragão,” he said, acknowledging the ‘Dragons’’ historical difficulties in England, but expressing confidence that the team can “make the difference” and fight for a place in the Europa League semi-finals.

FC Porto play Nottingham Forest this Thursday from 20:00 in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, in a match at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto.

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