João Brandão: “What’s non-negotiable for us is our competitive spirit” | OneFootball

After a great return to victories against Leixões SC (4-2) in Matosinhos, FC Porto B is back at CTFD Jorge Costa for the 14th round of the Segunda Liga, hosting FC Penafiel (Friday, 6:00 PM, Porto Canal). Facing “one of the teams that best controls the game” and that “mixes experienced players with young players well,” João Brandão wants the Dragons to be “focused” on “individual and collective tasks.” Central defender Luís Gomes, on the other hand, promised a Porto team true to itself: “We enter every game to win.” FC Porto B is in 14th place, with 14 points, while FC Penafiel is in 10th position, with 16.

The 4-2 in Matosinhos“It is always important to win at this Club. This Club grew on victories, on overcoming challenges, and that is what we want to carry into the next steps we want to take. It was important, it was difficult, but the boys performed in the best way. We played an objective, effective game and were extremely competitive. It's a story that has ended and now another one begins.”

FC Penafiel“It is one of the teams that best controls the game, a team that mixes experienced players with young players well. They have a very competent midfield, interesting dynamics, and set pieces are also important. We have to be attentive and competent in those moments. It will be a big challenge, as they all are in this Segunda Liga.”

Competitive spirit and focus“What is non-negotiable for us is the competitive spirit we have shown recently. That is non-negotiable. Then there must be consistency in our behaviors during the game, daily, throughout preparation, as that is what will make us comfortable. FC Penafiel is a competitive team. What happened last season is closed, now a new story is being written and we are completely focused on this game. We are focused on our individual and collective tasks and very focused on the offensive aggressiveness we must have. We have to look at the opponent's goal with courage.”

A word for Brayan Caicedo“I take this opportunity to say a word to Brayan Caicedo, a member of our family who is going through a difficult phase due to the injury he suffered in the last game. I recall that he arrived a year ago, after a year without playing, and it was necessary to develop a plan for his physical and tactical needs. He invested a lot in improving these aspects and all the Club's Departments were fundamental in his development. He was in his best phase and scored a great goal against Leixões SC. These situations are never positive, but what I highlight here is that he is surrounded by the best, the Health Department is excellent and I am absolutely sure he will come back stronger.”

When you win, you breathe better“We know it is always different working after a victory, but the dedication to work must always be the same. Victory always gives us extra confidence and motivation, it is undeniable.”

The next opponent“It is a very competitive team, but we look at ourselves and what we have to do to achieve another victory.”

Four wins in the last six games“The most recent results are a consequence of the work we have been doing since pre-season.”

The close point difference between the teams“It is the reflection of a very competitive Segunda Liga, but it does not put any pressure on us and we enter every game to win.”

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