Leandro Costa: “Nothing better than starting with a win” | OneFootball

Leandro Costa, goalkeeper for FC Porto’s newly created futsal team, looked ahead to their debut in the National Third Division Championship against Nun’Álvares B, scheduled for 5:00 pm this Saturday at Dragão Arena. The keeper highlighted the group’s preparation, the excitement for the first official match, and the responsibility of representing the club. Facing that challenge, he assured: “There’s nothing better than starting with a win, and that’s what we’re here for.”

The team coached by André Pereira enters a new competitive context after a pre-season devoted to building routines among 16 players. Leandro Costa did not hide his ambition to start well, but he also emphasized the bond the group wants to create with the fans, beginning with a debut that carries the weight and expectation of the blue-and-white shirt.

Asked about approaching what he described as a special moment, the goalkeeper highlighted the collective eagerness that has marked the days leading up to the debut.

“We’re really eager to play and very excited. The presentation match showed the kind of atmosphere we can experience at Dragão Arena, which can help us a lot,” he said. “Everyone wants to play and score, and it’s with that enthusiasm that we go into the match.”

The excitement is therefore tied to the energy the group expects to find in the arena. For Leandro Costa, the atmosphere could be an important boost right from the first official fixture.

Regarding the expectations surrounding the start of the project, the goalkeeper was clear about the internal demands and the need to take the season step by step.

“We know what the expectations are for us, and we also have our own. Obviously, this shirt carries a lot of weight, and we want to live up to it in the best possible way,” he stressed. “There’s nothing better than starting with a win, and that’s what we’re here for. It’s a long season; we think week by week and game by game. That’s the way forward. Right now, the focus is on Nun’Álvares and getting off to a good start.”

The message is one of ambition without rushing: winning on their debut is the immediate goal, but the journey will be built game by game. For now, Nun’Álvares B has FC Porto’s full attention.

Leandro Costa also looked back at the presentation match, pointing to the support they received as a sign of the connection the team wants to nurture throughout the season.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere and extraordinary support from everyone. Being able to feel the affection of our fans was incredible, and it’s a unique feeling,” he said. “We want it to happen again in every home game and away as well, and we want to respond with wins. That’s our mindset and that’s what we want.”

The desire to recreate that atmosphere, both at home and away, is linked to a promise of a competitive response. The team wants to turn the fans’ affection into momentum in the search for victories.

Looking back on the pre-season, the goalkeeper acknowledged the challenge of bringing together players who are sharing the court for the first time, without allowing that circumstance to become an excuse.

“The balance is positive; we are a group of 16 players who are playing together for the first time in a new context. Of course, that’s no excuse, because we always want to win and improve, but we managed to use the pre-season to grow and get to know each other,” he explained. “And to reach this match in peak condition and with the best preparation possible.”

It is from that work of adaptation that Leandro Costa draws confidence for the debut. The preparation is done; now comes the first test, with the ambition of starting the league on the right foot.

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