Maria Negrão: “Grit and self-sacrifice define FC Porto’s identity” | OneFootball

For Maria Negrão, “there are no impossibles” and, “even though FC Porto is in the Second Division, it has the ability to beat a First Division team,” as was demonstrated last Sunday in the third round of the Portuguese Cup. In statements to the newspaper O Jogo after the historic victory against Racing Power, third place in the Liga BPI, the midfielder highlighted “the humility” and the way “the team was able to follow the coach’s plan, always with the grit and spirit of sacrifice that characterize FC Porto.”

The scorer of the first goal of the match stated: “It was a source of pride, a feeling that our work was rewarded and a confidence boost, but we are aware that we haven’t won anything yet and, from now on, we will feel even more responsibility,” also acknowledging that this outcome “helped the team internalize that it has the ability to achieve great things.” “This game is an example we have to hold on to. We want to go as far as possible in the Cup and we count on the support of the fans,” concluded the number 20.

90 minutes of battle“It was a tough game, even though we made it easier for ourselves. I feel that we controlled most moments of the match and were able to follow the coach’s plan, always with the grit and spirit of sacrifice that define FC Porto’s identity. Theoretically, Racing Power was the favorite for being in third place in the Liga BPI, but we knew our potential and what we wanted from the game. Since it was a knockout match, it was all or nothing, and that’s how we approached it.”

The key to success“The humility and the way the team fully embraced the game plan that the coach gave us.”

The right mentality“I want to emphasize again the humility and the desire to show that, even though we are in the Second League, we have the ability to beat a First Division team. There are no impossibles, especially in Cup matches, a competition where there are no favorites.”

Increased responsibility“It’s a source of pride, a feeling that our work was rewarded and a confidence boost, but we are aware that we haven’t won anything yet. From now on, we feel even more responsibility on top of what we already felt for playing with this badge on our chest.”

The goal that paved the way“It’s always important to score goals for FC Porto, but I believe the first (of the match) may have given the team some confidence. Still, any goal is important, regardless of who scored it.”

An example for the future“It’s important because the team ends up internalizing that it has the ability to achieve great things. This game is an example we have to hold on to for future matches of this level.”

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