Pepê: "A club like FC Porto can't go so long without winning the league" | OneFootball

The clash between FC Porto and Sporting in the league is approaching, and with the teams separated by four points, it could prove decisive in the race for the title. In statements to Betano Magazine, Pepê acknowledges that the classic “is a game apart” and once again emphasized the Dragons’ goal of becoming national champions again.

“It’s a dream for us. A club like FC Porto cannot go so long without being national champion. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves because of that, and we know we have to work very hard so that, who knows, at the end of the season, we can be there at Aliados,” said the winger, referring to Monday’s duel with Sporting.

“They are a very collective team, with great players and enormous potential. They’ve also played great games, and we follow them. We know it’s going to be a tough, very difficult match, where once again we’ll have to be at our highest level to respond,” observed Pepê, adding: “I always say that the classic is a game apart. It’s a match where you need to be fully focused, where you see a totally different atmosphere, mainly because of the fans. We try to talk to everyone to stay focused, play calmly and lightly, because we know that, being a classic, sometimes we get a bit nervous. But we have to keep doing what we know, what we train and work on; by focusing on that, I’m sure things will go well.”

The number 7 has victory as his priority and, if possible, also wants to score. “Being able to score or provide assists in games like this gives you extra motivation and excitement to keep growing throughout the season. Scoring goals in these matches, without a doubt, motivates and greatly influences the course of the season. It’s always great to score at the Dragão, because we have the support of the fans here celebrating, cheering, and shouting our names. For me, there’s nothing like it,” said the Brazilian, recognizing the emotional impact of these matches: “I confess that I used to get more anxious. Nowadays, it’s something that motivates me even more as a classic approaches. There’s a bit of anxiety, wanting to play right away and be on the pitch, because these are special games that stir us and all the fans. Being on the pitch is something incredible.”

To conclude on the classic, Pepê highlighted the role of the fans: “Both when we arrive and when we go out to warm up and enter the game, the support that all the fans give in the stands, especially in these matches, gives us goosebumps and motivates us even more to give our best on the pitch,” he stressed.

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