Rio Ave coach promises a consistent, competitive side for FC Porto visit | OneFootball

Sotiris Silaidopoulos said Rio Ave will field a consistent, competitive side to cause FC Porto problems when they host in the I Liga’s second round.

The Greek acknowledged the challenge of facing a title contender, yet sees the first home match as a chance to test his team and assert the identity he wants to consolidate.

He praised Porto’s strong identity and mentality and expects them to come for three points. He added that taking something would provide a lift, but Rio Ave must match their intensity from the first minute.

Motivation is easier against leading sides, he said, but Porto’s tactical fluidity and range of solutions make preparation demanding. He insisted his team have shown quality and competitiveness home and away.

Selection is stretched. Ntoi is suspended, while Brandon Aguilera, Ryan Guilherme, João Tomé and Miszta are injured, limiting options from the bench more than the starting line-up.

He revealed there could be more than six or seven academy players among the substitutes and possibly a youngster in the starting line-up, which he accepts is not the best way to start a demanding campaign.

He also questioned low attendances in some stadiums despite the league’s quality and competitiveness, urging those responsible to analyse the issue. Rio Ave, 16th without a point, host leaders FC Porto, on three, in Vila do Conde on Saturday, with Miguel Fonseca of Associação de Futebol do Porto appointed referee.

Source: O Jogo

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