Roberto Martínez explains leaving out Pote and warns Sporting | OneFootball

The National Team played, in the early hours of last night, the second of two matches in their World Cup preparation camp, with a 2-0 win over the United States, featuring a goal from Francisco Trincão. At the end of the match, Roberto Martínez explained why Pote was not used.

"With Pedro Gonçalves, I didn’t want to risk playing him because the pitch was a little dangerous. Did I explain the decision to him? Yes... Pedro’s commitment to the national team is five-star, fantastic. He needed two or three days of individual work, but it was important to eliminate any risk and make sure Pedro Gonçalves is fine until the end of the season," he began by telling journalists.

Since Pote was the only player without any minutes in this training camp, the national team coach had to continue his explanation: "Pedro’s lack of minutes is not a sign, nothing like that. He is in the same position as all the other players. We will continue to monitor him and the decision will be made in May according to how the players are at that moment".

Now, Rui Silva, Gonçalo Inácio, Francisco Trincão and Pote are preparing to return to Sporting. The Lions will then return to action on Friday, April 3, against Santa Clara. The match, counting for matchday 28 of the Liga Portugal Betclic, against Petit’s side, will be played at the José Alvalade Stadium at 8:30 pm.

This season, playing for Sporting, Pedro Gonçalves - valued at €28 million - has made 29 appearances. In the 2,096 minutes played, the footballer, who is tied down with an €80 million release clause until 2030, has already scored 14 goals and provided seven assists.

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