Villas-Boas: Pietuszewski out of Europa League, manager’s decision | OneFootball

André Villas-Boas stated that the winter market acquisitions have increased FC Porto's options for the decisive phase of the season, but emphasized that the European campaign requires caution and respect for opponents.

"Now the knockout stages begin and the challenges are greater. There are strong opponents who are contenders for the Europa League," said Villas-Boas during the passing of the World Cup trophy at Estádio do Dragão.

"We will maintain our tone of humility and respect, continue to build our path, knowing that in the knockout rounds, the opponents are stronger," he added.

Without wanting to anticipate scenarios and with the round of 16 already secured, the Porto leader chose to wait for the play-off draw.

"Let's wait for the decision and see which opponent FC Porto will face. Then, game by game, we'll see how far we can go in the competition," he added.

Asked about the exclusion of Oskar Pietuszewski – the only winter signing left out of the Europa League squad due to the limit imposed by UEFA – Villas-Boas referred the decision to Farioli's technical team.

"It's the coach's decision. He has his responsibilities and communicates with the players in the way he sees fit," he simply said.

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