“We want to channel the city’s and our people’s DNA to win titles” | OneFootball

Diogo Costa is preparing for the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup fully focused on the match against SCU Torreense, scheduled for the Cidade de Coimbra Stadium. After a demanding season, the FC Porto goalkeeper returned to training and found a group determined to begin the campaign by winning another trophy. Ahead of Saturday’s clash, he summed up his ambition in just a few words: “to be able to contribute to FC Porto’s success.”

Back at Olival, Diogo Costa once again stressed the responsibility that comes with representing the club. The Portugal international described a team committed to raising its level, while keeping its collective identity and its connection to the city and the fans fully intact.

The rest period has ended and made way for a return to work. The goalkeeper considered that break important to recharge his batteries, although he now also has to regain the rhythm of pre-season and full integration into the group.

“It’s always good to return to the routine and to my Club with my batteries recharged. Once again, I hope to be able to contribute to FC Porto’s success.”

Regarding the first training sessions, Diogo Costa acknowledged that the rest of the players have an advantage physically, but believes he will quickly be able to get close to his teammates’ levels.

“The lads are already moving at a different pace than me, but I think I’ll be able to catch up with them as quickly as possible. I feel the team is very motivated, as if it hadn’t won trophies last season.”

Rest therefore did not mean stepping away from the objectives. Rather, it was a necessary stage in order to return in the best possible condition, within a squad that, according to the player, continues to show a desire to win despite the successes already achieved.

At a club whose season is traditionally judged by the titles won, the Portuguese goalkeeper highlighted the ambition that reigns in the dressing room. The Super Cup represents the first opportunity for that desire to be turned into a win and a trophy.

“FC Porto has always lived off titles. We players are addicted to winning and there is no greater motivation than starting off with a victory, and with a trophy at that.”

The message is direct: FC Porto want to start the season by winning. Even so, Diogo Costa rejects any excess confidence and believes SCU Torreense deserve to be approached with the utmost seriousness.

The goalkeeper expects to face a highly motivated opponent and called for humility from the Porto side. That warning carries even more weight given the recent run of the team from Torres Vedras and the ability it has already shown against Sporting.

“We expect to come up against a super motivated team. They dream of repeating what they achieved against Sporting and we have to show a lot of respect and a lot of humility, because we’re going to play against a team that made history.”

For the captain, respect for the opponent must go hand in hand with FC Porto’s ambition. The attitude and commitment shown every day at Olival will be decisive in facing an opponent that also has reasons to believe.

Diogo Costa identified plenty of energy, fighting spirit and a desire to improve within the squad. At this early stage, he believes the physical side can still improve, but he sees in the group the mindset needed to meet its objectives.

“We are a very motivated team, I’ve seen a lot of energy and a lot of willingness to sacrifice. At this stage of the season there is always more work to do to sharpen our performance, but I see everyone with the right attitude and a hard-working mentality, which is what has always characterised us,” he stressed. “Above all, we have the ambition to keep wanting to bring titles to this Club.”

The combination of high standards and ambition is therefore the foundation of the message for the new season. The aim is to improve on last season’s performances without losing the collective consistency that the goalkeeper sees as one of the team’s main strengths.

“FC Porto will continue to show its identity. We want to improve on last year’s results and this is an FC Porto side that is very strong collectively,” he said. “That is what defines us, and we want to carry the DNA of the city, our people and the Club with us so that we can win titles.”

With the stadium sold out, the match will also have a strong atmosphere in the stands. Diogo Costa hopes the fans’ support will help FC Porto secure the first title of the season and allow everyone to celebrate together.

“It’s always easier to play with 12 players. We’re expecting great support from our fans, as always, and we hope we can win all together.”

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