Bruno Duarte: This FC Porto side are much more intense now | OneFootball

Bruno Duarte, who represented V. Guimarães between 2019 and 2022, attended the pre-match conference for the game between Red Star and FC Porto (Thursday, 20:00), at Estádio do Dragão. The 29-year-old striker, now playing for the Belgrade team, highlighted the good start to the season by Porto, but refused to point out a clear "favorite" for the 2nd round of the regular phase of the Europa League.

"It will be a completely different game from the past. This is a much more intense FC Porto than in recent years. They come from, I believe, seven victories (editor's note: it's actually eight consecutive victories), they are on a very good streak and we expect a very difficult game, but we will give our best," emphasized Bruno Duarte, noting that, "if I can score, even better."

Was there any sharing of information from those who know the Portuguese League before the match? "Yes, Handël played against FC Porto last season and passed on some things about them to us. About FC Porto's intensity, they are a very fast and strong team on the field, we know they play with a high block to press us. But we can adapt to that and surprise them."

Do you think FC Porto is the favorite or do you foresee a balanced game? "I think both teams have a beautiful history in European football, they are colossal teams in Europe and the greatness is there. They are always teams that fight for their country's championship and when it comes to a European game, it always ends up being an open game. I don't believe there are favorites."

You will face Diogo Costa, one of the best goalkeepers today. "It will be a very interesting duel because he is a goalkeeper with a lot of quality. But we also have an extraordinary goalkeeper like Matheus. I've scored twice against FC Porto, one of them against Diogo, so I can speak about what I can do for my team. If I have the opportunity and am well-prepared, I can try, and that's how we will all approach the game. You need to surpass the best to be the best, entering focused to help the team."

Do you feel comfortable in the role the coach has been using you? "Yes, I feel comfortable, I played there last season and what needs to be done on the field, I do it. Whether it's to make myself available or to be happy. I feel good being versatile, for me that is the most important."

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