Maria Negrão: “This is just the start, FC Porto must be up here!” | OneFootball

Maria Negrão was one of the voices of blue-and-white frustration in the mixed zone at the Estádio Nacional. In a calm reading of what happened on the pitch, the FC Porto player began by acknowledging that the less convincing start was due, to a large extent, to factors outside the actual game.

“It came down to details, two set pieces... we have to work more on that. In open play, we did what the coach told us. We knew the opponent’s strengths, but we also knew our own worth,” she said, before addressing a sensitive point: the group’s emotional state in a scenario of this magnitude.

“I think there was some early nervousness that both teams felt, although the opponent managed to hide it better because they didn’t know each other, it was the first derby. It’s normal, it’s a final, but we have to be better prepared for this.”

For Maria Negrão, the difference in pace between a team that dominates the top tier and another that has just been crowned champions of the second division was the hardest obstacle to overcome.

“We have the rhythm of the second division and we have to get used to this. Next year we’ll prepare better to compete at this pace in the Liga BPI,” she promised, stressing that Porto’s project has solid foundations for growth.

“This is only the beginning. FC Porto has to be at this level and we’ll try to give a better response next season. We leave proud of our journey, but we really wanted this trophy,” concluded the player who, despite the defeat, highlighted the team’s “boldness and courage” in not giving up, promising an FC Porto “stronger and more used to” these big occasions from August onward.

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