Portugal manager explains Sporting player's absence: not at the right level | OneFootball

Telma Encarnação is the major absentee from Portugal’s squad for the matches against Latvia and Finland in the Nations League, and Francisco Neto explained in detail the reasons that led to the Sporting forward’s omission. Telma had also missed the previous call-up.

“Telma is still not at 100 percent. We have been in direct contact with Sporting and, physically, she is still not at the ideal level to be included in this squad,” revealed the manager, clarifying the situation of the 24-year-old forward.

The absence of the Portuguese international opened the door for Nádia Gomes to return to the national team selections. The Portuguese coach highlighted the player’s recent development in the United States. “We have been following her very closely. At the Chicago Red Stars she has taken on a bigger role, and it is also relevant that she is still in season, which means that physically she is showing very good levels and availability for a high-intensity match, so it made sense for us to have Nádia with us at this time, based on her quality and performances for her club,” he explained.

Francisco Neto also made a point of stressing that the door to the national team remains open to new players. “The national team is not a closed space. We are pleased that the new arrivals have been adding something. The fearlessness of the younger players has been very important alongside the more experienced ones. This variety has allowed growth and increased competitiveness,” he said.

As for the matches against Latvia and Finland, the manager acknowledged the difficulties typical of this stage of the season, but guaranteed the Portuguese team’s full ambition. “Our players are at the end of their season, while in Latvia and Finland they are midway through theirs. It is an extra challenge. We want to continue along the path of what we have been doing. A dominant, highly competitive Portugal, able to control games and take the initiative,” he said.

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