Tralhão and Vásquez preview Super Cup final: “FC Porto are world-class” | OneFootball

Luís Tralhão and Javi Vázquez previewed the Super Cup final between FC Porto and Torreense.

Head coach Luís Tralhão and defender Javi Vázquez appeared in the press room to look ahead to the decisive Super Cup clash between FC Porto and Torreense. The Torres Vedras side, winners of the Portuguese Cup, will face the national champions this Saturday at 8:15 p.m. at the Municipal Stadium of Coimbra.

Luís Tralhão began by discussing the opponent:

“Analysis of FC Porto? As for the first question, obviously the fact that FC Porto haven’t changed many players so far gives me no comfort at all. The fact that we know what they do means little, just as Primeira Liga teams knew and still continued to struggle against FC Porto. FC Porto are a world-class team, a team that will compete in the Champions League, and we know it will be difficult to stop them. We know the dynamics they have as a team and we will try to make the most of that. We know we can cause problems for any team. We are in this position because we beat Sporting in the Portuguese Cup and we believe we can win again”.

“Super Cup? I would say this game will be decided by the details, everything will matter. We are not at the same level as FC Porto, but we know everything will count. And one very important detail will be the concentration we will have to maintain throughout the game at every moment. That was one of the factors that made us win the Portuguese Cup. We did not react too emotionally, and we will have to stay true to our model to surprise FC Porto.”

“Referees’ boycott of the Super Cup? Honestly, I’m not aware of the controversy. Of course I saw the newspaper headlines, but honestly I’m not up to speed on it. Portuguese referees are very competent, and I have to give them a word of appreciation since they are subject to judgments. I never go into a game thinking about a particular referee’s history. If I end the game upset with some refereeing decisions, I do not judge the person themselves.”

“More difficult to face FC Porto or Sporting? They are both very challenging. I still don’t know who we will play against in the Europa League, but I would say that playing against FC Porto, at this stage, will theoretically be the strongest opponent we will face throughout the season. The spotlight around this game is different, but the players are highly motivated for this game and, for us coaches, it is always easier to get the message across.”

“Torreense’s project? Our project is about developing our players. Competing in the Europa League will be a fantastic experience for the players, but it is not a given that one team will play on Thursday and another on Monday. We want to keep developing the players while also building a team that wins more often; that is our starting point.”

“Pitch at the City of Coimbra Stadium? The pitch is not in top condition, but we have already been told they will do everything possible to have it in the best condition. We want the best pitch possible, but I believe those are factors beyond the organization’s control.”

Javi Vázquez, Torreense’s Spanish defender, also answered the journalists’ questions:

“Super Cup final? For this kind of game, we don’t need motivation. We have to believe and stay focused for the full 90 minutes.”

“FC Porto’s attack? We have to take into account the size of FC Porto as a team; whoever plays can make the difference at any moment, whether it’s André Silva or William Gomes. As I said, we have to stay focused for the full 90 minutes. We know the tempo FC Porto will bring to the game, but we are aware of what we have to do. We have to show personality and make the most of our moment.”

“The opponent’s qualities? FC Porto are a very complete team, with the tempo they maintain for 90 minutes, the movement they get from their midfielders, and the ease with which they reach the opposition box. They are a team that is physically very strong, but we have to show our quality and try to make the most of that as well.”

“We see this game as an opportunity, after having won the Portuguese Cup. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves and we hope to compete toe to toe with FC Porto, despite their quality. We trust in our playing model and we will try to win again.”

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