João Brandão: “What’s non-negotiable for us is our competitive spirit” | OneFootball

After a great return to winning ways against Leixões SC (4-2) in Matosinhos, FC Porto B is back at CTFD Jorge Costa for the 14th round of the Segunda Liga, which features a home match against FC Penafiel (Friday, 6:00 PM, Porto Canal). Facing “one of the teams that best controls the game” and that “blends experienced players well with young players,” João Brandão wants the Dragons to be “focused” on their “individual and collective tasks.” Center-back Luís Gomes, for his part, promised a Porto side true to itself: “We go into every match to win.” FC Porto B is in 14th place with 14 points, while FC Penafiel sits in 10th with 16.

The 4-2 in Matosinhos“It’s always important to win at this Club. This Club has grown on victories, on overcoming adversity, and that’s what we want to carry forward in the next steps we take. It was important, it was tough, but the boys performed in the best way. We played an objective, effective game and were extremely competitive. That story is over now, and another one begins.”

FC Penafiel“They are one of the teams that best controls the game, a team that blends experienced players well with young players. They have a very competent midfield, interesting dynamics, and set pieces are also important. We have to be alert and competent in those moments. It will be a big challenge, as they all are in this Segunda Liga.”

Competitive spirit and focus“What is non-negotiable for us is the competitive spirit we have shown recently. That is non-negotiable. Then, there must be consistency in our behavior during the game, daily, throughout preparation, because that’s what will make us comfortable. FC Penafiel is a competitive team. What happened last season is over, now a new story is being written and we are completely focused on this game. We are focused on our individual and collective tasks and very focused on the offensive aggressiveness we need to have. We have to look at the opponent’s goal with courage.”

A word for Brayan Caicedo“I want to take a moment to mention Brayan Caicedo, a member of our family who is going through a tough time due to the injury he suffered in the last match. I recall that he arrived a year ago, after a year without playing, and it was necessary to create a plan for his physical and tactical needs. He invested a lot in improving those areas and all the Club’s Departments were fundamental in his development. He was in his best form and scored a great goal against Leixões SC. These situations are never positive, but what I highlight here is that he is surrounded by the best, the Health Department is excellent, and I am absolutely certain he will come back stronger.”

When you win, you breathe easier“We know it’s always different to work after a win, but the commitment to work must always be the same. Victory always gives us confidence and extra motivation, that’s undeniable.”

The next opponent“They are a very competitive team, but we look at ourselves and what we have to do to achieve another victory.”

Four wins in the last six games“The most recent results are a consequence of the work we have been doing since pre-season.”

The close points between the teams“It’s a reflection of a very competitive Segunda Liga, but it doesn’t put any pressure on us and we go into every match to win.”

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