Salzburg boss urges players to show courage against unbeaten FC Porto | OneFootball

Salzburg begins its participation in the Europa League this Thursday against FC Porto, arriving at the match after three consecutive games without a win in the Austrian championship. In the preview, coach Thomas Letsch acknowledged the importance of facing a “high-caliber” team and called for courage from his players.

“We have a high-caliber opponent before us, we are happy to face FC Porto, a top team, they participated in the Club World Cup and have a new coach. It will be an interesting challenge, assuming the standings are not yet of great importance,” stated the German coach.

Letsch emphasized the identity of Porto's football since the arrival of Francesco Farioli. “They have a team full of world-class players, the coach has changed the game quite a bit compared to previous years. With Farioli, FC Porto exerts great pressure. They have only conceded one goal and that already shows how they play, they have clear patterns, a lot of speed, and we must act with courage to face them. We cannot falter, because if we do, it won't work…,” he warned.

The coach did not spare praise for some of the standout figures of the Dragons. “Samu is a player everyone would like to have on their team, he is difficult to control. Alan Varela is a key player in the team, but there are others too. In goal, there is Diogo Costa, who has many international caps. We talk about market value, but luckily that’s not what decides the games, because if it were, it would be clear who would win,” he said, adding: “We will enter with respect, but always without fear.”

Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, spokesperson for the squad, emphasized the need for maximum concentration. “We have to be 100% in all details, nothing better than playing against top teams, we need perfect days and that’s also what we train for. We will give everything. We have to start games well and gain a sense of security. Have self-confidence regardless of the results of past games.”

Prepared to face Diogo Costa, the 29-year-old Austrian did not hide his admiration for his fellow goalkeeper. “Diogo Costa is one of the elite goalkeepers, he has improved a lot in recent years. I am very excited to play against him, happy to share the field with him, but I want to play my game.”

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