Stephen Eustáquio’s brother: “Any player not getting minutes is a worry” | OneFootball

Mauro Eustáquio has been closely following, from the other side of the Atlantic, his brother Stephen's career at FC Porto. Very close to the player, the coach does not show concern about the few minutes Stephen has played in the Porto jersey this season.

Last season, they even worked together when Mauro was the assistant coach of the Canadian national team. For this reason, and more than many, he knows how Stephen is dealing with this phase of less playtime under the guidance of the Italian coach Francesco Farioli.

Mauro Eustáquio assessed his brother's performance this season and expressed his belief that Stephen will respond when called upon by the FC Porto coach.

Stephen is not one to shy away from a fight and will work his hardest to help FC Porto.

Mauro's connection to Portugal is also familial and almost umbilical. Stephen, his brother, was a starter against Utrecht but has had few minutes of play at FC Porto. Are you worried about that?

Any player outside the starting eleven is a cause for concern. There is an emotional component due to the family connection, but I recall that in previous seasons, few predicted that Stephen would become a starter or have the impact he had at FC Porto in recent years. I know his characteristics well and know that he doesn't shy away from confrontation: he will work his hardest to, first, help FC Porto achieve its goals and, naturally, return to the field regularly.

And why do you think Stephen has had so little playtime this season?

The squad is strong and has been reinforced. There is also a new coach with different ideas, who brought in specific players for certain roles. I don't take away Stephen's value – we've seen him win titles with FC Porto, and even in this system and under this coach, he has had minutes. I think patience is needed: the championship is long, and surely, he will have his role. The team is going through a good moment, and Stephen is part of that group. His performance in the Europa League was positive. He needs to be prepared for opportunities, whether it's five or ten minutes, or starting the game. He is an exemplary professional and when he gets more chances, he will seize them.

Could he be affected by this tactical change promoted by coach Francesco Farioli since he has preferred more combative players in the starting eleven, like Alan Varela?

I wouldn't say it's just about combativeness, but about styles that the coach prefers in a player and perhaps doesn't see in another. Stephen, last year, when playing in a two-man midfield, and now in a three-man midfield, and even in the national team with Jesse Marsch, showed the ability for high-pressure football and man-to-man marking all over the field. His physical condition is recognized. In the end, it's a matter of the coach's preference, something natural: a coach can't line up with fifteen players and has to make choices. At the moment, FC Porto's options have been fruitful. Like any player, patience is needed, continue working, and wait for more opportunities.

From an ocean away, is it difficult to always closely follow your brother's games?

No, actually it's quite easy. The time zone makes it easier for me to follow his football more than ours here. Since we are behind Portugal, I can watch the games. For him to watch my games is more complicated because they end up being quite late.

Working with my brother in the national team? It was a new experience, it was a strange experience at first, something I will always cherish.

How was it working with him in the Canadian national team?

It was an interesting experience. It was one of the few occasions we were in the same circle – same hotel, same field – and, paradoxically, we talked less. We had a strictly professional relationship: at the beginning, there were two or three conversations, then we maintained a professional behavior, talking when necessary and being demanding when appropriate. It was very positive to work at the highest level of national teams. In that stage, we played against Mexico and the United States and returned with two victories. It was an important moment for me personally, and being able to do it with my brother was a dream; something new and strange at first, which I will always cherish.

And not even on the way home, were you able to call your brother and tell him something you didn't want to say in public among other national team players?

No. Those who know Stephen know that he always gives his best, whether in training or a game. We have to accept that not everything goes well and that other things go very well. Given the professionalism required in the national team and Stephen's own professionalism, observations have to be made at the right time, allowing mistakes and successes to express themselves on the field. That communication was not made, much less during the stage.

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