Shakhtar are a strong team not to be underestimated
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
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The highlights from the pre-match press conference of Porto manager Sergio Conceicao and team captain Pepe
Sergio Conceicao, Porto head coach:
On Shakhtar’s level and the war factor in Ukraine
– Shakhtar are quite a strong team. Yes, they face difficulties in Ukraine, but difficulties motivate us and force us to try harder. We stand with Ukraine. It may not be the same team they used to be, but they are very motivated. They have quality players, so they are not to be underestimated. I always say that no team we play should be underestimated. We are here to represent our country and play well.
On tactics for the match and rivalry in the group with Barcelona
– Speaking about tactics, it should be understood that each game is individual. There is a certain pattern to how I deploy players. Everything depends on the player's experience, on how his teammates understand him. The position of a certain footballer depends on this. We have our own vision. We also have a plan for tomorrow and will see how to implement it. Of course, there are certain limitations, but we will go from our opponents Shakhtar as well. As for Barcelona, I can say that our group is quite balanced. All opponents are strong. I also know the strength of the team from Belgium. We have already talked about Shakhtar's strength, so I do not single out anyone. All opponents are strong enough.
On Shakhtar’s level and the war factor in Ukraine
– Shakhtar are quite a strong team. Yes, they face difficulties in Ukraine, but difficulties motivate us and force us to try harder. We stand with Ukraine. It may not be the same team they used to be, but they are very motivated. They have quality players, so they are not to be underestimated. I always say that no team we play should be underestimated. We are here to represent our country and play well.
On tactics for the match and rivalry in the group with Barcelona
– Speaking about tactics, it should be understood that each game is individual. There is a certain pattern to how I deploy players. Everything depends on the player's experience, on how his teammates understand him. The position of a certain footballer depends on this. We have our own vision. We also have a plan for tomorrow and will see how to implement it. Of course, there are certain limitations, but we will go from our opponents Shakhtar as well. As for Barcelona, I can say that our group is quite balanced. All opponents are strong. I also know the strength of the team from Belgium. We have already talked about Shakhtar's strength, so I do not single out anyone. All opponents are strong enough.
I feel responsible as we are starting a new campaign
Pepe, Porto defender and captain:
On his nineteenth Champions League
– Yes, indeed, this is the nineteenth season for me. But since I love football, I live it, every time is like the first time for me. I'm very happy to be here and represent my team, very happy to participate in this game. I feel responsible as we are starting a new campaign.
On expectations of the game against Shakhtar
– Our idea is to show what we are capable of. I’m glad to be here and represent our team. I want tomorrow's game to meet the expectations and please our fans. I say, I will do my best for the team and fulfil coach's every requirement during the game. I feel comfortable playing in any position. My idea is to give joy to our fans.
On his nineteenth Champions League
– Yes, indeed, this is the nineteenth season for me. But since I love football, I live it, every time is like the first time for me. I'm very happy to be here and represent my team, very happy to participate in this game. I feel responsible as we are starting a new campaign.
On expectations of the game against Shakhtar
– Our idea is to show what we are capable of. I’m glad to be here and represent our team. I want tomorrow's game to meet the expectations and please our fans. I say, I will do my best for the team and fulfil coach's every requirement during the game. I feel comfortable playing in any position. My idea is to give joy to our fans.