On the eve of the home match against Croatia valid for the first day of the Nations League, the Portugal coach Roberto Martine commented:
How is the team doing after Euro 2024?
“I felt the group was full of energy. They were prepared and happy. The training camp is going well, the new blood was positive, now we have even more strength to create a strong group for the Nations League”.
How important are new players?
“Balance is important. Improvements are essential. You need to have continuity, work on tactical concepts, work on the values of the team. But also have new players who bring hunger and energy. The Nations League has a different format. We need regular players in the team to finish the game and move on to the second.”
Is lack of goals a concern?
“It’s an aspect that we need to improve. But the worrying thing is not creating chances. We didn’t have the goals that our game deserved, but we showed offensive concentration, with many options to create chances and this is an important signal.”
Will it be Ronaldo and ten others?
“I don’t know yet, we’re training. Cristiano is working well, he’s in good shape and he scores for the club. It will be the best thing for the team. The values are in the dressing room.”