Roberto Martinez: “Gioqueris is without a doubt the most influential player in the Portuguese League” – Sporting

On the sidelines of renewing the partnership between the Portuguese Football Federation and FIFA, national coach Roberto Martinez spoke to reporters and praised Sporting striker Victor Guerques, who will face Portugal next March as part of the Swedish national team. “Gioqueris is without a doubt the most influential player in the Portuguese League. He is the foreigner with the biggest influence. As a striker he can do everything: he finishes attacks, he plays in space and in the air which is important. We need opponents who have players.” “From his level,” said Roberto Martinez.

With qualification for Euro 2024 secured, Portugal is now preparing for the final stage and, at the moment, has a friendly match scheduled with Sweden on 21 March. “Now we have two important steps: training in March with two matches to finalize the roster [de 23 jogadores para o Euro’2024] Then two more matches before the European match. For me, it’s a surprise that Sweden is not in the European Championship. The individual level of players, like Kulusevski, can be very important and interesting. Playing at the Estadio V. Guimarães is also an interesting opportunity to meet other Seleção fans. “It is a very positive phase,” explained the selector, admitting that “it is important to know the draw before looking for competitors.”

Remember that Portugal will meet on Saturday with its opponent in the group stage of the European Championship, in a ceremony scheduled to start at five in the evening, at the Elbphilharmonie, in Hamburg, Germany. Regarding the draw, Roberto Martinez admitted that it was “a fluke” and that “it is important to be in the first pot”, as Portugal avoids the chronic favorites – Germany (host), France, Spain, Belgium and England. However, the coach is not jumping directly towards the goal of winning the European Championship, and is showing some caution. “We in the Seleção have a dream: to feel the emotions of our fans and give everything. Our players have shown that we are ready to give everything and be the best team. We need to draw the draw, and then try to get past the group.” Step by step, my step is to try to create memories for our fans,” said the coach.