Roberto Martinez talks about Ronaldo's numbers and Pepe's versatility against Türkiye

Roberto Martinez talks about Ronaldo's numbers and Pepe's versatility against Türkiye

Francisco Conceicao won the last match (2-1). Did he deserve to start against Türkiye? “We have 23 field players: 10 who start the lineup and one team who finishes the match. The important thing is that everyone is prepared. In the last match we saw this. Francisco came and showed why he is in the team, and Neto and Inacio are the same, just like Nelson Semedo,” he replied. Roberto Martinez, in the press conference held before the second round match of Group F at Euro 2024: “We need everyone to be ready, the important thing is not whether they are in the starting lineup or not.”

Diogo Jota revealed after the match with the Czech Republic that the coach directed some criticism at the players and asked for more condemnation for entering the penalty area and shooting. Was it? “The important thing is to review and evaluate all performances. It is important to be clear about what we can improve, it is up to us how we work. Players have a lot of self-criticism, they do not need the coach. There are things we need to improve, but the three training sessions we have done It was very positive. I really liked the behavior of the players and we have 26 players ready for tomorrow and more ready. This is part of the process,” he replied, praising Pepe. “He is a natural defender, he loves to defend and communicate. You can play in a line of three or four defenders, no problem “.

When asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's performance and whether he did not need another player closer to him to be more decisive, the Spanish coach answered with surprising numbers. “Ronaldo had three clear shots and had the most shots during the tournament in the first game. He was very disciplined, worked hard and he's lethal, a very important net player. He opens up space. In Francisco's goal, space opens up in front because Cristiano is in the box.” Penalty We are working with focus and Cristiano is important to us, in what we are trying to do in the penalty area, but it is important that we get there quickly. “Portugal’s style does not depend on direct play,” explained Martinez, who expects Turkey to have five or six players More open and less defensive than the Czech Republic.

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“Turkey is a great mix of young talent. We have seen what players like Arda Guler do. They have the experience of players like Calhanoglu. I think that combination brings a lot of quality on the ball, and the coach has also introduced a very good and strong defensive structure. One of the standout players is Arda Guler “An exciting talent, with an exceptional future” and a pleasure to watch play but nothing stops Portugal from wanting to win and do it, according to Roberto Martinez.

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