João Henriques previewed the match between AVS and FC Porto on Sunday, scheduled for Monday at the Estádio do Dragão for the 16th matchday of the Primeira Liga.
The AVS coach is well aware of the difficulties his team will face against the current league leaders, but he believes that the recent positive developments can help AVS fight for points at the Dragão.
“This is a match that significantly relieves the pressure of responsibility. 100% of the responsibility is on the opponent. Everyone expects us to lose at the Dragão, except for our group. We prepared for this game the same way we prepare for others. I consider any opponent a good opportunity to score points, whether at home or away.”
“The level of difficulty in this specific match, being against FC Porto, is immense. If no one has beaten them yet, it`s because it`s not easy. They are deservedly in 1st place. Their football has been appreciated since the beginning due to the intense way they present themselves. We are prepared to counteract the opponent`s dynamics, both defensively and offensively, in every moment of the game, with the same ambition.”
“We know that in 10 games against these types of teams, you normally win one and draw one—it might be this one tomorrow at the Dragão. As a coach against FC Porto, I have won, drawn, and lost most of the games. Playing at the Dragão, with their winning momentum, means facing a team that radiates confidence, which is the opposite of AVS`s situation.”
“There is no basis for comparison with previous weeks because I arrived recently. But the squad surprised me with how openly and positively they are welcoming the ideas. Good atmosphere and good spirits. They are also riding the wave of believing that it is possible.”
“I drew positive conclusions from that game. We did very good things. The team`s position in the table, as the matchdays pass, means that at the moment of conceding a goal, there is a fear of not winning again, and this brought back `ghosts.` But they knew how to react, and that was a good sign. Even with 10 players, they showed the capacity to face adversity. The players can do more than they have done until today. These are very special moments, and the reactions are good indicators.”
Mark Thompson
