In the press room, the Braga coach expressed his sadness over the result, but he was proud of his team’s efforts and, above all, the support of the fans.
What is your assessment of the match?
We lacked consistency. We started the match very well and the first half was at a high level. But wasting this punishment… it’s a real shame. You warned us that we had to be very alert against this opponent, and in the second half we made some huge mistakes. Those two goals in quick succession decided it all.
Is there a big difference between Spanish football and Portuguese football?
This analysis, which reduces everything to this extent, is unfair. Ultimately, there are a lot of factors that determine the match. But if we look at the numbers, it is clear that we are at the bottom.
Why don’t you have more regular starters? Like Banza…
I’m the coach and I know the locker room. Some players have spent several training sessions on the bench recently. For example, Panza, who played 15 minutes and who should not have played. He was not in good condition.
Why did Alvaro Diallo take the penalty kick?
The decision is simple: he was trained and was the best penalty taker on the pitch. We did what we decided, nothing more. I don’t know if he got worse after that mistake… Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. Sometimes penalty kicks are missed. If we had worn that, the match would have been different, who knows.
What a two-color rescue 😱 pic.twitter.com/EzUnTPFjn6
– Hender Santino 🏴☠️ (@HenderSantino)
November 8, 2023
The turning point in the match from minute 4.
I don’t want to see things like this. No one knows what would have happened if I had scored. A 0-1 scoreline would certainly have helped us go in with intensity, character and dominance. But we don’t know.
What are Braga’s chances of qualifying now?
They are perfect. We have two matches remaining, two very difficult challenges to overcome. But the group is open and we maintain our ambition. This defeat does not shatter our hopes.
What do you think of the Zalazar match?
very good. He is a player who needs time to adapt, but he responds to our concept of the game, that is the key. Today he gave it all.
What do you want to say to the supporters?
Obviously I’m disappointed with the result. But also because I was touched by the tireless support of the fans from the first moment until the last moment. We couldn’t meet their expectations, but I feel very grateful to them. They are what Braga needs to continue growing.
