The coach explains the approach to the game against the United States and comments on the hydration breaks that will occur in all games of the final phase.
Roberto Martínez, the coach of the Portuguese national team, appeared before journalists again for a second press conference, this time at the venue of the match against the United States, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Approach to the game? What’s the strategy for a game with eleven substitutions? Is it important to rotate the team?
Exactly, that’s an important point. It’s not about using substitutions haphazardly; we always need to follow the game. The game can change, and we need to adjust tactically, which can help the team try to win. Is the focus of the training camp to win both games? No, the focus of the training camp is the player, the player’s merit in being able to wear the Portugal jersey. I experienced this against Mexico; we can see one Portugal in the first half and another Portugal in the second half after seven substitutions. That’s very positive because it shows the player’s ability to understand the concepts, the player’s ability to perform their role on the pitch. And for us, it’s also important to have a training camp for the World Cup where the preparation is perfect.
We did this with training at sea level and then playing at altitude. Playing away against a team like Mexico, with such a special atmosphere. Now another Concacaf team with a different style and also in an indoor stadium, just like we will play two games in Houston. The preparation aspects are important, recreating the complexity that the tournament will have, but the focus now is on the player’s performance. I have great faith in all the players; if I could, I would like all the players to get playing time. After today’s training, we will evaluate all the players; it won’t be the time to take risks, but it’s the time to experiment, to look for new solutions and to be able to choose the best squad for the World Cup. But, whenever a player wears the Portugal jersey, it’s to win.
These will be the first games with hydration breaks in each half. Are you happy with this innovation?
“It’s not up to us to say whether we like it or not; I think we have to adapt to the times. I think it’s fair to do it in all games; it wouldn’t be fair if it only happened in some games. What is true, I think for everyone, for the fans, is that the game doesn’t change. It’s a tactical break. Of course, it’s a hydration break, but in three minutes, we’ve seen this in other sports, the game can change, the teams can change. It already happened with Mexico; it was a moment when we tried to help the players in different ways. We consider these breaks to be tactical breaks. “We have to be able to adapt; it’s more difficult when the game is in progress, but this break with your players allows you to do that. You can’t plan in advance what’s going to happen, but it’s an opportunity to adjust the team. I think it will make the game more tactical, in addition to the five substitutions. You’re no longer just thinking about the starting eleven; you’re also thinking about how the team will finish after five changes. The game will be more tactical than ever.
Is the team prepared for different scenarios, temperature changes, and long journeys?
“It’s a matter of adapting; we can’t be prepared for every situation, we can’t predict when we’ll have a storm and have to stop training, but if we come prepared, with our talent and our work to try to win a game under any circumstances, I think that will help you. In the Qatar World Cup, the players were always in the same environment throughout the tournament, but this tournament will be played in three countries, with time differences, with different climates, with different pitches. We have to change our mentality and be prepared for whatever might go wrong.
Joao Pinheiro is on the shortlist for the World Cup. Is it important for Portugal to also be represented by a referee?
I think we need examples. João Pinheiro’s work is very important; it’s essential for new referees and for creating a clear image of Portuguese referees within Europe and at a World Cup. It’s a matter of merit, just like players who reach the National Team, our referees can reach the highest level. It’s important, it’s an example, and I think he deserves to be on that list. I hope it has a happy ending.