At 3 a.m. on July 6th, the quarterfinals of the Euros will feature a showdown between Portugal and France. Ahead of the match, Portuguese head coach Martinez spoke to the media. He vowed to bring out the best in his team and expressed his gratitude for still having Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks.
Regarding Portugal’s objectives, Martinez said, “I want us to play beautifully and score many goals. Since perfection is unattainable, we always strive for excellence. As a national team coach, we are at a crucial moment. This is an opportunity to create lasting memories. Winning the Euros in 2016 was such a memory, but this generation is on a different path. I hope they can inspire generations to come.”
“Our efficiency in front of goal? Euro matches are fiercely competitive, and it’s tough to score first. We’ve had a lot of possession and many players contributing in attack. We’ve done well so far and need to keep it up, but there’s room for improvement.”
Addressing the criticism the team has received, Martinez remarked, “Criticism shows that people still have passion for the national team, and I accept that. But I also believe we have a very strong squad with a highly competitive locker room atmosphere. I promise to get the best out of the team – that’s my commitment to the fans.”
Speaking about Ronaldo, Martinez praised him highly: “Having a player who has won everything and set numerous records is significant for the team. His freshness, whether it’s in terms of appearances or goals for the national team, is always astonishing. He wants to win every day, wants to play every game. When you have such a committed player, it’s an honor.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming clash, Martinez anticipated, “Everyone knows how top teams compete. What matters most is execution and the players’ talent. I believe we’re well-prepared. It’s a quarterfinal, and we’ll be fully focused.”