César Peixoto does not see the benefit for Moreirense in playing in Aveiro against FC Porto in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. Despite the Estádio do Dragão being closed, the Corinthians helmsman remembers the importance of the fans.
“It would be a benefit for us if there were no fans. Even though it’s not at Dragão, the place is close to Porto, and where everyone can watch. It ends up being the same thing for us. In this competition, it should be like the Portuguese Cup, where the “smaller” teams play at home.”
«The advantage of the match is on FC Porto’s side, due to the greater individual and collective quality, but we will try to be competitive and fight for the tie. We are not going for a walk or on vacation. We are organized and we know the paths we have to take. We have to be aggressive in duels and second balls, and take advantage of spaces in our offensive movements», argued César Peixoto, in a press conference.
Asked about the eleven to be presented by the dragons, the Moreirense coach predicted some changes.
«I believe they can make a rotation, but it is difficult to understand what the eleven will be. They have a lot of quality players, but I would say that 70 percent of FC Porto’s standard of play has already been found. They will be able to make some individual adjustments and adapt some things through our team», he analyzed.
As for the format of the League Cup, Peixoto only sees advantages.
«I like participating in these competitions, with big games. It’s good for the club and for the players to showcase themselves. Even though we know that the preparation for the next League challenge, against Vitória de Guimarães, will be different, we have a squad to present competitive teams in all games», he assumed.
On the sidelines of this preview, César Peixoto commented on Ruben Amorim’s possible departure to Manchester United.
«It’s great for Portuguese football, it adds value to our class. Sporting fans may not be happy, but I, as a coach, and on top of that because Ruben was my colleague [enquanto jogador]I’m happy that you’re going to a great team. May you be very successful», he shared.
Moreirense will play against FC Porto this Thursday night (8:45 pm), at Municipal de Aveiro. The refereeing will be by Gustavo Correia and this is a meeting to follow, up to the minute, on More football.