Portugal’s playmaker, Bruno Fernandes, has emphasized the need for patience as his team prepares to face Slovenia in their Euro 2024 last-16 clash on Monday in Frankfurt.
The Manchester United midfielder acknowledged the frustration of playing against defensive sides but stressed the importance of finding solutions.
Fernandes, reflecting on previous encounters, highlighted the difficulties faced when opponents employ a low-block defensive strategy.
“Sometimes people don’t understand when we face such low blocks, there’s no space between the lines and if there’s no space then we can’t play the ball there,” Fernandes explained during a Sunday news conference.
He admitted his frustration during the match against the Czech Republic but pointed out that their goals came from crosses, showcasing the need to adapt.
“Against the Czechs I was very frustrated — we needed to play the ball out wide and our goals came from two crosses. Tomorrow, we need to tire them out. If we have the ball, we’re closer to scoring our goal,” Fernandes stated.
Portugal’s performance has seen ups and downs in the tournament. Fernandes scored in the 3-0 victory over Turkey, marking the team’s best performance so far.
However, a shocking 2-0 defeat by Georgia has prompted calls for greater focus. Veteran defender Pepe, 41, urged the team to remain concentrated ahead of the clash with Slovenia, who are making their debut in the knockout stages of a major tournament.
“Whatever Pepe said, we take it seriously, he is very experienced,” Fernandes affirmed.
“Pepe is very assertive in everything he says, he’s very honest and open and nobody takes anything the wrong way. The defeat shows some things we have to improve, we’ve been working on it and tomorrow we have to show it.”
Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, made significant rotations in the lineup against Georgia, except for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has yet to score in the tournament. Martinez downplayed the defeat, citing the context of Portugal already securing the top spot in Group F.
“Let’s put the game against Georgia into context, our performance is a consequence of being first in the group and having six points already,” Martinez explained.
“We need to learn some lessons from the game… if we don’t stick together and we’re not as intense as the opponent, if we don’t have the thirst to win, then it’s not possible, because there are no easy games.”
Martinez also praised Slovenia’s coach, Matjaz Kek, for his work with the national team.
“It’s a shame we have to face them because I’ve really got a soft spot for what this team is doing,” said Martinez. “He is getting them playing like a (club) team, with national teams you need to find the way to get the best from your players, with Slovenia he plays a system very well.”
