Porto manager Victor Fernandez has maintained that his side “needs to keep
working”.
Following a poor start to the SuperLiga, where the European champions have only managed to earn 3 points from a possible 9 – drawing all three opening games, Fernandez’s comments come at the end of a difficult week for his side.
“Our players were different over the course of the game [a 1-1 draw at home to Leiria].
“In the first half they were very good, creating several opportunities that could have completely resolved the game. But as this didn’t happen, we gave the opposition the chance to be able to draw level, which we know was practically their only shot at goal.
“Afterwards, we had neither the strength, quality nor ideas, and we displayed the lesser attractive side of our football.”
However, Fernandez did point out that his team were still not at full strength, with Brazilians Diego and Derlei still to return, and Greek European champion Seitaridis out as well.
“But in any case it wasn’t this that led to us only drawing,” affirmed the new Porto
boss.
Fernandez did refer to a few refereeing decisions against his team that could have changed the outcome – an offside against Ricardo Quaresma directly before Leiria’s goal, and an incident where Luis Fabiano fell in the area.
“But this can’t change anything now” Fernandez reflected.
“We have to continue working This is a new team, with six or seven players that weren’t here last year. For this reason we need some time, but also some luck.”
