There was no getting around it and Fernando Santos clarified that Rafa Silva was only asking him for “exemption from the internship, for personal reasons”, after being called up to the League of Nations matches. And only later did he inform the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) about the “unavailability to be part of the roster”.
In other words, the selector was surprised with the resignation of the Benfica winger. Despite this, he demanded respect for the player’s decision. “I’ve always had a great relationship with Rafa, as with all the players of the national team. That’s what happened,” the national coach said yesterday in the preview of today’s meeting with the Czech Republic (19:45, RTP1) . ), in the Eden Arena, in Prague about the League of Nations.
The call from debutant Gonçalo Ramos was later justified by the coach with João Félix’s physical problems. “What happened was that on the first day of the stage I realized that Felix could hardly be in this match. The arrival of Gonçalo Ramos had to do with Felix. Let’s see if he will be for the match with Spain, but [o Gonçalo Ramos] did not come as a replacement for Rafa,” he assured.
Given Pepe’s sacking due to physical problems, Santos did not consider it necessary to call in a substitute, as he has Rúben Dias and Tiago Djaló at his disposal alongside Danilo – PSG midfielder is often deployed as a central defender. Who will form the central defender of Manchester City is the question.”I have known Danilo for a long time, his position is not central, but he plays very well. And of course we trained together,” revealed Rúben Dias, guaranteeing that the “team is strong and prepared” and was not worried about the Czech Republic. personalities, who prefer not to mention the return of Patrik Schick.
In goal, the coach alternated between Diogo Costa and Rui Patrício, but preferred not to say who will play today and who will play with Spain (Tuesday in Braga): “I know who will play, but I won’t say that. Félix will not play or go to the bench, he will sit on the bench. From then on, I will not give any more information.”
With seven players at risk of missing out against Spain – Danilo, William Carvalho, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão and Cristiano Ronaldo – if they see a yellow card, Fernando Santos assured he will spare no one against the Czech Republic. “We have to win, there will be no other chance, we have no management. We have to look at the game one way, it is to win, so I will try to put on the field that team I think is serving us better for this match,” he said. the national coach, who has suspended João Cancelo and should give the title to Diogo Dalot.
CR7’s little secret wish to play Euro 2024
Today’s opponent has the quality to give Portugal “huge problems”, witness the win over Switzerland (2-1) and the draw with Spain (2-2). “[A República Checa] they have high quality players, they are a team that knows what they are doing and always causes huge problems. In Portugal it was like that and there were three, four and five situations. I expect a similar team, but we have to look at ourselves and impose our game,” said the coach, without hiding that the goal is to reach the final stage of the competition and repeat the triumph of 2019.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s anticipated desire to play Euro 2024 (at which time he will be 39 years old) did not surprise Fernando Santos: “Nothing surprising. Great pride to be present in the national team.”
For now, CR7 is available to play the 190th game for Portugal, insofar as it gets in the way of the Czech coach’s plans. “Everyone has to pay attention to Ronaldo. If we lose the ball, we have to get it back quickly, otherwise it will affect us,” revealed Jaroslav Silhavy, hoping his team will not repeat the mistakes of Alvalade’s match (defeat by 2-0).
Portugal is in second place in Group A2 after four rounds of the League of Nations, with seven points, after beating Switzerland (4-0) and the Czech Republic (2-0), both in Lisbon, a draw in Seville, with Spain (1 -1), and a defeat in Geneva, against the Swiss (1-0). Spain leads with eight points, while the Czech Republic is third with four and Switzerland last with three. Because only the leader of the group is assured of qualification, the Portuguese will say goodbye to the last four of the League of Nations today if Portugal loses and Spain wins Switzerland.
Source: DN
