Coach Luis Pinto stated that in the upcoming Sunday match as part of the fifth round of the I Liga football championship, he wants Gil Vicente's team to play more offensively against Académico de Viseu.
The team from Barcelona previously drew 0-0 with Famalicão in the previous round, becoming the only team that did not concede any goals, but they only have three goals scored, considering they still have one match against Sporting de Braga to play.
During the press conference before the game, Pinto noted that the tactics must change because Académico de Viseu defends differently than Famalicão. He emphasized: 'Against Famalicão we showed our identity, but we could not achieve the offensive success we wanted. We must aim for a more active game than in the last match; it is very clear in our minds.'
Académico de Viseu has accumulated two draws, both away: 2-2 against Benfica at Estádio do Louz and 2-2 against Marítimo in Madeira. Pinto added that 'Académico de Viseu makes life very difficult in away matches. They drew in two very tough places, and in one of the matches they were close to victory [at Marítimo's ground, where they led 2-0].'
In recent days, Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Gomes, a former Flamengo player, arrived in Barcelona, while Argentine midfielder Facundo Cáceres left the club, moving to Mexican Laguna Santos. Additionally, the club registered Sergio Bermeh, a Spanish forward who played for Gil Vicente in the last two seasons.
The technical specialist expressed 'great satisfaction with the balance of the transfer market.' He explained that, knowing the financial needs of the clubs, they have fully prepared players to replace Cáceres, such as Zé Carlos, Diogo Prioste, who is well acquainted with the '6' position, as well as Bamba, recovering from injury, and Lauzen, who played in the '6' or '8' positions.
Spanish midfielder Santi García, who was absent in the match against Famalicão, ultimately remained with the club despite his future initially being uncertain. Pinto stated: 'Being a footballer is a privilege, and being in a club like Gil Vicente is even more so. He bears the responsibility towards Gil Vicente to be focused physically and mentally, and that is how I met him this week. I am glad he is staying, and it benefits the team.'
Gil Vicente, currently in sixth place with seven points (not counting one match), will meet Académico de Viseu, in 15th place with two points, on Sunday at 20:30 at the Cidade de Barcelos stadium. The match will be organized by Pedro Ramalho from the Évora Football Association.