Vitória coach De Guimarães, Tiago Margarido, expressed satisfaction with the quality and experience of the club's recent market acquisitions ahead of hosting 'Casa Pia' in the fourth round of the Portuguese League I.
During the press conference before Sunday's 18:00 match, he noted that the transfer window in Portugal is closed, although there are still open markets and opportunities for player departures. He stated that the squad is almost formed, and he is pleased that the club has not lost players, and the new contracts have allowed for the introduction of quality and experience.
The 37-year-old technical specialist detailed the characteristics of the new footballers. He emphasized that the 28-year-old forward possesses the ability to play in support and make diagonal crosses behind defenders, and also has good productivity. The 26-year-old midfielder will add 'unpredictability and creativity,' as well as danger during corner kicks. The 29-year-old central defender will bring 'leadership, experience, aerial ability, and aggression.'
Thanks to the latest summer signings, which increased the squad depth to nine, and the absence of departures (with the exception of previously released players), Vitória now has a squad of 28 players, which, according to Tiago Margarido, is not excessive. He stated that as a coach, he adheres to a philosophy where more is better, as the season is long and injuries and suspensions are inevitable, requiring full team readiness.
He specified that he considers seven midfielders ideal, and regarding central defenders, noting that Toni became available on the market, this gives the chance to play with three central defenders.
Of the latest trio of reinforcements, only the forward of Austro-Bosnian origin is available for Sunday's game. Vitória aims to improve its attacking play, especially after the 1-0 defeat to neighbors and rivals Sporting de Braga on Monday. Margarido noted that there was no desired attacking productivity in the previous match, and the team intends to demonstrate sharper and more attacking football in the next match.
Convinced that 'the geese' are worth more than four matches without scoring in the first four rounds, and considering the results of the home loss to Moreirense (1-0), the coach warned that 'Casa Pia' has a historical advantage in Guimarães, having won three out of four matches in League I. He concluded that the opposing team 'is worth more than the points they have,' and Vitória's goal is to break this cycle of misfortune.
Vitória de Guimarães, currently in 12th place in the Portuguese League I with three points, hosts 'Casa Pia', which is in 18th and last place with zero points. The match will take place on Sunday at 18:00 at the D. Afonso Henriques stadium in Guimarães, under the refereeing of Gustavo Correia from the Porto association.