Portugal manager Roberto Martinez acknowledged the criticism directed at his team following their EURO 2024 exit, noting that high expectations are inevitable given the talent within the squad. As Portugal prepares to host Croatia in their Nations League opener on Thursday and face Scotland in League A Group One on Sunday, Martinez reflected on the positives from their penalty shootout loss to France in the quarter-finals, emphasizing that the experience would strengthen his side.
“Criticism is part of the demand we will always have. But the internal demands are even stronger than the demands of the fans,” Martinez stated at a press conference on Wednesday. “We always want to win but the big tournaments have the best players in the world, so games are decided by details. The detail is often a penalty where the ball goes in or out.”
Martinez praised his team’s character in the game against France, saying they controlled the match and grew significantly as a unit. Despite their disappointing campaign, marked by struggles in front of goal, Martinez expressed confidence in his players’ ability to handle pressure and move on from the heartbreak of their goalless draw and penalty loss.
The Spanish manager is focused on building a more attack-minded team, promising fans a more aggressive style of play compared to their EURO 2024 performances. “We’re looking forward to getting back on the pitch. (The fans) can expect to see a Portugal team full of energy and with a lot of desire, playing an attacking style of football,” Martinez said.
Martinez anticipates a challenging match against Croatia, a team known for their possession-based style, setting the stage for a competitive encounter. “Portugal will be very ambitious and keen to get back on the pitch. We want to bring joy to our fans again. I know my players’ skills, but their personality and attitude are incredible,” he added.
Martinez’s comments highlight his commitment to turning Portugal into an attacking force and reigniting the team’s ambitions ahead of their Nations League campaign.
