APOEL clash is important but not decisive, says FC Porto boss Vitor Pereira – UCL News
FC Porto boss, Vitor Pereira, claims that although their clash against APOEL is quite important, the result will still not decide who qualifies for the next stage of the UEFA Champions League. The Portistas host APOEL at Estadio do Dragao today, but the
trainer insists that the game will not be the penultimate decider on who progresses further in the prestigious competition.
Reigning Portuguese champions, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186, have not had a great start to their UEFA Champions League campaign.
On the opening day, they were able to grind out a 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk but in their next fixture, Russian giants, Zenit St. Petersburg completely overwhelmed them in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Russia-c2991.
The pressure to perform is rising on the Dragons and they will have to start churning out results soon, if they are able to further progress. With the return of their star players such as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Helton-c16018 for this one, the home side will be looking
to secure three points in convincing fashion.
Considering that they have beaten APOEL in recent editions of the European tournament, FC Porto remain favourites for this one and are likely to boost their chances of topping the group if they manage to win tonight.
However coach, Vitor Pereira has downplayed the importance of the key clash, saying that it would not be the main result that would help his side qualify for the knock-out round.
Speaking to reporters, the tactician said that although he was not taking the threat of the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Cyprus-c2881 outfit lightly and that the game would not be the main reason in their qualification.
"This will be an important game, just like every game. We want the victory; this is just another game we want to win. I do not believe it will be decisive, but it is important that we take the three points.”
The trainer also revealed that the opposition was quite strong and with their experience, they could pose potential problems for his team.
"They surprised Zenit at home and Shakhtar in Donetsk and are well organised, they have had the same coach for five years and they have some experience in the Champions League."
Lastly, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitor-c36281 Pereira commented on the return of Brazilian striker, Kleber, claiming that he expected the forward to be at his best for today’s crucial UEFA Champions League tie.
"Kleber will surely be at his best level, he will play well. That is what I expect."
Armed in attack with key figures such as Hulk, Fredy Guarin and Joao Moutinho, FC Porto are definite favourites to come out with three points at home. But the importance of a win has somewhat been diminished by their coach, who does not label it as a potential
season decider.
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