FC Porto's manager Andre Villas-Boas dismisses the tag of favourites in the UEFA Europa League
FC Porto’s manager, Andre Villas-Boas, has dismissed the favourite's tag in the UEFA Europa League semi-final clash against Villarreal.
Porto will host the Yellow Submarine in the first of the two-legged semi-final of the Europa League at the Estadio do Dragao on April 28, 2011.
The newly crowned Portuguese Champions are unbeaten in the 12 matches played in the competition so far. However, Villas-Boas has warned his team against complacency and believes that at this stage of the competition, there is no such thing as favourites.
The 33-year-old has urged his team to just concentrate on their natural game and must not get carried away.
Talking to the reporters Villas-Boas said, "By this stage there is no such thing as favourites. Both teams have equal chance of going through, so we'll just play our own game. We have a great deal of respect for Villarreal and I really don't know where they
got the idea that we are favourites from."
“Villarreal are doing very well in fourth in the Spanish championship and therefore they're one of the best teams in Europe. They have already been in a Champions League semi-final [in 2006] and are striving for success – if they don't have trophies yet,
they will one day.” added the young manager.
The former Academica manager praised the Villarreal team for their attacking game and believes that the two teams are evenly matched for this tie. He added that Juan Carlos Garrido’s team is playing really well in the La Liga and therefore they are one of
the best teams in Europe. Boas added that the clash will be very entertaining for the fans, as both teams play quality football.
The Dragon's manager is hoping to capitalise on the home advantage and wants to take a healthy lead into the second-leg at the El Madrigal on May 5, 2011.
Porto have a wonderful chance to win the treble this season, as they have already won the Portuguese Super Liga. The Dragons are in the final of the Portuguese Cup and semi-finals of the Europa League.
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