THE Famalicão’s interim coach, Ricardo Silva, today assumed the ambition of “writing the history” of the club in the Football League Cup, in anticipation of the visit to Sporting de Braga, in the quarter-finals.
“We can pave the way to compete for a title. That would be the dream. Therefore, we really want to continue moving forward in this competition”, said the coach, at a press conference.
Ricardo Silva pointed to qualifying for the four-way final as an opportunity for the Famalicense team to get closer to achieving “something unique”, but anticipated “a very difficult game” against the Bragaenses.
“It’s a so-called big club, almost. At least that’s what they call themselves. And they have obligations”, he observed, considering that the opponent will try to “give a strong response” to the last meeting (a 1-0 defeat at Nacional, for the I League).
Even so, the coach was confident in his team’s ability to discuss the tie, envisioning a game with both teams committed to moving forward in the competition.
After the 4-0 victory against Rio Ave, for the ninth round of the I League, Ricardo Silva confirmed that he will make changes to the starting team, but guaranteed that Famalicão will enter the field “with 11 starters”.
“Any player I had chosen to start the match was a starter”, he stated, referring to the Vila do Conde match and explaining that the work carried out by the group gives him peace of mind to change the ‘eleven’.
The coach also rejected that the opponent’s moment represents, in itself, an advantage for the Famalicenses.
“When the ball rolls, it’s what the players have in their heads and that’s what makes the difference”, he maintained.
The uncertainty regarding Famalicão’s technical command was another of the topics of the conference, with Ricardo Silva reiterating that he has not made a decision regarding his desire to definitively assume the position, following the departure of Carlos Carvalhal, announced by the club on October 19th.
“I know that it is part of my role to lead the team until management makes a decision. Whatever it may be,” he said.
The coach assured that he will be satisfied if those responsible hire another coach and return to his previous roles, admitting that he is equally happy with the recognition if he is chosen to continue.
“If they say that you are our comfort, then I have to seriously think about things and try to understand whether or not I will be the right person for them,” he explained.
Famalicão visits Sporting de Braga on Thursday, at 6:45 pm, at the Braga Municipal Stadium, in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. The two teams will meet again at the same venue on Sunday, for the 10th round of the I League.
