THE Marítimo’s coach recognized today the importance of beating Estoril Praia, which has “good players”, in a match on the 11th round of the I Portuguese Football League that pits two ‘distressed’ teams in the league table against each other.
“Estoril Praia will see this game as decisive and, on our side, the approach is the same. It is essential to look at the match as decisive for the immediate term. As for the long term, I don’t know. In the short term, a victory helps a lot and is essential for everyone to feel good”, said Mitchell van der Gaag in the preview of Sunday’s match.
Despite not winning in eight championship games, the islanders’ helmsman rejects the idea of an individual “lack of quality” in the squad, highlighting the fact that the team “continues to create scoring opportunities”, even if it does not materialize, as was the case with the recent 2-0 defeat to Santa Clara.
“We created opportunities, but, unfortunately, we were not able to convert them, while Santa Clara scored the (two) goals on the occasions they had. We can talk about effectiveness, but that is part of the game. The fundamental thing is to find a solution to yield a little more, of course. We talked a lot about this with the squad, which is normal in these circumstances. We have to enter the field focused on giving that click to feel something positive again, because that is fundamental”, he stressed.
The defensive part will be even more worrying, in the coach’s opinion, since, since the opening round, against Casa Pia, Marítimo has conceded goals in every game, being the second most leaked defense in the championship, with 21 goals conceded, two less than Rio Ave (23).
This “does not mean that opponents create many opportunities”, however, it is the technical team’s responsibility to “find solutions to improve”, admitted the Dutchman.
Around 500 sailors are expected in Estoril, in a testament to the loyalty and dedication of the Madeiran club’s fans, something that could help the group to “react in this difficult phase” of the season.
“It is essential to bring everything together and demonstrate whether or not we will deserve this support. I am happy to see that, once again, the fans will support the team away from home”, he noted.
Maxime Domínguez has recovered from physical problems and can join the squad, unlike Yellu Santiago, still injured and with no scheduled date for returning to the competition.
Marítimo, 14th placed, with eight points, visits Estoril Praia, 18th and bottom of the I League, with just two on Sunday, starting at 3:30 pm, at the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota, in Estoril, under refereeing by José Bessa, from the Porto association.
