“Pwe needed a very high level of demand to be able to compete and be stronger in various aspects of the game. We know what the opponent is doing, it’s a difficult game to counter”, said the coach.
Vasco Seabra recognized the difficulty of the match against a team that has won five consecutive matches in the championship, but saw the challenge as an opportunity for Rio Ave to demonstrate competitive evolution.
“We feel like we’re going to have a fantastic game to play in, because the bigger the challenge, the bigger our ambition has to be so we can prove to ourselves that we’re better prepared”, he highlighted.
Regarding Académico de Viseu, Vasco Seabra praised the team’s ambition, highlighting the intensity of the pressure exerted on any opponent.
“It’s a very capable and well-trained team. A credit to Bruno Pinheiro and his players. They press very ambitiously, and show belief in each duel, each contact, often forcing the opposing team to take some risks or play directly”, he analyzed.
The coach also addressed the pressure associated with Vila Condenses’ position in the league table, with the ‘play-off’ place, assuming that the team needs to win more often.
“I feel that the pressure is really imposed by us. We have to win games to get out of a boring position, which no one wants to be in. I’m not going to be avoiding the issue and covering the sun with a sieve”, he highlighted.
The coach assured that he learned lessons from the defeat (4-0) suffered in the previous round, at home, against Famalicão, although considering that the result was heavier than the performance justified.
“We weren’t good enough to be able to take points from the game and for the fans to feel proud. And it’s a process that we want to do with that same passion, but we won’t be able to change everything from one day to the next”, he acknowledged.
Vasco Seabra also admitted changes to the squad during the January market, with possible additions and departures, but considered that the current group is capable of presenting better results.
Miszta and Nélson Abbey are unavailable for the match, Pedro Amaral remains doubtful and Brandon Aguilera could be part of the squad.
Rio Ave, ranked 16th, with seven points, visits Académico de Viseu, sixth, with 17, on Sunday, in a match scheduled for 6pm, at Estádio Municipal do Fontelo, refereed by João Gonçalves, from the Porto Football Association.
