Santos bullish about Portugal's Nations League Finals chances

Home advantage and a fearless approach could be key to Portugal winning the Nations League Finals, according to boss Fernando Santos.

Published : May 27, 2019 23:52 IST

Portugal head coach Fernando Santos believes his side has nothing to fear from the other teams in the Nations League Finals.

The reigning European champion faces Switzerland in the first semifinal on June 5 before England takes on Netherlands a day later, with the winner of each meeting in the final on June 9.

Portugal plays host and Santos wants his players to use their home advantage to fuel success in the inaugural edition of the tournament.

READ| Sevilla seeks UEFA intervention on Ander Silva's Portugal selection

"There is one thing I always say to my players, which is that we are no better than anyone else, but hardly anyone is better than us," he told a media conference. "We have to prove that we have the capacity to win.

"I am convinced that we will have unconditional support in Porto [where Portugal will play Switzerland]. The country is thrilled with its national team and we will try to give back to it.

"With the public behind us, it is easier."

 

Portugal is operating a relaxed regime in the build-up, with players only required to attend training and not stay in a hotel together – an approach that Santos believes will bring the best out his players.

"Closing the players in a hotel would not be good for anyone," he added. "They are professionals and if they had to come [to a hotel], they would come, but if the mental level is not at 100 per cent, they would not take the message on board."

Juventus defender Joao Cancelo has been called up to the squad despite recently breaking his nose, but Santos has no doubts that he will be ready for action.

"We have had positive feedback from Cancelo, otherwise he would not be summoned," he said. "He'll have to wear a mask for a while and will have to adapt to it."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment