Recently, Portuguese football legend Maniche gave an exclusive interview to AS, where the former midfielder who represented Portugal in the World Cup and the European Championship revealed that he is not worried about his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal drought, but that another attacking player, João Félix, needs to change his attitude.
Maniche currently works for CNN as an analyst and commentator, and he has also been appointed by UEFA. Talking about the changes in the Portuguese team in recent years, Maniche said: “Portugal had a 100% record in the European Qualifiers, and the team’s morale is very high. We have many players playing for top clubs, accustomed to fighting for important titles, but Martinez struggled with the switch between the three-back and four-back formations in the European Championship group stage, which caused confusion among the players. However, Martinez is more focused on attack than his predecessor Santos, and we have indeed seen more joyful football.”
The reporter wanted to hear the Portuguese legend’s opinion on Spain’s performance in this European Championship, and Maniche said: “This Spanish team is very young, but the quality of the players is high, the tactics are very consistent, and they focus on possession. Their young players have excellent skills and are hungry, while the team also has experienced players, making for a very balanced squad.”
Maniche’s former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is going through a seven-game goal drought in international tournaments, but Maniche said he is not worried, believing that Ronaldo’s goals will come soon. Maniche said: “Ronaldo is very focused on scoring. Although the goal drought is a challenge for him, he is also making more collective contributions for the team, which is a great help for the national team. The way Saudi Arabia plays is different from Europe, but he will definitely score in the European Championship. Sometimes, being too obsessed with scoring can be counterproductive. When he lets go of the pressure, the goals will come. The comparison with Messi? I have respect for both, they are both unique, but the Portuguese tend to prefer Ronaldo, just like the Argentinians prefer Messi. The Portuguese are proud to have a compatriot like Ronaldo, he has changed the game and broken all the records.”
Finally, the reporter asked about the situation of winger João Félix, who plays in La Liga, and Maniche gave his honest advice to the younger player: “I don’t know what he’s thinking, the outside world is questioning his stagnation. I think for talented players, relying on talent alone is not enough, they also need to have a competitive spirit, and they need to listen more, be humble, etc. João is a talent, but we pointed out four years ago that he needs to get regular playing time, which did not happen. I think he should stop and think carefully, because in the world of football, new talents are always emerging, João needs to be ready at all times, change his attitude and actively engage in competition.”
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