Nigerian national team head coach José Peseiro has taken the time to analyze the state of the Portuguese national team and share his thoughts on Roberto Martínez's tenure as head coach, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite boasting some of the best players in the world, Portugal failed to make any major impact at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with the former European champions crashing out in the quarterfinals.
Former Belgium national team coach Martínez has been appointed Portugal's new boss, and Peseiro is unequivocal in his support for the team's talents and the new manager.
In an interview with AS (as per Record), Peseiro firmly advocated for patience with Roberto Martínez's approach.
Despite criticism of the team's style of play, Martínez has overseen Portugal's six consecutive victories without conceding a goal.
Peseiro argued, “It's not easy to show beautiful, offensive football, and we must give Roberto Martínez time to organize an offensive team. It's not just a question of having talent but of combining characteristics. For now, he's experimenting, evolving.”
Peseiro went on to highlight the immense talent within the Portuguese squad, with players like Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Palhinha, and Danilo all excelling at top European clubs.
The Super Eagles coach also praised the emerging talents of António Silva and Inácio, predicting they would soon join elite teams.
Additionally, he singled out FC Porto's goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, as a future world-class talent.
“Bernardo [Silva] plays for City and could have gone to Barcelona, as they said. Vitinha is at PSG, and Bruno [Fernandes] is at United. What more do we want? Palhinha could have gone to Bayern, and we still have Danilo at PSG. I don't know if there is a team with as many players in the best clubs in Europe as Portugal.
“António Silva and Inácio fight as the best central defenders in Europe, and they are two kids who will soon be in great teams. There is also Diogo Costa, FC Porto's goalkeeper, who will certainly be the best in the world. With this potential, we can win the next European Championship.”
Despite the influx of young talent, Peseiro emphasised the enduring presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at 37 years old, continues to be a dominant force.
Peseiro firmly supported Ronaldo, stating, “He's the one who scores goals. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be the best in his position. He has a team with so much quality that will provide him with goals, which is what he does best.”
Peseiro led the Super Eagles to lose 0-4 to Portugal in an international friendly in Lisbon last November.
