Paulo Tora, the “very positive” debut and the iconic moment: “I didn’t know him…”

Paolo Tora’s remarks after Vitoria defeated Vizela 2-0, in the third round of the tournament.

First match: “I think my debut was very positive, because of Vitória’s convincing performance today. The players did their part. We’re on the right track. I’m happy with the team’s performance on my right-footed debut. I’ve already had a chat” with the players in the dressing room, I thanked them for the work week and for the win. We’re coming in and we have a lot of things to fix, but it’s been amazing. I also thank the fans, whom I already know.” “It’s not new, but it was amazing.”

Joao Mendes was the only person affected in eleven years. What did you add? “Joao Mendes, like the whole team, has a lot of quality. I changed the way we play with three forwards. With Joao Mendes we won possession, with quality in the last third. He scored a goal and an assist.”He gained a lot with his creativity. I didn’t know him – just from the video and this week of work – but he delivers that and he was decisive.”

Maintain the basic tactical scheme? “When I came, I believed in maintaining the tactical scheme. Having achieved two victories and being a captain, I could not make major changes, on the contrary. This one [3x5x2] It’s a model that I’ve worked on in other teams. It’s a good model, but with the knowledge we gain, we can have other ways of working. Football today is very complicated. Players are able to play on other systems.”

Alternatives: Alfonso [Freitas] He left because he had a sore knee. Bruno Gaspar too. Since I’m coming in, I can’t risk losing important players. Whoever enters enters with good.”