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#Post#: 879--------------------------------------------------
Post Match Press Confernce
DIR By: GaryG
Date: July 8, 2026, 4:30 pm
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Gary Goodson’s Press‑Conference Reaction to defeat to
Tottenham
“It was a difficult result for us, of course, but there were
also many positive aspects in the performance. The players
showed commitment, organisation and resilience after the early
setback, and we created moments that could have changed the
direction of the match. Tottenham were efficient in key
situations, and at this level those details make the
difference.”
“Borja Sainz’s goal was an excellent example of the quality we
know this team has, and at 1–1 we felt we were in a good rhythm.
We pushed, we tried to control the game, but we lacked a little
precision in the final third. That’s something we will continue
to work on.”
“The squad is fully fit, the work rate is very high, and the
atmosphere inside the dressing room remains strong. The
performances are not the issue — the results simply haven’t
reflected the effort or the direction we’re moving in.”
“I also want to emphasise patience. We are in the middle of a
long‑term project, and everyone at the club — from the
president to the staff and players — understands that building
something sustainable takes time. The foundations are being put
in place, the structure is improving, and we are confident the
results will follow. We ask our supporters and everyone around
the club to stay united with us. The team will grow, and we will
come through this stronger.”
#Post#: 880--------------------------------------------------
Manzambi medical
DIR By: GaryG
Date: July 8, 2026, 4:38 pm
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HTML https://i.postimg.cc/bNQm4rWH/Copilot-20260708-223314.png
Johan Manzambi arrives at Olival ahead of FC Porto
move
FC Porto can confirm that midfielder Johan Manzambi
has arrived at the club’s training complex in Olival to undergo
medical tests before completing his move to the Dragons.
The 22‑year‑old midfielder, who impressed with his
pace and direct style in the Bundesliga, was welcomed by staff
at the training ground earlier today. Manzambi will complete the
routine medical examinations before finalising personal terms
and signing his contract with the club.
Known for his explosive acceleration and ability to operate
across the middle and wings, Manzambi has been monitored by
Porto’s recruitment department for several months. His arrival
marks another step in the club’s ongoing plan to strengthen Gary
Goodson’s midfield options.
#Post#: 1076--------------------------------------------------
Post Match Press Confernce
DIR By: GaryG
Date: July 18, 2026, 4:48 pm
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Post-Match Press Conference following Atalanta defeat
Opening Statement
"First of all, I'm absolutely gutted for the players. We came
here, against a very good Atalanta side, and for large parts of
that match we competed well enough to take something home. We
scored a good goal, we hit the woodwork twice, we created
chances, and yet we're walking away with nothing again.
"That's the story of our season, isn't it? We're always talking
about what we deserved, what we nearly did, what we should have
got. The table doesn't care about any of that. The table says
we're bottom, seven points from safety, and tonight that's a
very difficult thing to accept."
On the performance
"I actually thought the performance was decent. We didn't come
here and park the bus. We had a plan, we stuck to it, and we
caused them problems. Manzambi's goal was excellent. Rodrigo
should maybe make it 2-0. Borja had opportunities. We created
enough chances away from home against a strong side. But the
difference between teams fighting at the top end of the table,
and teams fighting relegation is often what happens in both
penalty areas. They took their moments. We didn't."
On conceding the equaliser
"I've looked at it briefly and from where I was standing the
Nwaneri goal looked very, very close. Extremely close. I'm not
going to stand here and blame officials because that's easy. The
reality is we had opportunities after that to regain control of
the game. But naturally it's frustrating because at 1-0 we were
in a really good position."
On the decisive second goal
"That's football sometimes. The lad gets the header, it takes a
deflection, it completely wrong-foots Diogo. If it doesn't take
that touch, maybe it's a comfortable save. But again, I don't
want the players thinking we lost because of bad luck. We lost
because over ninety minutes we weren't clinical enough. That's
the truth."
On Johan Manzambi
"I thought he was excellent. He gets the goal, works hard,
presses, causes problems. He's a young player who's hit the
fround running since he joined us, is carrying himself with real
courage in what is a very difficult season. When you're down at
the bottom, you learn a lot about people. Johan is showing the
character you need in a relegation fight."
On Borja Sainz's missed chances
"I'm not going to single Borja out negatively because he's one
of the reasons we're creating chances in the first place. But
he'd be the first one to tell you he should score at least one
of those. The one that hits the woodwork, he does everything
right apart from score. Sometimes football can be cruel. Right
now it feels like every fine margin is going against us."
On the triple substitution and tactical switch
"We had to change something. At 2-1 down, with our league
position, there's no point protecting a narrow defeat. We needed
to chase the game. I thought Moffi gave us energy. Rosario
helped us move the ball. Pérez settled things at the back.
Overall the changes improved us. If anything, the last twenty
minutes probably belonged to us."
On being seven points from safety with eight games left
(Long pause)
"I won't lie to you. That's a horrible position to be in. Nobody
in that dressing room is pretending otherwise. Seven points is a
significant gap. Eight games isn't a lot of football. We
understand the maths. We understand the pressure. But if I walk
into that dressing room and start talking like relegation has
already happened, then I shouldn't be the manager of this
football club."
On whether survival is still realistic
"Of course it is. Difficult? Very. Unlikely? Perhaps people
outside the club think that. Impossible? No. We've got eight
games. Twenty-four points available. I've seen stranger things
happen in football than a team surviving from this position. Our
job is simple now: stop looking at the mountain and start
focusing on the next step. Win one game. Then another. Then see
where we are."
On the mood in the dressing room
"They're hurting tonight. Some of the players were devastated
after that final whistle because they know how important every
point is now. But I didn't see a team that has given up. I
didn't see heads drop at 2-1. I didn't see players hiding. I saw
a group desperately trying to get back into the match."
On what supporters should expect over the final eight games
"They should expect a fight. That's the minimum. I can't
guarantee results. If I could, we wouldn't be where we are. But
I can guarantee effort, commitment and honesty. This club has
too much history, too much pride and too many people who care
about it for us to roll over. We're bottom of the table. We
deserve to be criticised. We deserve the pressure that's coming.
But these players will fight until the very last day of the
season."
Final words
"Tonight feels like a missed opportunity. There's no point
dressing it up. But while there are eight games left, while
there are points available, while there's even the smallest
chance, we keep going. Nobody is writing FC Porto's obituary
yet. Not me. Not this dressing room. What I will say is this, I
am totally commited to this club, I won't jump ship because of
the position we are in, that's not my style. We have a fantastic
group of players here, young with lots of room to develop. I
love working here and being the manager of this great football
club. My message to the fans is stick with us, stick with us and
the good times will come"
#Post#: 1122--------------------------------------------------
Pre-Match - Ajax
DIR By: GaryG
Date: July 22, 2026, 1:00 pm
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[center]
HTML https://i.postimg.cc/PfCHGZx0/Designer.png[/center]
[center]FC Porto arrive in Amsterdam ahead of their important
fixture away to Ajax this evening.[/center]
#Post#: 1136--------------------------------------------------
Post Match Press Confernce
DIR By: GaryG
Date: July 23, 2026, 11:22 am
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GaryG's post match press conference following the win over Ajax
On how significant is this result
It's massive. When you're bottom of the league and you're
travelling to face the team at the top, everyone expects one
result. Nobody outside our dressing room gave us much of a
chance tonight. What I saw from my players was belief,
discipline, courage and togetherness. We didn't come here hoping
to survive; we came here believing we could win. Ajax are where
they are for a reason, they're an outstanding side with an
excellent manager, so to leave Amsterdam with three points is a
huge moment for us.
On Jose Mourinho being frustrated after the match
Well, first of all, Jose has earned the right to his opinions.
He's a top manager. But I have to say, I find it a little
strange to hear complaints about tactics after a game where we
were the better team. We had 65% possession, more shots on
target, more corners and more key passes. If we'd parked the bus
for 90 minutes, those numbers wouldn't exist. People seem to
think that being organised defensively is somehow a negative
thing. We respected Ajax's quality. We'd be foolish not to. But
being compact without the ball and intelligent with it are two
different things. We frustrated them because our players
executed the game plan brilliantly, not because we came here to
waste time or avoid playing football. We are here to compete,
not to be liked.
On if he feels the criticism is justified
Not really. Every manager looks at a game through the lens of
disappointment when they've lost. I understand that. If the
roles were reversed, I'd probably be frustrated too. But
football isn't about giving the opposition the game they want.
It's about finding a way to win. Tonight we found a way to beat
the league leaders in their own stadium. That's not negative
football, that's good management and exceptional commitment from
the players.
On how the side looked incredibly disciplined throughout
They were outstanding, especially after the disappointment of
last week against Atalanta. Look at the work rate from the
forwards. Look at the concentration from the defenders. Borja
Sainz gets the headlines because he scored the winner, and
rightly so, but that result was built on collective effort.
Martim Fernandes was excellent, Joel Ordonez was brave, and the
midfield worked tirelessly. Diogo Costa made an important early
save, if he didn't make that save, it could have been a
different outcome. Everyone played their part.
On Borja's goal proving decisive
That's what quality players do. He kept working, kept making the
right runs and when the chance came he took it. He deserved the
Man of the Match award. He's a player who can make the
difference in tight games, and tonight he certainly did. He was
bitterly disappointed last week, so I'm delighted for him.
On whether the result feels like a turning point in the season
It has to be the standard, not the exception. One win doesn't
suddenly solve everything. We're still where we are in the table
and we've got a lot of work ahead of us. What tonight proves is
that this team is much better than our league position suggests.
If we bring this level of focus, discipline and intensity every
week, we'll start climbing.
On Bryan Robson leaving Borussia Dortmund
I was disappointed to hear that Bryan Robson has left Borussia
Dortmund following their latest defeat. Football is at its most
challenging when results are poor, and I would have liked to see
him stay and fight through the difficult period. Great managers
are often defined by how they respond to adversity rather than
success. Bryan has been a respected competitor in this league
and his departure comes as a surprise. He made a valuable
contribution during his time at Dortmund and will be missed. I
wish him all the best, but it's a shame his story at the club
has ended this way.
A final message to the supporters
I'm proud of the players, but I'm also delighted for the fans.
They have stayed behind us during a difficult period and they
deserved a night like this. We beat the league leaders away from
home, kept a clean sheet and showed real character. Tonight they
can enjoy it. Tomorrow we get back to work because our job isn't
finished.
#Post#: 1329--------------------------------------------------
Post Match Press Confernce
DIR By: GaryG
Date: August 3, 2026, 3:31 pm
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FC Porto Post Match Press Conference
Opening Statement
"First of all, congratulations to Napoli. I thought they took
their chances when they came and they had the outstanding player
on the pitch tonight in Andrey Santos. In a game that was tight
for long periods, moments of quality decided it. From our
perspective, it's obviously a difficult result to accept. We
came here knowing how important this match was. We worked hard,
we stayed in the game, we got to half-time at 0-0 and I felt we
were right where we wanted to be. Unfortunately, we didn't do
enough in the final third and when you're fighting for survival,
margins become very small. Napoli were clinical when their
moment arrived and we weren't."
On the Performance
"I don't think the scoreline tells the full story, but at the
same time we have to be honest with ourselves. We controlled
possession for large periods, especially away from home, which
is never easy. The players were disciplined defensively for most
of the first half and Diogo wasn't being peppered with shots.
But football isn't won on possession alone. We only created a
handful of opportunities and that's been a recurring theme this
season. Our effort was there, our commitment was there, but we
lacked the quality and conviction in the final third. When
you're near the bottom of the table, you can't afford to make
the game easy for your opponent. We needed to ask more questions
of Napoli's defence."
On Andrey Santos
"Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say a player has
made the difference. The first goal changes the atmosphere of
the match completely and the second goal is an outstanding
strike. We should have closed him down better, absolutely, but
there are moments where individual quality decides games and
tonight he produced two of them."
On the Triple Substitution and Tactical Changes
"We were chasing the game at that point. I felt we needed more
energy, more aggression and more directness. Bednarek came on
and did very well. Samu gave us a presence and Manzambi was
positive with his movement. We actually had our best spell after
the changes. The frustration for me is that we couldn't turn
that spell into a goal. At 1-0, all it takes is one moment and
it's a very different game. Instead, we conceded the second and
the mountain became much bigger."
On the Relegation Battle
"I'm not going to stand here and pretend this isn't a serious
situation because it is. We're five points from safety with five
matches left. Everybody in that dressing room understands what
is at stake. The staff understand it. I understand it. But what
I won't do is stand here and talk as though the season is over
because it isn't. If I felt this group had given up, I'd be
worried. If I felt the players weren't fighting, I'd be worried.
That's not what I see. I see a group that's hurting because they
care. The reality is simple. We need wins. Not excuses, not
unlucky stories, not moral victories. We need results. That's
the challenge in front of us."
On Whether Porto Can Still Survive
"Absolutely. People outside the club may have written us off
already. That's their choice. Inside this club we still have
five matches to play and fifteen points available. Until it's
mathematically impossible, our responsibility is to fight for
every single point. I've been in football long enough to know
that momentum can change quickly. One result can change the
entire picture. One win can create belief. That's what we're
chasing. We're down, but we're not defeated."
Message to the FC Porto Supporters
"I want to finish by speaking directly to our supporters. I know
they're hurting tonight. Nobody associated with this club is
happy with where we are in the table. A club like FC Porto
should never be involved in a relegation battle. But I have to
say this: our fans have been absolutely magnificent. Week after
week, whether we've won, drawn or lost, they've turned up.
They've travelled. They've believed in us. They've backed us far
more than our results probably deserved at times. I understand
their frustration. We all do. But my plea to them tonight is
simple: stay with us. We've got five games left and we need them
more than ever. Don't give up on these players. Don't give up on
this team. The lads are fighting. The dressing room is united.
Nobody is hiding and nobody is accepting relegation. We need our
supporters behind us for the final stretch because if we're
going to pull off this escape, we'll do it together. The easiest
thing in football is to support a team when everything is going
well. What makes a fanbase special is when they stand together
during the difficult moments. Our supporters have shown that all
season and I'm asking them to keep showing it now. We'll keep
fighting. That's my promise. Five games. Five finals. We're
still alive."
#Post#: 1330--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Voice of the Dragon
DIR By: GaryG
Date: August 3, 2026, 3:35 pm
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FC Porto Announces Departures of Luuk de Jong and Terem Moffi
FC Porto can confirm that Luuk de Jong and Terem Moffi have
departed the club.
Everyone at FC Porto would like to thank both players for their
professionalism, commitment and contributions during their time
wearing the blue and white shirt.
Thank You, Luuk
Luuk de Jong brought experience, leadership and a winning
mentality to the squad throughout his time at the club. His
presence on and off the pitch was highly valued, and he served
as an important figure within the dressing room. The Dutch
forward leaves with the respect and gratitude of teammates,
staff and supporters alike. His dedication to the club's colours
never went unnoticed, and we wish him every success in the next
chapter of his career.
Thank You, Terem
Terem Moffi departs having made a positive impact during his
spell at FC Porto. Known for his hard work, determination and
commitment to the team, Terem always gave his all whenever
called upon. His professionalism and attitude were exemplary,
and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone associated with
the club as he embarks on a new challenge.
Best Wishes for the Future
While today marks the end of their journeys with FC Porto, both
Luuk de Jong and Terem Moffi will always be welcomed back at the
club.
On behalf of the Board, coaching staff, players and supporters,
we thank Luuk and Terem for their service and wish them and
their families health, happiness and success in the years ahead.
Obrigado, Luuk. Obrigado, Terem.
#FCPorto #ObrigadoLuuk #ObrigadoTerem
#Post#: 1363--------------------------------------------------
Post Match Press Confernce
DIR By: GaryG
Date: August 5, 2026, 6:15 pm
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FC Porto Manager GaryG: Post-Match Press Conference
Opening Statement
"To be honest, I'm incredibly disappointed. Not with the effort,
not with the commitment, not with the organisation, but with the
result. When you dominate a game the way we did tonight and come
away with one point, it feels like a defeat. We had 60%
possession, created twelve chances, hit the woodwork three times
and forced their goalkeeper into being man of the match.
Dortmund had two shots on target all game. If you watched that
match without knowing the score, you'd assume Porto had won
comfortably. Unfortunately, football doesn't work like that. The
table doesn't reward dominance, it rewards goals and points."
On Porto's Failure to Score
"We weren't lacking opportunities. Borja had chances, Gabri hit
the post, we had shots cleared, saves made, crosses flashing
across the area. The final pass was often good enough, the
movement was good enough, but when the decisive moment arrived
we didn't execute. That is the difference between teams fighting
at the top and teams fighting at the bottom. The margins are
tiny. I'm not going to stand here and criticise individual
players because they gave everything. Borja was outstanding.
Rodrigo was excellent. Alan controlled large periods of the
midfield. The attitude was there. The quality in most areas was
there. What was missing was the final touch."
On Gregor Kobel's Performance
"Sometimes you have to acknowledge the opposition. Their
goalkeeper was exceptional. Every time we thought we'd found the
breakthrough, there he was. He made saves from distance, from
close range, from set pieces. There aren't many matches where
the opposition goalkeeper is both Man of the Match and the main
reason they leave with anything. We created enough chances to
beat him, but tonight he had one of those performances that
goalkeepers dream about."
On the Relegation Battle
"This is the part that hurts. Had we won tonight, we're looking
at the table differently. Instead, we're still down in eleventh
and the gap to the teams above us remains significant. When
you're involved in a relegation fight there comes a point where
good performances are not enough. We need victories. The
supporters don't need me telling them that. The players know it
and I know it. The dressing room is frustrated because they
understand what an opportunity this was."
On the Team's Recent Form
"I actually see progress. A few weeks ago we were conceding poor
goals and losing matches that were much more even than this one.
Tonight we looked organised, disciplined and in control.
Offensively, Dortmund hardly created anything. The concern is
that we haven't converted that improvement into enough points.
The danger is that if you keep saying, 'We're playing better',
while the points don't arrive, eventually the season runs away
from you."
On the Tactical Change in the Second Half
"We needed more initiative. At half-time I felt Dortmund were
comfortable sitting deep and making the game slow. We changed
our approach, pushed higher and became more aggressive with the
ball. For long periods after that they couldn't get out of their
own half. The tactical adjustment worked. It created chances.
What it didn't create was the goal we desperately needed."
On Borja Sainz
"I thought Borja was outstanding. He stretched them, worked
tirelessly, created opportunities and was unlucky. On another
day he scores one or two goals and everybody is talking about a
match-winning performance. As a manager, those are the players
you trust. He kept demanding the ball and never hid despite
missing chances. That's the mentality we need."
Message to Supporters
"First of all, thank you. They stayed with us all night and they
could see the effort the team was putting in.I understand their
frustration because I share it. Nobody at this club is happy
being where we are in the table. Nobody accepts that. But what I
would say is this: if we perform with that intensity and
commitment in the remaining matches, we'll give ourselves a
chance. The players are fighting. The dressing room hasn't given
up and neither have I. Tonight feels like two points lost,
there's no denying it. But we have to recover quickly because
feeling sorry for ourselves won't keep us in this division. The
fight continues."
#Post#: 1422--------------------------------------------------
FC Porto Manager GaryG Post-Match Press Conference
DIR By: GaryG
Date: August 8, 2026, 4:31 pm
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Opening Statement
"It's a very difficult one to take. I thought we were excellent
for large periods of that match. We went away to a top-four
side, fell behind early, responded brilliantly, turned the game
around, and for long stretches looked the better team. We
created chances, hit the post multiple times, forced David Raya
into several important saves, and even after falling behind late
on we continued to push. The players gave absolutely everything.
The reality, though, is that football is decided by moments.
Arsenal took theirs and we didn't take enough of ours. When
you're in the position we are in, those moments become even more
painful."
On whether after being 2-1 up after half an hour, if he feels
this was a game that got away
"Without question. I don't say that to disrespect Arsenal
because they're a very good side, but when you come here and
score twice in three minutes, you have to believe you're capable
of winning. We had them uncomfortable. Their crowd was getting
nervous. We had control of the momentum. The frustrating thing
is that we continued creating chances after that. Samu, Borja,
William Gomez, Froholdt. We had opportunities throughout the
game. We just didn't kill them off when we had them vulnerable."
On his view of Arsenal's equaliser from Martinelli
"That's the moment that annoys me most. Not because it wasn't a
good goal. It was. But we'd just seen Diogo Costa make a huge
save to keep us ahead and then we allowed a free header in a
dangerous area. Those details matter. At this level, one lapse
can cost you three points. Unfortunately, that's exactly what
happened."
On whether his side could have done better on Eberechi Eze's
winner
"Sometimes you have to applaud quality. It's an outrageous
finish. Not many players attempt it and even fewer execute it.
Could we have been tighter beforehand? Maybe. But once the ball
leaves his foot there's not much anyone can do. Those are the
moments top players produce."
On how impressive Diogo Costa was despite the defeat
"He was outstanding. If Diogo doesn't play the way he did, we're
probably talking about a heavier defeat. The save from Gyökeres
early in the game was world-class. Then he produces another huge
stop from Martinelli and several more in the second half. He's
been one of the best goalkeepers in the division all season and
tonight he showed exactly why."
On whether Arsenal's red card gave hope of rescuing something
"Absolutely. The second Riccardo Calafiori was sent off, I
thought there was still plenty of time. We immediately created
chances. Manzambi hits the post with an overhead kick. We have
another effort deflected just wide. Pepe gets a chance.
Normally, when you're playing against ten men and creating that
volume of pressure, you expect at least one goal. It just
wouldn't go in."
On why Borja Sainz was substituted while being so influential
"Fitness and game management. Borja had worked incredibly hard
and carried a huge attacking threat over the last few games. We
felt fresh legs could cause problems against a tiring Arsenal
defence. I actually thought Johan came on very well and
immediately made an impact. Unfortunately the final outcome
didn't reward the decision."
On whether its harder to take seeing as his side had more
possession, matched Arsenal's shot count and looked dangerous
all game
"It does. Sometimes you lose because you're second-best. You
accept it and move on. Tonight doesn't feel like that. The
statistics are nearly identical. The chances were there. We hit
the woodwork multiple times. We had periods where we completely
controlled the match. That's why the dressing room is hurting."
On whether realistically, survival is still possible
"Mathematically, yes. Realistically, we have made life
incredibly difficult for ourselves. Let's be honest. We don't
control our own destiny anymore. We need results. We need teams
above us to drop points. We basically need everything to go our
way. But while there is still a chance, however small, our
responsibility is to keep fighting."
On whether he still believes his team can stay up
"I have to. The moment I stop believing, the players will stop
believing. What I will say is that our performances have
generally deserved more points than we've collected. That's been
the story of our season. Too many good performances. Too many
close losses. Too many moments where we've been punished for
small mistakes. But I look at tonight and I don't see a
relegated team. I see a team competing evenly with one of the
division's stronger sides."
On his message to the players in the dressing room
"I told them to keep their heads up. They're devastated because
they know how much this game meant. But I wasn't angry. I
couldn't be. The effort was there. The commitment was there. The
courage was there. We nearly came to the Emirates and took three
points. Now we have to channel that disappointment into the
final three matches."
On what will he look back on as the defining issue
"Fine margins. That's probably the best way to describe it. Look
at tonight. We hit the post. Arsenal hit the post and score. We
create chances and miss by inches. Their substitute comes on and
scores a wonder goal. Over a season, those moments add up. We've
drawn too many matches, lost too many close games and failed to
turn performances into points. That's why we're where we are."
On whether this the most painful defeat of the season
"Yes. Considering the circumstances, yes. Not because Arsenal
dominated us. Not because we embarrassed ourselves. It's painful
because we were so close. At 2-1 up, we could see the result. At
3-2 down against ten men, we still thought we'd find an
equaliser. To leave with nothing when you're seven points from
safety is a huge blow. But football has a strange way of
rewarding perseverance. We have three games left. Until it's
mathematically over, we'll fight for this club."
#Post#: 1496--------------------------------------------------
Post Match Press Confernce
DIR By: GaryG
Date: August 12, 2026, 5:05 pm
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GaryG's Post Match Press Conference after relegation was
confirmed tonight
Opening Statement
"First of all, I'd like to thank the supporters. The stadium was
full, they were behind us from the first minute until the last,
and I am bitterly disappointed that we couldn't give them the
result they deserved. Tonight sums up our season. We scored
three goals against a very good Benfica side, created chances to
score more, showed character every time they came back into the
game, and yet we're standing here with a draw that confirms
relegation. It's a painful moment for everyone connected with FC
Porto."
On the performance despite relegation being confirmed
"I can't fault the players' effort today. We played with
courage, we attacked, we took the game to Benfica and we looked
dangerous throughout. William Gómez was excellent, Borja Sainz
was outstanding in attack and the players gave everything
physically and emotionally. The frustrating thing is that the
performance was good enough to win. We led 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2. In
a match like that, at home, you have to find a way to close it
out. Unfortunately, that's been the story of our campaign. Too
often we've played well for periods but haven't managed key
moments."
On conceding three goals
"That's where the season has hurt us most. We score three goals
in a derby and still don't win. Benfica are a dangerous team and
they punished mistakes. The equaliser before half-time was a
killer because we'd worked hard to get ourselves back in front.
When you're in a relegation fight, every mistake feels twice as
costly. There have been too many goals conceded at important
moments this season and today was another example."
On Borja Sainz's performance and red card
"Until the red card he was magnificent. Two goals, one of them
absolutely exceptional. He was causing problems every time he
got on the ball and looked capable of winning the game on his
own. He'll know the sending off was unacceptable. Emotions are
running high in a derby and in a relegation battle, but we
cannot lose control of ourselves. I'm not going to destroy him
publicly because he's given everything for this club, but he'll
be disappointed with that moment."
On William Gómez
"I thought he was fantastic. His goal was taken brilliantly and
his overall play was outstanding. He deserved to be recognised
as our best player today. Players like William are the reason I
believe this club will rebuild and come back stronger."
On the injury to Martim Fernandes
"It's too early to know the extent of it. It looks like a
hamstring issue. That's another disappointment because he's
worked incredibly hard and has a bright future. We'll assess him
over the next few days."
On being officially relegated
"There's no dressing this up. It's a failure. FC Porto should
not be getting relegated. I take responsibility for my part in
that. The players will take responsibility for theirs. We all
share it. What's difficult is that I don't think the effort has
ever been lacking. We haven't gone down because players stopped
caring. We've gone down because across twenty matches we weren't
consistent enough, we weren't clinical enough in key games and
we didn't defend important moments well enough. The table
doesn't lie."
On the mood in the dressing room
"It's devastated. Absolutely devastated. Some players were
angry, some were emotional, some just sat there quietly staring
at the floor. That's normal. They've invested a lot this season
and they've suffered through every setback. I told them one
thing: don't run away from this feeling. Remember it. Use it. If
we're going to rebuild this club, the pain of today has to
become the motivation for tomorrow."
On the supporters
"They've every right to be disappointed and angry. What I'd ask
is that they also recognise the players fought until the end
today. Nobody hid. Nobody gave up. The supporters have carried
us through tough moments all season and I want to personally
apologise that we couldn't keep this club in the division. They
have been absolutely fantastic this season and the support they
have given the players and me personally, is not taken for
granted"
On the future
"Usually a manager will come out and say something like tonight
isn't the night to make promises and is about accepting the
reality of what has happened. I am stating right here, I am 100%
commiting myself to this club. Unless the board and supporters
want me to leave, I am not going anywhere. What I can promise is
that this club will not accept relegation as its identity. FC
Porto is a massive football club with proud supporters and a
proud history. We have to learn from this season, rebuild
properly and make sure we come back stronger. Right now, though,
the feeling is pain. We had to win, we scored three goals, we
left everything on the pitch, and it still wasn't enough. That's
a very hard thing to accept."
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