Roberto Martinez Press Conference 
Portugal x Slovakia

How will you line up?
“It’s important to be flexible tactically. Our work is very clear, with regards to the way we want to play tomorrow. I’m very happy with our flexibility. I think our players, with two or three training sessions, can execute different tactical ideas, and this is important for us to prepare, to grow, and to adapt to what the game needs.”

It has been an easier time in qualifying compared to the past. Why?
“We are focused and want to be at our best tomorrow to try to win the game. There are no easy games and that is very clear. We won six games because the players had an exceptional attitude and commitment. This provides a structure so that they can later show their talent. We know that individually we have players on a different level than the other teams. That doesn’t mean the games are easy. We are focused on growing.”

XI?
“In modern football, we all talk about the starting 11. The starting 11 has five substitutions and then we have a game against Bosnia on Sunday. As we did in the last stage, we will have players for the eleven, players who finish the game, and others who will enter the starting eleven against Bosnia. We have two very important games and we look at the 21 field players and the three goalkeepers. Goalkeeping is different, Diogo Costa will play tomorrow. Modern football is not about starting 11 and I am very satisfied with everyone’s work. I think everyone works with the intention of being able to play tomorrow and that is very important to me.”

João Neves
“I think João was born to play football, he was born to play for the national team. I saw a very natural player, who is enjoying every minute. I really like his energy, his professionalism and confidence. He is showing that in the first training camp and this is a sign that he is a player with great potential at a world level.”

Do you think you have already convinced the Portuguese?
“I think we’re all together in this. I don’t feel like I need to convince them. I feel like we’re a team with a dream and we’re all moving together. I really like living in Portugal, it’s an incredible country and my family really likes it. I don’t feel I’m trying to be part of the Portuguese, but I think we’re a team and we’re all together to give our lives for a dream”.

Bruno Fernandes spoke about the difficulties in the last game against Slovakia… Did you watch t?hat game to try to correct it? Will Ronaldo be a starter?”

We analyzed that game before the game with Luxembourg, we always do that. I think it’s important to say that Slovakia were better than us in that first half. It’s not that we didn’t play well, but Slovakia were very aggressive, they defended the passing lines. We suffered a little and in the 2nd half we were better. What we will see tomorrow is a very well worked Slovakia, a 4x3x3. That will be the challenge for tomorrow. The players know this and have already shown that when the opponent plays well, we also know how to win. Ronaldo? I’m not going to give an answer about that.”