Carvalho pushes for three points in Madeira as Abreu eyes revival
Braga host Nacional in the ninth round of Portugal’s Primeira Liga on Saturday in Madeira, with both managers outlining their priorities. Braga’s 39‑year‑old coach Franclim Carvalho, fresh from a 2‑0 Europa League win over Gent, insists three points are essential, while interim Nacional boss Bruno Abreu vows to spark a revival.
Carvalho stresses the need for three points
Franclim Carvalho spoke to journalists early on Saturday, four days after arriving in Madeira for his second game in charge. He warned, “Sabemos how it works and when there is a change there is always a different stance on the pitch. This will be the second game, but we have been here for four days. The merit of the victory belongs entirely to the players and was very important. The long journey requires us to be on edge. We must collect three points imperatively.”
Braga aims for more shots after Gent
Carvalho highlighted a new offensive ambition, saying the team must shoot more at the goal. He noted, “We made 17 attempts in the second half and 22 in total – the highest number of shots we have produced this season.”
League position not a worry for Carvalho
Despite sitting ninth in the table, Carvalho dismissed alarmism. He added, “It seems illogical to think about the final standing because many games remain. The most important thing is the match with Nacional and Braga’s final classification will certainly not be this.”
Abreu proud of club’s confidence
Bruno Abreu, temporarily in charge after Alexandre Santos returned to Petro de Luanda, said he was proud of the trust placed in his staff. He reflected, “It was a different week, and I am proud that the club people are once again placing confidence in our work. It is a paradoxical feeling because it also comes from a less good moment for the club.”
Limited time for personal dynamics
Abreu explained that introducing personal nuances is difficult given the short preparation period. He said, “Naturally it is difficult to try to introduce any personal touch given the short time we have worked together. A bit like what we did with Sporting, there are nuances we can alter, but fundamentally we must give the players comfort in their own game.”
Preparing for Braga’s quality
Abreu acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating, “In the game there will be situations we cannot control, but I believe we are prepared for the difficulties we anticipate, knowing we will be pressed by a high‑quality side such as SC Braga, yet we have our own weapons and want to create as much discomfort as possible.”
Both sides will meet on Saturday afternoon in Madeira, each aware that three points could shape their season ambitions.