Q: What does this double Franco-Portuguese confrontation inspire in you?
A: "The two oppositions will be balanced. Monaco and Lyon are two very good teams. But Porto, leaders of the championship, are very strong this season. This team plays with a lot of intensity, in 4-4-2 with great mobility attackers, also capable of pressing high. The young Vitinha is showing a lot of qualities. And there is the experience of Pepe, behind, or Tameri, in front. Lyon are less well in L1 but this team always plays for win. But his defense will have to be very careful with Portuguese attacking transitions. Even if it's 50/50, Porto are favorites at home."
Q: On the other hand, Monaco seem stronger than Braga on paper...
A: "On paper maybe... There are more prestigious names, like Ben Yedder or Tchouameni. But Braga is a well-organized team, which works very well defensively. Around this team, the atmosphere is very positive. The management has been in place for a long time. The club is stable. It is still performing well in Europe. Moreover, it has already played in a Europa League final (in 2011, against Porto, editor's note). atmosphere, this team can achieve a good result. The confrontation will be balanced."
Q: The two countries are close to the European index.
These two meetings are therefore important for the future of each championship...
A: "France and Portugal are close. In Portugal, three teams consistently bring points: Porto, Benfica and Sporting. It's stable. In France, except for Paris, it always changes. Lille have been good this season. Before, it was Lyon or Monaco. It is certain that in France, the financial capacities are superior, mainly in Paris. But in Portugal, there are many young players and, in particular, young Brazilian recruits. In Braga too , there are some young people with great qualities. I really like Andre Horta, for example, who has been performing very well for a few seasons."
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