Estoril recently faced a big test, playing Nottingham Forest from the English Premier League. The match ended 0-0, but for Tiago Parente, Estoril’s 21-year-old Brazilian left-back, the score wasn’t the main takeaway. He believes the team showed “very good indicators” during the pre-season friendly. Speaking to Canal 11 after the game, Parente shared that the real goal right now is to improve bit by bit.
The team came away feeling strong. Parente explained they couldn’t focus too much on the 0-0 result. Sure, they needed to score, but the game proved something important. Estoril went toe-to-toe with a Premier League squad. They even controlled play for long stretches. A few rough edges still need smoothing out, but the message was clear.
This draw was a first for Estoril in their pre-season games; it was the first time they didn’t lose. Parente stressed that getting the coach’s ideas down is vital. It’s all about taking one step at a time. The match against Nottingham Forest felt like a significant step forward, a climb up another rung on the ladder. For the team, this progress matters more than any win or loss right now.
So, where does Estoril stand today? Parente admitted there’s still room to grow in some areas. But overall, the squad feels good. There’s a very positive energy around them. They are ready to give a strong performance when the real games begin.
What kind of Estoril can fans expect this season? Parente is clear: they can do better than before. That’s always their aim. They want to be a different team, one that fights for the best result in every single game. They showed today against a Premier League club that they can play well. And most importantly, they played without fear. That fearless attitude is exactly what they plan to bring into every match they play from now on.