SC Braga coach Carlos Vicens has publicly affirmed his “one hundred percent” trust in his squad despite two consecutive defeats, urging belief in their process ahead of a crucial league derby against Moreirense.
Vicens told his players not to doubt his confidence in them, asserting that their dedication would eventually be rewarded.
“I told the players that I am with them one hundred percent,” Vicens said. “They should not think, at any moment, that I don’t trust them because of the two defeats, because they give everything for this club.”
The coach expressed hope that their efforts would be recognized “in the medium or long term.”
Braga is set to host Moreirense on Sunday at 8:30 PM local time. The team is looking to reverse its fortunes after recent losses to FC Porto in the Betclic League and Genk in the Europa League.
“The objective and ambition is to achieve victory, to give joy to our fans,” Vicens stated. “We want to change this dynamic as soon as possible and return to victories.”
Moreirense currently holds a five-point advantage over Braga in the league standings.
Vicens dismissed concerns about an “irreversible situation” if Braga fails to secure a win, emphasizing the team’s ongoing involvement in four competitions.
He acknowledged the demanding schedule and the need for the team to draw strength for upcoming matches.
Speaking about the recent performances, Vicens noted a “very good” first half against Genk, despite ultimately conceding a goal from a corner. He described the concession as a “hard blow” that naturally affects players.
The coach also addressed questions regarding the team’s “maturity” during games, linking defensive errors to factors like physical freshness, concentration, and the quality of the opposition. He stressed the importance of learning from every situation.
“We have to be responsible for defending tactical schemes in the best possible way,” Vicens said. He underlined the need for “ambition, energy, aggressiveness, and motivation.”