Sporting Braga coach Carlos Vicens is challenging his squad to summon a peak performance against Santa Clara in the Allianz Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, despite a demanding fixture list that has left his players with limited rest.
The knockout match, kicking off at 19:15 local time in Portugal, is a crucial step towards the tournament’s Final Four, with a draw leading directly to a penalty shootout. Only one team will advance to the next stage.
Vicens underscored the unique pressures of the cup tie, noting his team has had only two days of recovery since their last game. Opponents Santa Clara, by contrast, received an additional day of rest.
Braga faces a particularly congested period, with the Santa Clara fixture marking their third game in six days. The coach highlighted the need to assess individual player energy levels in training, acknowledging the physical toll.
Despite the fatigue, Vicens is resolute that the busy schedule will not serve as an excuse. “We must give everything on the field, be competitive, be ourselves,” he asserted, stressing mental preparation to compensate for any dips in physical energy.
He added that the team’s mentality remains strong, with a clear understanding of their objectives. “We are seeing a very clear, very recognized version of the team, and we are satisfied because we are seeing the fruits of many months of work,” Vicens explained. This recent run of form, he noted, aligns more closely with the team’s desired identity.
Looking ahead, Braga is also preparing for a league match against FC Porto on Sunday, where they will again face a rest disadvantage. Vicens expressed a desire for equal conditions but accepted the established calendar.
The coach confirmed he would finalize his starting lineup after the last training session, taking into account player recovery. “I have things in mind, but I want to have the last training with them to make the final decision,” he said.
Vicens acknowledged Santa Clara’s defensive organization and anticipated a difficult challenge. Braga has previously struggled against teams employing a “low block” defense, requiring them to perform well in many aspects to secure a victory.