The air around Sp. Braga’s camp feels charged. Tomorrow, they step onto the field for a crucial match. It’s the first leg of a playoff round, the final hurdle before reaching the main stage of the Europa League. Coach Carlos Vicens, known for his calm demeanor, shared his thoughts just a day before his team faces Lincoln.
Facing the Lincoln Challenge
Vicens made it clear: this series needs to start with a win, right from tomorrow. He sees this as the very last step. It’s the doorway to where the team wants to be, which is playing in the Europa League group stage. He talked about their opponent, Lincoln, as a team with real experience in these kinds of big games. Their players might not be famous, but they know how to manage a game. They have years of experience and are used to winning championships in Gibraltar. Lincoln has earned its spot here. They didn’t get this far without doing many good things. Vicens pointed to their last opponent, Noha, as an example. That team showed they could take hits and defend well. They also had a bit of luck, which is part of the game. Sp. Braga will go into tomorrow’s match ready to play a great game. Their goal is simple: to win, and that ambition will drive them.
Not Quite Home Field
When asked if playing in Portugal means it’s a home game, Vicens quickly corrected that idea. He said no, it’s not a home game. They will be playing in the Algarve, which is not where Sp. Braga usually plays. While they are playing in Portugal, and the conditions are good, it’s still not their home stadium. He did mention how good it felt to have 900 fans in Alverca recently. It was a proud moment to give them a victory, as that is what the team works for.
Winning Builds Belief
Building a team with new coaching ideas takes time. Vicens explained that the process is easier when the team gets good results. Positive results help the team feel more confident and settled. The coach is happy with the progress. Still, he knows there are many things to improve. This journey started two months ago. It needs to take the team much further, always pushing for the highest level of self-improvement. They will always try to get better.
No Room for Overconfidence
Can the team get too confident or dazzled by their success so far? Vicens was firm: there’s zero chance of that. He said the players understand how to handle their daily work. For them, this two-game series is like a final. The team has talked enough about how to improve and about the problems their opponent will bring, both tomorrow and in the second game.
A Career Path Still Unfolding
Was this coaching challenge easier than he thought it would be? Vicens wasn’t sure. He said he came in with clear plans for the pre-season, especially because of their tough schedule. But the players have shown amazing commitment and responsibility. They’ve truly embraced his ideas. However, the process takes time. He doesn’t expect everything to be perfect after just two months and five games. Yet, the team’s effort and energy are clearly heading in the right direction.
Counting on Gharbi
When asked about Gharbi, a player rumored to want to leave, Vicens was clear. He said he absolutely counts on Gharbi. He is very happy with the squad he has. Everyone is working hard to learn the new ideas, and Gharbi is no different. Vicens noted that Gharbi has played more in some games and less in others. He also didn’t travel with the team for the last game because the standards are very high. But Vicens emphasized that he still plans to use him. Gharbi has been working very well, has huge talent, and gives a lot to the team.