The air buzzed, thick with the kind of hope only a fresh football season can bring. Inside the stadium, just an hour before FC Porto kicked off their Liga Betclic campaign, Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustáquio offered his thoughts to Sport TV. He spoke about the opening match against V. Guimarães and shared his ambitions for the new 2025/26 season. His voice was steady, a mix of calm assurance and quiet determination.
The team feels ready. It was a tough week, full of hard work, but the squad pulled closer together. This first game won’t be easy. V. Guimarães is a strong opponent. But beyond that, this match means so much more. The fans have shown up in huge numbers, and the players know they have to give everything for them. It’s about repaying that passion with pure effort.
This game carries extra weight, a deep feeling. Everyone at FC Porto knows what Jorge meant to the club, both in the past and even now. He was so excited for this season. The team carries his spirit onto the field. Eustáquio believes if Jorge could join them, he would be right there. So, the commitment, the focus, and the absolute maximum effort will be there from every player. It’s a way to honor that legacy.
Some might wonder if past struggles against Vitória still linger. But Eustáquio waved that idea away. Those old games are not on the team’s mind. What truly matters is how much stronger and wiser the team has become. They learned from any mistakes made before. Now, they know exactly what needs to be done on the pitch.
In the midfield, there’s a strong battle for starting spots. It’s a truly healthy competition. New players have joined, some are very young, but all bring fresh talent. Eustáquio pointed out that no team ever won a championship with just eleven players. Those coming off the bench will play a big part. This healthy competition will drive the team all season long.
And what about last year’s disappointment? Does it need to be forgotten? Eustáquio was clear: last season is history. The goal is to learn from it and move forward. The team is buzzing with motivation. They had an excellent pre-season, and everyone in the changing room is united. They are ready for the fight ahead.
