Gil Vicente coach César Peixoto attributed his team’s 0-1 home defeat to Tondela to what he described as a game marred by constant fouls and disruptive tactics from the opposing side.
Peixoto called the match “strange” and confessed he was “sincerely, unable to explain this game.” He highlighted Tondela’s strategy of “too many stoppages” and “very big breaks” as key factors in disrupting Gil Vicente’s attacking rhythm.
The coach expressed frustration over what he perceived as a high number of “small fouls” from Tondela without adequate disciplinary action. “Foul here, foul there, there are no yellows, there is no intimidation of the opponent,” Peixoto told Sport TV after the match.
He noted that Tondela started the game strongly, while Gil Vicente was “median.” A penalty then shifted the game’s dynamic, according to Peixoto.
Despite his team’s efforts, Peixoto stated that Tondela consistently broke up Gil Vicente’s play, particularly when they tried to advance centrally. “When we unlocked [their defense], foul, foul, foul,” he recounted.
Peixoto praised his players’ immense work ethic and creation of “a lot of volume,” especially in the second half, which he described as “one-way traffic” with his team constantly seeking an equalizer. He dismissed suggestions of player anxiety.
However, he acknowledged Gil Vicente “lacked execution” and was “not incisive enough to finish plays.” He felt the team needed more “definition and aggressiveness in the area” to win crucial first and second balls.
Tondela’s defensive strategy, which involved tall central defenders and midfielders winning aerial duels, contributed to Gil Vicente’s struggles. Peixoto concluded it was “not a happy day” for his team.