OC Barcelos coach Rui Neto recently weighed in on his team’s Elite Cup quarter-final loss to Oliveirense. The match took place in Odivelas. Neto pinpointed the main issue for his squad: a failure to convert chances.
“What was missing was putting the ball in the goal,” Neto stated directly. He described the game as a strong start to the season, filled with intense battles. The second half, according to Neto, saw OC Barcelos create many scoring opportunities. However, the crucial difference came down to how effective each team was in front of goal.
The coach also spoke openly about the changes facing the Barcelos club. He explained that 50 percent of the team is new. A major shift happened in a critical position: goalkeeper. Conti Acevedo, whom Neto regards as the best goalkeeper in the world, left for Benfica. This departure, alongside other player exits, means OC Barcelos is once again chasing the established giants. FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting remain the chronic candidates for titles.
Despite the significant squad overhaul, Neto promised a resilient effort. “What I guarantee is that the team will never throw in the towel,” he affirmed. “It will always fight until the end. There will be times when we will be happy.” His words offered a glimpse into the battling spirit he expects from his new-look side.
Looking ahead, OC Barcelos will compete in the Club World Cup in Argentina. Neto highlighted the “travel fatigue” this trip will bring. He aims for the team to “justify that fatigue” by winning the competition. He also noted that holding such a tournament at this point in the season feels “completely out of context.”