As the Portuguese national handball team continues to make waves in the European scene, their leader, Paulo Pereira, has been at the helm for eight impressive years. Recently, in Odivelas, the team secured another spot in the European Championship, solidifying their position among the continent’s handball elite. Pereira couldn’t hide his joy and pride, saying, “We wanted to win by one, but we ended up winning by six – that’s an extraordinary feat. Our team is all about respecting and counting on each other, and we have the full backing of our supporters. We even had some of our younger players step up and deliver spectacular performances, showcasing their total dedication. Portugal should be grateful for this team.”
Pereira drew parallels between his team’s achievements and those of the Portuguese football team, which had an impressive run with six consecutive wins and no losses. “We, too, have achieved this feat in the previous European Championship, and now we’re doing it again. We’re undefeated and have already qualified for the next stage with two matches still to go,” he said. However, he lamented that handball doesn’t receive the same level of recognition and marketing as football, despite their impressive performances. “We can’t seem to replicate the marketing magic that football has, which is a pity because our achievements are just as glorious.”
As players walked by, signing autographs for fans, Pereira praised his team, saying, “This is our second European Championship qualification in a row, and it’s a testament to the team’s intelligence and dedication. I’m the biggest fan of this group, and I’m constantly impressed by their clever approach to the game.” This upcoming European Championship will mark the team’s fourth consecutive final phase, a remarkable streak that few could have predicted when Pereira first took the reins.
When asked if he had envisioned such success, Pereira smiled, “I’ve always been ambitious, and I try to instill that same drive in my team. They’ve been receptive to my vision, and it’s made our journey together all the more enjoyable. We’re actually gearing up for our fifth consecutive European Championship, considering we’ve already qualified for Euro 2028 as hosts.” Pereira began his tenure with some doubters, but he’s proven them wrong with his bold approach. “I’ve never been one to shy away from risks, and it’s paid off so far. Life would be dull without a few challenges, don’t you think?”
Despite missing several key players due to injuries, Pereira downplayed the situation, stating, “There’s no such thing as a ‘B team’ here. The players who took the field are our top choices, and their response was outstanding. I’m grateful to all of them, from Gabriel to João, Gil, Daymaro, Rui Silva, Areia, Portela – the list goes on. I’m proud to be on this journey with each and every one of them.” He emphasized that his selection process is fair and free of favoritism, with no room for controversy. “We had nine injured players, some of whom were recovering or at risk of aggravating their conditions. We understand the caution exercised by their clubs and will reciprocate that solidarity when needed.”
Pereira also addressed the situations of specific players, such as Martim Costa, Salvador Salvador, and Miguel Martins, who were either injured or recovering. “Fábio Magalhães, for instance, has a knee issue that’s quite concerning – it’s a wonder he’s still able to play at all.” As for whether these experienced players will be retained for the European Championship, Pereira remained cautious, saying, “There’s still plenty of time to decide, but I’m confident that our athletes will always be ready when called upon.” With their current trajectory, the Portuguese national handball team is poised to make a lasting impact on the European stage, and Pereira’s leadership will undoubtedly play a significant role in their future successes.