OC Barcelos coach Rui Neto has hailed 2025 as his “best year ever” after guiding his significantly rebuilt squad to an unexpected Continental Cup triumph against FC Porto, a victory he insists does not elevate the team’s long-term ambitions beyond their underdog status.
Neto, who became the most decorated coach in the club’s history with this victory, acknowledged that half of his team is new. He praised the swift integration of new signings, whose goals secured the win.
“This 2025 will be recorded as my best year ever in hockey,” Neto said, reflecting on his numerous titles and noting this was his first conquered in Barcelos.
Despite the international silverware, Neto tempered expectations for the club. He stated that OC Barcelos should “not have illusions for more” and acknowledged they remain “a level below” major Portuguese clubs like FC Porto, Benfica, and Sporting.
“They are the ones who are more likely to win,” Neto added, suggesting the triumph “increases the OC Barcelos museum and not our responsibility.”
Neto described the final as a “great game, worthy of a final of this caliber,” and considered OC Barcelos “a fair winner.” He expressed pride in his team’s quality, which he said prevailed for longer stretches of the balanced match.
He also credited his goalkeeper and noted that a penalty conceded by his side had “put FC Porto back in the game,” underscoring the competitive nature of the contest.
Neto emphasized that the win validates the ongoing work with a new team, highlighting that some key players are not yet at full capacity but played due to the game’s importance.