Rio Ave is still searching for its first league victory. As they prepare for their Sunday match against Tondela, the team aims to secure that long-awaited win. Sotiris Silaidopoulos, a key voice for the team, believes this triumph would kickstart a much-needed turnaround. He feels this change of fortune could have happened sooner if their strong early performances had translated into victories.
Learning from Past Games
Silaidopoulos reflected on their recent match against Famalicão. “About that game, in football, there are many things we can look at,” he noted. “Looking at the statistics, it was positive for us.” Yet, he admitted they had similar situations before where they didn’t win. He added that the draw in Famalicão felt positive given how the game unfolded. It’s important, he explained, to remember they played three very demanding games. Despite that, they managed to do many things well, securing their first clean sheet. “It gives confidence to the team, it gives confidence to our way of defending,” Silaidopoulos stated. “We have to maintain it.”
The Search for a Turning Point
The coach sees a victory as more than just three points. “About being a game changer, we want to take the first step and get the first victory of the season,” he said. This win, he believes, would help them build momentum. He pointed out that three challenging games will follow, though perhaps not as intense as the recent ones. “It’s a good start for us to reach higher,” he explained. Silaidopoulos highlighted the immediate impact a win could have. “Let’s not forget that if we look at the table, with a victory, we can jump several positions,” he observed. “There are 9 or 10 teams within 5 points of difference.”
Navigating the International Break
The upcoming international break often brings questions about team rhythm. Silaidopoulos was direct. “We will get the victory and then we will see,” he affirmed. “After that, it’s easier to manage.” He also saw a silver lining. “Anyway, the break will also give us time to work with the team.”
The Fans’ Support and Home Advantage
Playing Tondela, a team currently level on points, adds extra spice to the fixture. “All games are important, especially at home,” Silaidopoulos stressed. He spoke passionately about the supporters. “We want to bring joy to the fans. They are supporting the team everywhere, and so far, we haven’t managed it.” This serves as an extra push for the squad. “We will have many benefits from a victory in terms of feelings, in terms of our relationship with the fans,” he concluded. “It’s very important.”
Confidence in Young Talent: Lomboto
Silaidopoulos also addressed his decision to play young Lomboto. “We chose him because he deserved it,” the coach stated simply. “He trained well, he works well, he is very focused, and I think he is a player who has evolved a lot since the beginning of the season.” He believes in nurturing this talent. “It’s about giving him confidence.” Lomboto’s performance and commitment have earned him minutes. “That was the reason for him to play.” While acknowledging the need for continued growth, Silaidopoulos sees a bright future. “Of course, he has to improve and continue to evolve, but we see a lot of potential,” he said. The final team decisions for Sunday still await one more training session. “We gained an extra player this difficult season, and I am very optimistic about his future.”
Fair Play in Team Management
Team management involves careful planning. Silaidopoulos explained that the overall formation hasn’t changed much. However, playing three games in nine days meant they had to carefully manage player workload. “We have to take into account condition, the opponent, and the strategy,” he noted. Every player holds value. “All players count and can enter at any time.” For Silaidopoulos, being fair to his players is paramount. “For me, it is important as a coach to be fair with the players,” he said. “All players who work well, who demand time, we have to reward them. This is how you win many things.”
Finding the Right Balance
The team’s strategy, especially the balance between offense and defense, depends on the opposing team. “It’s about the opponent,” Silaidopoulos explained. “In recent games, we had to defend more.” This isn’t their long-term goal. “But it is something we want to build. We want to have consistency and performance in both areas.” It’s vital to control the game. “It is important to extend the period with the ball, the creation of opportunities, but maintain the same mentality and focus on defense.” He believes this balance is the key to better outcomes. “If we manage to find that balance, some results will be different.”
Facing Tondela: A Tough Challenge
Silaidopoulos respects their upcoming opponent. “Tondela is in a good moment, coming from two positive results,” he acknowledged. “I looked at their games, and I think they deserved more points than they have.” He predicts a demanding match. “It will be a difficult game; they have a lot of quality in transitions, and we have to be careful.” Despite this, the focus remains internal. “But we are more focused on what we can do and on our performance.” He believes their approach will lead to success. “If we manage to have good periods with the ball and remain focused on being balanced, I think we will get our first victory.” He concluded by emphasizing the competitive nature of the league. “But in Portugal, there are no easy games, and that is seen in the table, with many teams in similar positions. It is important for us to win.”