An armored team, that’s what Torreense aims to be. Much like the famous defensive lines of Torres Vedras, this club builds its game from the back. They are now preparing the sixth Toinha Cup. This tournament honors António Vicente, a club legend. He was a player, coach, and president. This strategy, prioritizing defense for attacking success, is clear. It comes from new coach Vítor Martins and 24-year-old left-back Javi Vázquez. Last season, Vázquez made 36 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 6 assists.
Vítor Martins, 39, is the team’s new architect. He knows a thing or two about building winning sides. Martins previously served as an assistant at FC Porto B. He then led teams like Leixões, Ac. Viseu, and Feirense. He brings a clear vision to Torreense. “We want to take a step forward,” Martins stated. “It’s not about being better than last year, but doing better.” He wants his players to respect opponents, but also believe they can win. “Without the ball, we will be a solid, united, and strong defensive team,” he promised. “Then, we will practice being good at quick attacks. We also need to build plays well and finish chances. Set pieces, both attacking and defending, are key.” His main goal: “Above all, we will be competitive.”
Martins isn’t one to set wild expectations. Still, his ambition shines through. “I changed clubs, locations, and ways of life,” he reflected. “But I feel really good in Torres Vedras. The 2nd League feels like home to me.” Does he hope to leave this division and take Torreense to the 1st League? “I just want to win every single game,” he said with a smile. “We won’t get distracted thinking about May.” His focus is laser-sharp on the next challenge. “We want to use this Saturday’s game to fix any issues,” Martins explained. “This will help us prepare for Sporting B, then Académico in Faro, and every match after that.” He dreams of a big party at season’s end, calling it “a second Carnival.” “That would be even better,” he added. The upcoming game against Mérida is special. “It’s our first chance to connect with the fans,” Martins shared. “Feeling their embrace is important. We have a strong group here. No one stumbled into this team by chance. We will be skilled and very competitive.”
Defender Javi Vázquez offered his thoughts on the pre-season. It has been a good one, he reported. He needed to adjust to a new coaching staff, different strategies, and new teammates. “We will be a compact group,” Vázquez said. “Our players are strong both tactically and technically.” He admitted that learning new ways takes time. “But we will be very competitive,” he insisted. “And we will give our absolute best on the field.” Last season, Vázquez often played high up the field, almost like a winger. “Now, the system is different,” he explained. “It doesn’t offer as much freedom to attack.” But the coach has given him confidence. “He trusts me to keep making assists and everything else,” the Spanish defender assured. Vázquez firmly believes promotion is possible. “We will fight and give everything from start to finish,” he declared. “We truly have that ambition.”