Arouca coach Vasco Seabra expressed unwavering confidence in his squad’s ability to secure a vital win against Estoril on Saturday, despite recent league losses and a challenging fixture list.
Seabra maintains belief in his team as they prepare for the 11th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, even after consecutive defeats to Benfica and Moreirense. He praised Estoril’s competency but stressed Arouca’s own capabilities.
“Estoril has a competent team, with a good coach and good players. We share that conviction because we are also a capable team,” Seabra said. “Unfortunately, the results have not reflected what we have been doing, but we feel confidence in the process.”
The coach highlighted that Arouca’s performance often exceeded what the final score indicated, particularly in the recent 2-0 loss to Moreirense.
“We must pick ourselves up, move forward, and know that we are capable of competing with them and, in the end, bringing home the three points,” he added.
The upcoming match marks Seabra’s return to Estoril, a club where he previously served as both U23 and senior team coach. During his tenure there, he led the team to his first career final, the League Cup final.
He acknowledged the sentimental value of returning to a familiar ground with many friends. However, Seabra affirmed his primary loyalty.
“Arouca is our home, our family, and these are the ones we defend,” he stated.
Seabra also noted the tightly contested nature of the league standings. He believes that a sequence of just one or two victories could significantly improve Arouca’s position on the table.
He dismissed any immediate concerns about the January transfer market, which is two months away. Seabra expressed strong faith in his current players to deliver a successful season.
“It is not a concern at this stage to look at that, because I have a very strong conviction that we will have a very good season at Arouca, and that is due to the players I currently have,” Seabra affirmed.
Arouca’s early season schedule has been particularly demanding, having already faced the league’s three top teams within the first 10 rounds.
For the Estoril fixture, Arouca will be without two injured players: Matías Rocha and Mateo Flores.