Portimonense returned to training and only thinks about the Premier League

By Nuno Costa • August 17, 2020 - 15:55

Jackson Martínez will not continue at Portimonense

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Portimonense returned to work this Monday, August 17, with his eyes set on the Primeira Liga. Although the team is still in a scenario of uncertainty about participation in the top division, as Vitória de Setúbal appealed the decision of administrative descent and the respective invitation to the Algarve to fill its vacancy, Paulo Sérgio, coach of the Algarve, did not consider another scenario.

Speaking to journalists, in the first training session of the season, Paulo Sérgio assured that “what the administration tells me is that we are preparing to play in the Premier League and that we will be in the Premier League. It's the information I have and what I can say».

Everything points to the permanence of the Algarve that was achieved at the office, but the truth is that, in the four lines, Portimonense went down. Therefore, the coach alvinegro took the opportunity to leave an “alert to the group. We have to have the humility to recognize that we have come close to achieving that goal in the field. Now, we are preparing, from day one, to avoid these stresses, at the time that is now beginning».

Paulo Sérgio wants to see, since the first game, «a Portimonense with the ambition shown in the final part of the season».

As for reinforcements, two have already arrived, both from Desportivo das Aves: winger Welinton and goalkeeper Raphael Aflalo, but Paulo Sérgio wants more.

«We don't want any revolution, even because there are athletes, without many opportunities, in which I believe. We are looking to surgically strengthen ourselves in key positions. We have to evaluate very well what is needed, to guarantee the necessary tools to compete for the points», he explained.

According to the coach, Portimonense is looking for another central defender and a multipurpose player who can play in the middle and the left lateral defense, «one or two» strikers, a striker and one or two wingers, «if there is any some way out, which is an always open scenario».

Speaking of departures, there is one already confirmed: Jackson Martínez will not continue at Portimonense. “It won't stay with us. He is a player with a unique career, but we have to move forward and think of other types of solutions. I don't count on him for the next season, but it was a privilege to work with him», he stressed.

Lucas Fernandes and Bruno Tabata, two of Portimonense's most desirable targets for this market, have not yet performed, but Paulo Sérgio explained that "they are authorized to perform next week." Also Gonda has not yet returned to work, there is still doubt about the permanence of Júnior Tavares, who was loaned to the Algarve in the last season by São Paulo.

Paulo Sérgio wants to work with «22 or 23 players», promising to be working with the under-23 team «to pull someone if necessary», he concluded.

Photos: Barbara Caetano|Sul Informação