For Martínez, winger formation is 'not an issue' for Portugal

Roberto Martínez, coach of the Portuguese national football team, downplayed the significance of tactical formations, particularly regarding the use of inside forwards versus vertical wingers. He asserted that the team's adaptability and the diverse profiles of its players are more crucial than adhering to a specific setup.

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We have had many profiles. I understand the question, but we have played with wingers on the wrong foot. We can use Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes between the lines, Bernardo Silva, Félix, Trincão... it is not an issue.

"We have had many profiles. I understand the question, but we have played with wingers on the wrong foot. We can use Nuno Mendes and Bruno Fernandes between the lines, Bernardo Silva, Félix, Trincão... it is not an issue," Martínez stated during a press conference previewing Portugal's match against Uzbekistan. He highlighted the team's "richness" and numerous options as its strong point, stressing the importance of choosing the right moment, player combinations, and tactical ideas based on the opponent.

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The strong point is our richness, we have many options. But we have to choose the moment of the game, of the players, the connections, the work we do and, of course, the opponent.

Martínez identified consistency as the primary area needing correction from the previous match against Congo. He noted that while the initial 20 minutes were strong, the last 25 minutes of the first half were "very bad" in terms of discipline and positioning. The Spanish coach believes the team's work needs to be more psychological, focusing on overcoming "feelings of anger and sadness" from not achieving desired results, rather than solely on strategic or tactical improvements.

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The first 20 minutes were very good, but the last 25 minutes of the first half were very bad. The level of discipline and positions were very bad in the last 25 minutes of the first half.

When asked about Uzbekistan, Martínez described them as a team with many virtues and few weaknesses. He acknowledged their proficiency in a five-man defensive line, their rapid transitions, and their effectiveness in set-piece situations, calling them a "very complete team." Despite suggestions of potential changes, Martínez indicated that the selection of the starting lineup would not be an emotional reaction to the previous game, hinting at stability in the team's composition.

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Cleanse feelings of anger and sadness for not having achieved the result we wanted. The work done was very, very good.