António Barbosa: Académica Focused Only on Victory Against Penafiel
Académica treinador António Barbosa stated that his squad is traveling to face Penafiel on Saturday with a singular focus on victory, despite mounting roster challenges and a recent league defeat, according to reporting from Record.
The fixture at Penafiel arrives as Académica looks to steady its campaign in the Segunda Liga. The team opened the season with three consecutive victories before dropping a 0-2 result to Lusitânia de Lourosa in the previous round. Barbosa maintains that the setback has not eroded his team’s competitive outlook.
Maintaining Ambition After a Difficult Result
“The Penafiel has quality, comes from a good game, that left good energies. It is a team that manages to create difficulties for any opponent. But we are also confident,” Barbosa said, as reported by Record. He added, “We are not going to Penafiel, just as we did not go in the other four games, to do anything other than win.”
Coping with Defensive Injuries and Roster Depth
The tactical preparations for the weekend have been complicated by injuries within the defensive line. Right-back Pontus Texel sustained an injury during the final training session prior to matchday, while fellow defender Edson Farias faces a lengthy absence due to an adductor tear.
“The Pontus got injured in the ‘minus one’ training session and Edson is going to have a long stoppage. He has been conditioned, he made a very great effort to help us in the last games. He likes to compete, he is a born competitor. Unfortunately, he tore,” Barbosa explained to Record, offering support to the Brazilian defender as medical evaluations determine whether surgical intervention is required.
To address the vacancy on the right side of the defense, the club has integrated Xavi Grande, a 21-year-old Spanish full-back who contributed to Marítimo’s promotion campaign to the Primeira Liga last season. Whether Grande will feature in the starting lineup against Penafiel remains a game-day decision for the coaching staff.
Strategic Preparation and Operational Demands
As Académica prepares for the Saturday afternoon kickoff, the challenge lies in translating statistical dominance into tangible results on the pitch. The fixture promises a rigorous test against a well-organized Penafiel side as the league season enters a crucial phase.
