FERNANDO SANTOS
Portugal have been drawn alongside world champions France, Germany and Hungary. What do you make of this year’s “group of death”?
Nobody wanted Germany and France in their group, and neither did Portugal. But Germany or France didn’t want [to be drawn against] Portugal either. We will prepare well for the tournament. Let’s see what happens.
How difficult has it been getting ready for the tournament with COVID-19
severely affecting preparations?
Often one of the problems is we want to change the world, but we forget that to change the world we have to change ourselves. We can’t wait for others to solve our problems. Portugal managed to become champions of Europe against all expectations, so we can get over this too. Portuguese people are capable. With a certain amount of trauma? Yes, but we will overcome it.
How crucial will your captain Cristiano Ronaldo be to Portugal’s chances of success this summer, especially as he chases some individual records?
Cristiano Ronaldo is always super motivated. It doesn’t matter if he has scored more or fewer goals lately [for his club]. He always has extra motivation when he plays for his country. I hope, and I am absolutely convinced, he will have the same ambition as he has always shown for Portugal, not thinking about personal objectives but instead focusing completely on the objectives of the national team.
And do you think that your longevity as coach, being in charge for almost seven years, has affected your hunger in any way?
It’s a great privilege for me and my coaching team to serve Portugal and Portuguese football. We will always have a single ambition, which is to win. We know that we are not going to win everything, but we will fight to win everything. Since I have been Portugal coach that is the target we set ourselves.