“The most competitive football in the world is still in Europe”

The protector of the portuguese Rúben Dias, who plays for Manchester Citysaid Monday that there has been an increase in the level and quality of football in Saudi Arabia thanks to players signing for teams from that country, but noted that the most competitive is still in Europe.

“The most competitive football in the world continues to be in Europe. Now, obviously, the level of skill in Arabia has improved due to the simple fact of the players going there,” he said at a press conference in Oeiras Football City, outside of Lisbon, where he clarified that he does not follow these competitions and does not have “enough knowledge” to go deeper.

Dias, focused on the Portugal team in Robert Martinez for the matches against Slovakia (Friday 8) and Luxembourg (Monday 11), in the qualifying phase of the next Eurocup, he ensured that they were “fully aware” that they were facing two “very important” matches.

Matches in Portugal

The match against Slovakia will be “difficult because of the quality” of the opponent, the proximity and the “importance” if the Portuguese win, as they fight for the leadership of group J.

“Because of our selection, we have the ability to make things easier, but that’s our job and we’re on our way,” Dias said.

Pepe, big loss

In this call One of the veterans in defense, Pepe, was left with an injury.

“This has happened before and is part” of the team, said Dias, who made sure that everyone present, both defenders and midfielders and attackers, “have the ability to assume the leadership of the team.”

Matheus Nunes, new teammate at City

Finally, he is happy for the latest Portuguese addition to Manchester City, Matheus Nunes.

“This is one of the best clubs in the world. As a Portuguese and as a teammate, I am very happy for him,” he stressed.

Portugal, leader of Group J, will face second-placed Slovakia, 8th in Bratislava, and third-placed Luxembourg, 11th in the Algarve.