“A scallop? I prefer other authors,” says Sergio Conceição, coach of FC Porto, sidestepping the controversy surrounding the claims of the former Benfica president in a pre-published book in Correio da Manhã.

After the difficulties felt at Wiesel (a 1-0 tangential triumph) and a clean 3-0 win, in the derby against Sporting, maintaining concentration is a priority: “In the early preparations for this game, we analyzed Rio Avenue together and we said that we could have problems, like in Wiesel, if we don’t try our best at all levels. I think it has a lot to do with it. The game will depend on what we do in it and whether we take the path that will bring us victory,” said the Porto coach.

Mehdi Taremi was injured in the derby and until the moment (18:00) of the game it is doubtful. Sergio Conceisau believes in the recovery of the Iranian striker. “Let’s see what the evolution will be. I’m sure it will be available at the physical level,” he said. Despite this, the coach says he has alternatives: “When Taremi was replaced, the reinforcement [Galeno] the newcomer gave an excellent answer, many considered him a player. We are used to starting with eleven players and we have a few people on the bench who can help us,” he explained. As for Rio Ave, the coach acknowledges the quality of Luis Freire’s team: “This is a team from the II league, they have risen with all their virtues, kept almost the same group and strengthened themselves with good performance. This is a promising team with quality players. We are ready.”

DETAILS
Champion draw
Champions League draw? It is what it is. We play with the best teams from different countries. Got one from Spain [Atl. Madrid]another one from Germany [Leverkusen]another one from Belgium [Club Brugge]. All of them are of high quality,” said Sergio Conceição.

Grujic outside
Midfielder Grujic has been out of training for the entire week (recovering from injury), so he should stay in Vila do Conde. Everything points to the fact that Bruno Costa (holder against Sporting) did not hold out in eleven.

Alcaraz’s attempt
Porto could move forward in the next few hours thanks to an offer from Argentine midfielder Carlos Alcaraz, 19, a Racing player.

“We are here to create new history”
“It’s true that Rio Ave usually doesn’t get along very well with Porto. But that is in the past and we are here to create a new story,” said Rio Ave coach Luis Freire at the opening game on Sunday. The coach cited the formula to try and surprise the opposition: “We have to be competitive and know how to counter their many strengths as they have scored goals in every way and are very pressing when the other team has the ball.”