De la Barrera: “I love the Portuguese League”

Ruben La Barrera, Vizela coach, in a press conference, after the draw against Estrela (1-1), at Jose Gomez Stadium, in the 16th round of the league:

New draw, but better match by Vizella?

– Yes, in the second half we played. We deserved to win, and we created scoring chances, and we had clear chances, but we did not get the three points. It was important that we created a lot of chances. It was a very difficult match between two teams that needed to score. We suffered at the beginning of the match due to Estrella's pressure, which ended in scoring, but then we found a way out and the match was different.

Two shots hit the post and a goal was disallowed. Was Vizella closer to winning?

– Yes, this is correct. We did not achieve victory by chance, but this is what we want to achieve with the team in the future. We have a clear idea, we are trying to impose our style of play, but the opponent is playing too. The way we played was to fight for the three points. Today we were clearly closer and we will continue like this. Today, even though we did not win the three points, which I think would be fair, we presented a different picture. In the last ten or fifteen minutes, the game was very close, and having already achieved a draw, we couldn't lose either.

Samo scored the equalizer. Does he play an important role in this team?

– Everyone has it, especially him because of the space it takes up. He is a very important player because of his dynamics. After finding the best way out of the pressure, we were able to adapt the opponent and aim more towards their goal.

After two matches, what is your impression of the Portuguese League?

– It's literally the league I love. I already knew a lot of things, because of the geographical proximity, but now I recognize the quality of this league. I think he has a great level, Portuguese coaches are of great quality, not only here, but also abroad. After that, the league became very competitive. What also matters is the individual quality of the players, that's why we need a more deliberate game than a running game, that's what we need.

A few dozen Vizilla fans were here. Is support important?

Yes, very important, and now we have to respond. They spent money to come here and come back, and we have to provide them with income and joy, but we are happy with the support they have given us here.