Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez brands Pepe “an example” following the centre-back’s impressive performance against Turkey at Euro 2024.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez called Pepe “an example” when discussing the centre-back’s impressive performance against Turkey on Saturday night.
The 41-year-old became the oldest player to ever play in the European Championship when he took to the field for his national side’s first match at Euro 2024 against Czech Republic.
Pepe was again in the XI against Turkey, and according to WhoScored, he made three tackles and boasted a pass success rate of 97% during his 83 minutes on the field.
“For a neutral watching the game and seeing Pepe playing, you would never believe that he is 41 years old,” Martinez told reporters after the success over Turkey.
“He is an example, a professional. The way he reads the game, the way he competes, he is a wonderful example for Portuguese football and for football in general.”
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Martinez praises Pepe, Ronaldo for displays against Turkey
Martinez also paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, who came up with an assist in the second period, setting up his former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes to score Portugal’s third.
“I think we saw something today that for me is spectacular. To have Cristiano, who is an out-and-out goalscorer, he gets in front of the ‘keeper and he looks for the assist to Bruno Fernandes,” Martinez added.
“That is a pure moment of Portuguese football. That is an example that should be shown in every academy in Portugal and in the world of football, that the team is the most important thing. That assist probably means more than scoring any goal.”
Portugal took the lead against Turkey courtesy of a smart finish from Bernardo Silva, before an own goal from Samet Akaydin doubled their advantage, with Fernandes then adding a third in the 56th minute.
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Portugal have advanced to the round of 16
The Iberian nation have secured their spot in the knockout round of Euro 2024 as Group F winners, and they are being tipped as serious challengers for the trophy this summer.
Portugal switched to a back four against Turkey, having played five at the back against Czech Republic, and Martinez is confident that his side can adapt to any situation.
“The players can play five at the back, four at the back, different solutions in order to help their individual talent shine through,” he added.
“That is why it’s very important to work hard at practice and during the preparation stages. The players have to be tactically flexible and that is very tough when national teams play.”
Portugal will conclude their Group F campaign with a clash against Georgia on June 26.
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