Artur Jorge: “We have to closely monitor the spaces and times when Real Madrid have possession”

S.C. Braga head coach Artur Jorge spoke to Spanish media outlet Marca today where he spoke about his team’s rise to success under his spell and how they might do against Real Madrid tomorrow.

Braga, currently fourth in Primeira Liga, and third (three points back of Real Madrid) in Champions League Group C, will host Carlo Ancelotti’s men tomorrow. Artur Jorge analyzed his opponent in the interview. Below are some of the quotes.

What does he admire about Carlo Ancelotti?

“I have enormous respect for him. He is a football man. He is a tremendous coach, with great technical-tactical quality. He is a reference for any coach worldwide for everything he has achieved. He looks fully up to date and continues to be successful at the highest level.”

How will Braga approach the game tomorrow?

“It is a great challenge for us. We know that we are facing one of the best teams in the world and we are proud to be able to compete at this level. We know how difficult the game is, but we will try to be faithful to our identity to score goals. That should be our goal.

“I have spent many hours watching Madrid matches, both in the League and in the Champions League, to try to get to the match with as much information as possible.

“What worries me about them? Everything. Above all, their collective strength. They have players of great individual quality. It is impossible to single out just one. They are a very dangerous team with the ball, and their dynamics, in positional play, are also very good. We have to closely monitor the spaces and times when they have possession.

“It is very important to preserve our own identity and that we have a great defensive and offensive commitment, maintaining the same intensity during the 90 minutes. We must also have the courage to hurt the opponent when we can and be effective.”

Is it exaggerated to say Jude Bellingham is the most in form player in the world?

No, it doesn’t seem exaggerated to me. He may be standing out more than the rest now, but, I insist, all the Real Madrid players are good, that’s why I try to focus more on the strength of the team, as I do with my own team.