ItsInTheNet
Well-Known Member
BRAGA centre half David Carmo has insisted he is capable of shackling Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos in the Europa League last 32 match at Ibrox tonight - even though it will be his European debut.
Colombian striker Morelos, who became the first player in the history of UEFA competitions to score 14 goals before Christmas in the first-half of the 2019/20 campaign, will be up against Carmo tonight.
The 20-year-old, who made his first Primeira Liga appearance last month, is confident he can deal with the South American after being involved in wins over Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.
"Morelos a very good player, excellent,” he said. "We have all been watching his game, but we feel we are prepared for the test.
"I was nervous when I first came in to the team but the players have supported me. I have grown and learned from my mistakes, and I am sure they will help me again.
"I feel I can do my best for the team and that my team mates will help get me ready. I will grab this opportunity and give my very best. We will continue to do what we have been in the league.”
Meanwhile, Braga assistant manager Micael Sequeira has admitted he would have preferred for the visitors to train at Ibrox last night ahead of the first leg match.
The Portuguese club switched their session to the Hummel Training Centre due to the state of the Govan stadium’s pitch and the heavy rain which has fallen this week.
Rangers had their Ladbrokes Premiership match against Livingston on Saturday put back 24 hours due to a waterlogged pitch and club officials were keen to avoid damaging it.
"Naturally, we would rather have trained in the stadium,” said Sequeira. "It would have been important for us to do that - but it just wasn't possible. We just had to make the best of it and use the other Rangers facilities.
"This is a difficult task against a strong team. They haven't been beaten in 16 home games in Europe and the weather could add complications. However, we have had to prepare for these conditions and we have a game plan. We are hoping for a good result but we are expecting a strong team.
“Rangers don't play in a traditional British style, they focus on keeping the ball a lot. They have good players and are strong in all parts of the pitch. They have good wingers and a good defence, they are structured and organised. However, we are hopeful we can bring our own game to try and overcome Rangers."
Braga, who won all of their away games in the Europa League group stages, have been the form team in Portugal this year and go into the Europa League match on the back of a win over league leaders Benfica away at the weekend.
Sequeira is confident that Ruben Amorim's side can maintain their impressive run of form in Glasgow.
“We believe we can cope with playing in Europe and domestically in Portugal," he said. "We trust in our identity and we hope to continue in the good form we are in at the moment. We are in a good place right now, we are prepared and we always play to win."
Colombian striker Morelos, who became the first player in the history of UEFA competitions to score 14 goals before Christmas in the first-half of the 2019/20 campaign, will be up against Carmo tonight.
The 20-year-old, who made his first Primeira Liga appearance last month, is confident he can deal with the South American after being involved in wins over Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.
"Morelos a very good player, excellent,” he said. "We have all been watching his game, but we feel we are prepared for the test.
"I was nervous when I first came in to the team but the players have supported me. I have grown and learned from my mistakes, and I am sure they will help me again.
"I feel I can do my best for the team and that my team mates will help get me ready. I will grab this opportunity and give my very best. We will continue to do what we have been in the league.”
Meanwhile, Braga assistant manager Micael Sequeira has admitted he would have preferred for the visitors to train at Ibrox last night ahead of the first leg match.
The Portuguese club switched their session to the Hummel Training Centre due to the state of the Govan stadium’s pitch and the heavy rain which has fallen this week.
Rangers had their Ladbrokes Premiership match against Livingston on Saturday put back 24 hours due to a waterlogged pitch and club officials were keen to avoid damaging it.
"Naturally, we would rather have trained in the stadium,” said Sequeira. "It would have been important for us to do that - but it just wasn't possible. We just had to make the best of it and use the other Rangers facilities.
"This is a difficult task against a strong team. They haven't been beaten in 16 home games in Europe and the weather could add complications. However, we have had to prepare for these conditions and we have a game plan. We are hoping for a good result but we are expecting a strong team.
“Rangers don't play in a traditional British style, they focus on keeping the ball a lot. They have good players and are strong in all parts of the pitch. They have good wingers and a good defence, they are structured and organised. However, we are hopeful we can bring our own game to try and overcome Rangers."
Braga, who won all of their away games in the Europa League group stages, have been the form team in Portugal this year and go into the Europa League match on the back of a win over league leaders Benfica away at the weekend.
Sequeira is confident that Ruben Amorim's side can maintain their impressive run of form in Glasgow.
“We believe we can cope with playing in Europe and domestically in Portugal," he said. "We trust in our identity and we hope to continue in the good form we are in at the moment. We are in a good place right now, we are prepared and we always play to win."
