Spain players: “Portugal the best team we have faced” | OneFootball

Amid all the reaction following Portugal’s Nations League triumph on the weekend, perhaps the most telling came from the opposition coach.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was magnanimous in defeat and revealed after the game that his players had told him the Seleção was the best team his brilliant young side had come up against.

PortuGOAL rounds up the reaction to Sunday’s victory.

Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach

“After the match I spoke to the boys and they all said Portugal was the best team they had faced. What can you do better against a team like that? Nothing. We played well. We faced a magnificent national team. We should have finished our chances better, but football is like that. Portugal are fair winners.”

Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach:

“We are so proud. The match against Germany was tough. We showed incredible character and in the final we showed even more character. These are the values of the Portuguese people. It’s a very special moment that will stay with us forever.

“We won a very demanding competition. They were ten games against the best teams in Europe. The secret for future success? To believe, to be very resilient and to continue our plan, and the talent that Portugal has will help to win titles.”

Vitinha, Portugal midfielder

“It was a dream week. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. How can’t I!? I won three matches in a row in this stadium. Today we managed to win the Nations League and give it to the Portuguese people.

“It was really hard; Spain stole the ball from us, forced us to run a lot, it’s really tough. We had to work very hard to win this trophy.

“It’s the fulfilment of a dream we had. We never hid the fact we really wanted to win the Nations League. We are the only country who have won it twice and that is a source of great pride.

“Have I thought about winning the Ballon D’Or? I don’t even think about that. I leave that for others to talk about. What I want is to win team trophies.”

Nuno Mendes, Portugal left-back:

“It’s a very special week in my career. I won the Champions League and my first trophy for Portugal. I’m very happy. My display? It was one of my best games, yes. I have to thank my teammates, who helped me a lot.”

Diogo Costa, Portugal goalkeeper:

“What’s the secret behind my penalty saves? If I tell you, they’ll start to understand! A lot of it is down to instinct, reading the body-language of the penalty taker, their eyes. Then a lot of it is down to a gut feeling and trying everything to get to the ball.”

“I think it’s evident that we have immense quality in this team. This team quality is very important and we’ve got all it takes to bring more joy to Portugal.”