João Henriques said FC Porto are not a relaxed team, insisted they already have the title in their hands and added that the champions will still arrive with goals to chase when they face AVS Futebol SAD. AVS, with two games left in the season, are trying to keep taking points and close out a difficult campaign with dignity.
Henriques said Porto will try to impose their game, but he expects AVS to answer with competitiveness and strength in the duels. He made clear that, in football, any result can happen.
The AVS coach said he has faced Porto eleven times in his career and came away with nine losses, one draw and one win. Even so, he said he remains optimistic about the matchup and believes his side can make the most of the final stretch of the season. “I always believe because I am optimistic, and this game is no exception,” he said.
Porto’s record is what gives his warning weight. Henriques said the champions have already secured the title, have had only two away slip-ups all season — one defeat and one draw — and can switch between league and Europa League football without any drop in quality. He said it is difficult to identify a first-choice eleven because Porto can change without losing strength, and described them as tremendously effective in attacking and defensive processes, transitions and set pieces.
That is why he said AVS must approach the match with respect for the competition, the supporters, the town, the fans and the club. The game comes at a point when Porto are carrying the confidence of a title run-in completed, while AVS are trying to show that their first half of the season was only an accident and that they have played well enough over the last five, ten or fifteen games to survive comfortably.
Henriques also pointed to the robbery involving Bednarek, saying difficult moments can bring strong groups closer together. He said Porto will be fully prepared regardless of that episode, and that their pressure comes only from internal objectives. For AVS, the task is simpler but no easier: compete, stay strong, and take whatever chance the match gives them.
With Porto already crowned and AVS down to their last two fixtures, the gap between the teams is measured not just in points but in state of mind. Porto arrive expecting to control the night. AVS arrive hoping the season’s final turns still have something to say.
