Porto manager Vitor Bruno is only a few weeks into his job, yet admits he knows he is always under a little pressure.
Manchester United’s opponents Porto have come in for some criticism in their country after defeat to Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League opener.
It means the upcoming fixture at the Dragao has become a pivotal match for both clubs, yet Vitor Bruno is not underestimating Manchester United.
Porto have in-form striker Samu Omorodion and have won six of seven league matches. But after their Europa League disappointment, they are a little on edge.
Vitor Bruno on Man Utd clash
Porto manager Vitor Bruno has dismissed suggestions Manchester United are under heavy pressure coming into the game. Instead he believes it is Porto who have a far harder task.
Bruno told Sapo Desporto: “I heard a lot of people saying that they were coming with a ‘rope around their neck’. We are the ones with the ‘rope around our neck’, because we are behind Manchester United in the goal of qualifying.
“In this house we don’t play for draws, here we only play to win. These are historically difficult teams, with high-level players and they will cause a lot of problems. We have to be very alert and approach the game with the right mentality.”
Later in the press conference, Vitor Bruno then showed he is a little more quotable than many would expect, and insisted he would not be looking backwards and dwelling on the defeat in their Europa League opener.
He remarked: “I only know one person who made a living and who was widely praised for taking steps back, and that was Michael Jackson.
“I’m not a singer and I’m not good at dancing. I may not be a great coach, but I’m better than a singer or a dancer.”
Invitation to Erik ten Hag
The spotlight in England is on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, after a dismal start to the campaign which has included the Europa League draw at home to FC Twente.
Win, lose or draw in Portugal, Vitor Bruno has extended an invitation to meet him properly after the match, admitting he can understand what the pressure is like.
He said: “I haven’t met him yet, but I’d really like to meet him. If ten Hag wants to, our dressing room will be open for him at the end of the game.
“The same thing happens here, when you lose a game you’re almost doomed.”
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