Portugal's national team coach Roberto Martínez attended a press conference

Portugal will face Scotland at home in the second round of the UEFA Nations League group stage. On the eve of the match, Portugal's national team coach Roberto Martínez attended a press conference.

How do you evaluate Cristiano Ronaldo's achievement of 900 career goals?
I think scoring 900 goals is not easy. It’s a historic and incredible achievement, an inspiration for football. But for me, as a coach, what’s important is *why* he scores goals. His performance is outstanding and full of intelligence. He’s our leading figure, but it’s not just about the goals. Goals are important — they’re a number we’ll always talk about in the future — but for us, what’s more important is the present, like his performance against Croatia. Creating space and winning matches is vital, and we must keep working toward victory.

Can he score 1,000 goals?
I don’t think anyone can say Cristiano is incapable of achieving anything. What he’s accomplished and everything he’s done in football is incredible. For us, the focus is on the collective level, and he’s helping the national team. For me, it’s not just about goals; assists are equally important. If I could have 100 assists, I’d be thrilled as well.

Your wife is Scottish — will this match cause any problems for your family?
My wife is not the problem; the problem is my father-in-law and mother-in-law (laughs). I’ve experienced this before, but it’s easier now since two teams can qualify for the finals. I really appreciate the Nations League format because we can keep my in-laws happy and still win the game.

Who will replace Vitinha — João Neves or Palhinha? 
Rúben Neves won’t play either... but we still have many options. João Neves can come on as a substitute in the second half, but Palhinha was very important in the Euros match against France. We have many choices, like Bernardo and Bruno. With our flexibility, we can adjust the lineup based on the game’s needs. Today, I can’t talk about the starting XI yet. This is only the second training session; we need to evaluate and decide based on the players' conditions. We need a balanced team for tomorrow's match.

Will there be other changes besides Vitinha?
We can make changes because we have two matches in 72 hours, and we need to protect the players and manage their focus. I hope, with our experience, we can help the players select a starting XI that is physically and mentally ready to meet the demands of playing against Scotland. They are a typical British team, strong and fast in attack. We need to protect and select our players accordingly.

Can Geovani Quenda play and break the record as the youngest player in Portugal’s history?
I can talk about the process of selecting players for the national team. Quenda, Tiago Santos, and Renato Veiga have all made it. Age isn’t a criterion, and I can tell you now that Quenda, Tiago, and Veiga will be in the match squad. Regardless of playing time, we need to make decisions based on the match and what happens. We have two players in the same position, and there are many things to consider, but he has shown in training that he’s ready to represent the national team.

If qualification for the finals is secured early, will you rest some regular starters?
We need to remember that in the March training camp, we used different players, as this is part of my working method. It’s important to work hard in training and matches, but rest is equally important. Preventing both mental and physical fatigue is part of that. It’s not about a specific player but about everyone. Playing time will vary, and from my experience with the national team, I know it’s crucial, and we will continue working on it.

How is António Silva doing?  
He’s doing great. It’s good news to see the team full of energy and strength; everyone is refreshed and lively. I haven’t seen any signs of fatigue or other issues with António. He played during key moments and performed well. We fully believe in his talent and in his ability to improve during this time. I think he’s ready.

Scotland’s football style is completely different from that of Portugal or Croatia... 
Our players are familiar with the intensity of British football, and Scotland brings that intensity. They are strong, fast in attack, and experienced. We know the difference between the two styles. Scotland plays a direct, vertical game but also has the ability to maintain possession. Their recent matches show their desire to win. In the past few games, they only lost after the 90th minute, but they are very objective and have top-tier players. This is the first time they’ve had players from both Serie A and the Premier League... they are experienced and talented. They’re not just a typical British team, strong and physical, but one with many skills. The match will be intense, and we’re prepared for that.

How do you view Scotland coach Steve Clarke?
I think his performance with Scotland is very important. He led the team to qualify for the Euros, which is worth believing in. International matches aren’t easy, and my experience tells me it’s important to stick to a plan and believe in it. This goes beyond the emotional result of a great tournament featuring Europe’s best teams. Steve Clarke has a lot of experience, and what he’s done goes far beyond his recent achievements.

Is it wrong to focus only on Cristiano Ronaldo's performance?  
You’re asking the wrong person! It’s about the team and the boys, but it’s an important opportunity to develop young players alongside someone like Cristiano or Pepe. We have a population of 10 million, and the number of excellent players we’ve produced speaks to the work, talent, and mindset we have — all of which come from examples like Cristiano and Pepe. But football is a team sport, and it has its own values.

What’s your view of the Scotland team? 
They have two players playing abroad, and when you leave home, your mentality changes. You have to find ways to stay fit. Italian football has taken Scottish football to another level, and of course, they have others, like Robertson, and several Premier League players. The number of Scottish players in the Premier League speaks to their quality. When a team has the same coach and experience, all teams can progress. The key isn’t to share feelings the day after a win or build a dressing room atmosphere... when you see this team, you understand what they’re trying to do. Steve Clarke knows his players well, and their victory over Spain will always be a highlight, showing what they’re capable of. This Scotland team is highly competitive, but their goals are clear, and that’s what Steve wants."