Deco: “Nothing but winning matters”

In an interview to the Brazilian website UOL, Deco talks about how Portugal is aiming for the title. He also talks about the difference between the Brazilian and European football, after all he is talking to a Brazilian website.

You can also find the interview in Portuguese here.

UOL: How is the World Cup atmosphere in Portugal?

Deco: It reminds me of Brazil. Everybody is excited. The national team reached the Euro04 final and was the first in the Qualifies… the World Cup is on the streets, just like in Brazil. Besides, Portugal also lives its football routine.

UOL: In its 3 World Cups, Portugal reached the semi-final in 66 but failed at the first stage on 86 and 02. What could be considered successful or failure to Portugal this year?

Deco: Nothing but winning matters. In a World Cup only the Champions are reminded. Portugal might not have the tradition, but it does have the players who are used to win and play for the big prize. After the first stage, pretty much everything can happen. It’s only a game and Portugal can defeat anyone.

UOL: How did you adapt to the national team? Was it hard being a Brazilian there? Who are your best friends in the NT and do you have a problem with any player?

Deco: I never had a relationship problem there. Ever since I got there, the atmosphere was fantastic and it only got better with the time. I always had friends there. People which I played with or against in FC Porto, so I never felt any resistance. This was invented by the Press.

UOL: You are now coached by the Dutch Frank Rijkaard in Barcelona. Before, it was the Portuguese José Mourinho. You were coached by Brazilian here too. What are the main differences between the coaches style?

Deco: I believe that the main difference is on the relationships and how people value the Group. In Brazil, people value to much the group relationship. In Europe, they do the same, but not as much. About the coaching methods it depends on the coach. Rijkaard and Mourinho do a pretty similar work but Felipão prefers a different style.

UOL: Luiz Felipe works more like the European or the Brazilian style?

Deco: The Brazilian style, surely. His entire background comes from there.

UOL: What was the biggest contribution that Scolari did to the Portuguese NT?

Deco: To me, the most important is to reach the World Cup for the second time in a roll. After that, comes the Euro04 final, playing well and achieving a better stage during the competition. Scolari brought a lot of experience, quality and command to the team. He created a bond very easily on the team. Everybody is happy together, playing together.

UOL: At the Euro04, many players like Ricardo made religious promises. Does Scolari encourage that a lot?

Deco: Portugal, like Brazil, is a country with very strong religious believes. The Portuguese player reminds me of the Brazilian one when it comes to religion and promises. Felipão uses that a lot in our preparation because he is also a man of faith. He knows that the players are too, so he uses it with us.

UOL: If the World Cup were today, there would be 5 Brazilian coaches in it. Why do you think the Brazilian coaches are becoming more successful in so many countries?

Deco: There was always Brazilian coaching other National teams but I believe Scolari has an important roll in that. His performance in Portugal, his success in the Euro04 and the WC Qualifies… it opened doors. That seems good to me once Brazil has the best football not only on the pitch but also outside it.

UOL: How does the Portuguese sees Brazil at the WC? Is there any expectation to a match between Portugal and Brazil?

Deco: According to the draw, I believe they can only play at the final [Actually they can meet at the semi-final, depending on their performance at the 1st stage]. You can be sure that the Portuguese are rooting for Brazil too.