Liverpool have weaknesses too, says Porto boss Sergio Conceicao
The Porto coach accepts there is a gulf in standing between Jurgen Klopp’s side and his own but is determined to be competitive.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Porto boss Sergio Conceicao insists they will try to target Liverpool’s weaknesses as they look to level up the imbalance they face on and off the field.
The last two meetings between the clubs, in 2018 and 2019, have seen the Primeira Liga side concede 11 goals and score just one having lost the home legs 5-0 and 4-1.
Conceicao said while little had altered in Klopp’s squad, his own side had undergone significant change.
“If we look at Liverpool’s experience, since 2019 they have lost (Dejan) Lovren and (Georginio) Wijnaldum,” he said. “We were left with three: (Jesus Manuel) Corona Otavio and Bruno Costa.
“That experience and the fact that they stay together is very important in a competition like this.
“We can highlight numerous theoretical differences, such as the fact that our budget is 20 or 30 per cent of Liverpool’s, but that will not come into play tomorrow.
“What comes in is the preparation of the game, the strategy we define and the way we are going to be organised.
“We have to be as competitive as Liverpool an opponent who, for me, is the best team in the world at some moments in the game – and I’m not exaggerating Liverpool’s value.
“It’s up to us to counter that opponent’s power and expose some of the opponent’s weaknesses, because they also exist.”