Pepe is not fit for Porto’s next games, Sergio Conceição said when asked about the possibility of Otavio starting against Portimonense on Matchday 9 of the League.
“I never talk about problems with the starting team. Otavio is part of the 25 items available. Pepe is gone, he has a serious knee sprain and, unfortunately, he will not be in this or the next games. Otavio is in the group and available,” the coach said at a press conference.
Among several topics discussed in an interview with reporters, the coach of the national champions spoke in favor of five substitutions allowed per game.
“Five substitutions don’t change how we prepare for matches. Give us more solutions, yes. Who makes intensity, speed and aggressiveness … it is important to have five reinforcements that can give a continuation to what was the preparation for the game. It would be possible to delve into the problem, but now is not the time for that. Five substitutions are only good for football,” he said.
Without Pepe, Porto will play in Portimão this Saturday at 18:00. Then two more meetings with Dragao, in Leverkusen and Anadia, before Clasico with Benfica on 21 October.
