10.11.2016, 02:00
Nuno Pereira: “We are known for our determination”

FEATURE: With 32 goals in five games, Nuno Pereira is ABC/UMinho top scorer and the third top scorer in the VELUX EHF Champions League.The left back spoke to ehfcl.com about his first season in the competition and ABC’s challenges

Nuno Pereira: “We are known for our determination”

“We cannot say that it has been a positive journey because we have more defeats than victories but considering that the next two games are in our home, we want to change this,” begins Nuno Pereira.

After five games, ABC/UMinho has two victories and three defeats in the VELUX EHF Champions League. This Saturday, Carlos Resende’s team plays with HC Motor Zaporozhye in Braga and hopes for a different outcome from the defeat in Ukraine.

Nuno Pereira, the team's left back and top scorer, believes his ABC can win the upcoming game but have to correct some mistakes and “improve defensively to win more balls.” The 29-year-old says HC Motor Zaporozhye is a “physically strong team with a cohesive defence,” but ABC’s determination will help them win the game.

An extremely balanced group

Right now, ABC is in fifth place in the Group D. Nuno Pereira believes that it’s an “extremely balanced group,” and highlights Nantes’ performance, saying it has been the most difficult opponent. The left back adds that “all teams deserve ABC’s respect,” and that they are “aware of the value of all rivals”.

“I believe our opponents see us as a good team rather than just as a surprise,” continued Pereira.
With some players injured, Carlos Resende’s team will hope to take advantage of the home court factor this Saturday.

Best moment of his career

29-year-old, Nuno Pereira was twice close to playing in the VELUX EHF Champions League with FC Porto but didn’t get to the group phase. The 2016/17 season is his first one in the competition and he is at the top of his game.

“Every player aspires to be present in a spectacular competition like this and I don’t escape this rule either,” says Nuno Pereira.

The left back has been a key player for ABC and helped the team in various situations. He is one of the top scorers of the competitions (32 goals) and is showing no signs of slowing down. However, Nuno stays humble and says he’s living this period because he has “great teammates” by his side.

“Just being in the Champions League is more than motivating. It has been an unique experience and I hope to be able to be here again some day,” added the left back.

TEXT: Filipa Sousa / bc