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Roberto Martinez: Paulo Bento has found the perfect winning formula for Portugal
24-Jun-2012 11:45:00 PM
The Latics boss has nothing but praise for his countryman, and also had words of encouragement for their midfield - commending the likes of Moutinho, Meireles and Veloso
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has hailed the impact Paulo Bento has had since his appointment as Portugal manager, following the team’s qualification to the Euro 2012 semi-finals.
The former Sporting Lisbon boss was named as Seleccao head coach in September 2010, and has since gone on to win 60 per cent of his 20 games in charge, including a 4-0 win over Iberian rivals Spain.
And Martinez feels that his colleague deserves all the credit possible for his good work.
"I am really impressed with Portugal,” Martinez stated to Uefa.com.
“I am fascinated how Paulo Bento has found the perfect, winning formula for Portugal. He deserves huge credit, it was a very astute tactical change to free [Cristiano] Ronaldo and allow all the good play.”
Martinez also complimented how Bento has set up the midfield, as they anchor and provide support to wide players Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo.
He added: "For me, the strength of that group is the midfield three – [Miguel] Veloso, [Joao] Moutinho and [Raul] Meireles.
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“I think they give a fantastic balance and they are a really good combination but obviously, in any team, you need to score goals. That comes from Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He can afford just to appear in the game and be very effective because he is completely free, he starts on the left-hand side but he'll come through the middle, play in between lines and get in behind people.
“You'll see him having one-on-ones everywhere on the pitch. They are very strong as a team but they can rely on one of the best players of his generation, in Cristiano Ronaldo."
Portugal meet Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 on June 27.
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