Santos insists Portugal “cannot face more pressure” before Spain clash

Fernando Santos

, the

boss, revealed that his players cannot take any added pressure than they are already facing before their Nations League battle against

. They will have their last match of Group A2. The winner of the clash can progress through the finals next year.

Before the World Cup in Qatar, this represents a test for Santos and his team, but according to the 67-year-old, his side cannot take any further pressure than they are already dealing with.

"Three days ago, Portugal had to win the next two games because Spain would win their first,"

he said at Monday's pre-match news conference.

"But even a draw would have been enough to come to the final match alive. That's absolutely normal. I just try to take this pressure out of my players. If they do what we have to do, we are closer to victory.

"Do you think we can have more pressure than we have already? These players have pressure everywhere they go. They always play to win, to be champions. We always play to win, we demand it.

"We can't have more pressure than that, right? That means we know how to deal with pressure, as we have been earning positive results."

Portugal went past Spain to sit at the top on Saturday after the former won the battle against Czech Republic 4-0, while the latter lost the game against Switzerland 2-1.

Santos expects a tough challenge, notwithstanding the result, adding:

"I expect a Spain just like they always are. They don't change a thing.

"Everyone knows Spain. They've played the same way for 20 years. It's a team of possession, pressure, one that reacts well to the loss of the ball. They have a clear matrix in the way they play.

"We don't have to be worried about Spain but we have to respect them, as we respect all opponents. We have to be focused on ourselves."

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