Casa Pia's head coach João Pereira has set his sight on securing 35 points this season as the team prepares to challenge Moreirense on Saturday at the Estádio Comendador Joaquim de Almeida Freitas.
Heading to the 22nd round of Liga Portugal, Pereira emphasized the importance of delivering top performances against their opponents, known as the 'Gansos.' The match is pivotal not only for points but also for the standing of Casa Pia, which currently sits sixth on the league table with 33 points.
"We have set an internal target of 35 points for maintaining our position in the league. If we win, we will have 36. After, our secondary goal is to outperform our past seasons and achieve our best record ever. Everything else will be a bonus, solely aimed at enhancing the club's stature and management. The players are always our top priority, and the coaching staff will also gain recognition. We must be at our very best to secure the win," Pereira stated during the pre-match press conference.
Identifying the challenges posed by Moreirense, who have failed to secure victory for eight consecutive matches, Pereira expressed confidence in his team's ability to leverage their current form. Casa Pia has only one defeat across their last nine outings, showing promising consistency.
"We have analyzed Moreirense thoroughly and are well aware of their dynamics. They possess excellent individual players, and their team is well-organized and expertly coached. We need to bring our A-game, be strong, and dominate the duels. By sticking to our game plan, we will undoubtedly be closer to victory," Pereira added.
With the players motivated and focused, Pereira outlined his strategies. He is aware of Moreirense's uncharacteristic struggles and believes his team has strengths to exploit during the encounter. "We know Moreirense is not in position they would like to be, feeling uncomfortable. We are also not in a comfortable position, but we are managing to breathe a bit easier. We want to make the most of another away game; we are strong on the road and aim to respond positively as we did against Estrela da Amadora," he expressed.
Regarding team dynamics, Pereira was optimistic about recent winter signings Iyad Mohamed, Korede Osundina, and Cauê dos Santos being available for selection for the first time. All three are likely to bring new energy to the team as they continue to seek solid performances.
Meanwhile, Pereira confirmed the absence of players Kiki and Clau due to injuries, as well as the suspension of Gaizka Larrazabal. To fill the gap left by Larrazabal, André Geraldes steps forward, whom Pereira praised, stating: "He is our captain and a great example. He renewed for a reason; he deserves all the credit for his contribution to Casa Pia's path and acts as an extension of my coaching methods. He trains well, is prepared, and provides us with significant reassurances."
With the kick-off scheduled for 15:30 on Saturday, the match promises to depict the pathway for both teams—Casa Pia's ambition to strengthen their standing against Moreirense's desperate search for redemption. This game could set the tone for either side's future aspirations, reflecting the value of points over performance as they head down the home stretch of the season's chase.
Challenging the league dynamics will define the vision of the teams, and for Casa Pia, 35 points means not just survival but also set themselves up for future successes. With Pereira's tactics and insights driving the players, fans can expect nothing less than full commitment as they take the field.