Portugal will no doubt head into the Nations League quarter-final against Denmark as clear favorites but Roberto Martinez praised the way the Danes operate under new coach Brian Riemer and pointed out that his players should in no way underestimate their opponents in the comfort of their own stadium in Copenhagen.
"I respect him a lot, he's brave. I've really enjoyed the work he's done at other clubs and the way he prepared for the games with Spain was fascinating. A very vertical team, utilising the quality of the young players. It's a team that has worked very well in recent years. The coach has his own style, he's a coach who likes his teams to press high, take risks and I have a lot of respect for that. We´ll have to be at our best tomorrow", said Martinez.
Martinez was in charge of Belgium when they faced Denmark in a packed Parken stadium during the EURO 2021 after Christian Eriksen had suffered a cardiac arrest in the previous game against Finland, and Martinez certainly hasn't forgotten the atmosphere that the Danish fans in Parken can generate.
"We really respect what Denmark can do at home. I've had two experiences as a coach in this stadium and I know the impact and the energy that the fans transmit. The first game I experienced here was during the Covid season, but the second was after the Eriksen situation, I remember feeling all that energy."
Martinez also took the chance to praise the home side's ability to develop young talent over the last years with Rasmus Hojlund, Mika Biereth, Patrick Dorgu and other youngsters launching a new era in Danish football.
"I always talk about Portuguese players, the way we develop players is incredible. And the second best is Denmark. The best way to see this is to realise the relationship between the number of players who reach the top level and the population. That shows what a bright future Danish football has", said Martinez.
Denmark will face Portual at 20.45 CET Thursday night in Copenhagen.