Joao Palhinha, the Tottenham and Portugal midfielder, believes the national team has a burning desire to win silverware after their Nations League triumph.
The Portugal squad is “hungry to win titles” and possesses a greater “spirit and unity” than ever before, Joao Palhinha of Tottenham declared on Tuesday.
“I see a very united squad with a real hunger to win titles. We are highly motivated, not only the players but also the coaching staff,” Palhinha stated in a press conference at the City of Football in Oeiras, the national federation’s headquarters just outside Lisbon.
“We are going through a phase where we look to the side and feel confidence in the teammate next to us,” he added.
Portugal face the Republic of Ireland on the 11th and Hungary on the 14th in the World Cup Qualifiers, both matches being played in Lisbon. Roberto Martinez’s side could secure their qualification.
According to Palhinha, the Portugal team are aiming to “qualify as soon as possible”, and doing so at home in front of their fans would be “the ideal scenario.”
Palhinha, 30, is currently on loan from Bayern Munich at Tottenham, where he feels the “total confidence” of the London club, which has allowed him to regain his form after a subdued season in Germany.
“I think I’ve simply had the opportunities that perhaps I didn’t have in the past (…) And these opportunities are allowing me to demonstrate what I am capable of achieving. I am very happy and content with this new challenge and I just want to enjoy it,” he affirmed.
Portugal currently lead Group F after victories over Armenia (0-5) and Hungary (2-3), and could secure their place in the competition to be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States next year in the upcoming matches.