“Criticism? Going to the beach was already part of the preparation plan”

PALM BEACH — Originally scheduled for the previous day, Matheus Nunes finally spoke to journalists on Monday. The delay was due to a storm that disrupted the national team's preparations. Nunes emphasized that the canceled training session shouldn't affect the Portuguese squad, just as players visiting the hotel's private beach wouldn't negatively impact them.

— Yesterday's [Sunday's] training was canceled due to a storm threat. How might this affect the team's preparation?

— We can't predict what nature will do. At the Club World Cup, we [Manchester City] also had a training session postponed because of this. We have to take it in stride. We need to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances; we might have to wait an hour for a game, and we need to know how to handle it. I don't think it will affect anything. We're coming off a long season, everyone is prepared, and the two weeks in Portugal helped us improve. We'll show that on the 17th.

— You had limited minutes during the qualification phase. When did you start believing you could be in the World Cup squad?

— I had that in mind from the start of the season. I knew I'd need to play a lot of minutes for my club to get here, and that's what I did. Then I gave my best in every training camp. Now I'm going to try and make the most of it.

— At Manchester City, you played as a full-back all season. Do you feel more comfortable in that position, or as a midfielder, where you've played your entire career?

— I feel good and comfortable in both positions. I've been playing full-back for almost a season and a half now, so I'm more than used to all the characteristics of the position. I've also played as a left winger. I can play many positions and don't have a preference at the moment. We have very versatile players in the squad who can play in many positions, and I don't think that's a disadvantage at all.

— We saw that when you arrived in the US, you had Diogo Jota's biography with you. How does that help?

— Yes, I started reading the book on the way here. I discovered details I didn't know. I was quite curious. Diogo's career was one of overcoming challenges, and we can learn from that. It wasn't easy for him; he started from the bottom but had a very successful career. I'm sure he's looking out for us. And we carry him in our hearts and now on our wrists.

— Not long ago, you were playing for Ericeirense and working in a bakery. Did you ever imagine you'd be on the verge of playing in a World Cup?

— No, I didn't imagine myself here, but I always dreamed it could happen. I'm very proud of my journey. I always worked hard, striving to be better, with the help of my family and friends. I've always had a very close-knit family circle that gave me all their support. It's great to be here; I feel very fulfilled because a World Cup is the pinnacle for any player. We have to try and make the most of it. We're not just playing for the 26 players here, but for 10 million in Portugal and countless others scattered around the world. In the end, I just want to be proud. It would be great to leave with the title, but to leave with our heads held high, knowing we gave everything.

— What's it like to share this moment with Cristiano Ronaldo? Do you talk among yourselves about helping him win the title he's missing?

— We feel proud to be here with Cristiano. Hopefully, we can leave here with the title. I never imagined playing with Cristiano. Ten years ago, I was playing in the sixth division, so I never would have imagined it. For us, it's a huge honor to be here with him; everyone knows what a great figure he is. If we can win the title for him, that would be something truly special.

— There have been some criticisms regarding images of players on the beach. Do you feel this could harm the team?

— No. The beach visits were already part of the training plan to help us adapt to the climate. For example, I spend the year playing in Manchester, and it's not that hot there; it's a huge difference. So, it was already planned to go to the beach in the morning to adapt to the heat, sun, and humidity. We're not spending more time on the beach than we are training.