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Guimaraes boss Cajuda confident of making history

Northerners 90 minutes away from Champions League

Vitoria Guimaraes are ready to embark on the most important night in the club’s history as they face FC Basel in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. The first leg ended in a scoreless draw a fortnight ago at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques, and now the Vimarense will try to secure a spot in the world’s most prestigious club tournament at St. Jakob Park.

Guimaraes coach Manuel Cajuda is fully aware of what is at stake for his squad and the club, but is full of confidence that the team will pull off a positive result, therefore granting them their place amongst Europe’s elite.

“We are well aware of the importance of this game. It is a unique opportunity for us to make history,” said Cajuda bluntly. “The team is confident in their capabilities. Personally, I am very confident in the team and what they can do tomorrow (today).”

Different Basel

“It will be a different game to the one disputed in Guimaraes. This time there will have to be goals. I am expecting a different Basel – one that will risk more during the game. On the one hand, it could bring us some extra problems, but on the other it could give us some advantages.”

Guimaraes did not have a particular good result over the weekend as the team drew 1-1 at home against Vitoria Setubal in the season opener. But the result will not affect the team’s performance in Switzerland according to Cajuda. The Portuguese tactician prefers to focus on Basel’s result in their domestic championship.

The Swiss side squeaked out a 4-3 victory against Neuchatel Xamax and the three goals suffered by Basel is of particular interest to the wily coach. “Is that a good sign for Guimaraes? In all sincerity I believe it is.”

Douglas doubt

Brazilian marksman Douglas suffered a groin injury in the team’s match against Setubal and is doubtful for the return leg in Basel. “Douglas is included in the squad, but if he does not recover, then I can move forward with Roberto or Jean Coral. We are used to playing in this manner and we will not change our mentality,” added Cajuda.