18 July 2007, by Paulo Carvalho

FC Porto: Meireles and Alves play down loss of star duo

Squad solutions will overcome sale of Pepe and Anderson

Although FC Porto have sold Anderson and Pepe to Manchester United and Real Madrid, respectively, Raul Meireles and Bruno Alves feel that the club have plenty of options in their squad, and refute the idea that the team will be weaker this season.

“Competition will be equal,” exclaimed Meireles (pictured). “All the midfielders at FC Porto are used to working hard to earn their place. It’s good to have competition to work even harder. Any player that comes to FC Porto has to have quality.”

Meireles added that coach Jesualdo Ferreira will still have his hands full in selecting the team game in, game out, despite the loss of the two aforementioned players.

“I believe that this team has even more choices this year. Whether we are stronger or not, only time will tell.”

“On a personal level, my ambitions are to play as many games possible and win titles. I will also work towards being called into the national team and will continue to work to gain the Portugal coach’s confidence.”

Team-mate Alves also wanted to allay any fears the fans might have following the sale of two of their more influential and popular players.

“Pepe was a great player and all the great players that represented FC Porto are missed in the group due to their human qualities and their capacities on the pitch. But we have very good alternatives in the FC Porto squad. I believe that we have good solutions in the team.”

Ibson loaned back to Brazil

In other team news, FC Porto have loaned out midfielder Ibson to Flamengo. The player was presented by his old club on Monday and is happy to have returned.

“When I first left I said that one day I would return to play here. I have gained experience in Portugal and there they play much more quickly. I hope to help Flamengo again.”


Related: Real Madrid pay 30 million euros for Porto’s Pepe
Related: Raul Meireles PortuGOAL profile