Liverpool star Diogo Jota today had a word with the Portuguese media about his current physical condition.
The 27-year-old, who struggled to play for the Reds in the final months of the season, was still not ready to play an entire game in the Euros.
In a press conference, it was pointed out that he hasn’t played for 90 minutes in a match since February. Quoted by Mais Futebol, the Liverpool player claims he may be prepared to start, as he needs some game time, which training sessions can’t give him.
“It’s a statistic, I didn’t realise that, but I know I’ve worked hard since my last injury to be in the best physical shape. Even so, competition is something you don’t get from training, but I feel capable of playing a game, I can’t guarantee that it will be 90 or even 120 minutes, but I feel good enough to play and that’s the most important thing for me,” said Diogo Jota.
“It’s a fact. I haven’t always been there physically, but it’s important to note that I’ve worked hard to be here and to be well. I’ve made good progress in my preparation games. You can count on me, as I’ve shown, no matter what.”
Jota played for 27 minutes in Portugal’s opening match against the Czech Republic this week. They now have group stage matches against Turkey and Georgia, and we’ll see if the Liverpool player will have a chance to start.
Since Roberto Martinez used a 3-5-2 system in his first game, that may harm the winger’s chances in case the manager insists on continuing it.