Scolari tells Nani to forget Man Utd for
now
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Portugal winger
Nani has been told to put aside thoughts of his 25.5-million-euro
(17.3 million pound) move to Manchester United for 24 hours and
concentrate instead on helping his country defeat Belgium on
Saturday.
While welcoming this week's news of Nani's move from Sporting to
the English champions, Portugal coach Felipe Scolari said the
absence of United's Ronaldo through suspension for the Euro 2008
qualifier meant Nani's role was even more important.
"Nani is essential to our success, even more so now," Scolari told
reporters ahead of the match in Brussels.
"I have spoken to him and told him he must use this move as a
positive thing tomorrow night and not to get caught up by the whole
media attention. He must focus on the game for the next 24 hours as
it is very important for us."
Although delighted at the prospect of Nani and Ronaldo playing
together regularly at Old Trafford, the Brazilian said United's new
addition may not be certain of a regular starting place next
season.
"It will be up to Alex Ferguson in the end and he has already got
some very good players. So maybe they (Nani and Ronaldo) may not
play together as much as people think," Scolari said.
Portugal lie second in Group A on 11 points from six matches, level
with Serbia and Finland, but five points behind leaders Poland who
have played one match more. Belgium have seven points from six
outings.
"We must win tomorrow as we are behind our plan and anything less
than three points will make things difficult for us," Scolari
said.
"We planned to at least draw our away games, but already have one
defeat so we now need the three points if we are to finish before
the summer on schedule."
Basket at 1st glance i thought he ask him not to go.
