Roberto Martinez claims Barcelona’s new Portuguese duo are at the ‘perfect level’

Ahead of Portugal’s EURO qualifying match against Slovakia on Friday, head coach Roberto Martinez gave the media his thoughts about his squad for the upcoming games.

In the interview, relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Martinez gave his assessment of Barcelona’s new Portuguese pairing of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, who arrived in the final moments of the summer window.

He spoke highly of both the ‘Joaos’ claiming that they are in an optimal phase of their career.

“When Joao Cancelo and Joao Félix come to a team like FC Barcelona and play directly, it is a sign that the players are at a perfect level to play in the best moments,” he said.

Felix is in perfect psychological shape

The Spanish coach also highlighted how Joao Cancelo had the ‘perfect’ preseason before making the move to Barcelona, dismissing any concerns over his form.

He also praised Felix and said that the youngster is in the perfect psychological state to help the team out and show his best qualities.

Both Cancelo and Felix have faced a tumultuous situation recently and have been under scrutiny for their attitude issues.

Felix had been completely alienated from the Atletico Madrid squad dynamics and the fans had also turned on him, especially after he vocally came out about his desire to play for Barcelona.

Cancelo was phased out of the Manchester City squad after concerns over disputes with the City management, and after a loan spell at Bayern where he was not asked to stay on, he is now looking to stabilise his career once more.

At Barcelona, both players have completed long-awaited switches and will look to hit the ground running after the international break, but the qualifiers will play a key role in keeping them sharp.