The five-time Futsal League champions secured their last victory in the final game and will be looking to avenge last year’s Final defeat. Head Coach Ronaldo Negrão reflected on this the season and the Grand Finals ahead.
The FA National Futsal League
Grand Finals
Saturday 31 May 2014
St. George's Park
How important is it for you to reach the last four of The FA National League Grand Finals?
Very important, especially after last season’s dramatic penalties final defeat.
You have had a positive season in both the National League and also the Super League what would you say are the foundations that this has been built on?
The loyalty and dedication of all my players.
What do you know about your opponents?
Baku, who we play regularly against in League South, we know well and are very strong and the only team with professional players that train five or six days a week. They are strong favourites, but let’s see how they deal with the pressure. Manchester, after winning the North League and Super Group with a 100 per cent record, are also very strong. Loughborough are probably the most surprising finalist having finished only third in the Midlands Group, but their players have been playing together for a while and on a good day can beat anyone. Both teams will also prove tough opposition but I would rate Baku as the favourites for the Grand Finals.
The Grand Finals has the hallmarks of being an entertaining spectacle, for someone new to Futsal what would you say are the main differences to football? And what should they look out for?
They will see a faster and more skillful game than football with more pace, more passes, quick thinking, lots of skill and players who are very good on the ball. Tactics also play a very important part with constant changes being made depending on how the game proceeds.
What would it mean to lift the trophy be crowned as National Champions and also secure a place in the UEFA Futsal Cup?
It will mean a lot to all of us especially after last season’s dramatic penalties loss in the Final having won it five times previously. We would also be very proud to represent England, for the fifth time, in the UEFA Futsal Cup.
