Werder front-man Hugo Almeida is an extremely powerful, model of an athlete who will not be easily intimidated by any defender. In part one of his interview with werder.de, the 24 year old discussed, among other things, his beginnings in the sport.
Werder.de: As Portugal’s ‘Golden Generation’ burst onto the scene in the early 90’s, you were just a young school-boy. Were those the players who awakened your interest in football?
Hugo Almeida: “No, it was my father who got me into football. He was a player himself and at one stage he asked me if I would like to have a go at playing football myself. I started as a six year old. Before that I tried athletics and played basketball but I quickly realised that they weren’t the sports for me. That’s why my father took me to football training and then I began to play.”
But you were surely influenced by the national team’s heroes of that era?
Hugo Almeida: “Of course I wanted to be like them. I thought Figo, Rui Costa and Paolo Sosa were fantastic. It was really fun to watch them playing football.”
They impressed particularly with their technical abilities, you on the other hand play a more simplified, consequent game and look to find the direct route to goal.
Hugo Almeida: “Due to my stature I am more of a physical type of player. I look to play in a more straight-forward manner, prove how dangerous I am in front of goal and improve my finishing. I would consider myself to be aerially strong because of my height. Aside from that, I also have a strong shot.”
Where do you see room for improvement in your game?
Hugo Almeida: “One slight weakness could be my technical ability. In a one-on-one situation you need to be able to drop a shoulder or jink through! I’ not the sort of player to trick my way past one opponent and then the next in a game, I prefer to play a simple pass. I still have a lot to learn.”
Werder.de: Are there similarities between the playing philosophies at Werder Bremen and in the Portuguese national team?
Hugo Almeida: “Both teams have massive potential going forward but the German game is more about power and speed. In Portugal the game has a more technical emphasis.”
What has been the biggest adjustment you have had to make away from the football pitch?
Hugo Almeida: “There are some differences between Germany and Portugal. Here for example, everything is very well organised and that’s something I like. On the other hand, the people in Germany are often quite reserved. The Portuguese are more open and cheery. I’m used to seeing people smiling in the street but I still enjoy being in Bremen.”
You had a number of injuries to deal with throughout the season and, particularly in the second half of the season, you have had to be very patient waiting for the goals to come. How did you get through that period?
Hugo Almeida: “You have to believe in yourself and in the qualities that you possess but also have the will to learn from such a period. My family always helped me through tough times. We talk things through a lot and they help cheer me up. My family is a very important support system for me.”
The hard work paid off in the end. Portugal’s national coach Luiz Felipe Scoilari included you in his squad for the European Championships.
Hugo Almeida: “I am so happy to be able to play for Portugal in the European Championships. To be considered one of your countries best 23 players is something very special. To add to that there is the fact that this is the first time for me at such a big tournament. I just hope it works out well for me, and particularly for the team.”
source: werder.de
