There have been many interesting bits in Andreas Pereira’s interview with Brazilian channel Esporte Interativo.
Earlier today, we covered the part in which he talked about his love for Santos, saying he’d cry in case he gets to play for them one day.
But there was also a lot to say about Manchester United, especially regarding the changes in the team during the current season.
One of the questions was about the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, given that besides the quality he’s added to the team, the fact he speaks Portuguese also helps in their communication.
“He has a lot of quality. He joined the team and has already shown that. Of course, it’s very good to have another player who speaks Portuguese, who can mix with us there. We don’t want to hit our heads on the pitch when there’s one who doesn’t understand us,” Andreas Pereira told Esporte Interativo.
“So Bruno joining is already making a difference. I didn’t know that he played a little behind at Sporting. But I think it’s like when you join a team, play more forward and take a little less responsibility for defending, you feel more free. That’s what he’s showing. And I think it helped him a lot. And I think the more confidence, he’ll be able to play in any place in midfield.”
Andreas Pereira also talked a little about Fred, explaining why his compatriot took a while to adapt, then managed to have a great season for the club so far.
“In training and at the club, players know that the player is good. You notice when the guy arrives, who’s the ace, who’s the player who maybe can’t take the level. Fred never had this problem with us. He’s a very good player. Very good.
“So when he arrived and it wasn’t working out, things are normal. In the first year he arrived he had to adapt to England, his family. These are normal things that maybe for fans who want to see this on the pitch, they don’t understand. But with time now he relaxed, he’s calm, the family is living well, he’s training better every day. This year he was better at each game. And he’s feeling good in the team, and now he can show his football. I already knew he was good, it was just for everyone outside to see the real Fred.”
Regarding the perception about new players joining the club, he was quizzed about who’s the one who made the best first impression.
“In training, as soon as I arrived, van Persie was very different. In finishing, I don’t think I saw anyone better than him. It was incredible.”
Pereira was also asked about José Mourinho, and made big compliments to his former manager.
“Special. Winner. At any cost. Fair. And great. I’ll tell you, he’s amazing. The guy is different. He helped me a lot. He gave me my first game in the Premier League. When I was with him, I was called up by the national team, so all thanks to him. But he’s great. He tells you if he likes you, if you do the wrong thing or not. Whether he’s with you or not. Very good coach. Unfortunately I didn’t have much time to work with him at Manchester.
Asked if he’s one of the players who Mourinho liked, Pereira said: “Yes. So that was a good thing. So at least early in the morning he’d say good morning, he was calm. I knew we were fine.”
