Braga manager Ricardo Sa Pinto hints at changes for Europa League clash with Slovan Bratislava

Braga have already confirmed their status in the knockout stage of Europe’s secondary competition, but despite 1st place in the group still being far from secure, Ricardo Sa Pinto has suggested that some alterations could be in store in Braga’s final group stage match.

Braga currently sit top of a group that was, at least on paper, highly competitive, with 3 wins and two draws in their 5 matches so far, and can only be caught by Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves, who are just 1 point behind them.

Any slip up against Slovan Bratislava on Thursday could therefore open the door for Wolves to leapfrog them in the standings, which could have significant reprocutions on the quality of opposition Braga could face in the next round.

If Braga top the group, they will avoid having to play the likes of Inter Milan, RB Salzburg, Ajax, Sevilla and Manchester United. Finish 2nd, however, and Braga run the risk of drawing one of them.

Nevetheless, Sa Pinto has made no secret of the fact that tomorrow could be a good day to give some other players a chance, saying: “We are in a demanding period with a run of fixtures. There will probably be some changes for us to give some other players the opportunity to enjoy this competition. But whoever is going to play is going to be motivated and focused on achieving a positive result.”

With regards to the match itself and the less-than-ideal playing conditions expected, Sa Pinto added: “We are prepared to play in the cold. In this profession we have to know how to adapt. We prepare for this game as we do in all games. It is important to be clinical to get the victory.”

While a rotated squad could be on the field come kick off, Sa Pinto did acknowledge that “while we have already guaranteed progression, we want to win and dignify the club. It's a game of great responsibility. “

Slovan Bratislava stadium. Photo author:Svk fan. License link.