Portaluppi stated, "We truly respect Chelsea's abilities, but we're here to fight for the trophy. Fluminense has had a great experience in the World Cup, and it's an honour to be in charge of this team and club. We came to make history." He also acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "From the start, I said that people needed to believe in us and our work. We will always respect our opponents, but football is decided on the pitch."
Portaluppi highlighted Chelsea's individual quality, describing them as a team with "above-average players." He specifically mentioned their speed in attack, saying, "Their attack has been very effective, they've scored 12 goals in five games. They're very strong one-on-one and on the flanks, and they have a midfield that thinks the game out."
The coach anticipated a strategic and challenging match, which he described as a "chess match." He also mentioned the weather conditions, saying, "It's going to be a game played in unbearable heat." Despite recognizing the challenge, Portaluppi guaranteed his team's ambition, saying, "We didn't come here just to play, we came here to win. We're already in the semi-finals, something many people didn't expect, but we want to continue making history."
Portaluppi, who has experience winning the Libertadores as a player and coach, highlighted the role of Thiago Silva, a 40-year-old veteran centre back who is back at Chelsea after four seasons in London. He said, "He talks a lot to his team-mates and guides them on the pitch. Often the coach is away and can't give instructions, so he plays that role on the pitch."
The coach briefly analysed the other semi-finalists, PSG and Real Madrid, saying, "There are four big clubs in the semi-finals and anyone can be champions. But you have to reach the final first."