Analysis: “Above all, it was a competent game from the whole team, concentrated. We knew that the moment was not the best, we were coming from two negative results and that affects confidence, sometimes generating individual distrust due to a failed pass, an interception or a lost duel. But the team always tried to fight against this individual and collective distrust. They were very competent with and without the ball. We presented a completely new team today, a starting eleven that had perhaps never played together. It is difficult to capture certain dynamics, but the team was there: competent, very competitive, quickly understanding what they had to do against an opponent who changed their usual system to face Sporting. We knew they would look for the counterattack and the quick attack, but we managed to cancel out those attempts. They ended up scoring a goal when we lost the ball in the construction phase, but it was part of the game.
Revolution in the team and impact of Pedro Lima: “If they are at Sporting it is because they have quality. Last season there was this accumulation of games at this stage and we always chose to rotate, especially because it is physically impossible to include someone who played two days ago. The team gave a good response. They showed that they are present and ready to help – not just Pedro (Lima), but all of them. Moncef (Zekri), for example, is still looking for his best physical shape; he is a kid who had a longer break and needs to adapt. I couldn’t be more satisfied with everyone’s dedication and the way they took advantage of the opportunity. Now it’s time to think about the game with Casa Pia.”
Rui Silva was in the spotlight, avoiding trouble for Sporting with a good performance: “He showed once again what a great goalkeeper he is. Rui’s quality was never in question with the rotation in goal. He is a national team goalkeeper in whom we believe a lot. Among so many kids, his experience and maturity were fundamental in speaking, balancing the team and transmitting maximum confidence to those in front of him.”
Looking at the beginning of the game, where Sporting found it difficult and whistles began to appear in the stands. With this victory and looking ahead, is the focus now on winning back fans? “Above all, it’s about regaining our confidence and not letting distrust enter the group when things go wrong. We had balls hit the post, unexpected cuts, but we have to fight against that and look for luck, which takes a lot of work. For luck to be on our side we have to keep working, believe in the process and never suspect what we are as a team.”
