Game 48 hours after the defeat with Académico: “It’s a challenge that already happened last season and that we managed to overcome with quality, merit and a victory. Tomorrow we expect the same. Within that is total trust in the entire group, in the entire team and in all the players. It’s another demonstration that we believe in everyone. I have no doubt that whoever plays tomorrow will give a good response.”
Seafarer with wounded pride: “It’s going to be a little in line with what we’ve seen, especially in our league games. It’s going to be a medium/low block, it’s the second team that has the most counterattacking actions in the I League. It dictates the moment of the game that they like the most and in which they feel most comfortable. We have to wait and be prepared for this so that we don’t get caught up in these constant losses of the ball. Above all, so that we’re not always reacting towards our goal. It’s important to have these longer attacks and finish these attacks to not let Marítimo enter that moment of the game in which they feel more comfortable. I believe we will give a different and better response than the one we have been giving.
Objectives in the League Cup: “Sporting is Sporting and the objective is to win this competition as always. We know that it is always difficult, that we have these challenges in this game, such as playing 48 hours after the previous one. On the one hand, there is a positive side which is that everyone is available to play and has the coach’s trust to play. We saw a less positive result and they all want to give a different response. We want to be in the final four and, if we can, be competing in the final of the competition.”
Reaction to two negative results: “It is necessary to have a strong reaction, of commitment and ambition. It is natural that during the game there may be, here and there, a moment of greater uneasiness. That is part of it, but it is also part of our growth that we have to deal with this and make ourselves grow in that sense. Now, I believe that the players want to give a great response and win. They really, really want to compete for this trophy.”
Can young people be launched with Marítimo? “Yes, clearly. Most of the players who played with Académico will probably not be able to play. It is not physically possible. There will be doors here for our young people, who have made a good start to the season and the championship in the II League. They are young people who are waiting for opportunities and we are always attentive. Almost certainly some will have that opportunity, but I feel super comfortable and confident in what they are and have demonstrated that they are capable of.”
Do you expect many fans at the stadium? “Yes, I believe it. Even in the face of some dissatisfaction, which is natural. We are talking about a big team and when you don’t win, everyone feels it. Despite everything, the fans believe that the team will give a different response and will be at the stadium to support us, as they always do.”
