Meeting analysis: “An important victory. It was the main aspect, getting the 3 points. The players were very receptive and the merits are all theirs. We knew Shakhtar’s strengths. I explained before the start the reason for the line of 3 defenders, it was very important to block the play of the runners of this team and, if we did that, they would have more difficulties. With the ball, having a diamond there with Fotis playing as ’10’ to make a four for two and, in width, having Maxi and Geny were always open. We had solutions inside and out. We managed to do that at times. We had the best opportunities in the 1st half and, in the 2nd half, we were a very good team. The team then scored. goal, we could have done more, and Rui made a good save. The credit goes to the players because they also gained a space here where they can show their quality.”
Could the issue of the central three happen again? “It was for this type of opponent because of Ba and Fresneda’s situations. We knew the strengths of this team and with a line of five in a low block we would have more success defending. Altimira and Silas are very good at covering the edge of the area and we fit in perfectly. This team, with the quality it has, can play in different ways.”
Do you feel like a talisman? “I feel happy when Sporting calls me. It’s a completely different club from the one I joined eight and 15 years ago. I had a journey away from Sporting and I came back. And today I feel that Sporting is completely different for the better. It’s much easier to arrive today. It’s a top organization. We just have to worry about training and playing. Talisman? It’s the result of the results, but the credit goes to the players. Without them, we can’t win games. And winning for Sporting always has a special flavor, with all due respect I have for other clubs.”
Words from the president at the end of the game… “He congratulated me on the result. We have a very open relationship, we speak freely and we want the best for the club. I already knew he was happy because this victory was important.”
