Matheus Pereira focuses attention on the Europa League ahead of Sunday's derby

Sporting forward Matheus Pereira was the player chosen to speak in this week’s Europa League pre-match press conference, ahead of Thursday’s hosting of Skënderbeu.

“We always take each game as it comes and our only priority is the match against Skënderbeu and winning the three points. We will start thinking about the derby against Benfica on Friday. I am not thinking about if I can earn a place against Benfica tomorrow, I just want to help the team, keep developing and to win the game”, opened the Alvalade youngster.

In parallel, Matheus also spoke about the last couple of weeks with the senior squad, stressing that he continues with his feet firmly planted on the ground: “I have enjoyed it and I feel like I can carry on contributing to what the coach wants, with the help of my teammates. The lads who have gone into the senior team came from the youth system and through the B team, which is a good thing, but the intensity is different and there are some world class players in the squad. Naldo, Jefferson, Bruno Paulista and Ewerton have really helped me, which is normal because we are all Brazilian and it is easier for us to communicate, but the whole squad has been great with me.”

“When I scored my first goal I was really happy and I honestly couldn’t believe it. I want to carry on now”, finished the striker, reflecting on his brace in the Portuguese Cup at the weekend.
Sporting-Skënderbeu will kick off at 18h00 on Thursday, in Estádio José Alvalade.