A record-breaking win was analysed by the Sporting CP coach

Following the final whistle in the 0-1 win over SC Farense, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim answered questions from journalists in the press room at the Estádio São Luís.
The win marked a new record in club history, as they have now gone 27 consecutive matchdays unbeaten in Liga NOS competition.

"It's good, especially at a time in which people are talking about a crisis, to break a club's all-time record. Reaching that milestone and moving past the 26 matchdays the previous team to hold the record achieved is down to the players," said the coach.

As for the game itself, Amorim commented that "We were able to hold up when it was time to struggle. We scored our goal, but we weren't able to kill the game off. We suffered at the end and, as usual, our anxiety grew, but I think it was a fair result. SC Farense had their opportunities and so did we. It was an even game and a good game, but we were worthy winners."

Asked what the "biggest challenge" he will have to face in the near future, Amorim stated "choosing the best XI for the game against Belenenses SAD."

"That is the only objective and there is nothing else on our minds. The focus is on Belenenses SAD and a game that will be, like every match, very difficult. We will give everyone the opportunity to train and show their worth, and we will pick the best players for the task. This is the big challenge for the coaching staff."

Amorim is serving a suspension and was unable to assume his position in the dugout, a situation that he says adds to the tension of the task at hand.

"It makes me more anxious and nervous, because I can't talk to the players," he commented, before explaining the tactical change he made from the game against FC Famalicão.

"We knew that the pitch here is small, and that we were going to have a lot of second balls to win. We wanted more people in the midfield in order to keep the ball. SC Farense left us with an extra player in midfield, instead of just Tiago Tomás, to have this possession.

"At times we enjoyed success. Whenever we managed to get more time on the ball and vary the play, we created danger. We had phases in which, by changing up the midfield, we managed to create the space to play -which was the idea. At times we managed it, and other times we didn't. We won, and that is the most important thing."

Regarding the rather open final minutes, he offered up several possible explanations.

"Here or there, the team showed some inexperience. It's normal, and the players will grow. I don't know if it had to do with us taking off João Mário, who was playing a good game, but the game started to break up. SC Farense also pressed up on us, and anxiety at the end of a game is normal anyway. On Wednesday against Belenenses SAD there will be anxiety once again. We are prepared for that, and that’s what we are working for," he added.

"Whatever the outcome [today], we would be a side capable of beating Belenenses SAD. We are not going to hide that there is an idea in Sportinguistas about the title, as it has been many years since the last time the club won it. The fans have to be able to suffer and think like the team are: Game by game. We only want to beat Belenenses SAD, and then we will see."