​The coach laments a lack of effectiveness in front of goal

In his post-match press conference after the defeat against GD Chaves, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim put the loss down to a lack of effectiveness in front of goal.

“The main mistake was failing to score goals. In the first half we didn't let GD Chaves create any dangerous situation and we had several chances. Even with the ones that weren't clear chances, there were several crosses where we just couldn't get the ball into the net. In the second half we conceded two goals in quick succession, and from then on the team didn't have the same cool heads. We made changes to widen play and we put Coates up front to take advantage of the crosses we were delivering, but from then on we didn't create the clear chances that we had in the first half,” he began by saying.

“Time was running out and we were losing confidence. There was a lot of anxiety, which is natural, but the players gave everything. They ran to the fullest, but things didn't work out. We conceded two goals: One from a free kick with a header almost from outside the area, and the other from a quick transition. If we had scored half the chances we had today, we would have won the game, and that's what I will focus on. The game is over, we lost and now we will turn our thoughts to the next one."

Amorim refused the suggestion that the players did not interpret the message from the coaching staff well.

“The players are playing well, but they are not scoring goals. We created a lot of chances; it would be worrying if we didn't create them. Of course, when we lose and concede eight goals in four games, in addition to already being at a considerable distance behind our rivals, everything is seen as a problem: From the message that it is not getting through, or this or that. Obviously we have to improve a lot, create even more chances and score goals,” he stressed.

The coach also commented on the performance of Pedro Gonçalves, who retreated to midfield to partner Manuel Ugarte.

“If he scored from his first shot, which hit the post and the goalkeeper's back, maybe it would have opened up the game. Even playing further back, he had several shots."

Next up, Sporting CP take on GD Estoril Praia away from home.

“We are at the beginning of the season and it is obviously a very difficult time, but we have to face things naturally because this is the life of coaches and footballers. Tomorrow we will come back to work, and if we win GD Estoril Praia everything will be a little better," he stated.

"Of course there is a problem, but there is no need to make a drama out of it. We have to turn around and from now on we can't concede goals, that's my idea and it has to be the players' idea."