The coach credits the players for the 3-1 win over Casa Pia AC

Following Sporting Clube de Portugal's 3-1 win over Casa Pia AC, coach Rúben Amorim highlighted the spirit of his side to turn around an adverse scoreline.

"We talked during the week about bringing back the fighting spirit. Today we played well. The players were responsible for the fightback," he began by telling journalists in his post-match press conference.

"The first half was like we had against GD Chaves, but with us conceding a goal. We kept a cool head in the second half and we learned from our mistakes. We kept calm and turned around the result. I had nothing to say at halftime on a tactical level, but I told the players not to lose their heads. We will fight to win in every game and that's what they did today."

The coach also commented on the debuts of Chico Lamba and Mateus Fernandes for the first team.

"Chico Lamba is a very fast player and we knew that Godwin would be the opposition's reference for transitions. He had some difficulties to start with, which is normal, but then he adapted. Mateus [Fernandes] had a great pre-season, he had great performances in Liga 3 and in the UEFA Youth League and we have been watching him. He evolved a lot and deserved the opportunity. Congratulations to the kids, who deserved it and were the ones responsible for their debuts."

Amorim talked about the group's future in the short term, saying that: "The team always give their best and always have the same identity. I don't know what will happen in the future. We could win every game or lose several. We have lost more than usual. What I can guarantee is the same identity and the same idea of having the ball, creating situations and not allowing the opposition too many chances."

"We are closing in on second place and we are nine points off the leaders. When we are in difficult moments, we don't look so much at the table. We are not in the ideal position for Sporting CP, but it is step by step".

Finally, he previewed the midweek fixture that lies ahead for the team.

"Tottenham Hotspur is a different game, in the UEFA Champions League, they will be playing at home and have an advantage in the group. We will compete to win the game, knowing the differences between the teams. The important thing is to finish with 11 men on the pitch," he said.