The Sporting CP boss analyses the win over Paços de Ferreira

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 3-0 victory over FC Paços de Ferreira, Rúben Amorim spoke in a post-match press conference.

Asked about the performance of Dário Essugo, who was in the starting line-up but would be sent off towards the end of the contest, the coach explained that the midfielder "demonstrated what he is all about, but also the shortcomings of being 17 years old."

"He made the tackle in a dangerous way, but without malice. He made that mistake, but he gave a good showing of himself, was more daring with the ball and strong in stopping transitions. He still wants to go for every ball and that has a lot to do with his lack of experience. He didn't go through the Second Division, which is a problem. He had a very good game, he's visibly growing and will grow even more with these games. It's good to see the evolution of a player in such a difficult position. There will be time for him and there's a lot to improve," he began by telling journalists.

"We dominated the whole game. In the first half, we settled down better and realised that FC Paços de Ferreira were stopping on the halfway line, so we put a lot of balls over the top. In the second half, we had opportunities but not so much quality in our play. It happened with SC Braga and we have to learn this, because at other times it will create problems. It's another good victory, without conceding goals, but we can do better."

Regarding Pedro Porro, Amorim said that "it is impossible not to look at him as one of the best fullbacks in Europe."

"He has to remain focused on Sporting CP. If teams come in and pay his buyout clause, it will be impossible to keep him. Until then, he's part of my plans."

Asked to take stock of 2022, the coach explained that "it wasn't a very satisfactory year", but that he is well aware of the objectives.

"We have to cut the gap between league titles, and not take 20 years between them. It's good to have the feeling that it's not enough, but we also have to realise that we are a step behind other clubs in Portugal. We are on our way and we know what we want to do. It was a difficult year, but it wasn't excellent."

The next match is against CS Marítimo, in Madeira, Sporting CP's recent opponents in the Taça da Liga. However, Amorim assured that "it will be a different game" and that, bearing in mind that Dário Essugo and Pedro Gonçalves will not be available, the coaching staff will use either Manuel Ugarte, Mateus Fernandes and Sotiris Alexandropoulos in midfield.