The Sporting CP coach responds to a 3-2 win over FC Vizela

After the 3-2 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal over FC Vizela, Rúben Amorim spoke in a press conference and analysed the game.

"We started well, pushing FC Vizela into their half with our quality. We reached a 2-0 lead and had the game completely under control. We went into the break, Daniel Bragança didn't come back out due to a blow to the head, and we felt his absence. We always looked like we were going to score the third goal, and it looked like a defense-attack drill out there. FC Vizela got an equaliser and you could feel the anxiety. I play with soul and a lot of heart. We were happy in the end. You always have to be prepared. It was a beautiful night, with a great atmosphere, which turned into a problem and I'm afraid I have to pay attention to that aspect," he began by telling journalists.

"There is no justification for the drop in performance in the second half and for the two goals that we conceded, and the match became very strange. We conceded a goal, there wasn't time to settle down and we conceded another. We can't make it easy for the opposition. However, on days like these, when you win, not everything is bad."

Asked about the reactions from the Sporting CP fans, Amorim said that "in the first half, everyone was excited and there were several opportunities. Then, we started the second half badly and we conceded twice. When a team goes from 2-0 to 2-2, the fans are not satisfied. The pressure is always the same. We sold out the stadium and the Sportinguistas are getting behind the team. They simply reacted like supporters of a big club do. What happened today was football and the reaction of fans of a big club."

"We had chances, but we conceded two goals quickly. The substitutions didn't help us. I'm going to sleep a little easier because we won and because one of the substitutes scored a goal," he also stressed.

Responding to a question about Viktor Gyökeres, he said that "he always wants the ball in space and that makes him more dangerous. He gives us more aggression, which makes the team stronger." Then Amorim commented on starting debutant Geny Catamo's performance.

"He sometimes joins the defensive line, but usually acts as a winger. I took him off because he was tired and because I wanted more control of the game. I really liked his performance, he's much more grown up now. It's good that players rotate, even if they don't play too much, to gain maturity. We will improve him even more."

Finally, the coach set out his expectations for 2023/24: "I feel that we can be champions and that we will fight for the title, but it's all a box of surprises. I feel that the squad is stronger now. Despite there being some inexperience, the kids are very hungry. We are more complete in terms of forwards and we need an experienced midfielder to help us in these games that become difficult."