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Photo by José Lorvão

Amorim: "It was written that it had to be like this"

By Sporting CP
06 Nov, 2024

The Sporting CP coach reflects on his farewell home game win against Manchester City

In Rúben Amorim's last home game in charge, Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Manchester City 4-1, and the coach talked about the momentus result at the Estádio José Alvalade.

"It's very big and it's been seen all over the world. We won by three goals. We went behind, but today it was written that it had to be like this. There's not much explanation for it. We couldn't get the ball in the first half, we were too hasty, they won all the duels and they pushed us further back, but missed chances. It was difficult, but we got the equaliser and that calmed everyone down. We changed things at half time, but the turnaround had nothing to do with that, because we scored from our first move and then we got the penalty from the second. Today, it just had to be like that. It was a special night, but we have to move on and think about the game in Braga," he began by telling journalists.

Remembering that he experienced "very memorable moments" in Alvalade, he commented that, "Four years ago we lost 1-4 to LASK and today we got this result. The way the players lifted me into the air ... I didn't expect anything else from them because I know what I did for them and, above all, what they did for me. It was destiny that I should bid farewell to Alvalade like that, but the best moment I've ever had here was when we lost to Manchester City and everyone applauded us. That had a much bigger impact than winning."

Regarding the future of the team and the club, Amorim has no doubt that Sportinguistas should be hopeful.

"It's always difficult to replace a coach, especially when you're winning. The coach who comes in will have a good legacy because he has very good people working with him, there's a very good atmosphere at the stadium, the team are in the playoff spots in the Champions League... The demands make it all very difficult, but there will be a lot of people supporting him and he'll never feel alone. That was very important for me; I never felt alone. There will be a structure at the club, which has been gained in recent years, a lot of support from the stands and an intelligent fanbase. I'm sure the fans will give the next coach time," he said.

Asked about the possibility of him being present at any eventual celebrations of a Liga Portugal title, Amorim explained that "I will always have a special connection with the club, but I won't come to Marquês to celebrate. I wouldn't have the courage to do that, but I would be very happy for them. Watching it would be like being there."