The coach talks about the adverse result against CD Santa Clara

João Pereira talked about the 0-1 defeat to CD Santa Clara in his post-match press conference, saying that Sporting CP deserved a different result against a defensive team.

“In the first half we lacked speed with our movement of the ball, and concentration when it came to scoring a goal. In the second half we were very anxious in our search for goals, because we really wanted to win, but rushing doesn't help us do things in the best way. Even so, we had many opportunities, we were unable to score and CD Santa Clara had two and scored once”, the coach explained.

"We could have scored one or two goals, there were moves there in the six-yard-box in the first half in that we could have scored, and if we had scored first then CD Santa Clara would have opened up a little more and possibly given us more opportunities, but it didn't happen, we conceded first and that's what we have to work on. When a low block doesn’t open up, we will have to be able to penetrate it and score more goals”.

Asked if the result was due to a lack of confidence on the part of his players, Pereira stated: “We had opportunities; they were not clear opportunities, but it's far from being a crisis. We completely dominated the game, there is no doubt about that, and there is no crisis at all”.

“We've had two defeats, but nothing will shake our spirit and our will to achieve our aims. I feel that we will turn things around and give a worthy response”.

Asked about some questionable decisions by the referee, he responded by saying: “I don’t comment on the refereeing. We have to be cold in our analysis and know that we have to create more chances, be more consistent and score goals. We lacked effectiveness and creating more opportunities. We have to create many more than we did”.

The coach also spoke about the support of the Sportinguistas.

“What I felt was support, and I even remember in the 82nd minute, the whole stadium was supporting and singing. The fans supported us from start to finish, but it's normal that after two defeats they want to show their discontent”.