Alvalade director of football comments on Group H

Sporting’s director of football, Octávio Machado, was at the Europa League draw this week, which pitted Sporting in Group H alongside Besiktas, Lokomotiv Moscow and Skënderben.

Speaking after the draw, the Alvalade director first reflected in elimination from the Champions League by CSKA Moscow. “We should have been here yesterday, not today. We were the better team and we created chances, but football can be like that. With all due to respect to UEFA, who do their best, we were disadvantaged”, said Octávio Machado, before reflecting on the draw itself: “As for Lokomotiv, it reminds me of what happened. I hope to see Sporting in the Europa League playing with dedication and doing Portuguese football proud.”