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Amorim: "This is a very important trophy"

By Sporting CP
30 Jan, 2022

The coach's reaction to the Taça da Liga win

Following Sporting Clube de Portugal's Taça da Liga triumph in Leiria, Rúben Amorim spoke at the post-match press conference to reflect on the trophy win.

The coach began by emphasising the impact winning trophies has for the project at the club.

"In addition to the trophies, which are important, the way the team played after two defeats it was important. In these moments, we feel how fragile things are around the club, despite the fans never tiring. We need trophies, victories and to have people who know what Sporting CP are all about. This is a very important trophy, just like it was last year. It is important to win titles to solidify what we are doing," he told journalists.

"I am completely aware that this changes very quickly. This little moment we had was difficult for everyone in the squad. With our win over CD Santa Clara and what happened today, we gave the answer. I don't take anything for granted. It's very important for our club to keep our feet on the ground. We cannot deviate from what we are doing," he said.

About the game itself, he denied that any type of strategy focused on counterattacks was in place.

"The idea is always to have the ball and recover it quickly. We were playing against SL Benfica, who like to have the ball and have good players in one-on-one situations. We don't play the game alone and there are several phases in the game, but I think we were always on top, whether pressing or with the ball in our possession."

"We are in the title fight and we are through to the knockout stages in the UEFA Champions League, and sometimes it's difficult to understand that. Our identity was never in question and we always gave the same response. There might be teams that in Portugal perhaps play better, but nobody has a greater identity than than ours," stated the coach, who also established the objectives for the remainder of the season.

"We have to win our games and then we'll see. We have to focus on all competitions and on what we have to do."

Pedro Porro returned from injury and came on in the second half, and was decisive in providing the assist for Pablo Sarabia's goal. Amorim did not hide that the winger "is very special" for the group, but also singled out the work of Ricardo Esgaio for praise.

"Porro has specific characteristics and creates a very good atmosphere. I want to highlight [Ricardo] Esgaio's work. A lot of people talk about Porro, and he gives the answer."

Asked about his connection to Sporting CP, he admitted that "it is totally different from what it was in the past."

"Everyone knows what my club was before, and Sporting CP fans know that there are things that we are born with, that we don't control. I grew up on the 'other side,' but of course I have a completely different connection to Sporting CP. Maybe my son will be different because of the connection he has. Sporting CP are very important to me. I chose to be at Sporting CP and I wouldn't trade it for any club, because of everything that they have given me and the way the fans believe in me. I will never say that I have been a Sporting CP supporter since I was little, but my connection to Sporting CP is very strong," he stated.