The coach's view of the win over Rio Ave FC

After the hard-fought 0-1 win away to Rio Ave FC, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim began his post-match press conference by addressing the performance of goalscorer Youssef Chermiti, emphasising that “he is a player who works very hard."

“The goal gave us victory and is what stands out most, but in the first half he was perhaps the best player for holding the ball up and getting his teammates involved. He did his job, was very good and then decided the game with a chance that he had," he began by telling journalists at the Estádio dos Arcos, before analysing the match as a whole.

“It was a very even game, with many duels. In the second half we pressed Rio Ave FC, but without creating chances, because we couldn't unlock the game individually. It got more difficult, but in the end the team that wanted it more and had more responsibility to win, won," he considered.

Amorim then revealed what he had tried to convey to the players at halftime to change things around.

“We had to be better in one-on-one situations and hold the ball up with our backs to goal. Rio Ave FC packed together more and we lacked the ability to put the ball onto the flanks. We tried with wingers instead of fullbacks, but we ended up not creating many chances -although we controlled the opposition's transitions well. It was a very tight match, but whilst it was not a great performance, we were the team that looked for the victory the most."

In addition, he highlighted that “more than anything, winning consistently is what this team need. Right now, I am focusing on the growth and consistency of the team, and not on the league position we are in. Working off victories is always good and it's important when preparing for the next game."

Next up is a meeting with FC Porto, and Amorim considered that "you can't take much away from today's game for that match, because it's a completely different game."
The coach is not ruling out Chermiti starting in that game, and also praised debutant Ousmane Diomande.

“Chermiti is one of the options for the next game, but I don't know how we're going to play, as we still have to prepare for the match. It is increasingly clear that he is a valid option."

"Diomande is fast and I wanted a strong player for duels and with the ability to have the ball, and that was what he demonstrated today. We're going to need all the players for the rest of the season."