The coach assesses the 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland

After the 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland, coach Rúben Amorim gave a post-match press conference to review the game, starting by analysing what can be taken away from the first leg.

“Above all, we are equal in terms of goals; we are not at a disadvantage. Obviously, we were playing at home and we wanted to establish an advantage. We took not of how our opponents played against our system and we have to see what we were missing", he said, before explaining the way his team approached the match.

"We had a lack of confidence. We started well, but as the game progressed, things didn't go our way and it made everything more difficult. We still had a few chances to score, but then we started to do things we didn't have to do. We have to be convinced of our way of playing", he stated.

"The difficulties are mental and have nothing to do with the physical side. I've already gone through what they're going through. They want it a lot, but it isn't happening, and all players go through that".

The coach also revealed what he tried to transmit to the team to seek a reaction.

"What I wanted to convey to them was that we have another game. As difficult as it was, we managed to turn it around. I want to help them all the time", he said, before being questioned about Antonio Adán's mistake.

"There are phases like that and a few minutes before, he made an extraordinary save and prevented us from conceding a goal. The same thing that applies to all players, also applies to Adán: I know what they are going through and I am very demanding with them".

Amorim also noted a "lack of experience" in his players, saying "we might have players who were league champions, but who never took those 'knocks' in football, who never went through this; so it's their first time and they don't know what it is like".

"In terms of the fans, I have never felt so fulfilled, even as a player, as I have felt here at Sporting CP and nothing will change that. Everything that happens on the pitch is my responsibility, the atmosphere at the club is my responsibility. I know it's very difficult and the fans have their reasons to be upset. There are difficult times and better ones, but the way forward is to stick together".

Finally, looking at the second leg in Denmark, the coach was confident in the team's ability to respond and qualify for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League.

"I fully believe that we can win in Denmark and that we can play better, with a little more confidence. How do we get more confidence? By winning in Chaves. Everything goes through that", he concluded.