The midfielder speaks before the UEFA Europa League playoff

Morten Hjulmand talked to the press before the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off for the Round of 16, which takes place in Switzerland against BSC Young Boys.

The midfielder acknowledged that the victory against SC Braga in Liga Portugal at the weekend gave even more morale to the team, but he also assured that this is a feeling that has been around since the beginning of this season.

"The team are very confident at the moment, but it has been like that since I arrived. Sporting CP are a great club and we want to demonstrate this in every game we play, but of course when we score a lot of goals that gives us even more confidence", the Danish international began by saying.

The 24-year-old was then asked whether he sees himself as one of the squad's captains - despite not officially being one -, due to the leadership he has demonstrated on the pitch and off it, but he preferred to highlight the fact that several players on the team have this capacity.

"I feel like myself and I don’t think I need to change that. Still, I see many captains in the group and many players with strong personalities who are ready to lead. It’s something you see on the pitch, but I also feel it in the dressing room and when we travel together".

In closing, Hjulmand refused to reveal whether he will be one of the starters in the game, in what is his first season playing in the UEFA Europa League. "The manager will be able to respond to that question".