After the elimination of the Portuguese Cup at the feet of Sporting, Ricardo Pessoa, coach of Portimonense, argued that his team sold the defeat dearly, ending up regretting the goal conceded near the end.
“Yes, we sold out in defeat. We knew we had a very difficult task, Sporting is the best team at the moment in Portugal. We adopted a strategy of trying to have a more solid midfield, blocking the passing lines, and when we had the opportunity to make a dent we tried to look for that moment. We were more daring, we looked for the ball in more offensive moments, we ended up reaching the goal, but in a moment of transition Sporting made it 2-1”, said Ricardo Pessoa
The Algarve coach praised his team for the way they made the task of the current national champion difficult.
“I have to congratulate my players, they had a fantastic attitude, and it helped them realize that they have the capacity to sell a tie against Sporting very expensive”
Ruan was also saddened by the goal conceded in the final moments, but the winger is already focusing on the team’s next game in the Second League.
“We already knew the difficulties and we conceded a goal in the last minute. Let’s forget that and start thinking about the last game”, said the Brazilian.
The Brazilian played a little deeper than normal, something that he justifies with the quality of the opponent that the Algarve team faced.
“Taking into account Sporting’s qualities, the manager placed me on the right wing… that’s football, let’s forget and move on”, he added.
Despite the bad moment of the season, Ruan believes that Portimonense will be able to turn things around and return to triumphs.
“I’m very proud of our group. We entered in a different way to what has happened in the League and, God willing, the results will change”, he concluded.
