Outgoing manager Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP has provided insights into the remarkable 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
During the said game, Ruben Amorim and his boys stunned Premier League giants, Manchester City, thanks to their standout player, Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres’ exceptional hat-trick was pivotal in securing the big win over Pep Guardiola’s team. This match stood out not only for the scoreline but also for Erling Haaland’s missed opportunity; he failed to convert a late penalty when the score was already 3-1, which could have changed the complexion of the game.
In his post-match comments, Ruben Amorim, who is preparing for a new chapter as the head coach of Manchester United, highlighted the significance of the environment and the collective effort of his team in achieving this victory over such a formidable opponent. He remarked, “It was written,” indicating a sense of destiny about the result.
Reflecting on the match, Amorim noted, “The first half was very tough. We were extremely lucky at times. However, in the second half, we managed to score twice within the first few minutes. The atmosphere, along with everything else, played a crucial role in our performance.”
He continued to express his pride in his team’s journey, stating, “It was an amazing night, a defining moment for us. We all deserve this success after starting so low just four years ago. What a remarkable day for us.”
This match was particularly significant as it marked Amorim’s last home game as the manager of Sporting CP before taking the reins at Manchester United, starting November 11.
In his reaction to the unexpected defeat, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his future encounters with Ruben Amorim would only be in the context of the Premier League and the FA Cup.
He said, “We will face them two times in the Premier League and possibly also in the FA Cup.”