Sporting’s 4-1 win over Manchester City was a fitting end for Ruben Amorim’s farewell home game as head coach. However, he cautioned against being as defensive as the Portuguese champions when he takes over Manchester United.
After Phil Foden scored, Viktor Gyokeres’ hat-trick and Maximiliano Araujo’s goal led to City’s first Champions League loss of the season. Amorim said the result won’t matter when he joins United next week.
“We cannot transport one reality to another,” he remarked. “United cannot play defensively like we do. Of course beating City is wonderful. I’ll live in a different universe, therefore we’ll start over.”
He was questioned if this was a dream goodbye. “Yes. It was a crucial occasion for everyone, I couldn’t ask for more. But we were lucky this was a one-off.”
Amorim joked that if Sporting beat their opponents, some United fans would call him the “new Ferguson”. “I was playing with words when I said I am not going to read anything for six months,” Amorim stated. “I will focus on the team.”
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Home fans chanted and his players bumped the 39-year-old at the finish. “I thanked everyone for the win,” he stated. Without winning the match, the moment wouldn’t be that great. It was preferable to beat City.”
It was unexpected to be elevated in the air, but I know what I did for them and what they did for me. I shall always remember these. The most meaningful moment for me was when we lost 5-0 to City two years ago and everyone applauded.”
Pep Guardiola was defiant. “It’s hard, but I’m here to fight; I like these moments. City’s manager indicated he won’t quit. You can’t say anything when you lose 4-1. We were unstable emotionally. Our emotions must be more stable.
“It is. Though difficult, I want to fight and not give up. I face a challenge.”
