Morten HjulmandSporting midfielder, accompanied Mr. Amorim in the press conference on the eve of the match against Manchester City. A reference to the departure of the manager, who will coach Manchester United from 11 November, is inevitable: “It was difficult for me, I was sorry when I learned that he was leaving Sporting, but occasions like these happen in football. It’s a normal part of football, I hope he was proud to receive an offer like this.”
Is Amorim’s departure the biggest challenge you will face as Sporting captain?
“Winning the championship without him will be a challenge, the most important of the season. Life goes on and we want to show that we no longer need him.”
Did you feel betrayed? Did you have any guarantee at any point that Rúben Amorim would stay at Sporting?
“In football there are no guarantees. But the week was very tough, the coach didn’t give us any respite… It was difficult to understand what was happening, but we tried to concentrate on beating Nacional and Estrela. We are satisfied, we will have a coach we believe in (Joao Pereira, ed. They made a good choice, I believe in him, as do the fans.”
What can you tell us about Amorim’s way of being and working?
“I came to Lisbon for this. When you work with him you get a clear idea, the way he manages the team off the pitch is also nice. Something I’ve never seen in my career. Manchester United will be in good hands with Ruben”.
Gyökeres or Halaand, who is the better player?
“Gyökeres, of course, because he is our player!”
Do you also dream of going to the Premier League?
“I don’t know… Right now I’m living a dream at Sporting, I live in Lisbon. Obviously comparing the leagues… Well, I don’t know what the future will bring, but I want to live the present and the future of Sporting.”
Will Manchester City be the toughest opponent of your career?
“Yes, they are the most difficult team. We know the quality, we have analyzed how they will play: it will be a huge challenge.”