The president of Vitoria Guimaraes Antonio Miguel Cardoso spoke to Sky Sports in view of tomorrow’s Conference League match against Fiorentina: “This is a city of workers who loves their club, with a lot of passion for football and for us it is wonderful to have these types of matches against clubs like Fiorenina”.
What club is Vitoria?
“We are a century-old club, among the largest in Portugal. Here all the inhabitants support Vitoria, there are no Benfica or Sporting fans. We are a prestigious club with people of great passion, Guimaraes has history and traditions linked to ours nation”.
Why did you choose to become president as an entrepreneur?
“For love… It’s a problem. I was 2 years old with my father when I went to the stadium, there was always in my head the idea of trying to do good for the club. It was impossible to say no when the occasion, it’s a great responsibility but I like this club too much. It’s pure love for me.”
The philosophy is based on Portuguese youth and players…
“I’ve been here for 3 years, we have a project. We want players who are hungry and want to conquer things, who have energy and determination. It’s important for us to have Portuguese players with a mix of foreigners, we’re moving forward step by step. We have a coach fantastic and good players, some of them will have a great career. We want to do things well, it’s nice to be in the Conference and play these great games.”
What are your ambitions?
“We always think about the next race, which is the most important, with our feet on the ground. Our work gives us great pride, we want to do more and move forward in Europe. We are happy.”
How do you see Fiorentina?
“I was watching Domenica Sportiva in Italy. Fiorentina has a great city behind it and a great history, I remember Batistuta and Rui Costa. It has a great philosophy, but the coach has to study the team.”
What environment will Fiorentina find?
“It’s always hot, intense. We know that the people of Guimaraes will give us energy. Whoever comes here understands that there is a different energy. I don’t make predictions, I obviously hope that the team does well.”