Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim highlighted his team’s significant progress in resilience and confidence, despite a recent 2-2 draw that ended a three-game winning streak.
Amorim, 39, told reporters that his team demonstrated a notable transformation compared to the previous season, indicating that an equivalent match would have resulted in a heavier defeat in the past.
“If we had conceded two goals in 5 minutes in the past, we wouldn’t have been able to recover. Today we did,” Amorim said after the match. “We didn’t win it, but we knew we weren’t going to lose it.”
The coach acknowledged that two points were dropped but underscored his squad’s enhanced ability to navigate difficult moments.
“In the past, almost everything went wrong. Now, that feeling is not there,” he stated, adding that the team is “improving in that aspect.”
Amorim attributed the positive shift to improved team understanding and communication, a development he links to their recent run of strong performances.
“We understand each other better, we talk more. And we’ve already proven this year that despite bad moments, we can suddenly play three good games,” he explained.
Discussing tactical adjustments, Amorim confirmed introducing two defenders in the second half. He emphasized utilizing the specific qualities of players such as Dalot, Dorgu, and Leny Yoro.
The coach also defended his player rotation, noting that decisions regarding figures like Zirkzee, Kobbie Mainoo, or Mason Mount are made based on the game’s characteristics rather than a perceived lack of talent.
Addressing the two quick goals conceded, Amorim linked the defensive lapses to the team’s collective “moment” and current confidence levels, stressing that nothing had “changed radically over the last few weeks.”
He added that his role is to “maintain a balance” within the squad. Amorim suggested the team could benefit from better pressing higher up the field, acknowledging that an attacking player like Amad Diallo, while dangerous offensively, may not be ideal for defending crosses.
Amorim also reflected on the impact of playing away from home. He suggested that a strong home atmosphere can provide an essential energy boost for his team.
“The noise you hear in the stadium during transitions… That’s why [a home stadium] is so important for us, especially at a moment like this,” he said, emphasizing the role of home support.