Casa Pia coach João Pereira dismissed rival manager Carlos Vicens’ pre-match comments about his team’s low effective playing time after a crushing 4-0 defeat to Sporting Braga, while also reflecting on broader league officiating.
Pereira stated after Sunday’s match that Braga manager Carlos Vicens “didn’t even need those ten minutes to win,” referencing Vicens’ earlier assertion that Casa Pia’s playing style meant Braga would have “10 fewer minutes to play.”
Vicens had previously highlighted Casa Pia as the third team in the league with the least effective playing time.
Pereira acknowledged the heavy loss was “a bad day” for his team. “We started losing. Sporting Braga was far superior,” he said, noting the long journey home would provide time for reflection.
He added that coaches should “just talk about what he controls,” and reiterated his point about effective playing time.
“It doesn’t only stem from the two teams,” Pereira explained. He highlighted that different referees whistle more or less frequently. “It’s not a criticism, but a reflection,” he clarified.
Regarding Casa Pia’s overall performance, Pereira admitted the current situation “does not make us happy.”
He stressed that the squad is “quite different” this season, with some players still adapting to the league. “We need time to work,” he said.
Despite the setback, Pereira expressed confidence in his players. “We made history last year, and I’m sure we will have an excellent season.”
The team is also managing without some key players. Daniel Sequeira has been sidelined, and both Patrick and Ricardo Baptista are not at full fitness.
Pereira noted the team is “more used to playing with Patrick,” attributing this to familiarity rather than a lack of competence from other players.