FC Porto is alone in the lead of the League after beating Sporting de Braga at Estádio do Dragão (1-0), in matchday 10 of the competition. Sérgio Conceição stated the victory went to the team that fought the hardest for it.

The coach praised the performance of his players, reminding the fatigue caused by the Champions League on Tuesday, against Lokomotiv Moscow.

FC Porto looked for fortune
“It was a competitive match, with two very organized teams. There were chances for both sides, we were fortunate to score, but we worked for that. We did some changes always looking for the goal. We played on Tuesday, on a heavy pitch here at Estádio do Dragão, but I saw the players showing great intensity, with high pace. A team that plays on Tuesday and is able to score in the last minutes today should be praised.”

Seventh consecutive victory
“There was a fantastic spirit from these players and great physical and mental condition. I deeply respect Sporting de Braga, an ambitious team, but we are FC Porto. When I set up the team, I thought of winning, and the same with the substitutions. We conceded a painful defeat at Estádio da Luz and reached seven consecutive victories after that. We are a club that is more used to winning, we are a club that doesn’t deal with defeats well.”

Good publicity for Portuguese football
“The players showed what they are made of and that was good publicity for Portuguese football. Usually, fortune favours the bold.”

Applauding the FC Porto squad
“Otávio is part of the group, as is Adrián López, for example, who was out today, but has been working fantastically. There is sadness, but also respect for the decisions of the coach. In that regard, the FC Porto squad is fantastic.”

The process and the daily work
“I have a team with character, with great personality, ambition and determination. The process and the way we work every day are what matters. With that spirit, I believe we will be happy by the end of the season. We have the spirit of champions.”