Pepa, the 45-year-old head coach of Estrela da Amadora, acknowledged on Sunday that his side are enjoying a strong start to the season, but warned that this will not always be like this as the club heads into matchday six of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Estrela da Amadora, nicknamed the tricolores, have gone unbeaten through five rounds of the league, a run that includes a 2-2 draw with Sporting Clube de Portugal and a 2-1 win over Sporting Braga. The Reboleira club sit sixth in the table with nine points heading into Monday's match against Rio Ave.
Pepa says players need help staying grounded
Pepa said that was exactly why his players had him, his coaching staff and the club's support staff to lean on, not only to build on good moments but also to help them understand that things in life do not always go this way. He said the team wanted to keep building on its form, and that regardless of what happens, the club's idea and process had to remain constant.
The coach said the team must always be highly competitive, adding that having the courage to play an attacking, offensive style that the club's fans could identify with and enjoy mattered most, with everything else coming after that.
Praise for new signings
Beyond the results and Estrela da Amadora's current league position, Pepa said he felt very great satisfaction with the squad at his disposal, praising how several new signings have settled into the group.
He highlighted midfielder Rene Mitongo, who made his first appearance for the club against Sporting Braga, playing a few minutes late in that match. Pepa said Mitongo was growing and evolving with the team, and would gradually continue to earn more playing time.
No confirmation on Renato Sanches
Pepa would not confirm reports linking midfielder Renato Sanches with a move to Estrela da Amadora, saying there was nothing to it. Sanches won Euro 2016 with Portugal's national team and was coached by Pepa during the 2011-12 season, when Pepa was part of Benfica's under-15 coaching staff.
Separating the transfer talk from his personal view, Pepa said he was very fond of Renato, whom he had known since his time in Benfica's youth academy, describing him as one of the best players and one of the best people he has come across.
Estrela da Amadora face Rio Ave next
Estrela da Amadora, sixth in the Primeira Liga with nine points, travel to face Rio Ave, who are 16th with three points, on Monday at 18:45 local time. The match will be played at the Estadio dos Arcos in Vila do Conde, with Gustavo Correia, of the Porto football association, as referee.
