Belenenses coach Ricardo Sa Pinto remains in high spirits despite his side’s exit from the Europa League and wishes Fiorentina well in their progression through the tournament.
The 43-year-old’s side were unable to pull off a shock victory against a dominant Fiorentina, who ran out eventual 1-0 winners on Thursday evening, though Sa Pinto is gracious in defeat and holds no regrets over his team’s run in Group I.
“Without a doubt, we bid farewell to the Europa League with honour,” Sa Pinto told journalists after the game.
“We go out of the competition with great dignity and we have always fought with honour.
“We don’t have as high of a budget as other teams but we did very well. We just didn’t have luck on our side tonight.”
The Portuguese tactician then congratulated the home side on their victory, wishing them well for future encounters.
“I want to wish a lot of luck to Fiorentina in their path through the Europa League,” he concluded.
