The coach talks about the Sunday derby against SL Benfica

Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim previewed the derby against SL Benfica on the Liga Portugal Matchday 30 in his pre-match press conference, as the season reaches a decisive point.

He said that he did not expect an easy contest, but was confident that his side will take the win.

“Our focus is on winning the next game, as we have always said. We don't have to do the maths for second place if we win, but even if we don't think about that, it's the objective, knowing that Benfica can do at Alvalade what we did at the Estádio da Luz [where Sporting CP won 1-3] and that they come here motivated from the last game. It's going to be a derby, a great game and we have an obligation to win it, just like they do -because that's part of the culture of both clubs," he began by saying.

"We have seen a very strong SL Benfica, especially in the Champions League, and in Liga Portugal they have had some mishaps. I don't know what to expect, but there are players who can be decisive. I expect a SL Benfica with great quality. We enjoy these games."

“Our team grows with these games and we have an obligation to win,” underlined Amorim, adding that "My prediction is to bet on Sporting CP. A derby is always 50-50, but I would bet on my team to win the game."

“I think that we are favourites due to the natural growth of the team. We are more dominant, are in a better position than SL Benfica and come from a good run in the league. Sporting CP are in good form. When I was young, it was said that the worst team won the derby, but I don't believe that. I believe that Sporting CP will win. I have great conviction in our players. Last season I didn't have the certainty that I have now, because of the way we played. I know that we can always drop points, but I am fully convinced that we can beat SL Benfica."

Asked about the title challenge, Amorim responded that “The only way to be champions is to win every game. Motivation is high, and the players have been fighting with this season and next season in mind. It's a great motivation because, by guaranteeing Champions League football, we can plan for next season with greater certainty. This is essential for us. We fight for our lives, for the project and so as not to take steps back."

The coach gives credit to the team for their showing against CD Tondela

Following the triumph over CD Tondela, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim analysed the 1-3 away result, stating that the success came largely from an attack without an out-and-out striker.

“The idea was to take away any references for CD Tondela, who have three central defenders who are very strong in the air and field two very close lines: One defensive and one for midfield. We wanted to have strong players between the lines and arriving from behind, because they attack the area well and are used to playing high up the pitch. It had an effect,” he began by saying in his post-match press conference.

“We had a very complete first half, but the second half was not so good because we lost the ball in areas where we didn't have to. Without applying a high press, we gave the ball to the opposition and they had some transitions. It was one-way traffic, apart from a few breaks. We ended up winning fairly,” he stressed.

The coach then addressed the situation involving Islam Slimani, the striker having not been in the team's last training session and left out of the squad for the game.

“Slimani didn't know if he was going to play and he didn't participate in the last training session because, according to how the week went, we understood that he wasn't up to the standard of what is required of a Sporting CP player. There are basic things that are important, but there is no issue. I am sure that Hugo Viana and the president trust me and the way I lead the group. I'm sure that none of my players are bad people and, therefore, everyone can have bad weeks. Tomorrow he will have a new opportunity, he will be in training and he will be at his best. With a new week, comes a new life. He was not at the required level to play, but next time he will be,” he assured.

Finally, Amorim admitted that he was “irritated” by the fact that Matheus Reis picked up a yellow card, which rules him out of the derby against SL Benfica.

“He allowed himself to be pressured by an opposing player, and then when he wanted to go for the ball there was contact. I was irritated by the yellow card and the way we lost the ball. It takes away an option because he is a player with different characteristics and we don't have him to play left back now. But we have Vinagre, who started very well, and Nuno Santos, who was suspended this week. It’s one less option for us, but we’re going to go into the game with a lot of desire to win,” he concluded.

The coach prepares for the game against Vitória SC

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques this Saturday, for an away game against Vitória SC.

In the pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim began by responding to a question about the possibility of Os Leões reaching four consecutive games without conceding in Guimarães -their best run of the season.

"Not conceding goals, and the fact that we usually score, brings us closer to winning. Everything matters, such as how we attack and preparing for transitions. The focus should not be on not conceding goals, but rather on scoring and playing the way we want. We defend well, and most of the time play high up the pitch, and we are very focused", he said.

Amorim also revealed that he had not asked Marcus Edwards, the player signed from Vitória SC in the winter, for information about the opponents.

“I left the scouting to the coaching staff, because we already know Vitória SC well and we've played several times against Pepa's teams, which have their own identity. Of course, players change and the fact that Edwards is on our side now also helps, because he was a very dangerous player whenever we went up against them. There was no special talk with Edwards, because the focus is always on our team. Edwards is still in his adaptation phase and that has been our focus," underlined the coach.

All of the squad are available for the game, making selection tricky for the coach. "It is perhaps one of the most difficult games in terms of picking the side. Obviously, everything becomes a little clearer as the week progresses, but we take into account the last game, the characteristics of Vitória SC and how training has been during the week. There are many players who should be starters, but they won't be,” he stated, before adding that: "Another factor to take into account, and which this year has already been proven, is that we also need to think about how we are going to handle options on the bench. Now we have more solutions and we will field the best team for this game."

Finally, Amorim reaffirmed his confidence in the team for the remainder of the season. "We know that we are at a disadvantage in Liga Portugal, but it is not worth us doing a lot of maths right now. We want to play better and better and win every game that remains. We have to win practically all of them to still have a chance at the title. In the Taça de Portugal, anything can happen, so everyone's focus is on enjoying success, knowing that in the end it may or may not happen. But we have to do our part, play well and get better."

The coach gives a press conference before the home game against GD Estoril Praia

Back to Liga Portugal this weekend, Sporting Clube de Portugal play GD Estoril Praia at the Estádio José Alvalade this Sunday, off the back of a tough defeat in the Champions League at the hands of Manchester City.

Coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference before the league contest.

"We always have the same objective: to win the game. We are going to play against a team that knows what they are doing, who are well organised and who started the season very well. Then there was a 'normalisation,' so to speak, but they have a quality coach and have solutions," he began by saying.

"What we want is to do what we have done very often, which is to come off a Champions League game and realise that the league is very important for us. Our priority is to make that connection."

Sporting CP will be without the suspended Bruno Tabata, João Palhinha, Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio after the ill-tempered finale to the game against FC Porto, and will be up against a side that hasn't lost for three matchdays.

"We have enough quality players to face GD Estoril Praia. We are going to bring Dário [Essugo] back, for example, and that always opens up space for us to continue with our project, which is very important for us. GD Estoril Praia have always been a team that defend very well, and against us they have switched between a line of five and six at the back. They are strong in transition," he highlighted, adding: "We are sure that it will be a very difficult game, where they will be comfortable, because, in addition to the victory they had, playing at the Estádio José Alvalade takes the pressure off them. Therefore, we have to be very intense and we have the obligation and the need to win, which is our goal."

Asked to comment on the praise that Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, gave to Matheus Nunes, Amorim stressed that the young midfielder must keep his focus on working hard.

"I am pleased that other coaches recognise Matheus' ability, and I think he can become much better. We must also remember that at the beginning of the year, when we lost João Mário who had played in his position all year, there were many people who did not agree with the gamble that we took on Matheus Nunes. You have to look at it as being that at the beginning of the season he wasn't the worst and now he's not the best -you have to maintain your level and concentration to continue like this. It was very clear that he was a great talent, but I think that we still have a lot to work on."

Commenting on the return to training following the Champions League loss, Amorim described the feeling in the camp as 'normal,' given the result. "Today was completely different. It was difficult for us, but it's part of being a team that are used to winning."

On Liga Portugal, where the team drew against the leaders last time out, the coach explained that "obviously it was better to win; there is a 6-point difference and FC Porto don't lose many, but we have to play our games and always believe, because as the season goes on, the games become more difficult. Getting into the Champions League is very important for us, as is not letting those behind us in the table get closer whilst, at the same time, trying to move top.

"Our team is always strong in terms of spirit. We can win any game, even when we have players out, but of course we would be stronger if we had everyone available."

Speaking individually about winter reinforcements Islam Slimani and Marcus Edwards, he concluded that "everyone needs to understand the dynamics of the team well. Even the rhythm of training is different and all the details of a change count, but I'm sure that Edwards will be a great player."

"Slimani has had more opportunities, because the games have required that. They are both ready to help, and it depends on what we need in the game, but there is no rush, because our plan is not only for today, but also for the future."

The Sporting CP president addresses the incidents in the game against FC Porto

The president of Sporting Clube de Portugal, Frederico Varandas, spoke after the game between FC Porto and Sporting CP, expressing his displeasure with what happened on and off the field of play at the Estádio do Dragão.

“I will soon be 43 years old, and this game reflects what the last 40 years of Portuguese football have been like. It reflects how the last 40 years for FC Porto under Pinto da Costa have been. What surprises me the most is to see mayors and distinguished politicians in attendance, all of them turning a blind eye to yet another decadent and horrible spectacle in a country that wants to be part of the European Union and of the First World.

Here, at the end of the game, we saw members of the organisation of the event, wearing blue bibs -and there is footage of this- invading the pitch and attacking players.
This is the worst thing in sport in Portugal, but nobody has the courage to do something about it. It is treated like something normal.

(...) I have praised the refereeing, but João Pinheiro is not at all prepared for this. I don't know if it was because of the pandemic and him being used to refereeing without spectators in attendance, but I don't know if he is prepared to referee a game of this pressure with an audience. I would like to say that it's not enough to reach the interval and apologise to the players and to Hugo Viana, saying that Coates shouldn't have been shown a yellow. The player fouled was Coates and he was the one who was shown the yellow card -and then that becomes decisive in him being sent off.

Sporting CP played with one player less in the second half, when FC Porto were never going to turn the game around. Then we had a ridiculous yellow for Palhinha and the referee also apologises for it, saying that it was not a booking. This referee doesn't have the courage to referee in such an environment. Unfortunately the game ended up with a spectacle that was depressing.

I wish to make an appeal: I am an army officer and I hope that there are GNR officers who report everything they have seen today. The 40 years of Pinto da Costa were very well demonstrated here in this game, but this is not the same Sporting CP of the last 40 years.

In April we will be here in the semifinal of the Taça de Portugal, and if they have to bring in fans acting like cheerleaders as ballboys, then so be it."

A tense Clássico ends in a stalemate at the Estádio do Dragão

Playing for almost the entirety of the second half down to ten men, Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 2-2 with FC Porto in O Clássico at the Estádio do Dragão. Paulinho and Nuno Santos both struck for the team to establish a 0-2 lead, but the hosts responded with two goals to share the spoils.

Sporting CP made changes to their starting XI, Rúben Amorim fielding Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Nunes, Manuel Ugarte, Matheus Reis, Pablo Sarabia, Paulinho and Nuno Santos.

As expected, FC Porto started well and pressed high, but Sporting CP's response was immediate. Paulinho recovered the ball on the edge of the area, turned and shot at Diogo Costa, in a warning of what was to come.

Paulinho's opener came off a quick move by Os Leões, involving a cross from the right by Matheus Reis into the six-yard-box and the striker heading in on 8 minutes.

Opportunities for both sides followed, but without significant danger until the last ten minutes of the first half, when Sporting CP scored again: Another cross from Matheus Reis was not cut out by FC Porto defender Pepe, and Pablo Sarabia cut back to Nuno Santos. With only Diogo Costa in front of him, he picked his spot to make it 0-2.

The two-goal lead at the Dragão would not last long, however, as three minutes later FC Porto's Fábio Vieira received a pass from Vitinha and pulled one back with his strike.

An intense first half concluded with the score at 1-2.

The second half picked up from where the first left off, and Sporting CP found themselves reduced to ten men due to the sending off of captain Sebastián Coates. The centre back had previously been booked in the first half, after reacting to a poor challenge from Evanilson, and saw a second yellow for a tangle with the same player.

His side outnumbered, Amorim brought on João Palhinha at the expense of Sarabia, to shore up the midfield.

On the hour, FC Porto threatened to equalise, but Zaidu's shot hit the post. 

Some 65 minutes in, Amorim introduced Slimani and Luís Neto for Nuno Santos and Paulinho. Sporting CP looked to hold their lead, but also wanted to score a definitive goal.

Unfortunately, it was FC Porto that, in the 78th minute, found the net. Taremi headed in with a controversial goal, having left Zouhair Feddal laying on the pitch and having to receive medical assistance.

At 2-2 the game became even more intense, with both sides looking for the winning goal. FC Porto created more danger, but Sporting CP remained compact defensively. Late on, Adán made a massive save before the final whistle to ensure that the team took a point back to Lisbon.

The Clássico ended with a series of expulsions in a fracas after the final whistle. Bruno Tabata and João Palhinha were sent off and will miss the next Liga Portugal game against Estoril Praia, as will Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio, who saw his fifth yellow in the league this season.

The coach talks in the run-up to O Clássico against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal plays FC Porto this Friday at the Estádio do Dragão, and coach Rúben Amorim is expecting a different game from the 1-1 draw in the first half of the Liga Portugal season. He spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference to preview O Clássico.

“It will be a somewhat different game. Both teams have improved in some aspects and the players have changed. FC Porto have lost some players, but they are in better form," he explained.

"We're also going to present a slightly different eleven. It will be a different game. The previous meeting was very early on in the season, and now we are six points behind them. That changes the characteristics of the game. We're also going to play away from home, so the circumstances are completely different. We have taken reference of how FC Porto play and what they have been doing. We have done normal preparation for an important game."

"I predict an excellent game and I know that our team are prepared," he told journalists, before confirming that neither Pedro Gonçalves nor Pedro Porro will be available for the game.

“We have solutions and we have already proved this. The other players are prepared to give a good response.”
Sporting CP are currently six points behind league leaders FC Porto, making victory imperative.

“It's an opportunity to take points away from FC Porto, and it's about much more than that as well. This is a direct clash that can make the difference between a gap of nine points or three points. We have to treat this game as a final, like how we faced the game with FC Famalicão. We cannot drop points. Sporting CP fans have sold out our section of the stadium and we will do our part," expressed Amorim.

“It is our obligation to win. A loss would take the gap to nine points, and a draw would keep it at six, but we can't forget that we still have another side behind us. We have to win, as we cannot reduce the advantage that we have over SL Benfica. If we want to fight for the title,  we have to win. Nothing is decided in this game, but I've been on the other side and I know it gets harder later on. The obligation for this club is always to win; we are not obliged not to lose, but rather to win."

The coach said he expected a Sporting CP showing at the Estádio do Dragão similar to what he saw at the Estádio da Luz against Benfica.

“It's our identity. We know that we will be up against an equally aggressive team. It will be a very competitive game. We will have to be very strong mentally, physically and tactically to respond to the requirements of the game, knowing that we have a responsibility to win because we are the ones who are at a disadvantage in the table."

"I can't say it's a beneficial pressure, but this pressure will make us grow, it's part of the players' lives and it's a good thing. Sporting CP are where we should be. We are fighting on all fronts."

Sarabia and Reis score in a 2-0 triumph

Sporting Clube de Portugal defeated FC Famalicão 2-0, at the Estádio José Alvalade on Liga Portugal Matchday 21, as Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Reis both found the net.

The victory came at the expense of the only side that coach Rúben Amorim had yet to beat as Sporting CP coach in the league, and he was wary of the threat posed by the visitors. With a full squad available, he returned Sebastián Coates, Matheus Reis and João Palhinha to the starting XI.

After observing a minute's silence in honour of Eduardo Hilário, Sporting CP member season ticket holder no.1 who passed away last Thursday, the match got underway. It did not take long for Sporting CP to make it 1-0: Just three minutes in, Paulinho was fouled in the area and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. For the third consecutive game, Sarabia took advantage of the opportunity to score.

Out in front, Sporting CP took control and showed patience to build from the back, looking to create space in the organised opposition defence. However, they were unable to finish off their chances in the final third when transitions did arise.

FC Famalicão registered only two shots on target -both of which were saved- before they were presented with a great chance when awarded a penalty of their own. Thankfully for Sporting CP, Antonio Adán flew across for a great save in response to Simon Banza's spot kick.

In the second half, Amorim brought Ricardo Esgaio on in place of Feddal, who had picked up a yellow card, and dropped Matheus Reis back into the defence. The left winger had the first two chances to score after the restart: First with a shot that went straight at goalkeeper Junior, then an attempt with a more difficult save required by the custodian between the sticks.

From the resulting corner, Os Leões made it 2-0 in the 63rd minute. A shot by Sarabia was deflected with a header by one of the opposition players, and fell to Matheus Reis, the defender loading up a piledriver into the net.

In the 74th minute, one of the most awaited moments of the night took place. A recent returnee to the club, Islam Slimani came on to replace Pedro Porro and received a huge ovation from the Sportinguistas in attendance, who saw the Algerian debut for the second time.

FC Famalicão enjoyed moves near the area, but the home team's defence was solid. Sporting CP claimed the three points, and set up O Clássico with FC Porto on Friday, February 11th, with the two teams separated by 6 points.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adan [Gk]; Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal (Ricardo Esgaio, 45'), Pedro Porro (Islam Slimani, 74'), João Palhinha (Manuel Ugarte, 59'), Matheus Nunes, Matheus Reis, Pedro Gonçalves (Bruno Tabata , 63'), Pablo Sarabia (Nuno Santos, 74') and Paulinho.

The coach looks ahead to the game against Belenenses SAD

Having won the Taça da Liga, Sporting Clube de Portugal returns to Liga Portugal action when they face Belenenses SAD on this Wednesday. In his pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim warned that despite their playing against the team bottom of the league, "there are no easy games."

"We know that in order to maintain our position and to try to climb the table, we have to win our games. We are in good form, but the team are already used to that and we have also had some slip-ups this season, so we will face this game like we did the final in Leiria. We have some doubts about the way Belenenses SAD will perform, but there are no doubts about the way we will approach the match. We have an obligation to win. We will make alterations, because we believe that this is the best way to maintain intensity in the way we play."

With the winter transfer window closed, Amorim addressed the club's movement in the market, highlighting the return of Islam Slimani and the arrival of winger Marcus Edwards.

"Slimani is a different kind of striker, not least because our team has changed a little bit. We play very high and we have had many games in which we have put in several crosses and lacked a presence in the area. More than once, we have been without [Sebastián] Coates and we have missed him in our aerial play. In addition, Slimani is a player who has come in at zero cost and is within our reality, because he knows the club very well. He is 33 years old, scores and is intense in his pressing. We felt that he was a good solution for the team. He can be a target man who will help us to win games. and I hope that he's happy here."

As for the Edwards,  who joins from Vitória SC, Amorim admitted that Sporting CP's interest was longstanding.

"We had interest in him since last year and it didn't happen. This time it was possible and the player was very keen to come. It is important that he is joining now, because he is very introverted and I know it will take time for him to get to know his colleagues. He has very good characteristics, is very strong between the lines and good one-on-one. He will adapt well; there are many young players here who speak English, so what we hope is that both players adapt to a project that is not only short-term."

The coach said that Edwards will be in the squad on Wednesday, but that Slimani would only arrive in Lisbon the morning of the game.

Amorim also commented on the departures on loan of Tiago Tomás and Jovane Cabral.

"Tiago Tomás' leaving is a step that is about the characteristics of the game. He was missing out because we were losing many metres up front, which previously benefited his characteristics, and Jovane simply had an opportunity to leave. I wish them the best, and they were part of a great group that helped Sporting CP to become champions."

He also made a final statement about the focus on Wednesday's match: "Pedro Porro is one of the options to play, but that doesn't mean he'll be in the starting lineup. We have [Gonçalo] Esteves and we can put a winger there, but we will see. I will choose the best XI for the game, because we really have to beat Belenenses SAD."