The coach urges his side to be aggressive in their first home game of 2022

For the first time in 2022, Sporting Clube de Portugal will play at the Estádio José Alvalade this Saturday, as they host SC Braga on Liga Portugal Matchday 19.

In his pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim began by addressing the opposition - currently fourth in the table with 32 points - recognising that the two games played between the two teams this season served as a reference for their preparation.

"They have a very strong identity. They maintain some characteristics that they already had last year; there is a focus on the formation and the things that change are the individual characteristics. Therefore, we looked a lot at the two games we had against them this season," said the coach of the previous 2-1 wins over SC Braga.

 Sporting CP come into the game in second place with 47 points, and the title race is heating up.

"We have to be at full strength to win the game. I know a lot of players [from SC Braga], and that helps, but obviously it doesn't give us any advantage. We have to be at our best, and very aggressive. We know each other, so I hope that it will be a great game and, even if not, Sporting CP need to win, which is the most important thing," he stated, before tactically analysing SC Braga.

"I've never seen SC Braga playing in low blocks. They choose the right moments to press. Sometimes there will be high pressure, other times they will wait longer for the moment. For example, we will have to pay attention to the depth of [Wanderson] Galeno and Iuri [Medeiros] is different too, so SC Braga will adapt to the game and so will we. Whoever is more inspired, more focused on defending and can better understand the game will win."

Asked about his decision to field Daniel Bragança in Vizela, instead of Matheus Nunes, Amorim explained that his coaching staff "try to use every opportunity to always keep players alert, because it is only this way that it is possible to win games and trophies."

"We are a team who have to work as hard as possible, otherwise we won't win games."

For this Saturday's match, he said that Jovane Cabral will be in the squad, before addressing the punishment that will remove Nuno Santos from the match.

"I made a correction to Nuno Santos and I shouldn't have, because it seems to me that it was used to justify a punishment that never occured. I don't want to go into too much detail, but I was looking at the footage and Nuno Santos threw water [towards the bench] and in the report it says that there was an obscene gesture -but I didn't see any images of it and the player also told me that he didn't. Sporting CP are very good at defending ourselves and our own. It doesn't seem fair to me. Nuno has to learn from these situations and the coach has certainly learned too. Nuno [Santos] will not be in the squad, and there will be another player in."

Regarding possible movements in the transfer market, Amorim said again that "whoever comes in will also be brought in with an eye on the future. I am very happy with the players that I have. They are more than enough to guarantee results until the end of the season. I want to emphasise the quality of my players, and what happens, happens."

The coach's reaction to the 0-2 win over FC Vizela

After the triumph in Vizela, Rúben Amorim said that Sporting CP were worthy winners, and expressed his satisfaction with the attitude that the team showed.

"The first ten minutes were a bit confusing for us. We weren't able to push FC Vizela into their midfield, as we wanted, and we only managed to do so after that. From there, we created chances, went forward more times and scored goals", he said.

"We went into the break with a fair lead, in my opinion. In the second half we had more of the ball, but we could have been more incisive and we should have scored. Even so, I think it was a deserved victory for a team that went back to its identity".

Asked about Pedro Gonçalves' return to goalscoring ways, Amorim reflected that: "I was satisfied, above all, with the way he played -and that the team were more aggressive than in the previous game".

On a set-to at the end of the game between Rapahel Guzzo and Nuno Santos, the coach said that the Sporting CP player "has to keep his cool" when provoked.

"There are some who can handle it better, and others less so", he said, justifying: "There were sendings off - for the coaching staff- that shouldn't have happened, but we have to protect our own and that's what we did".

The coach comments on progress to the Taça de Portugal semifinals

After the Taça de Portugal win over Leça FC, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim expressed his satisfaction with the attitude of his players, who competed professionally against opposition that had already eliminated two top flight teams.

“We knew that we had to take this very, very seriously. We thought that Leça FC would play with a line of five at the back, but they used a line of four. We managed to score and we didn't give the opposition many chances, and they only came close from set pieces -especially in the first half,” he began by saying in his post-match press conference.

“We were better in the first half than in the second, when the players felt some fatigue. We didn't let Leça FC bring the ball out and we scored four goals, but we could have scored more. It was a good game, where the main objective was to win. It's important to have got back to winning ways,” he said, revealing that it was also “very nice to be back on the bench” after having completed a period of isolation.

Amorim then praised Bruno Tabata, who scored a brace in the game.

“Tabata had an excellent game. He played almost like a false nine, and playing inside is where I think his position is. Sometimes that takes away some of the effectiveness of our crosses, because we lack a striker, but his way of playing and his quality fit into this way of moving more loosely and coming to get the ball. He put on an excellent display today."

After revealing that he has no preference as to the teams opponents in the semifinals, which will be either FC Porto or FC Vizela, the coach was also asked about Manuel Ugarte's performance.

“Ugarte has the talent to play both as a no.6 and a no.8. He has been used more as a no.8 in the past, but he adapts very well to both positions. We also have Matheus Nunes and Daniel Bragança in that position. He could play there again, depending on the strategy for each game,” he concluded.

The coach speaks after the 3-2 win over Portimonense

In his post-match press conference following a 3-2 win over Portimonense, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim discussed what was an eleventh league win in a row.

"It was a difficult game, in which we started well, but the two counterattacks by Portimonense SC left us a little uneasy. There was the goal situation. We are a team that is not used to being behind, especially in the second half, but that is the merit of the opposition. After half-time we came back stronger when it was 11 against 11, and the sending-off helped us; we put pressure on and the goals came with calm", he began by telling the media.

He also praised the star of the match, hat trick scorer Paulinho.

"It was his night because he scored three goals. He was decisive. It was a credit to Paulinho and the fans too, as when he wasn't in form they were always supporting him. But this doesn't end here. Now we move on to play CD Santa Clara".

Asked if 2021 was a perfect year, the coach commented that "I think 2022 is going to be the year, the continuation of our work. 2021 was a great year, but we have to do more and do better. We have to go game-by-game, that's how we think".

A game that takes place this Thursday between FC Porto and SL Benfica could change the situation at the top of the league table, and Amorim did not hide the fact that he would rather his club end the year as outright leaders.

"It's good to be in first place. Whatever happens is good, and I don't have a great preference for who wins that game. Many points will still be dropped. But I would like to have more of a lead in the table".

The coach casts his eye over a Wednesday night fixture

In his last pre-match press conference of 2021, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim previewed the Liga Portugal game against Portimonense SC, scheduled for Wednesday at 9pm local time.

"It's going to be a difficult game against Portimonense SC. They are a team who play very well. They have taken more points away than they have at home, they defend well, they're good at set pieces and they have players up front who can create difficulties for the opposition", he told journalists ahead of the Matchday 16 contest.

"The Sporting CP players are prepared. We are used to the system that Portimonense SC play, and prepared for if they show up with three central defenders. Nakajima has been a very important player for them and can create problems, and we focused on that. We are treating the game against Portimonense SC as if it were a final: We have to win the game and play well. It's important to keep the fans behind the team, and they are always there for us. We have to be humble, be strong and have fun in the game".

The Sporting Clube de Portugal boss also revealed what he feels will be the keys to victory: "If we are strong in our buildup, we won't give them any chances or lose the ball in the first phase. I think we'll be able to push Portimonense SC back if we do that, and the team are used to doing that. We have to be strong in one against one situations. We have everything prepared and we are motivated. I think that we will win".

Regarding possible absentees, Amorim revealed that Tiago Tomás will come into the squad, but that any novelties may only be seen against CD Santa Clara next time out.

Asked also about the rotation of players in defensive positions, the coach praised the adaptability of his squad.

"It was important, when we had everyone available, to keep working on things. The players are getting more and more adapted to positions. We also have a goalkeeper, Antonio Adán, who has made some very important saves. But the team in general are defending very well, which is the reflection of a good team and the solidarity between the players. We have defended well as a team". he concluded.

Amorim reacted to the draw for the Taça de Portugal with a brief comment: "Playing against Leça FC will be a tough game. It's a cup game, and I still remember seeing them in the Primeira Liga. We'll be at full strength, very aware of the difficulties we may face, and we want to go through to the next round".

The Sporting CP coach promises a revamped starting XI against Ajax

With a place in the Last 16 of the Champions League already secured, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim admitted in his pre-match press conference that he will use the game against AFC Ajax to field some less frequently used players.

“We are not going to change the way we play, but we are going to play with a few different players," he told the media.

"One of Gonçalo Esteves and Flávio Nazinho will start tomorrow, and João Virgínia will also be in there, because we have a decision to make at the end of the year and we have to watch him play right now,” said the coach.

“Our objective is much bigger than records and consecutive victories. We want to prepare our players for the Round of 16, bring everyone to the same level and give some young players the opportunity to start. We have a long-term project and we make use of every minute available. We know we have to honor the shirt that we wear, but there are certain moments that give us the opportunity to go further with the growth of everyone in our squad," he stressed.

“We are Sporting CP and the pressure on us is the same as always. The result in Alvalade affected us, but that also gave us strength,” he recalled.

“The only way for us to win the competitions we take part in is to prepare everyone and trust in everyone. I think we are going to have a great game tomorrow," he added.

"We have to win and should always be thinking about the future. Players who don't have that many minutes are hungry to play and deserve to play. Sometimes it's easy to say that the group is very united, but that's only because we believe in everyone a lot, and we're giving everyone the opportunity. When I say 'the opportunity,' I'm not taking responsibility away from them. Tomorrow the Sporting CP team will play to win."

The coach provides his assessment of a win over CD Tondela

Rúben Amorim was satisfied with an 11th consecutive win for Sporting Clube de Portugal in all competitions, but reflected on things that his side could have done better against CD Tondela.

“We grew during the game. We started off quickly and we scored the goal, but from there we switched off and let CD Tondela have some of the ball, meaning we had to accelerate to recover it. We lacked some energy in the first half, but in the second half we were different. We stepped up a gear again, as we knew we needed to score another goal because the game was always dangerous, and we got better. It was a fair result in a game that was always difficult. All games are, but we were deserved winners,” began the coach.

The goals were scored by Pablo Sarabia and Paulinho, but the coach explained that he looks more at the overall performance of each player -and not just the goals.

“I don't know if this is the best moment of form for this attacking trio, and even today I think they didn't have a great game. I'm happy that they scored, but they also know what they did in the first half and in the second," he said, speaking in particular about Paulinho: "Today he scored and we are grateful for it, but he also has to continue doing what he does very well."
Amorim also made mention of João Palhinha, who got injured during the game.

 “Palhinha was about to go off before. It's one of those unlucky things, but we have to wait for the results of his tests tomorrow. There is always the risk of him missing the game against SL Benfica, and everyone knows he is a very important player for us, but if he isn't there, Palhinha will be another member of the squad supporting us. We are going to play with eleven players and we are going to fight for the victory."

The Sporting CP coach was also asked about the match between Belenenses SAD and SL Benfica, which featured the home side being unable to field 11 players due to positive COVID-19 tests and the game eventually being abandoned.

 “It is a strange situation. Sporting CP have already said so in a statement. It cannot happen again, and we have to find a solution. We can't be having big European nights and then messing things up. Everyone saw it. It was all very strange.”

The coach's briefing for the game against CD Tondela

This Sunday, Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome CD Tondela on Matchday 12 of the Liga Portugal season, and coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference ahead of the contest.

"We want to read the game very well. We know the danger that we face," he warned. "CD Tondela have had time to prepare the game, and come to Alvalade motivated. We have to be even more motivated, knowing that one result can spoil all that we have been doing; that's why we play for a big club. We want to maintain our position and that's what we'll try to do."

Asked about the COVID-19 cases in the CD Tondela squad, which include their coach, Pako Ayestarán, Amorim commented that "it is always a difficult moment, but the teams are prepared. It's always better to have the coach with the team. The impact of having COVID-19 cases in the squad, whether it be the coach or players, is always unpleasant. I hope that he recovers quickly. However, they have already been working for more than a year with this coaching staff, and they will be prepared for the game," he said.

One player who will be available to CD Tondela, on loan from Sporting CP, is Eduardo Quaresma, and the Sporting CP coach has been keeping an eye on the young defender: "Quaresma had the opportunity here and we understood that he should play regularly. He's making progress on his own path, and we really believe in him. He has to improve and work hard to do well and return to Sporting CP."

In the last fixture, against Borussia Dortmund, Amorim handed a debut to Flávio Nazinho, who indicated that "signs and experience are being given to the players so that, in the future, they can be part of the first team. It is part of our project and we hope that, after [Flávio] Nazinho, many others will come through."

After the CD Tondela game, Sporting CP will visit SL Benfica, but Amorim emphasised that this is not the focus at the moment.

"I know my players. They know that an influence the CD Tondela game will have on my starting XI for the next game. It's the biggest motivation they can have. I trust everyone, and anyone who doesn't play well against CD Tondela won't play against SL Benfica. All it takes is a draw to destroy everything we've built in recent months. We have to win. If a bad result happens against CD Tondela, but the team give everything, then there is no problem. If we behave in a way which is not in line with the greatness of Sporting CP, then players could lose their places."

Finally, Amorim was clear in response to rumors about his future.

"I'm coach at Sporting CP, I have a contract with Sporting CP, and I'm very happy at Sporting CP. This is where I shall continue."

The coach assesses the 0-2 win on Matchday 11

Following Sporting Clube de Portugal's victory over FC Paços de Ferreira, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the performance that saw his team pick up the three points away from home.

"Our team were, once again, very focused. They had more energy than in Arouca. We controlled the game much better. We knew that FC Paços de Ferreira were very strong and their defence was very good. We got into positions to finish many times in the first half. FC Paços de Ferreira had a few breaks, but without much danger. In the second half, with the opening goal from another set piece, we settled in better. FC Paços de Ferreira had to go after the result and the game practically ended with our second goal. We could have scored more", he said in his post-match press conference.

"I want to give special praise to Tabata, who has suffered a lot of injuries. The way he came in today was very strong. We controlled the game from there."

Asked if Sporting CP began the game under pressure, considering FC Porto's victory at CD Santa Clara, Amorim explained that, at this time of the season, the table is not given more than a cursory glance.

"We are always under pressure, because we are on a winning streak and we know it is difficult to maintain. The focus must always be on our team. FC Porto's game doesn't concern us. At this stage of the season, it is of no interest", he said.

For the coach, a run of eight consecutive victories and the football played by his side make this the strongest point of the 2021/2022 season so far.

"It's a good moment. We're solid. We have brought back Tiago Tomás, [Luís] Neto felt a problem with his leg again, but otherwise we have all of our players available. When we have all the players and we are playing well, it's a good moment. I can say it's the best moment of this season."

Finally, he assured that the results that Sporting CP have achieved as of late have less impact on the group than the way in which these triumphs have been obtained.

"Results are important, but the way we're playing and winning, the concentration and the fact that we don't concede goals, have a very good impact on the group and on the fans. It creates a healthy wave of momentum. It's about riding this wave knowing that some day - and I hope it's not too soon - things can change", he concluded.

The Sporting CP coach talks to the media ahead of the game against Beşiktaş JK

Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome Turkish side Beşiktaş JK this Wednesday on Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League group stage, and coach Rúben Amorim spoke ahead of the game in a pre-match press conference.

Speaking about the preparation for the contest, he explained that he had shown his team a video of the entire first meeting with this week's opposition.

"The players realised that for 15 minutes we had almost none of the ball, and Beşiktaş JK could have scored. The game suited our characteristics. We are good at defending and transitions. We told the players to look at the game itself, and not the result. There is no illusion. It will be a very difficult game, in which we will have to be better than we were in Turkey -especially with the ball."

Amorim then appealed for the presence and support of Sporting CP fans at the Estadio José Alvalade, recalling that the team were received in Istanbul amidst a hostile atmosphere.

"The team need their help, as we are inexperienced. There was an adverse atmosphere in Turkey, which spurred the opposition on at the beginning. We want to do the same to them. It is never too much to create a connection between the team and the fans. I expect a great atmosphere. It's the Champions League and we can fight to reach the knockout stage, so we need everyone with us," he stressed.

The coach also insisted that there was no favourite to win the game.

"The same way we won in Turkey, Beşiktaş JK can win here. We want to win. We played well in Turkey and we can play better. We know Beşiktaş JK well, and they know us too."

Sporting CP have been scoring several goals from set-pieces as of late, and Amorim congratulated his assistants Adélio Cândido, Carlos Fernandes and Emanuel Ferro for their contribution to that.

"The merit belongs to the coaching staff who specialise in dead balls. I want to emphasise the amount of chances that we have. We haven't scored many goals from open play and we've got them from set pieces. I'm happy because it emphasises the work of the people here, who have a lot of talent and are hard workers," he said.

After revealing that Tiago Tomás will be the only absentee through injury for Wednesday's match, Amorim expressed his belief in his side moving through to the next stage of the UEFA Champions League.

"I believe that, since we lost 1-5 to AFC Ajax, we have to win this game to continue in the fight for qualification. I believe we can go through to the next stage. We are winning, and when we win, everything helps. What I feel is that we all know where we want to go, which gives us stability. Stability depends on results, and what we have to do is win tomorrow's game to stay on the right path."

"It will be a very difficult game. They will have different players, like their strikers. It will be different and that's what we have told the players. It is a mistake to think that the game in Turkey was easy. We will have to suffer to win. We want to have more of the ball, more chances and try to avoid the many chances that Beşiktaş JK had," he concluded.