Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.
"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."
Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."
Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown
You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.
“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."
Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.
“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."
The coach talks up his side after the win against AFS
After the impressive 6-0 win at home to AFS, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges analysed the performance in his post-match press conference.
Analysis of the game
“The team were competent and gave the same response we have been giving as of late, even with some changes. Apart from the first 15 minutes, which were very tepid with AFS trying to slow the game down, and the last 15 minutes, where we made many errors with our passing, the team were competent and dynamic. We broke through with the first goal and then always went in search of more.”
Sporting CP being the best team playing in Portugal
“I'll leave that to you to decide; for me, my team are always the best. In my opinion, we are the best and we have shown that we are the best, but we are not in first place in the league, so maybe someone is better than us.”
The impressive result
“This comprehensive win only gives us only three points. We can't get too carried away in that aspect. It could be difficult to get the team to 'switch on' after two games of maximum pressure, when we are at home against the bottom placed team; mentally, that could be a difficult part, and perhaps the changes we made were important in that sense. The guys did very well and had high energy to keep focused.”
Diomande and Geny Catamo
“In principle, they won’t be available on Thursday. I'll field whoever I have available, and we will be competitive. I have to be like that. I want to win, very much. I'm calm about that. I wish I had everyone to choose from; I don't, but with whoever I have, I'll win.”
Several players' good form
“Luis [Suárez] is having a good start to the season, but he's also doing well because the team are doing well. Geny scored two goals. Maxi, who was playing in a different position, also scored twice. So above all, I value the collective -and then one or two players are standing out. It's a sign that everyone is on the same page and it shows the collective growth of the team.”
Possible renewal for Matheus Reis
“I don't put myself in that role much, it's more a job for the club -and they know what we want for the future of Sporting CP. Matheus has been a very important player and will continue to be so, not only for his experience, but also for his character and the energy he brings when he plays. He is a very important player in the group and someone we all like very much.”
Ioannidis and Suárez together in attack
“We're trying and training some different things, but whoever plays, I think they'll respond well. Maxi responded, Alisson too, as did Quenda when he played. Fotis, if he plays, will respond. Above all, the important thing is to feel that they want to help and understand what they have to do in each position. That makes me happy.”
The evolution during almost a year in charge
“Clearly, I am a better coach now, and clearly, Sporting CP are a better team, because the team has more of my mark and we’ve spent more time working together. The future will tell. I came here for a huge challenge, it made me grow and I feel that I have evolved a lot.”
Maxi Araújo playing further up the pitch
“He brings something different there. We know he really pushes the defensive line, makes diagonal runs, he's very aggressive, and we needed that. Maxi gives us that, he scored because of that, and it was important to have him getting into the box. With small details, we wanted to create overflows and make AFS's defensive line uncomfortable, and fortunately we managed to do that.”
Gonçalo Inácio's substitution at halftime
“It was to manage the game, because he wasn't one hundred percent fit, and besides, we're going to lose Diomande to the AFCON, and we didn't want to take that risk.”
The absence of Morten Hjulmand
“He was out because he was sick. Iván [Fresneda] too. Luis has already been out. Let me talk about Morten, because he gave another demonstration of what it is to be a leader. Maybe he could have played, but he told me: ‘coach, I’m not at one hundred percent, I have teammates who are better equipped than me and it’s better to have someone who is one hundred percent fit. It clearly demonstrates his respect for his teammates, for the team, and his ambition.”
The team win 6-0 against the league's basement side
Sporting CP had one of their best showings of the season to date on Liga Portugal Matchday 14, thrashing AFS 6-0 at home. Three goals in a devastating five-minute span from Luis Suárez, Maxi Araújo and Geny Catamo put them on track, and this was followed up by all three scoring their second goals of the game in the second half.
Bottom of the table AFS side had only three points and no wins to their name, and just one point earned away from home. Rui Borges made a total of six changes to the Sporting CP starting lineup to face them: Georgios Vagiannidis, Gonçalo Inácio, Giorgi Kochorashvili, Hidemasa Morita, Ricardo Mangas – as a full-back with Maxi Araújo ahead of him – and Francisco Trincão, returning from injury, were starters in place of Iván Fresneda, Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Reis, Morten Hjulmand, João Simões and Alisson Santos -who had begun the game against Bayern Munich.
Before the opening whistle, there was a minute of silence and applause in memory of Ernesto Figueiredo, one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of Sporting CP, a two-time Liga Portugal winner and also one of the heroes of the 1963/64 Taça das Taças.
Sporting CP began the game assertively and with great quality in their combinations, and only needed three minutes to threaten João Gonçalves' goal with an attempt by Luis Suárez that went straight at the goalkeeper. Moments later, they were initially awarded a penalty -which was overturned after VAR check.
From two mid-range shots, Trincão culminated a beautiful collective move with a strike that went just wide of the post, then drew a save from the opposing goalkeeper.
Geny Catamo appeared at the far post with a cross that forced João Gonçalves into a tight save, before a flood of goals arrived when the half-hour mark was reached.
After an AFS counterattack in which Óscar Perea was denied by Rui Silva, Sporting CP showed ruthless effectiveness.
It all started with a powerful shot from Suárez, from outside the area. It deflected off defender Devenish and left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
In quick succession, Maxi Araújo appeared unmarked in the area to finish off Vagiannidis' run and subsequent cross.
Geny Catamo then took advantage of a loose ball from a corner to set up a shot on his right foot, drilling low to make it 3-0. All three goals came in a five minute spell.
At halftime, Sporting CP made a change, as Matheus Reis came on for Gonçalo Inácio.
Goal number four came two minutes after the restart, as Maxi Araújo got his first brace for the club. He surged down the left, passed inside to Suárez, who opened up play on the opposite side to Vagiannidis, and the Greek delivered a perfect pass for the Uruguayan to tap in.
Suárez then threatened twice more, before finally adding to his tally. A knock in at the back post off a corner took the scoreline to 5-0, and established him as the league's top scorer – 11 goals in the league, 14 in all competitions.
Immediately, Rui Borges made another change, bringing on Eduardo Quaresma and Fotis Ioannidis, and later João Simões and Alisson Santos were also introduced.
AFS, who were already decimated, had a tame attack, with Pedro Lima shooting and Rui Silva easily catching the ball.
Entering in the last 15 minutes, Kochorashvili also tried his luck with an effort from outside the area, which was met by João Gonçalves. Alisson had two shots go wide and another two be saved.
Aves' final chance of note was from Tomané, who found himself unmarked in the area and headed the ball towards goal -but Rui Silva made another safe save.
In the last move of the game. Geny Catamo slipped down the right and, in front of goal, took the opportunity to score his second goal.
With a resounding 6-0 victory, Sporting CP extended their unbeaten run to ten games in the competition.
Rui Borges’ men still have two more away games scheduled before Christmas, the next one coming on Thursday in the Azores. They will play a Taça de Portugal tie against CD Santa Clara.
Sporting Clube de Portugal host AFS on Saturday, on the 14th round of the Liga Portugal season. Before the contest, Rui Borges previewed the match in a press conference.
AFS
"They are, above all, an intense and aggressive team. They have experienced players and they come here with nothing to lose. They can come here with more confidence and more relaxed -in a positive sense. They come here with calm, as they have a lot to gain. They already drew in Braga, which shows what can happen if we let our guard down. The challenge will be this: For the team to be as completely switched on we have been after a week of the maximum level of demand. We have to have the same energy, focus, rigor, and intensity to be able to have a great game and win, which is what we want."
Pedro Gonçalves
"He was fit to play [against CF Estrela da Amadora and SL Benfica], and that is why he played. If he hadn't been fit, we wouldn't have run that risk. He felt discomfort in training and has a muscle injury that will take some time to recover from. He won't be able to contribute to the team in the next few games, and someone else will play."
Injuries
"It is what it is. Injuries are part of football. Last year, when I arrived, there were many injuries, some of them muscular. This year, we've had two or three muscle injuries. We've managed them very well; all of the departments have done a great job. The injuries we have now are from knocks; we don't control them. We want to avoid injuries as much as possible, but you have to keep going."
The team’s performance
"We work to have players recover as much as possible, to have them at their maximum strength. I look at them and I feel they are really motivated, which is a sign that the energy will be there. As the game progresses, if we have good intensity from the beginning, we may feel the fatigue, but that's what substitutions are for."
A possible contract renewal
"If the offer were on the table, I would sign without any problem, but it's not something on my mind right now. I have a contract until 2027, so I know very well the confidence that, from day one, has been present in the entire sporting structure. I'm just focused on doing our job well, as I think has been happening. Everything else is a consequence of my work. I'm here as a consequence of that, and that's how I'm going to look to the future. Things will come in due time. My focus is on getting better day by day, making Sporting CP stronger and winning more trophies."
The transfer market
"I don't have a list of targets, nor am I very focused on the market. I'm focused on these next few weeks of work, as we have many games coming up and I don't waste time looking at the transfer market. I don't know if we will make moves in the market or not. I focus on the current solutions, which are the ones that matter to me because I have to respond in these games. In time, we will make those decisions."
The atmosphere in the dressing room
"The group are confident and highly motivated about what's to come. They have understood what we are capable of doing in these more demanding last two games. We understand what we did well and what we didn't do so well. I don't need to say much, they know and understand because they are very ambitious. They never tire of winning, and they are always looking to be better. We didn't leave Munich happy because we really wanted to win, but we left with a clear conscience because we gave it our best and had a great game. We continue with our growth, despite a result that doesn't please us."
Zeno Debast
"When players are fit to play and at 100% within the defined parameters, they go into training. I believe Zeno will return at the beginning of January. If he comes back sooner, all the better for us, because we gain another option -since Ousmane Diomande is going to the Africa Cup of Nations."
Ousmane Diomande and Geny Catamo in the game against CD Santa Clara
"We have tried to get them available. We know it won't be very easy, but we believe it's possible. If it doesn't happen, that's part of the game. For now, as far as I know, there hasn't been a response from their national teams yet."
Individual awards in Liga Portugal and Liga Portugal 2
"I am privileged to be a part of this. I am very happy at Sporting CP. The day-to-day work makes me happy, and the energy is very good both in the youth academy and in the first team. The youngsters have managed to continue with the Sporting CP image of bringing players up from the academy to the first team. Little by little, we are having more and more youngsters with us, which is a sign that the work has been done well from the beginning. The B team are very focused and rigorous. The youngsters understand the demands of Sporting CP, how much it takes to have an opportunity in the first team. The awards are individual recognition and I am very happy for those people, who work very hard.
The Sporting CP player extends his time at the club
Sporting Clube de Portugal and Gonçalo Inácio have reached an agreement to extend the player’s contract, keeping him at the club until 2030.
Speaking at the contract signing, Inácio said that "it gives me enormous pride. I grew up at Sporting CP, at this great club. For me, it's always a pleasure to represent Sporting CP.”
At 24 years old, the defender, who has already won every domestic trophy available, remains driven by the same ambition that brought him to the club.
"The goal is always to keep winning. Obviously, I've already won some trophies here, but we always want more.”
One of the team captains, Inácio proudly assumes the responsibility that has been given to him.
"Representing Sporting CP is always a source of pride, and being captain even more so. I've been feeling good. I think the team are also in good form and confidence is sky-high. The objective is always the same: to win," he reinforced.
At Sporting CP, where youth development remains the foundation and the future, the defender also takes on the role of welcoming those who follow in his footsteps, having been at the club since he was 11 years old.
"We, as captains, always want to transmit confidence and integrate people in the best way. It's always good to show commitment to young players. We try to teach them as much as possible, just as we were taught. It's largely about that: giving them confidence and integrating them into the group," he explained.
Promoted to the first team in 2019/2020 at only 18 years old, his sustained growth at Sporting CP has also led him to feature for Portugal, for whom he has 19 caps.
"Obviously, I’m also proud of that. We work every day to achieve this goal and now it's about staying focused. I want the fans to continue to support the whole team, as they always have,” he concluded by saying.
Following the 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges reacted to the defeat in a press conference at the Allianz Arena.
The way the team executed the game plan
“I’m proud of the personality and courage we showed. We demonstrated great personality and maturity. In technical and tactical terms, we were fantastic: The players followed the strategy for the game perfectly, both defensively and offensively. We knew we would be in a lower block and the team were cohesive, organised and committed. We like to have the ball, but mentally we were prepared for the demands of the game in that sense. I couldn't be prouder of what the team were able to do throughout the entire game.”
The collective response to the various absences
“The players out are important to the team, but all players are important. The team gave a great response. Everyone is switched on, the players respect each other a lot as a group, and they see quality in each other.”
The impact of set pieces
“We lost the game because the only time we weren't strong was on set pieces. Two goals came from dead ball situations, and one goal was preceded by a clear foul, in my opinion. The foul was very clear, and sometimes we complain too much about our referees. I can't lament the defeat because of that. We conceded two goals from set pieces, and we have to improve that. We knew they were strong in that aspect, with a lot of blocking in the second zone; we were warned, but we fell for the trap. We have to find ways to be even better in that regard, because it defines games against these big teams. It was costly for us, but that doesn't take away from the pride I have in the team.”
The tactical approach to the game
“I even wanted Edu [Quaresma] to be more involved with the trio of centre backs, and he rarely moved around because he was always playing as a full-back. That’s what I asked him to do, and he had a great game. We had three central defenders defending, but we’ve always done that. We tried to alternate with quick balls to get out and keep possession, and we pulled Luis [Suárez] back to create runs from the full-backs inside and midfielders in the second line. I couldn’t be prouder of the whole team.”
Absences opening up opportunities for reinforcements
“I’m not going to talk about the transfer market. We have Dani [Bragança] back. I’m happy to have him returning. He has a very unique quality, and in our game plan, he can play in several positions. I think even physically he’s transformed, and I strongly believe he’ll have a good second half of the season.”
João Simões
“He has maturity beyond his years and will clearly play at a very high level. He didn't surprise me. Last year he had a great season and unfortunately got injured. This year -and I don't know if it's because of that break- he was more eager to play and maybe he didn't perform as well in preseason, but we clearly recognise his value, otherwise he wouldn't play, especially in games of this calibre. He started in Naples and had a fantastic game. He has provided a huge response.”
Ousmane Diomande and Geny Catamo featuring ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations
“We have to let them go from December 15th onwards. Those are the rules, so we can't control that. They are important players, but I'm not going to complain about their absences. I want to have everyone available, but we will be strong and today was a clear demonstration that everyone is important and prepared to play. Everyone understands the idea and believes in it. Individuals can bring different things, but the game plan is clear. We will be competent, competitive and we will continue with enormous ambition and courage, because this group deserves it. They never tire of winning, they always want more, and they want to continue showing that they can compete with the best.”
The precautions to be taken to avoid accumulated fatigue
“We do an exceptional job in managing workloads and dealing with extra fatigue. For example, today Inácio was carrying a knock from the game against Benfica and, as we are already going to lose Ousmane, we decided not to risk him. It's a worrying aspect, as we have fewer options and more players will have more consecutive minutes, so we have to find ways to keep them as fresh as possible and free from injuries. This month is going to be tough, with many games, but the players always want to play.”
Os Leões suffer a 3-1 defeat in the Champions League
Sporting CP lost 3-1 to FC Bayern Munich in their sixth UEFA Champions League group stage game, ending a 12-game unbeaten run for Rui Borges’ men. After taking the lead against the run of play in the second half, a flurry of goals from the German champions meant the points stayed at the Allianz Arena.
Whilst Bayern Munich had practically a full squad to choose from -bar the suspended Luis Díaz-, Sporting CP had to adapt to the absences of Pedro Gonçalves, Francisco Trincão and Geovany Quenda. Borges made a total of four changes to the starting XI used in the Clássico against SL Benfica, bringing in João Simões, Maxi Araújo, Matheus Reis and Eduardo Quaresma. Gonçalo Inácio and Hidemasa Morita were on a bench accompanied by youngsters Rodrigo Ribeiro, Flávio Gonçalves, Salvador Blopa and Eduardo Felicíssimo.
Matheus Reis equalled Rui Patrício as the Sporting CP player with the most UEFA Champions League appearances ever (26) – a feat that the unused Inácio is also one game away from matching.
On a cold night in Munich, Sporting CP were on the defensive early against the expected dominance of the Germans, who wanted to respond to their only defeat of the season in their previous Champions League game against Arsenal. Proof of this intention occurred when young talent Lennart Karl had the ball in the net just five minutes into the game, although it was promptly disallowed for offside.
For Sporting CP, the first period was a true test of patience and organisation, played almost exclusively in their own half, as they tried to counter-attack whenever possible. FC Bayern Munich circled the Sporting area, making some initial probing attacks until, in the 24th minute, Rui Silva had to make a flying save to parry a dangerous cross-shot from Serge Gnabry.
Immediately afterward, it was Bayern’s Manuel Neuer who had to intervene, as a run by Geny Catamo and subsequent cross almost resulted in an own goal in Sporting CP’s favour.
The pressure intensified in the final stretch of the first half, but the post and Rui Silva combined to keep the game goalless: On 37 minutes, the woodwork denied a long-range shot from Harry Kane, and on 44 minutes the Sporting CP goalkeeper prevailed in a one-on-one with Lennart Karl. In between these chances, a header from defender Josip Stanišić also went just wide.
It was the first time this season that Bayern Munich had failed to score in the first half when playing at home.
The second half began very differently, with Sporting CP more daring with the ball and more dangerous when going forward. Breaking down the left, Alisson Santos attempted a cross-shot that went just wide of the post, and Luis Suárez couldn't quite reach it in time to finish off the chance.
Santos created another chance soon after, releasing João Simões on the wing, and the midfielder reached the byline, crossed the ball, and Joshua Kimmich deflected it into his own net. In the 54th minute, Sporting CP took the lead at home against FC Bayern München, sparking a huge celebration from the travelling supporters.
In the moments following their making it 0-1, Os Leões had their best spell, becoming increasingly effective with the ball. However, from two shots on target – one by Kimmich and one by Karl – the Bundesliga leaders delivered a decisive response to change the game.
Off a corner, Gnabry appeared unmarked at the far post to equalise, and just four minutes later, Karl entered the area and beat Rui Silva, turning the game around in the blink of an eye.
Furthermore, a scuffle between players from both teams resulted in a yellow card for Morten Hjulmand, who will therefore miss the home game against Paris Saint Germain in the next round.
A reinvigorated Bayern Munich improved their performance and, before the final ten minutes, also made it 3-1, taking advantage of a set piece. This time, a second ball fell to striker Jonathan Tah in the area, and he provided the killer blow.
Rui Borges refreshed his side by bringing on Ricardo Mangas (making his Champions League debut), Georgios Vagiannidis and Fotis Ioannidis, and Sporting CP still tried to attack, but a last-second interception prevented Suárez from reducing the deficit, and it remained unchanged until the end.
Sporting CP remain on ten points in the Champions League and have fallen out of the direct qualification zone, whilst Bayern Munich now have 15 points and have already secured a place in the next phase.
Now attention turns to Liga Portugal, with the upcoming match against AFS scheduled for Saturday at 8:30pm.
The young talent talks before the game against FC Bayern Munich
João Simões was the player chosen to represent Sporting CP in the Allianz Arena press room, ahead of the game against FC Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Perspectives for the game and personal experience in the main European competition
“We know that in this competition every game is very difficult, whoever the opponents are. It's very good to play against the best in Europe and try to learn from that, because I still have a lot to improve. I want to help the team as much as possible, which is always the most important thing.”
Ambition for the match
“All teams have their difficulties and also their strengths. We try to modify our work based on all of that and tomorrow we want to give an excellent response and have the best possible result: A victory. Sporting CP always go out to win, and we are not afraid of anything or anyone. We know the difficulties they pose and the team that FC Bayern Munich are, but we will go out there to match them.”
Confidence in the squad despite absences
“Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves are very important players, but whoever starts in their place will also give an excellent response, because they are Sporting CP players. Everyone has the ability to have a great game. We are calm about things.”
Sporting CP's commitment to youth development
“It's the result of the work of the Academy staff and the players themselves. Sporting CP aim to bring players into the first team, and each example of that happening proves that the youth development program is working very well. Regarding the 2007 generation of me, Geovany Quenda, Flávio Gonçalves, Salvador Blopa, and Eduardo Felicíssimo; it's great to see that the teammates I grew up with are also reaching the level we aspire to. It's a sign of Sporting CP's commitment to youth development.”
His increasing minutes since becoming a starter away to Napoli
“I think everyone gets their opportunity in due time. Sporting CP are a great club, with excellent players, and I'm trying to evolve as much as possible to help. That's how it is whenever I have the opportunity. Whatever competition it is in, I go out there to help the team as much as possible.”
Balancing university studies with top-level football
“It has been good, fairly easy, and I have enjoyed learning, knowing that the main focus is obviously on football. University is a good thing to learn more and achieve better development in my training. That's the goal.”
The coach wants his side to take maximum points against in-form Bayern Munich
As Sporting CP return to UEFA Champions League action against FC Bayern Munich on Tuesday, coach Rui Borges gave his pre-match press conference at the Allianz Arena to preview the game.
The quality and strength of the opposition
“The level of difficulty is immense. Personally, I think we are going to play against the best team in Europe right now. From what we have observed, they must be one of the best teams of the last ten years. Besides having very strong individuals, collectively they are out of the ordinary, which I like and makes it even more difficult. They have a very mobile way of playing, mixed in with all the individual quality. I think the degree of difficulty is enormous against a great team, with great players and a great coach. In the context of what we are and what we expect, we will do our best to try to compete in the game and try to win. That is always our objective. Despite the difficulties, we will also find ways to overcome the opponents.
The absences of Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves and Geovany Quenda
“They are out and we have to fill their places with other players. We will start with 11 players, like the opponents, and individually we will not deviate from our game plan. Due to the high quality of our opponents, we will set up in a lower, more defensive block more often, and we have to be aware of that. It's not just us; all the teams do that against Bayern - even Arsenal, who handed them their only defeat so far. We don't like doing that so much, but that's football and we have to have that ability, without straying from who we are as a team.
Updates on each of the injured players
“Those who aren’t called up weren’t fit. Trincão was unfit, ‘Pote’ felt some discomfort in training and will not be ready for this game -and possibly the next one, in principle-, and Quenda will also be out for some games. Of course, I wanted to have everyone available and they are important players, we can’t deny that. Quenda is on his best run in terms of numbers, and both Trincão and ‘Pote’ are in their best individual seasons, but we can’t do anything about it. Gonçalo Inácio and Geny Catamo, due to injuries sustained in the game against SL Benfica, are doubtful, as is Vagiannidis, who also suffered a knock a few days ago in training.
Bayern Munich being the favourites
“I’m not going to say the percentage, but clearly we are not favourites to win. We weren’t more so with the whole squad available, especially given the ability that Bayern Munich have demonstrated so far. They have one defeat this season and haven't lost at home yet. It's not a 50/50 game. They are stronger and we have to be aware of that and be humble. Within our capabilities, we have to be effective - especially offensively. We may not have as many opportunities as we like, so we have to be as focused and rigorous as possible when they come.”
Accepting a point
“I wouldn't take a point now. I always want to win. Having been champions with so many youngsters speaks volumes about our ambition. A group isn't made up of just 11 players and I believe in all of them.”
A possible move up the field for Maxi Araújo
“I will always find solutions: we have Maxi, Ricardo Mangas was a winger under me against Vitória SC at the beginning of the season, Blopa… There are players who can play that position.”
Daniel Bragança's return after a prolonged injury
“I am very happy -we all are- to see him back on the pitch. He has traveñled with us, which is important too, but it will still take time for him to reach his best form and gain the confidence to contribute to the team. I believe he's a January 'signing' (laughs).”
