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 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).”
Following the draw against SL Benfica, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges held a press conference to analyse the performance in the derby.
Analysis
"It's something we need to look at more calmly; why the team weren't able to maintain consistency. In the first half we were the better side overall. We had 30 very good minutes and could have made it 2-0. SL Benfica only had two dangerous chances, they improved a bit after the goal with the help of the crowd, but we never lost our balance and became better again in the final minutes.
In the second half, SL Benfica had more possession. We had less energy, we lost our timing in our pressing, we made poor positional readings, and we let SL Benfica push us back. They had ten shots, if I remember correctly, but without creating much danger. They managed to have more possession and were better in that sense.
It was clearly noticeable that the team's energy dropped, in general, the players who came on didn't gain confidence right away, but that's football. We started making more mistakes in the middle, and both midfielders declined in performance. It is what it is, and we're not going to be perfect for 90 minutes every time. We were playing against a great team."
Championship considerations
"My confidence in the fight for the title is complete. I had already said that this game wouldn't decide anything, regardless of the result. There are many games left, many points to earn.
I'm not leaving here satisfied because I wanted to win, I wanted the team to have done better in the second half. We have to understand why; sometimes it's credit to SL Benfica, sometimes it's our own fault. I'm not leaving satisfied because I really wanted to win."
Accepting the draw
"I don't think we accepted the draw -far from it. We just weren't capable, collectively, of winning. I have to talk to the group, dissect the game and understand the drop in energy.
We tried to refresh things – it was natural that Pedro Gonçalves would drop off after 60 minutes, Hidemasa Morita was already on a yellow card – and bring on youngsters with a lot of irreverence. [João Simões and Geovany Quenda] didn't ajust very well at first and it created some anxiety that didn't help us as much as we thought it could.
SL Benfica came out more aggressive in duels, but, more than that, we failed tactically. We lost some pressure on SL Benfica's build-up play. We lacked better readings to activate the three-man press, something we had identified, but SL Benfica didn't create much danger. Their energy was superior to ours, which was also because of the support they received from the stands."
Fairness of the result
"The game ended as it had to end, in a draw. I can't be more honest: I think the result reflects what the game was like in the first and second halves."
Using Fotis Ioannidis late on
"Ioannidis gives us some good things. We knew he couldn't play many minutes. Yesterday, I wanted to understand how he felt after training. I like to listen to the players and understand, and that's where I made my decision.
I felt he was good and confident. I felt he really wanted to help the team. These are the kind of players that define a group. His personality and character are extraordinary. His resilience and commitment to me, to the structure, and to his teammates surprised us a lot, just like his ability to fight off injuries. We were expecting him to come back after six weeks, and he came back after three. I want to praise that because Fotis deserves it."
Difficulty in beating direct rivals
"Since I've been at Sporting CP, I haven't lost away from home yet. You can bring up those narratives too. I don't mind losing all the big games and winning the rest, because if that's the case, we’ll be champions."
Choosing Pedro Gonçalves over Geovany Quenda
"Pedro [Gonçalves] came in, played well, and scored a goal. I can't say what it would have been like if [Geovany] Quenda had started.
The choice was based on strategy, the opponents we were going to face, and what, as a coaching staff, seemed to make sense for us to try and be superior to SL Benfica."
Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 1-1 with SL Benfica in a Friday night Liga Portugal derby, in which they were resilient after opening the scoring and losing some spark in the second half.
At the Estádio da Luz, coach Rui Borges made two changes from the game against CF Estrela da Amadora, bringing in Ousmane Diomande and Pedro Gonçalves to the starting XI.
Os Leões had more possession in the early stages, and in the fourth minute they could have opened the scoring after recovering the ball high up the pitch. Luis Suárez nicked it away from Fredrik Aursnes, entered the area on the left and shot with intent, but goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made a save with his leg.
Sporting CP set up shop in Benfica's half, although without managing to create dangerous approaches until, in the 12th minute, they capitalised on another Benfica defensive error to open the scoring: In a challenge with Enzo Barrenechea, Morten Hjulmand gained the ball in a dangerous area and set up a pass perfectly for Pedro Gonçalves inside the box. The Portuguese international turned and shot to make it 0-1.
In the 18th minute, Maxi Araújo broke free down the left wing, cut inside and attempted a cross-shot that went just wide of the post.
SL Benfica only managed their first shot of the game in the 22nd minute, with a direct free kick from Georgiy Sudakov that went well over the crossbar.
At the other end, Maxi Araújo again came close to scoring. In the 26th minute, the Uruguayan was able to run unopposed and decided to shoot from square on, just inches wide of goal.
In response, and against the flow of the game, SL Benfica equalised, in a collective move that Georgiy Sudakov finished off from close range, taking advantage of some bad luck for Geny Catamo.
With the score at 1-1, Sporting dropped back and the game became more evenly matched. Benfica went on to gain momentum, and Sporting CP began to struggle to contain their rivals' offence, committing an unusual number of errors. However, SL Benfica failed to convert this dominance into opportunities, and at halftime the score remained level.
The second half brought with it a more subdued pace, without clear chances, as both teams patiently waited for a moment of inspiration to break the deadloc.
In the 54th minute, SL Benfica’s Amar Dedic had an effort go went wide. Sporting CP, in turn, continued to push forward through Geny Catamo, but struggled to hold onto the ball.
Shuffling the pack, Rui Borges brought on João Simões and Geovany Quenda in the 60th minute, but his team continued to struggle to counter.
Vangelis Pavlidis had a weak shot easily caught by Rui Silva, and Fredrik Aursnes and Georgiy Sudakov tested the reflexes of the Sporting CP goalkeeper, who responded calmly and securely.
On 73', Luis Suárez doubled up in defence, leaping to deflect a header from his compatriot Richard Ríos, just as the players behind him were preparing to knock the ball into the back of the net.
With ten minutes remaining, Richard Ríos created danger again, with another shot on goal saved by Rui Silva.
Alisson Santos and Fotis Ioannidis came in late on, and there was an extra twist before the end: Gianluca Prestianni committed a foul on Geny Catamo, crudely stopping a counterattack led by the Sporting CP number 10, and was sent off. With a numerical advantage and seven minutes of added time to play, Os Leões took control of the match, but the scoreline remained 1-1 at the final whistle.
Sporting CP maintain a three-point lead over their rivals in Liga Portugal. Next Tuesday, they face FC Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage.
The coach keeps the derby against SL Benfica in perspective
Sporting CP travel to the Estádio da Luz this Friday to face rivals SL Benfica on Liga Portugal Matchday 13. On 31 points and 28 points, respectively, both are chasing league leaders FC Porto (34) going into the derby, and coach Rui Borges talked of the importance of the game in his pre-match press conference.
Sporting CP's current excellent form
“I look at this game like any other. Whether it's the best moment of the season or not, it is what it is. I don't focus too much on that. The path we’ve been following has been very positive, gradually improving in confidence, energy and quality of play. We are growing and that's what I'm proud to see. The game comes in this phase and a win is worth three points -like any other contest. The level of difficulty is great and the level of respect is the same as always. It will be a great game between two teams. We are in good form and we want to continue to consolidate this growth.”
50 games in charge of Sporting CP
“It's a milestone and I hope to have many more. I believe I'm prepared, that's why I'm here. But I think I'm still far from our peak, because we understand that growth is daily in our ability as coaches.”
Being favourites in the derby
“As I said before our game against FC Porto, it’s 50/50, but perhaps there was a small percentage in our favour then because we were playing at home -and we ended up losing the game. In that sense, I believe that SL Benfica, playing at home, at a difficult ground and in a difficult environment, may have that slight advantage, but I think it’s evenly matched. Above all, may it be a great game and may we be the team we have been so far.”
Changes in the approach given the magnitude of the game
“We won’t stray from our game plan, but we’re up against is a great team, which will force us to be more balanced at times. We want to be a balanced team in all phases of the game, and we have been growing in that sense. Tomorrow not only the offensive process will be very important, but also the defensive process, to be organised to neutralise the opponent's strengths. SL Benfica are a very strong team in transition when they win the ball in a mid-block. Above all, I want my team to be better at all times. We'll see if we're capable of that, and I believe we are, because I see the team as confident and 'switched on'. We'll be true to ourselves and, when we can't keep possession as much, we have to be well organised.”
Differences due to the opposing coach now being José Mourinho
“I have the same respect for coach José Mourinho as I did for Bruno Lage. I look, above all, at the team and its collective. I believe that Mourinho, because he didn't build this team, has also adapted more to the players he has. But I look at this game in the same way I've looked at the others: with respect for the opponents and their coach. He's a great coach, whom I admire very much, as I've already said, but tomorrow is SL Benfica vs. Sporting CP, regardless of the coaches. Above all, may it be a great game, with great respect between us.”
Sporting CP’s form being better than that of SL Benfica
“It depends on the perspective, because if you look at SL Benfica, perhaps they are in their best form, with three consecutive victories. I look at my team and, within the idea and what I foresee, we are in a very good phase of maturation in terms of dynamics and collective play. For me, Sporting CP are growing, but I also think that SL Benfica are in good form. We also had difficulties winning away at CD Nacional. It’s very subjective. SL Benfica haven't lost domestically yet and at home they are difficult to beat. I believe that SL Benfica will want to win and will play intensely and press for most of the time.”
Comparison to the Supertaça
“I think it's different. We are four months on from that, there's a different coach for them and we are more mature and have grown in terms of our game plan. Although I think we played a good game in the Supertaça, even though we lost, I think we are better as a team, but we have to demonstrate that tomorrow on the pitch.”
The possibility of including Pedro Gonçalves in the starting XI
“Here, nobody has a direct spot in the lineup. It depends on what they demonstrate. Before Quenda arrived, we were already tough on ‘Pote’. We have been growing and what makes me happy is that the team continue to respond regardless of who plays. I couldn't ask for more.”
Fotis Ioannidis still in doubt
“He is still in doubt. I don't know if he will be called up. It may or may not happen.”
Impact of the match on the league standings
“I don’t think it will dictate anything in the outcome of the title. It’s a big game, and I understand why all this is happening, because both teams could be six points behind FC Porto or SL Benfica could be nine behind… I understand, but I don’t agree, because there’s still a lot of the season left to play. Last year we were eight points ahead and we lost the advantage. Football is very much about the moment and everything changes very quickly. There’s more than one game left, so in my mind this game doesn’t dictate what the outcome of the title will be. We really want to win, but it doesn’t dictate the outcome of the season.”
Doubt regarding the midfield choice between Hidemasa Morita or João Simões
“I still have to sleep on that today. Simões is in great form and it was simply a decision not to have him play in the game against CF Estrela da Amadora, considering the opponents. He has been having great games and will continue to do so. Morita has been improving and Giorgi Kochorashvili has grown immensely in his adaptation to the dynamics, the team and Sporting CP. He will have his space and opportunities to demonstrate it. I’m happy to see this growth in Simões, in Morita and also in Gio.”
Sporting CP's results in the 'big' games this season
"That doubt is something journalists create. I don't see anyone saying that Rui Borges didn't lose any of those games last year, except on penalties in the Taça da Liga. I could also respond with the results we've had in the Champions League, but I won't. It doesn't affect me at all. I already said when we lost to FC Porto; if we won all the other games, we could possibly be champions and I'd take that. What interests me is what the team have shown and what we can do now."
Tactical aspects in which Sporting CP have evolved the most
"I think in terms of offensive variability we are completely different, more so than the formation -that has been talked about so much (laughs). We've become stronger in the offensive process, because in the vast majority of games we have to give that response against increasingly difficult teams to beat. The challenge was to be stronger there, but without neglecting other aspects, where we have also grown. We have improved in our reaction to losing the ball and in our balance.”
