The coach reviews the win over FC Arouca

After Sporting Clube de Portugal’s resounding 6-0 victory against FC Arouca, coach Rui Borges reviewed the result and performance, with words of praise for his players.

Analysis of the game
"It was a good game, with different circumstances than the match against Casa Pia AC. I'm pleased with the players' performance and dedication from start to finish. With the opposition down to 10 men, the team didn't slow down, and were always striving to do more and play better."

Ricardo Mangas' performance
"I know the player well; he put in a good performance. We'll have to keep going with him, because it's just one game. But he's a serious kid, focused on his daily life as an athlete. I'm happy to have him here, and happy to see that outsiders are beginning to believe he's a true Sporting CP player.

I've come up through the lower leagues, and I'm happy to see a Portuguese player, who's also come through them, arrive here. He's experienced sustained, rigorous growth, never giving up or doubting his qualities. It's a matter of opportunities. I gave him this opportunity, and I'm happy to have him here. I've watched his growth. Portuguese players need these opportunities. Having worked with him, I knew what he could contribute, and he's seizing the opportunity."

Differences from one season to the next
"Last year, we were already a pressing side, especially at Alvalade, but more intermittently. This season, we've been better able to stay on top of the opponents, to play more of a linkup game. The target is to add different things, to become unpredictable. That's what's been happening. People praised our inside game against Casa Pia AC, and today, FC Arouca tried to counter that by giving us space on the wings. We recognised this and were able to create finishing opportunities from there.

It's these dynamics, this unpredictability on the pitch, that we want to have, so that opponents never feel they can take the game away from us. We’ve had three consistent games, in which we've improved. The challenge will be maintaining this consistency as the games go on, but the team have been fantastic."

Negative aspects of the performance
"I liked the game in every aspect, except for the ten minutes after the red card, where we misplaced many passes and let the opposition believe. After we took the 3-0 lead, we settled into the opponents’ half and sought that interior play we love so much. At halftime, we demanded this seriousness and respect for ourselves and the opposition, and the team didn't let up. It's in our team's DNA, with good reactions and ambition. That's what makes me happy. I only ask that they make mistakes, and often, but that they always react to them. If they don't, it's because they've been hiding. We'll never be perfect, but I want them to enjoy themselves."

Luis Suárez's performance
"He responded well, as did [Conrad] Harder, who, when he came on, tried to help and got the goal -which he deserved. I'm happy to have both of them. Now we’ve been playing Suárez, and in a few weeks I might play with Harder. It really hurts me to always leave someone out, but as a leader, I have to make decisions, manage them, and deal with them. I can only choose eleven players, unfortunately. The important thing is for them to realise that soon we'll have games every three days, and that everyone has to be ready to respond -as everyone will have opportunities.

Seriousness is part of [Conrad] Harder's growth process. He did well to try to score. I care that he reacted well, helped the team, and is starting to play a good team game. This growth will make him better with each passing day. He has enormous potential."

Offensive superiority
"The cornerstones of this victory was the team. It was about the rigour and focus of all of them as a group, in which egos are absent and where everyone helps everyone else. They welcome newcomers and are like a family, all striving for the same goal.

They demonstrate this on the pitch They perceive each player's individual qualities and understand the micro-relationships within each system. It's very important to have this understanding of each other on a daily basis. Not just on a football level, but on a personal level as well."

Tactical aspects
"I like the intensity we bring to the game, trying to press from the first minute. Our forwards are very strong in their first pressing action, and this is perhaps the tactical virtue I like most. Teams that come to Alvalade quickly realise they're going to suffer because we press, win the ball, and keep it. Last season, there were many moments when we lost too many balls, which led to greater fatigue and a lack of consistency in high pressing."

Zero goals conceded
"I'm happy with the defenders I have. Only eleven players can play. Edu [Quaresma] also deserves to be a starter, but Zeno [Debast] gives us a technical quality that is undoubtedly a different class. Average. If he can improve in other areas, he'll be one of the best in the world. In the B team, we also have young players with enormous potential, like Bruno Ramos and João Muniz, who we believe in. That's why they play for the club."

The use of Geovany Quenda
"He's been training very well, but we decided to stick with Geny [Catamo] because he's been showing a good dynamic. I'm happy to have two excellent players and the entire squad at my disposal. Managing these options is one of my duties as coach. Quenda will have his opportunities as a starter as well. Above all, I'm very happy to have him in our squad for another year. I praise the president's work in this regard, because for me, as a coach, having him with us was one of the best things that could have happened to us."

Sporting CP brush away FC Arouca on their return home

Sporting Clube de Portugal defeated FC Arouca 6-0 at the renovated Estádio José Alvalade on Liga Portugal Matchday 2, taking them to 6 points from their opening pair of fixtures.

Before kickoff, Pedro Gonçalves was honoured for his 200th appearances for the club, receiving a commemorative jersey from president Frederico Varandas and a thunderous ovation from the Sporting CP fans in attendance.

The match started in a lively fashion, with both teams showing initiative and quickly getting into the opposition penalty area. Rui Borges's men took control, and before the fifth minute was up, Geny Catamo had already twice attempted to set up Luis Suárez to score -the ball bouncing off the defence on both occasions.

From the 10th minute onward, with greater possession and decisiveness, Sporting CP began to push FC Arouca further back, while Vasco Seabra's men relied on quick transitions to try to catch out the home team’s defence.

The first goal came in the 19th minute, from the feet of first-time starter Ricardo Mangas. He appeared in the right place to open the scoring, kicking off a long-awaited debut in the best possible way.

Sporting CP didn't take their foot off the gas, and three minutes later Mangas came very close to getting his second. Storming down the left, the winger unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box just wide of João Valido's goal.

On a night of many firsts, Luis Suárez also opened his scoring account. In the 30th minute, after Gonçalo Inácio was fouled inside the box, the striker stepped up to convert the penalty.

With FC Arouca reduced to ten men due to the sending off that led to the penalty, the pace of play slowed until halftime, but in the 41st minute, Pedro Gonçalves once again got the crowd excited. The Portuguese midfielder fired a shot over the bar after a Luis Suárez effort.

Goal number three arrived three minutes later: Francisco Trincão appeared brilliantly in the area and, after a powerful shot from Zeno Debast, took advantage of the rebound to make it 3-0 heading into the halftime break.

Sporting CP began the second half with another debut, as Giorgios Vagiannidis accrued his first minutes. It was the Greek who, in the 50th minute, set up Mangas for his brace, in a perfect combination between wingers. The Portuguese appeared in the six-yard box and poked home the finish.

Dominant and assertive, Sporting CP gave FC Arouca no chance to get into the game. Rui Silva remained a mere spectator and, from his own box, watched Geovany Quenda come on for Geny Catamo in the 57th minute and Luis Suárez head wide after a good cross from the left.

Hungry for more, the Colombian also bagged a brace. In the 62nd minute, the forward broke free and, with space to get a shot away, struck into the net.

With half an hour remaining, the intensity reduced but defensive solidity remained. In the 73rd minute, Rui Borges refreshed the team, introducing Conrad Harder and Giorgi Kochorashvili, and within a minute on the field, the former forced João Valido into two consecutive saves.

Following a corner kick, Trincão got his second goal to make it 6-0, capping a dominant display.

Sporting CP next travel to Madeira, where they will face CD Nacional on Saturday, August 23rd.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Hidemasa Morita (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 73’), Zeno Debast, Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 73’), Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 57’), Francisco Trincão, Iván Fresneda (Giorgios Vagiannidis, 46’), Gonçalo Inácio, Morten Hjulmand [C], Ricardo Mangas and Luis Suárez (Alisson Santos, 80’).

The Sporting CP coach talks before the game against FC Arouca

The opening match at the renovated Estádio José Alvalade takes place for Sporting CP against FC Arouca this Sunday at 8:30 pm. Before the match, coach Rui Borges spoke about the Matchday 2 encounter in a press conference.

FC Arouca
"They are a team that have caused us problems at home in recent years due to their competitiveness, and their coach maintains a very positive approach to the game. They like to have the ball and be the protagonists, regardless of who they play against. They'll want to share possession and show their potential, especially since they're buoyed by a good win at home on Matchday 1. It's up to us to continue our growth and quality of play, gaining consistency physically, tactically, and technically. It will be a difficult game at the start of the season, but I believe it will be a very good one."

Sporting CP’s forward line
"Conrad [Harder] and [Luis] Suárez have already played. They both need to be ready to start. It's up to me to decide who plays based on the strategy, the opposition, and what each player can contribute to the team at any given moment. I talk to both of them about small details for their development. It's a natural process. Going forward, we'll get into a rhythm of playing games every three days, and my conversations with all the players are always focused on helping them, because we'll need everyone."

Team changes
“The principles are the same. The team know what the gameplan is. So, in their own way, each player can offer us different things. I'm happy to have so many solutions.”

The transfer market
“I'm focused on my team. It's natural for people to talk about our players. Big teams look for great players. It's up to me to keep them calm, and they know in advance what the plan is regarding possible departures. They have buyout clauses, and whoever wants to sign one of our players has to come to us with that in mind. I only care that they give us a fantastic response; they are increasingly connected, and that's what's important. In the two official games we’ve played, the team gave a clear demonstration of our day-to-day work. They are ambitious and eager to win. Everyone is laser-focused on making their contribution. I'm very pragmatic and focus on what I can control.”

Possibly using Geovany Quenda
"[Geovany] Quenda and Geny [Catamo] are very similar in terms of what they offer me individually. Geny is a little more mature, but Quenda has been training really well, waiting for an opportunity. It hurts me to always leave someone out, because the team have been responding very well, but it's part of the process and they understand. In a few days, as I said, we'll happily be playing every three days -it's a sign that we're in all the competitions we want to play in-, which gives everyone the opportunity to demonstrate what they're capable of and help the team."

Differences between Casa Pia AC and FC Arouca
"I don't see it as a more difficult match. We were the ones who made the game easier against Casa Pia AC, as we didn't let them be the team they usually are. We were the ones who neutralised the opponent's qualities. Tomorrow we will be up against a different opponent. They were the seventh best in terms of possession last season, and all of Vasco Seabra's teams play very well. It will be an even contest. I believe, above all, that our team will be capable of bringing the same energy and, in this way, we will neutralise the opponents at every point in the game."

The new turf at the stadium
“The pitch has looked good to us. I'm happy with the changes they've made; the stadium is increasingly incredible and demonstrates the club's growth in every area, not only in terms of the sporting project but also structurally. It will be great to return to Alvalade, playing in front of our fans, who I believe are as eager to return as we are. They will certainly create a special atmosphere, as always. I know they will be out in force to support us in a stadium that truly represents the greatness of the club.”

The full acquisition of Francisco Trincão
“He has always given me a response that is at 200%. He's an extraordinary player, and I've said that several times. He was one of the players who surprised me most positively when I came here. I believe this full acquisition by Sporting CP was important for him, although he feels every day what he represents for the club, his teammates, and the coaches. It will help him feel even more of this desire to have him with us. He is motivated and focused, just like the whole group.”

Prices start from €15 for members

Sporting Clube de Portugal announce that tickets will go on sale at 10:00 am this Tuesday, August 12th, for the Liga Portugal match against FC Arouca, scheduled for 8:30pm on Sunday, August 17th, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Ticket prices start at €15 for members and €25 for non-members. Tickets are available online and at the Estádio José Alvalade ticket office, open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Ticket sales for the match will be conducted in two phases:
- Early Lion: Purchase at a lower price than the regular price for members and fans from August 12th to 16th
- Regular: Purchase at the regular price for members and fans on August 17th

The fixture is the second game of the league season and the first home game of 2025/26, marking the return to the Estádio José Alvalade.

Important information
Admission for children under 3 years old is prohibited
Children over 3 years old (inclusive) must purchase a ticket
The game is included in the 2025/26 Gamebox
Lion Seats and non-renewed special seats will be sold starting at 10:00 am on August 15th
Minimum Membership Longevity: July 2025
Stadium doors open 2 hours before the match

Sporting CP beat Casa Pia AC 0-2 on the road on Matchday 1

The 2025/26 season got underway with Sporting CP taking all three points from their visit to Rio Maior, besting Casa Pia AC 0-2 in a Friday night fixture that opened the campaign. Francisco Trincão and Morten Hjulmand scored either side of halftime.

The winners of the last two Liga Portugal titles were dominant against a Casa Pia AC team who finished ninth last season, and had been particularly difficult to overcome on home soil. For the task, Rui Borges fielded the same Sporting CP starting XI from the Supertaça, bar one major change: New signing Luís Suárez made his official debut in attack, replacing Conrad Harder. Georgios Vagiannidis and Ricardo Mangas, the squad's newest additions, would feature on the bench.

After the season's opening ceremony, which featured the Liga Portugal trophy, a minute's silence was held in honour of the late FC Porto and Portugal player Jorge Costa.

When the match got underway, Sporting CP quickly took control and played suffocating football for their opponents. Chances soon followed, with increasing danger.

However, first the post denied Hjulmand from his shot from outside the box, and then the crossbar kept out Morita's header. Goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira also played his part, keeping out a Suárez rebound immediately following the captain's attempt, and making a diving save that thwarted Pedro Gonçalves off a beautiful curling strike.

From distance, powerful shots from Trincão and Geny Catamo went over the top. Their persistence was such that a goal would eventually arrive in the first half, albeit only in the 42nd minute, and after a few more missed opportunities: In the box, Maxi Araújo misdirected his header. Sequeira then got the better of Suárez twice, with a save and good positioning to smother the striker's run on goal.

It was then that a quick offensive transition and a perfect understanding between "Pote" and Trincão finally opened the scoring. The pass through to Gonçalves was latched onto, and when he returned the ball to Trincão on the edge of the box, a left-footed shot found its way in to take the scoreline to a well-deserved 0-1.

The second 45 minutes began with a series of setbacks, as Maxi Araújo and Diomande – in the span of just five minutes – were forced off with injuries. Rui Borges opted for Ricardo Mangas (making his debut) and Zeno Debast to come on to replace them. Geovany Quenda was also brought on in place of Geny.

Os Leões quickly turned things around. From a free kick won by Mangas, Trincão sent in a devilish cross, and Hjulmand, at the near post, deflected it into the net, doubling the lead.

Although more comfortable in terms of the score, Sporting CP continued to put the pressure on their opponents, not allowing any defensive blunders and pushing into the box -albeit more sporadically. 'Pote' shot low, square on for Patrick Sequeira to save, whilst a dynamic move from Suárez ended in a hit wide.

Going into the final five minutes, Giorgi Kochorashvili and Harder entered for Morita and 'Pote', and Sporting CP had a look at a third goal at Rio Maior. However, Trincão, off a pass from Mangas, saw his shot blocked, with a follow-up from the Georgian international cleared off the line.

Svensson, for Casa Pia AC, and Luís Suárez, for Sporting CP, had the final chances of the first match of the 2025/26 season, but neither efforts went in.

Thus, while extending their 100% winning record against Casa Pia AC in the league from nine matches, Sporting CP started another season on the right foot.

Next up for the team is a meeting with FC Arouca on Matchday 2, on Sunday, August 17th at 8:30pm.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 57’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo (Ricardo Mangas, 52’), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 84’), Francisco Trincão, Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 57’), Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 84’), Luís Suárez

The coach talks after the win against Casa Pia AC

At the end of the 0-2 win over Casa Pia AC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave his first post-match press conference of the Liga Portugal season.

The dominant display
“I already felt that we had that in the Supertaça, regardless of the result. The team responded well. We were even stronger and more consistent, above all. I think it was one of the best first halves and best matches we've played since I arrived at Sporting CP. We just needed to finish our chances better, because it was a first half in which we deserved to come away with a better result at halftime, given what we were able to do and what we didn't let the opponent do. They didn't even reach our goal. We were very strong in defensive transitions. I couldn't be happier. The injuries in the second half disrupted the game a bit. It was natural that we would drop off a bit, but the opponents didn't pose much of a threat.”

Luís Suárez's starting debut
“Everything he was able to give the team in the 90 minutes was good. He put in a great performance, on a par with Trincão, and 'Pote' also deserved a goal for everything he created. We were very dynamic, and on an individual level, everyone put in a great performance. Suárez went for the goal, created chances, provided the assist, and had a great game. Even with such a short time with us, he kept up with his teammates and contributed greatly. I'm very happy with everything everyone was able to demonstrate."

Hjulmand's showing
"I'll talk about what he demonstrated in the game. He responded once again with a great game, just like he always does. He held the team together and guided them. That's what a captain does; he helps a lot. To the fans, I want to send out a big thank you for what they did today throughout the game, which is what they also did last season. They believed, they supported, and that's what matters: Feeling the fans are behind the team."

Proving they can also be champions without Gyökeres
"It's Sporting CP who are the champions. Many people have played here, and many haven't won trophies. The important thing is for Sporting CP to keep winning. The group demonstrated today the ambition and the 'hunger' to keep winning."

The importance of winning after a setback in the Supertaça
“It was important to be able to demonstrate the consistency of our play. In the Supertaça, the players showed what they wanted. They believed, and today we reinforced what we had already shown. I'm pleased that the team haven't lost confidence despite missing out on a trophy. Above all, I'm happy with the consistency and the feeling that they believe things are being done well.”

Maxi Araújo and Ousmane Diomande’s injuries
“I haven't asked the doctor about them yet. It still requires some analysis, but I hope it's nothing serious. I can't answer about the severity of the injuries.”

Still looking for more
“We always strive to do better. In the first half, we were very strong at all times: We were pressing, competitive, and provided quality play… The only thing we could have improved was our finishing. In the first half, on the whole, we were very good, and in the second half we dropped off a bit -but we were good nonetheless. We know we have to do better, and we always want to be better.”

More moves through the middle with Suárez up front
"These are your interpretations. I know exactly what I want to make the team stronger. Suárez gives us depth, linkup play, defensive transitions... He adds a lot to the team. In terms of game awareness, he's more mature than Harder -who's also developing, but who will improve over time. One is 19 and the other is 27. What matters to me is that the dynamics I want are there. As a coach, 15 or 20 percent is down to me; the other 80 percent is their decision-making.”

Using Suárez and Harder and choosing Geny over Quenda
"[Geny and Quenda] are two players who have worked very well. It's was just a choice; it's more about strategy and the feel of the game. I'm happy to have them both at Sporting CP as a solution. The two forwards could be a solution throughout the season. There are many games, so we want to have a more balanced squad in terms of options."

The 23-year-old defender joins through to 2030

Sporting Clube de Portugal have added to their squad with the signing of Georgios Vagiannidis, who comes in from Panathinaikos through to 2030 with an 80 million euro buyout clause.

The 23-year-old Greek international plays at right back, and came up through the Panathinaikos FC youth system to make his first-team debut in 2020, at just 18 years old. He scored a goal in his first start for the club.

Shortly thereafter, he was signed by Italian side FC Internazionale Milano, who loaned him to Belgian side Sint-Truidense V.V.

In 2021, he returned to Panathinaikos FC, and his career took off the following season. From 2023/2024 onwards, he became a key player in the side, winning two Greek Cups.

In his official presentation, Vagiannidis stated that he had been "very well received by the team. I couldn't ask for more. I'm very happy to be here. The most important thing for me is to improve, and Sporting CP is the best place for me to do that. It's a club where many young players have developed, and I knew it was the best choice for me from the moment I was approached. I was 100% focused on coming to Sporting CP and I was very happy when the deal was finalised, because I know it's the right move for me."

Regarding his characteristics, Vagiannidis explained that he is "a defender, first and foremost," but that his strengths include "playing on both flanks and helping the team offensively."

When looking for advice on the move, one of the people he spoke with was Sotiris Alexandropoulos, a former Panathinaikos FC teammate who was full of praise for Sporting CP.

"Sotiris and I grew up together; we spent over ten years together in the Panathinaikos FC academy. We talked a lot about Sporting CP -even before I knew of the club's interest-, so I already knew a lot about them. That's why the decision to come here was very easy. Sotiris told me about life here, the city, and what I have to do. He helped me a lot," he revealed.

The defender added that playing in the UEFA Champions League is "a childhood dream and one of the biggest motivations since the beginning of my career. I really want to play in this competition."

"I’m joining the champions of Portugal for the last two seasons, which gives me high expectations. The team are already at a very good level. They also won the Taça de Portugal last season. I have to give my all in every training session and every match to be able to compete," he said.

"As for the fans, what I would say to them is: I can't wait to see you at the stadium."

The new arrival reunites with coach Rui Borges

Ricardo Mangas has become the newest addition to Sporting Clube de Portugal's first-team squad. The 27-year-old left winger joins from FK Spartak Moskva and has signed a contract until 2029, with a €60 million release clause.

The club's new No.91 reunites with coach Rui Borges, with whom he has worked before.

"It was impossible to say no, right? It's an opportunity to represent the champions from the last two seasons," he said upon arriving for his official presentation.

In 2017/2018, the coach and player were together at Mirandela, competing in the lower levels of Portuguese football. They reunited at Vitória SC, where they qualified for a European competition in 2023/24, and will now work together again at Alvalade.

"He's someone who knows me very well. I also know him very well, and we've always gotten along beautifully. But it's Sporting CP, above all".

Able to play as a fullback or higher up the pitch, Mangas believes this versatility is an advantage built over time and competitive experience.

"Observing, analysing, and growing in various contexts is part of a player's development. Being able to play in three or four positions has helped me a lot as an athlete. I'm more mature and I really want to help Sporting CP," he said.

"Playing in France and Russia are completely different realities. I had to adapt, and that helped me grow as an athlete and as a man. I feel like I'm different."

"Everything is perfect here. The team are very close-knit. It's noticeable, and anyone who watches the games knows. A dressing room has to be a family; I share that philosophy, and I want to be a part of it," he emphasised.

Already in competitive shape after the official start of the season in Russia, the Portugal Under-17 international feels "fully prepared" to help as soon as the coaching staff see fit.

"Sporting CP fans are demanding, and that's good. It makes a player grow and get better at problem-solving under pressure. The fact that they're demanding makes us demanding on ourselves, and that's what makes a club win trophies, obviously."

Sporting CP kick off the league season with a visit to Casa Pia AC on Friday (8:15 p.m.)

The start of the 2025/26 league season has arrived, with the match between Sporting CP and Casa Pia AC at the Estádio Municipal Rio Maior kicking off proceedings. On the eve of the opening match, coach Rui Borges spoke in a press conference on Thursday to preview the encounter.

The atmosphere ahead of Matchday 1
"The team are doing well; this was a week of good work and hard training. There was a very good commitment and response after we failed to win the Supertaça. We have good energy and a good feeling ahead of the game."

The recent signings of Georgios Vagiannidis and Ricardo Mangas
"They are two solutions for the fullback positions. Both were players we had already identified -the coaching staff and the club. They add value to the squad, enabling us to compete in the competitions we're taking part in. We want to have more and more solutions."

Analysis of Casa Pia AC
"This Casa Pia AC side have maintained a very strong backbone to the team and have well-defined principles. They only lost five home games last season and took points from SL Benfica and SC Braga, for example. They're coming off their best season ever, so they're a highly motivated team. They're also quite well balanced, because whilst they don't score many goals, they also don't concede many. They're competitive and well-organised, which reflects their coach. They're playing at home against the league champions at the start of the season, and they're motivated, so we have to be aware that it's going to be a tough game. We can't go into the game thinking that, because we're champions, sooner or later we'll score and come away with the three points."

The chance of reinforcements getting a start
"Luís Suárez has worked hard to play, as has Harder. They dedicated themselves to training and to the strategic demands of the club. They are two good solutions, with different characteristics, and depending on what we think is best, we'll see who plays. Suárez came into the SL Benfica game having not played any training matches. He came in very well and has performed very well, as did Giorgi [Kochorashvili]. He came off a very demanding season and we had to be careful with him due to the long and difficult season he had at UD Levante. Both have performed very well on a daily basis, and now they just have to wait for the coach to give them opportunities. Mangas has already played official games in Russia, and Vagiannidis has played in European competitions."

Renewed ambition for 2025/2026
"I don't think there's any risk of complacency. All the coaches in the league want players with that hunger. Regarding the second title and the double: We deserved it, but the players must be aware that it's in the past. Although we didn't emerge victorious from the Supertaça, I think we demonstrated what we want for this season. They showed their desire to win, their enormous ambition, so I'm calm. I believe in the group's ability and, above all, in the response they've given."

The importance of starting the season with a win
"It's extremely important to instill confidence in the group and start things positively. We are all aware of that, but also that we'll face a team motivated by the fact they are playing against Sporting CP, at home, and what they were able to do last season. We're well aware that it will be increasingly difficult to win, given everything this group was able to overcome, but we have to find ways to ensure that hunger we talked about remains constant. What matters now is the present, and now we're on a level playing field with everyone else. We have to do a lot to win, maybe double what we did last season.”

The options in central defence
“Solutions exist, and we have to respond. It's going to be a long season, with many different games and competitions, fortunately, and we have to be prepared and come up with increasingly better solutions. It's with this in mind that we've been bringing in players, and we have a squad with five centre backs and Matheus Reis, who's also been playing at fullback. There are players who offer a variety of solutions, and Edu [Quaresma] is one of them. Last year, at times, he was a centre back with the ball and a fullback without it. He's a kid with a lot of potential and offers us different solutions than what we have on the wings and also at center back. Above all, I'm happy with the squad and the solutions we have."

Confidence in Geovany Quenda
"He's been responding fantastically, and in this early stage of the season, he's doing very well -unlike at the end of last season, when he dropped off a bit. Now he's doing very well and is also waiting for an opportunity. In the last game, he came in at left back because Maxi [Araújo] had to come off. We didn't have clear options there, we were losing, and we tried to take a risk with Quenda. I believe he'll have a great season at Sporting CP."

New ideas
"Criticism is part of the game. It's very subjective to talk about the formation, because if you look at the game, some things change and others don't. The formation is just a start; after that, it's a matter of giving the team mobility. The intention here is to improve. We lost a standout player from these last two years [Viktor Gyökeres], and we have to reinvent ourselves with each passing year. We want to add something different, to get better, but without giving up on who we were before."

Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança's recovery
"They are progressing within their allotted timeframes and the severity of their injuries. It's a difficult battle, but they are natural fighters and show enormous joy every day. It makes me very happy to see their ambition and desire to return as soon as possible."

The squad up the intensity in Alcochete

Sporting Clube de Portugal continue their preparations for the start of the Liga Portugal this Friday, when they take on Casa Pia AC at 8:15 pm in Rio Maior.

Rui Borges led another training session of intensity and commitment. Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança were absent from the workout, as they were assigned to the Performance Unit.

The champions train again this Wednesday morning at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo Academy in Alcochete, behind closed doors.