The Sporting CP coach reflects on his farewell home game win against Manchester City

In Rúben Amorim's last home game in charge, Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Manchester City 4-1, and the coach talked about the momentus result at the Estádio José Alvalade.

"It's very big and it's been seen all over the world. We won by three goals. We went behind, but today it was written that it had to be like this. There's not much explanation for it. We couldn't get the ball in the first half, we were too hasty, they won all the duels and they pushed us further back, but missed chances. It was difficult, but we got the equaliser and that calmed everyone down. We changed things at half time, but the turnaround had nothing to do with that, because we scored from our first move and then we got the penalty from the second. Today, it just had to be like that. It was a special night, but we have to move on and think about the game in Braga," he began by telling journalists.

Remembering that he experienced "very memorable moments" in Alvalade, he commented that, "Four years ago we lost 1-4 to LASK and today we got this result. The way the players lifted me into the air ... I didn't expect anything else from them because I know what I did for them and, above all, what they did for me. It was destiny that I should bid farewell to Alvalade like that, but the best moment I've ever had here was when we lost to Manchester City and everyone applauded us. That had a much bigger impact than winning."

Regarding the future of the team and the club, Amorim has no doubt that Sportinguistas should be hopeful.

"It's always difficult to replace a coach, especially when you're winning. The coach who comes in will have a good legacy because he has very good people working with him, there's a very good atmosphere at the stadium, the team are in the playoff spots in the Champions League... The demands make it all very difficult, but there will be a lot of people supporting him and he'll never feel alone. That was very important for me; I never felt alone. There will be a structure at the club, which has been gained in recent years, a lot of support from the stands and an intelligent fanbase. I'm sure the fans will give the next coach time," he said.

Asked about the possibility of him being present at any eventual celebrations of a Liga Portugal title, Amorim explained that "I will always have a special connection with the club, but I won't come to Marquês to celebrate. I wouldn't have the courage to do that, but I would be very happy for them. Watching it would be like being there."

Sporting CP beat Manchester City 4-1 in an incredible Champions League night

A 4-1 win for Sporting Clube de Portugal against Manchester City shook up the UEFA Champions League and caused delight amongst Sportinguistas. Viktor Gyökeres' hat trick and Maxi Araújo's goal helped earn one of the most iconic European victories in the club's history.

A packed Estádio José Alvalade paid tribute to outgoing coach Rúben Amorim, who was taking charge of his final home fixture before joining Manchester United. The coach made two changes to the starting lineup, fielding Matheus Reis and Hidemasa Morita in place of Gonçalo Inácio and Daniel Bragança, whilst Manchester City presented a strong XI that included former Sporting CP player Matheus Nunes.

After observing a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the floods in the Valencia region of Spain, the game got underway.

The start was not a good one, and after just four minutes, a mistake by Hidemasa Morita at the back allowed Phil Foden to steal the ball and shoot past Franco Israel to put CIty ahead.

The Premier League side showed great dominance, especially in possession, but Sporting CP had a huge opportunity of their own in the eighth minute: Played through by Pedro Gonçalves, Viktor Gyökeres closed in on goalkeeper Ederson and tried to chip him -only to fail to get enough lift on his effort.

Shortly afterwards, Erling Haaland's shot needed a great save by Franco Israel, and Savinho also tried his luck. Close to the half-hour, Foden's corner was headed by Erling Haaland, at the far post, but Gyökeres hooked the ball off the line. Franco Israel then kept out another effort from Haaland and Bernardo Silva, in the 36th minute, shot just wide.

Against the script, Sporting CP got the equaliser. Through the brilliant work by Geovany Quenda, a high-level assist gave Gyökeres another chance, and he shook off City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and finished clinically to make it 1-1.

Before the break, a counterattack ended up with a Francisco Trincão shot wide, and Matheus Nunes' shot was saved by Franco Israel.

The start of the second half ended up being one of the greatest in the history of Sporting CP. Just 20 seconds in, Pedro Gonçalves and Maxi Araújo combined for the latter to make it 2-1, handing the home side the lead.

In the next minute, Trincão was brought down in the area. Gyökeres stepped up and slotted away the penalty, increasing the advantage to 3-1.

Shaken by Sporting CP's two goals, Manchester City FC never managed to assert the control from the first half in the second period. They did, however, get a penalty of their own when the ball hit Ousmane Diomande's arm. Haaland's spot kick was struck firmly, but smashed against the crossbar -leading to a collective roar from the crowd.

With 15 minutes remaining, Maxi Araújo, Hidemasa Morita and Matheus Reis made way for Geny Catamo, Daniel Bragança and Jeremiah St. Juste.

Gyökeres had a shot saved by Ederson, but completed his hat trick with a second penalty, when Geny Catamo was brought down by Nunes. This time he kept his shot low, converting inside the left stick.

Eduardo Quaresma and Conrad Harder came in for Geovany Quenda and Francisco Trincão, as more players got involved in a magical night at Alvalade.

The final score of 4-1 was celebrated long into the night, and keeps Sporting CP unbeaten in Europe this season.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GK], Zeno Debast, Ousmane Diomande, Matheus Reis (Jeremiah St. Juste, 74'), Geovany Quenda (Eduardo Quaresma, 85'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Daniel Bragança, 74 '), Maxi Araújo (Geny Catamo, 74'), Francisco Trincão (Conrad Harder, 88'), Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres.

The captain talks about the challenge ahead

Before Sporting Clube de Portugal face English side Manchester City this Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League, captain Morten Hjulmand talked about what he sees as "a great opportunity."

“I think they are the toughest opponents,"  highlighted the Danish international, adding: “We know their quality and the way they play, so it will be a big challenge."

Asked to choose the best player between City striker Erling Håaland or his team's own Viktor Gyökeres, the midfielder was firm, saying “Gyökeres, because he plays for Sporting CP."

Inevitably, many questions were about coach Rúben Amorim's upcoming departure to Manchester United, and Hjulmand did not deny that “it was difficult” to receive the news.
“It's part of football, and the squad see the change as a positive challenge. Winning the Liga Portugal title without the coach will be our main objective. Life goes on and now we want to show that we no longer need him,"  he said, smiling.

“He was one of the reasons why I came to play for Sporting CP. With him, you have a clear idea of how you see football and each player knows their role. The way he manages the team on and off the pitch is something I hadn't seen before in my short career. I can't tell you everything, but I think Manchester United will be in good hands,” he said.

On the game, he commented that, “It hasn’t been easy in the run-up to this one. It was a very tough week, with three games -the coach didn't give us a rest- and also because of everything that was happening. As a team we had to think about beating CD Nacional and CF Estrela da Amadora," he explained.

Finally, asked about his interest in, one day, perhaps playing in the Premier League, the Danish midfielder preferred to express his happiness at being where he is.

“I'm living a dream here, at Sporting CP and in Lisbon. I don’t know what the future will bring, but right now I’m living my dream at Sporting CP."

The coach speaks ahead of his Alvalade swansong against Manchester City

European nights are back at the Estádio José Alvalade, as Sporting CP host Manchester City this Tuesday on Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League.

Coach Rúben Amorim talked ahead of the game, and gave hints about his team selection for the encounter with the English champions.

"Eduardo Quaresma is in the squad, but has a limit to how much time he can play, whilst Gonçalo Inácio is out," he revealed.

“We could take risks, but the international break is coming. We don't know if he can play against Braga, but we didn't want to risk a longer absence for him. The season is very long and Inácio is very important."

 He then turned his attention to Manchester City, who have a strong recent history in the competition.

“Any player they field is world class. They have some players out, but when we look at the eleven and the bench, we realise that they are a very difficult team to beat. It's also very difficult to predict what will happen, in which positions and on which wing each of the players will play, so we have to be strong in what we do. We believe in this a lot and we have to go into the game with the courage to try to win," he highlighted.

Both Sporting CP and Manchester City are on 7 points so far, and the home side are undefeated at home for over a year. They have also not lost in Liga Portugal or Champions League action this term.

Regarding how he will approach the game, Amorim did not hide the fact that there are adaptations to be made, especially when pressing, given the quality of the opponents.

“We want to maintain our identity when we have the ball, and that will be very important in the game. Regarding the way we play, we have to adapt a little. Sometimes, there is more courage when coaches adapt to be competitive and win."

Amorim also considered that, compared to the two meetings with Manchester City from 2022, his side are “more prepared to play a more complete game."

“I feel like I'm a better coach now, but in these five years we've had two squads. Only 'Pote', Nuno Santos and Inácio are left from the first squad. It's not been five years of working with the same players. I feel like I'm a better coach, but unfortunately Pep Guardiola is also a better coach. We play in different leagues and with different realities. Tomorrow is a good game to look at these nuances and I hope the result is different."

Asked whether a draw would be a good result, the coach considered that “it depends on what happens in the game. When we enter the pitch it is to win; that is part of our DNA."

Regarding whether he would prefer to have Erling Håaland, the City striker, or Viktor Gyökeres on his team, Amorim stated that "You will never hear me saying that I would change any player on my team. They are the best. Viktor has done a lot for us, even as recently in the last game he was very important."

On it being his last home game in charge of Os Leões, Amorim said he was “stressed,” but only with the difficulty of the game itself.

 “I'm stressed about the game, because we had a plan, City played AFC Bournemouth, it changed everything and I get stressed when I’m not sure what’s going to happen.”

“I take a lot of things from Pep Guardiola, Roberto De Zerbi, a lot of things from Jorge Jesus, and I watch a lot of football. I get inspired everywhere and there are always ideas that we can use."

In light of his imminent departure to Manchester United, Amorim also made no secret of the fact that he is aware of the attention he will have on him in this European game.

“I will be analysed as a coach of Sporting CP, but I am fully aware that I will be evaluated as a coach based on this game. I understand what people might get out of it, but I don't think much about it. The focus is to win the game for Sporting CP so that we can be closer to the playoffs."

"Afterwards, I don’t know what I’ll feel, but it will definitely be a special moment for my last game at the Estádio José Alvalade. I'm sure I will be able to maintain my emotions in check, but the perfect thing is to win this game. I want to help my players, make sure that we have a spot in the knockout stage more or less guaranteed, and that would help me to leave with a feeling of joy."

“These players are very mature, they understand the game very well, they are prepared and I believe it won't make a difference in the end that I am leaving. It’s a change, but the team are prepared for it,” declared Amorim.

The coach talks about his departure to Manchester United from November 11th

After Sporting CP earned their tenth triumph in as many Liga Portugal games, coach Rúben Amorim spoke in his press conference not only about the 5-1 win over Estrela Amadora, but also about his move to Manchester United that had been announced earlier that day.

“I didn't really like our performance today. We had some good moments, but not the fluidity we usually have. We lacked speed, passing quality and depth, which is something that we will suffer a lot with against Manchester City FC”.

Amorim revealed that Gonçalo Inácio was substituted at halftime due to an injury to his leg, and summed up the victory by saying “We won 5-1 and moved on, getting closer towards our goal”.

He had promised clarifications regarding the possibility of moving to Manchester United by Friday, and addressed the official announcement of his departure from Sporting CP in response to questions from journalists.

“At the beginning of the season I had a conversation with the president and Hugo Viana and I said that, regardless of whatever happened, this was going to be my last season at Sporting CP. We started very well this season and then Manchester United came in for me. They paid above the amount set for my release clause and the president of Sporting CP defended the club's interests. I never argued about anything with the president regarding the negotiations. The only thing I asked during the process was that it take place at the end of the season”.

“I spent three days asking for this, but I was told it wasn’t possible. It was now or never, otherwise they would look for another option. I had three days to decide something that radically changes my life," continued Amorim, in addition to confiding that this “is neither the first or second time that a club were willing to pay the release clause”.

“I reached my fifth year at Sporting CP and I had to make a choice. The current context at Manchester United makes this something extremely challenging”.

 “After Sporting CP, I wanted that. I want this context, because it allows me to do things my way and for the club to believe in me that way. It's just like Sporting CP. I have to take steps forward in my career and it was harder for me than any other Sportinguista to leave. I knew that if I rejected Manchester United, in seven months' time I wouldn’t have that option available, and I knew that at the end of the season I was going to leave Sporting CP. I could have felt a sense of regret that would be difficult to deal with. Between the disappointment of all Sportinguistas and taking risks in my career, or waiting for the end of the season and not having the only club that I wanted to join as an option, I had to decide. So I decided”.

He insisted that the move was not financially motivated, commenting that “I would have earned three times more with the last club that wanted to pay my buyout clause”.

“I gave everything I had for the club and it was a huge source of pride. It's hard for me to leave here, as I'm very comfortable and I'm very happy”.

Amorim's departure will only be made during the next international break, on November 11th, and until then he will coach Sporting CP in games against Manchester City FC (at home) and SC Braga (away).

“I have to do what Sporting CP decide. I prefer it this way, as everyone gets a chance to do things cleanly and I don't leave the players hanging. That was a big concern. So it gives us a window to tie up everything, and I know this team better than anyone to prepare them for both games. They are very important games, especially against Braga. I am happy to do it, and I’m focused on what we have to do”.

Continuing to talk about his decision, Amorim did not hide the fact that he changed his mind “several times” and also revealed how his players reacted.

“There was no revolt amongst them, but they were sad and anxious. It feels like there is a different atmosphere. We create a lot of relationships with the players and, therefore, it is difficult. I think there is no way to hide the disappointment”.

Furthermore, the coach also confirmed that he will take members of his coaching staff with him to England, although without specifying exactly who.

“I’ll take my guys there. That was always one of the conditions. I brought them from Casa Pia AC and we’re going to maintain that group”, he said.

Afterwards, Rúben Amorim discussed how fans have reacted to his imminent move, highlighting that Sporting CP “was the best time” of his life.

 “I understand the disappointment of the fans and them being divided between being happy about what we did together and now disappointed with us leaving in the middle of a season that could be historic. The applause from the crowd when I came out for the game surprised me a little tonight”.

“The club will move forward and will continue to win. It wasn’t the coach who provided this, it was everyone here who gave this stability. The club improved in all areas, as did the squad. Everything here has improved. We created a family here, we launched the careers of a lot of players. It feels like I'm saying goodbye, but there are still two games to go that we want to win”, he concluded.

The team continue their flawless Liga Portugal run against CF Estrela da Amadora

Sporting CP made it ten wins from ten games in Liga Portugal, with a 5-1 Friday night win at the Estádio José Alvalade over CF Estrela da Amadora 5-1. A maiden goal from Maxi Araujo and four strikes from the unstoppable Viktor Gyökeres earned the win over the relegation strugglers.

Just three days after their victory over CD Nacional in the Taça da Liga, and following the announcement that coach Rúben Amorim will leave for Manchester United midway through this month, a heavily rotated first XI was named for the game. Only Gonçalo Inácio, Morten Hjulmand and Maxi Araújo repeated their starting roles, accompanied this time around by Franco Israel, Geovany Quenda, Zeno Debast, Ousmane Diomande, Daniel Bragança, Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres. Eduardo Quaresma remained out due to injury and, in turn, youngster João Simões came into the squad.

The first opportunity of the game went Sporting CP's way, and a rebound off Bragança flew over goalkeeper Bruno Brígido and almost ended up in the back of the net. Immediately afterwards, at the other end, a decisive intervention by Inácio prevented a certain goal from CF Estrela da Amadora.

After an 11th minute of loud applause throughout the stadium for Sporting CP's injured no.11, Nuno Santos, little by little Sporting CP found their usual linkups, albeit without the necessary precision in the last third.

That accuracy finally came after a header from Inácio into the sidnetting from a corner, which was the final warning before Gyökeres opened the scoring, before the 20th minute was out. He took the ball off a rebound and beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one, finding the net against CF Estrela da Amadora for the first time.

Moments later, the away team had a double opportunity, but were punished by the increased efficiency of Sporting CP and, in particular, of Gyökeres.

After half an hour of play, Pedro Gonçalves stole the ball near the opposition area and Trincão picked out Sporting CP's No. 9, who once again smashed the ball past goalkeeper Rúben Brígido.

With the score at 2-0, the pace of the game not only didn't slow down but also increased. CF Estrela da Amadora continued to look very lively, and responded by reducing the deficit less than five minutes later, through Rodrigo Pinho. It came off after a huge save from Franco Israel, who could do nothing to keep out the rebound, as Sporting conceded for the first time in seven league games.

However, the frenzy of the first half was extended, and with it came further goals. A run by Gyökeres resulted in a shot by Gonçalves that was saved, then CF Estrela da Amadora conceded a penalty.

Gyökeres blasted the ball into the net from the spot kick, and Sporting CP moved 3-1 clear.

Israel made another save to close out the opening 45 minutes, keeping his side comfortably ahead.

For the second half, Amorim took off Inácio to bring on Jeremiah St. Juste. Upon the restart, a long shot from Debast and what was almost an own goal by the opposition defence kept the action going.

Then, another loud ovation was heard from the stands, this time dedicated to an opposition player with a link to Sporting CP. Nani, who came up through the youth system at the club, came on for the away team.

Rodrigo Pinho and CF Estrela da Amadora had a goal disallowed for handball, whilst an effort from distance by Trincão kept the goalkeeper on his toes.

The fourth goal for Sporting CP came just before the 70th minute. Gyökeres was played through, and he turned a defender and coolly finished off to take the score to 4-1.

The final goal came from Maxi Araújo, who entered the area and, with a perfect cross-shot, scored for the first time for Sporting CP.

The 5-1 win keeps the side top of the table, and leaves them one victory away from equaling the club's best ever start in Liga Portugal- achieved in 1990/91 under Marinho Peres.

On the next matchday they will go to SC Braga, but before that they play Manchester City at home on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Sporting CP: Franco Israel [GR], Geovany Quenda, Zeno Debast (Matheus Reis, 73'), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio (Jeremiah St. Juste, 46'), Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C] (Hidemasa Morita, 68 '), Daniel Bragança, Francisco Trincão (Conrad Harder, 80'), Pedro Gonçalves (Marcus Edwards, 73') and Viktor Gyökeres.

The Sporting CP coach talks before Friday's game against CF Estrela Amadora

This Friday, at 8:15pm, Sporting Clube de Portugal host CF Estrela Amadora on Liga Portugal Matchday 10.

Coach Rúben Amorim previewed the game, highlighting the team's ambition to remain unbeaten in the competition and surpass another record.

“Our goal is to have the best start, and we always want to do better. There has been little time to recover, there were players who did nothing in training and others who moved around a little, but we did mostly tactical work," he told the media.

"We need to win the game, we want to play well at our stadium and maintain our position in the table.”

Revealing that Pedro Gonçalves is back in the squad and that Eduardo Quaresma will not be available yet, Amorim said he knows what to expect from CF Estrela Amadora, who are currently with an interim coach.

“They seem like a slightly more aggressive team, and that can be seen in the details. Against Vitória SC, they changed to a 3-4-3, were very well organised in their pressing, and the way they celebrated the goals shows that they are united. This reveals a lot about their confidence and I also saw the statements in which they said they would be the first team to win at Alvalade. We want to avoid that. We know what we are going to face, the context we are in, and we want to play well. We have prepared well and we are ready for this game.”

Regarding his own possible departure to take over at Manchester United, as has been heavily rumoured this week, Amorim said that he will speak tomorrow “after the game” because now is the time to be focused on the match with CF Estrela Amadora.

A 3-1 win over CD Nacional moves the team into the Final Four

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat CD Nacional 3-1 and qualified for the Final Four in the Taça da Liga, as a rotated side scored a trio of goals in the second half. Morten Hjumland and Viktor Gyökeres -with a brace- got the strikes for Os Leões in their first game in the competition.

Coach Rúben Amorim made several changes from the side that had won in Liga Portugal the previous weekend, fielding  Vladan Kovačević, Ricardo Esgaio, Gonçalo Inácio, Matheus Reis, Geny Catamo, Morten Hjulmand, Hidemasa Morita, Iván Fresneda, Marcus Edwards, Conrad Harder and Maxi Araújo.

The most recent meeting between the two sides had taken place two months prior, with a resounding 1-6 win for Sporting CP in Madeira, and they were the favourites in this encounter. However, the visiting team tried a surprise with a shot on goal in the opening seconds, through Luís Esteves. Goalkeeper Kovačević was alert and saved in installments.

After that, for long spells, Sporting CP dominated possession and enjoyed frequent chances. CD Nacional goalkeeper Lucas França was called into action, as well as another effort from Iván Fresneda's being kept out by the post. Matheus Reis had sent an awkward ball towards goal that the stopper tipped out, and Geny Catamo had also shot wide.

CD Nacional were more concerned with defending and only reached the opposition area from quick attacks, usually after clearing the ball. They were the happier of the two sides going into the break, with the score still 0-0.

For the second half, it was necessary to be more daring and effective and, therefore, Amorim immediately made three changes at halftime, taking off Gonçalo Inácio, Iván Fresneda and Marcus Edwards and introducing Zeno Debast, Francisco Trincão and Viktor Gyökeres.

Maxi Araújo retreated and Harder switched to the left, with Gyökeres soon assuming his usual position and focusing on the goal. The Swede's first opportunity, after receiving the ball from the Uruguayan winger, was headed over Lucas França's goal.

Sporting CP managed to score their opening goal shortly after. Hidemasa Morita crossed from the right and a defender cleared, but captain Morten Hjulmand was there inside the box to meet the loose ball with a well-aimed shot, making it 1-0 before the hour.

Soon after, Gyökeres had the chance to make it 2-0, receiving from Harder on the left. However, he didn't quite connect with only Lucas França in front of him.

Geovany Quenda replaced Geny Catamo for the last half hour and provided significant problems for the opposition defence.

Nevertheless, it was from a penalty that Sporting CP took the score to 2-0, as Gyökeres was fouled in the box. He belted in the spot kick to double the lead.

CD Nacional reduced the deficit minutes later, as a deflection off the back of a CD Nacional player tricked Kovačević.

Gyökeres responded within the space of five minutes. He smashed in a free kick from just outside the box, finding the top corner.

The score remained 3-1 until the end, with Sporting CP advancing in the competition. Their next opponents will come from the meeting between SC Braga and Vitória SC.

Next on the agenda is a Liga Portugal match on Friday, against CF Estrela Amadora on Matchday 10.

The coach talks about the win over CD Nacional and addresses his own situation

Rúben Amorim reflected on the 3-1 triumph against CD Nacional that earned Sporting CP a place in the Final Four of the Taça da Liga, speaking in his post-match press conference.

“It was a strange game, in which we wanted to try to manage players' minutes and Pedro Gonçalves wasn't even called up for the squad. We put Iván on the wing, we rotated Inácio and Debast, Ousmane was left out and we gave more minutes to St. Juste. I still think we had a good game, despite lacking a bit of spark and speed. Even so, we created many chances. There were one or two transitions from CD Nacional, we scored from a free kick again and it was a fair victory” the coach said, adding: “We advanced in the competition and now our thoughts are already on CF Estrela Amadora”.

Amorim also spoke about Manchester United's interest in appointing him as coach, and the statement that Sporting CP made on the matter.

“There was a statement from the club, and that is what there is at the moment. There is interest from Manchester United, there is a buyout clause, and that's it. When there is something more concrete, I will come here and make my decision -because in the end it is my choice and at the moment I have nothing to say on the matter”.

The coach prepares the team's opening match in the competition

This Tuesday at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting Clube de Portugal host CD Nacional in the quarter-finals of the Taça da Liga.

At the press conference before the game, coach Rúben Amorim first commented on the situation with Nuno Santos, who was seriously injured in the game against Famalicão at the weekend.

"Nuno will always be here with us. We will really miss him complaining, his screams in the corridor, but he will be there and the physiotherapists will have a hard time putting up with him. We will help him, he will recover and come back stronger. He's very resilient. Of the players I've coached and known as a player, he's one of those who always wants to play -even when in pain," he told journalists.

Regarding the match against CD Nacional, the coach reminded those present that it is "a knockout game" in which "there are penalties immediately" in the event of a draw, with no margin for error.

"We really want to win this competition, just like everyone else. We are going to make some rotations because we have games very close to each other -and because we want other players to have the opportunity. It will be a Sporting CP team with starters and we are prepared for the difficulties: a longer low block, transitions that are different from those of FC Famalicão, and a defensive line of five -or even more.

Asked about the new format of the competition, Rúben Amorim admitted that "it doesn't give as much opportunity to everyone."

"This competition had the brilliant thing of having other teams other than the big sides that have already won it, but I realise that you have to listen to the calendar. It isn't so beautiful now, but it helps us with the calendar. Liga Portugal are the ones who make these choices."

After highlighting that Iván Fresneda "returned to training more in the position of winger," following a conversation between the coach and the Spanish player in which it became clear "that the future does not involve him in a centre back or fullback position," Amorim mentioned João Simões, the 17 years old, who is another option.

"Nuno Santos has incredible numbers and has that spirit. That is difficult to replace. We'll look at the options we have," he added.

Another topic that came up was Sporting CP's lack of effectiveness from direct free kicks.

"We stopped taking direct shots because we weren't performing well. In training, they score a lot of goals - especially Trincão. Before this season, we gave Seba [Coates] a lot of free kicks. Besides that, I have no explanation. Of course, we would like to score from a free kick, but we are scoring in other ways," explained Rúben Amorim.

Stating that Maxi Araújo "is an option" to fill Nuno Santos's absence, Amorim mentioned that he has no doubt that the group really want to win this season "to give some joy to Nuno."

"He has already said he could be back for the last two games of the season," he reminded the journalists, before talking about the return to fitness of Marcus Edwards.

"He trained today and will be able to play  a few minutes tomorrow,  while Eduardo Quaresma is a little further behind in his recovery."

Sporting CP and CD Nacional have already faced each other in 2024/25, in Liga Portugal in August, and Sporting CP won at Choupana 1-6.

"There was a focus on this game because we care a lot about individual characteristics. There are differences, because we've seen CD Nacional playing differently since then, and their coach changes things a lot depending on the opponents. We're a better team now and we are playing at home."

Finally, Amorim spoke again about the format of the Taça da Liga.

"Since we are making the sacrifice [of making the players play many games], we should include everyone. If we start to narrow it down so that there is a Final Four... It would be good to have all the teams in the competition. However, it's easy to talk here and organising tournaments is very difficult, so I don't want to criticise. What we coaches will be missing most is time to train, think of new ideas and set out routines."