The midfielder comments on the task ahead against AFC Ajax

At the press conference ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal's game against AFC Ajax in the UEFA Champions League group stage, João Palhinha addressed the media.

"We analysed AFC Ajax, just like we analyse all the teams we face. They are a team who need no introduction. We see this as something new. Most of our players haven't played in this competition yet, but we are facing tomorrow's game with great motivation," he told reporters at the Auditorio Artur Agostinho.

"We are looking forward to the game starting and to hearing the UEFA Champions League anthem. I am sure that my teammates, the coach and all the staff feel the same. We are proud to be in this unique position," he added, also explaining that participating in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League "makes the players more experienced."

Asked if the duel with AFC Ajax is of special relevance, the Portuguese international midfielder stressed that "all games will be key games."

"We have a tough group. I've heard people belittle our group, but I really think that there are no favourites. We have a group of excellent teams who are used to these competitions. AFC Ajax, like us, are a team with many quality young players. We have many similarities between the two squads. We are two clubs who are committed to youth and have quality in our youth system. It will be a very difficult game, as will the games against Borussia Dortmund and Beşiktaş JK."

"The extra energy comes with representing this club, in any competition. Our thinking and motivation must always be high, because whoever represents this Club knows that they always enter the pitch trying to win," he added.

Finally, Palhinha spoke about his midfield partners, with a special focus on Matheus Nunes.

"We have adapted very well to each other. Matheus [Nunes] is an excellent player, as are Dani [Bragança], [Manuel] Ugarte or [Bruno] Tabata. All midfield players have different characteristics. Matheus is growing visibly, as is Dani and Ugarte. All the young players have grown, and that is due to the work of the coaching staff," he concluded.

Sporting CP play AFC Ajax in European action on Wednesday

Sporting Clube de Portugal welcome AFC Ajax this Wednesday for the first round of the UEFA Champions League group stage (8pm local time) and coach Rúben Amorim was present at the pre-match press conference.

"AFC Ajax are committed to youth and are known for creating great players, just like Sporting CP. But we are clubs in different times. Not long ago, they were in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, and they kept a lot of players. We would have to go through. several markets to get to the stage that AFC Ajax are in. We are similar clubs and similar teams in terms of youth and experience, but in this competition AFC Ajax or a much more experienced team. We face every game in the same way, whether in a national or European competition," he began by telling journalists at the Auditorio Artur Agostinho.

"In Famalicão we should have won the game, but we could also have lost. Against FC Porto we had a very good game. We're in a great moment. I think the team are prepared and should experience these moments. Having a Clássico and playing a few days later against AFC Ajax makes this team grow. Motivation will be high."

"Ajax play very good football, with rotations in their construction and wingers going down the flanks. Their coach knows the club's philosophy well and they have a very dangerous team who always have the ball, and we have to fight that," he said.

The coach confirmed that Gonçalo Inácio and Tiago Tomás will be available, but that Pedro Gonçalves and Sebastián Coates will not make the squad and it will be difficult to cover their absences.

"One was the top scorer and the best young player in the league last season, and the other was the best player in the league."

Having featured in the UEFA Champions League as a player, Amorim will make his debut in the competition as a coach. He said that "the anxiety and the desire to win are the same," despite it being a special encounter.

"Once the team goes out on the pitch and the referee blows the whistle, everything is the same. I have a bad record in Europe and I can only improve."

Finally, Amorim assured that Sporting CP's presence in the UEFA Champions League group stage will have a big say in the group's evolution.

"We will fight in every game and it's not worth looking at the maths, whether it is here or in the league. The aim is to see if we can fight amongst the best. For that to happen, we need to play great teams, like AFC Ajax. We want to be competitive and win the game."

The coach reflects on the 1-1 draw with FC Porto

Following the 1-1 draw (1-1) against FC Porto, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim analysed O Clássico and explained that the result was more unfair on his side.

"The opposite has happened before and there have been games that ended in a draw. This time around, we had more chances. That is neither here nor there, however, as we didn't control the game how we should have controlled against a mature team, but we could have killed the game off in the first half. There weren't any great opportunities for FC Porto in the second half either. After their goal, we looked for the win again, but it was very stop-start," he began by saying in his press conference at the Auditório Artur Agostinho.

"All unavailable players are missed, but those absent today were well replaced. I believed that I should bring on those who are fresher from the bench. We lacked some depth in the squad, but that is normal and part of our project. If it weren't, we would be buying players all the time and would neglect our commitment to youth. We were the better side and, compared to the Clássicos last season, there was an evolution."

Regarding the large number of fouls and cards shown to both sides, the coach stated "there are games for all tastes."

"Both coaches like intensity and our teams are aggressive. I've seen many Clássicos and derbies like that. It was very tactical, but there were good moments. There was individual quality from both sides and it ended up being entertaining. There are those who like very beautiful football with a lot of goals, and there are others who like the competition of these games."

Asked about Pablo Sarabia, the new signing who made his debut in the second half, Amorim said that "You could tell that he was off the pace, and making your debut always brings an extra nervousness. He lost some balls that he will not lose in the future. He has a lot of quality, he is very humble and he has absorbed a lot of information."

Finally, the coach underlines that Sporting CP's focus is to go game by game.

"Last year, despite the different calendar, we won in Braga, drew here with FC Porto and drew in Famalicão, just like this year. We have to win the next game, instead of thinking about the points that we have dropped. Our next game is against AFC Ajax, then we'll think about GD Estoril Praia. We don't have to think about anything else," he said.

Sporting CP and FC Porto play out a 1-1 draw

Sporting Clube de Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Porto in the first 'Clássico' of the Liga Portugal season, as Nuno Santos' first half opener was cancelled out by the visitors in the second period.

Coach Rúben Amorim had several players unavailable, and as such made a series of changes to his starting lineup. Luís Neto, Pedro Porro, Rúben Vinagre and Nuno Santos were brought in, replacing Ricardo Esgaio (on the bench), Gonçalo Inácio and Pedro Gonçalves (injured) and Nuno Mendes (who has left the club for Paris Saint-Germain). Also called into the squad were Geny Catamo, Tiago Ferreira and Gonçalo Esteves from the B team.

Amidst a great atmosphere at the Estádio José Alvalade, things began in tense fashion between Sporting CP and FC Porto. Proof of this was the number of yellow cards shown by referee Nuno Almeida in the first quarter of an hour: two for each side.

Sporting CP had the most of the ball and played a very high press, beginning to take control of the game before opening the scoring after 18 minutes; Matheus Nunes found Pedro Porro on the right and the latter, with a precise cross, set up Nuno Santos, whose shot took a subtle deflection on the way in. The stadium erupted, celebrating the goal that made it 1-0 to the home team.

In response, FC Porto had their only opportunity of any danger in the first half, with Corona heading wide. In the opposite area, Sebastián Coates, in the 26th minute, had a header go narrowly wide, and Nuno Santos was twice denied by Diogo Costa before half time.

Sporting CP continued to improve at the start of the second half, and once again caused problems when Pedro Porro sent a direct free kick into the side netting.

Around half an hour from the end, Amorim made his first change, taking Jovane Cabral off to bring on debuting star Pablo Sarabia -to a great ovation from the Sportinguistas. Zouhair Feddal and Rúben Vinagre replaced Matheus Reis and Ricardo Esgaio, respectively, shortly after.

However, FC Porto managed to equalise in the 71st minute, through Luis Díaz, in the first dangerous attempt on Antonio Adán's goal.

The reaction didn't take long and Sporting CP swiftly came close to taking the lead again, before Diogo Costa kept out Paulinho's header.

In the final minutes, and after Bruno Tabata replaced Pedro Porro, FC Porto were reduced to ten men when Toni Martínez saw two yellow cards in quick succession.

Whilst Sporting CP sought a winning goal, O Clássico ended in a draw. The team will be back in action on Wednesday, hosting AFC Ajax on the first matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GR], Luís Neto, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal (Matheus Reis, 69'), Pedro Porro (Bruno Tabata, 82'), João Palhinha, Matheus Nunes, Rúben Vinagre (Ricardo Esgaio, 69'), Jovane Cabral (Pablo Sarabia, 61'), Nuno Santos and Paulinho.

​The coach speaks on the eve of the game against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal return to action this Saturday at the Estádio José Alvalade, facing FC Porto on Matchday 5 of the Liga Portugal season.

Ahead of the eagerly anticipated contest, coach Rúben Amorim spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference. The first question addressed to him was regarding the absence of last season's top scorer.

“Pedro Gonçalves won't be available either in this game, nor against AFC Ajax nor against GD Estoril Praia, at the very least," he informed.

"Gonçalo Inácio won't play against FC Porto, he is unlikely to play against AFC Ajax, and we'll see if he faces GD Estoril Praia. Tiago Tomás' availability is an unknown, but he won't play in this match either."

“Coates can play, but Ugarte won't because, whatever happens, he won't be better than Daniel Bragança or Tabata in that position -even though they have different characteristics. Apart from that, we are doing well and are prepared. We have a small squad, and therefore players from the B team who have worked with us will be part of the squad. This is our project, they are prepared to play for Sporting CP and prepared to win the game”, he guaranteed.

New signing Pablo Sarabia could make his debut in the game.

“He is a player who understands the game, and we have more Spaniards in the team. He has adapted and trained well, so he's another option for the game. He is a player who can give us assists and goals, he is experienced, is left footed and can play in the middle or on the wing. He has a lot of quality and, from what I've seen, he's another great player to join everyone else that we already have. He's a quality player who's come to help us."

Regarding the O Clássico, Amorim rejected the idea that this would be the most difficult game to prepare since he took over the club.

“When we arrived at Sporting CP there was a phase where we had to field young players to build a squad quickly, and that was the most difficult phase. These are injuries that give you headaches, but the project remains like this. We need opportunities to see other players, everyone is prepared and we are going to go for the game."

Young talents like Gonçalo Esteves and Tiago Ferreira could feature, according to Amorim.

“That is part of the project and I am not saying that it takes any responsibility away from Sporting CP. If we don't win, the responsibility is the same compared to if we had a squad full of superstars. This is our project and our way of thinking, and it will be like that until the end. The responsibility is the same and we have to win the game."

Finally, Amorim said he believes that neither team is the favourite in 'O Clássico.'

“It's 50-50. FC Porto have been hindered more as they had more players away with their national teams, who covered more kilometers on their trips. We had 12 or 13 players in the national teams, which is good for us as we completed the squad with young players. We had good training sessions and we are prepared. Even so, this does not mean that any one team or another is the favourite. Whoever is better on the night will win,” said the coach, who noted that he trusts the absence of Pedro Gonçalves will be covered. “Other players will come through to score goals. I'm confident the team won't be hurting,” he concluded.

The revamped cup competition features the team in Group B

Sporting Clube de Portugal join the Taça da Liga in the group stage of the competition, and this Thursday their opponents were revealed.

Os Leões, winners of the competition in 2020/2021, are included in Group B together with FC Famalicão and FC Penafiel.

Sporting CP were exempt from the First Round, and will host FC Famalicão on the provisional date of October 27th. They will then meet FC Penafiel on December 15th.

The group winner goes into the final four of the Taça da Liga, which is scheduled for January 25th and 26th (semifinals) and January 29th (final), in Leiria.

The Spaniard arrives for 2021/22 on final day of transfer window

Sporting Clube de Portugal have completed the loan signing of Pablo Sarabia for the 2021/22 season, joining from Paris Saint-Germain. The 29-year-old Spanish forward is the latest addition to the squad for the reigning Liga Portugal champions.

Born in Madrid, Sarabia came up through the youth system at Real Madrid, during which time he won the Under-19s (2011) and Under-21s (2013) European Championships with Spain.

Although he would make his senior debut with Real Madrid, he established himself in Spain's LaLiga during five seasons with Getafe CF, playing 146 games, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists.

The forward would then move to Sevilla FC. In Andalusia, Sarabia scored 43 goals and produced 38 assists in 151 matches played over three seasons, with a highlight being the 23 goals and 14 assists he produced in 2018/2019.

Signing for PSG, despite strong competition up front, he appeared in 79 games, racking up 22 goals and 12 assists.

A regular for Spain's senior national team (9 games and 3 goals) under coach Luis Enrique, he played at Euro 2020, scoring two goals and providing an assist in the competition.

Sarabia's resumé includes a Ligue 1 title, two French Cups, a French League Cup and two Super Cups with PSG.

He is the third Spaniard in Rúben Amorim's squad, joining Antonio Adán and Pedro Porro.

The squad were back after a day off

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to training this Tuesday at the Academia Sporting in Alcochete, after a day off on Monday.

Several of the squad are away on international duty: Gonzalo Plata (Ecuador), Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay), Tiago Tomás (Portugal Under-21s), and Nuno Mendes, João Palhinha and Pedro Gonçalves (Portugal AA).

In their absence, coach Rúben Amorim called up several players from the youth teams to train with the senior stars: Lucas Dias, Bernardo Sousa, Gonçalo Costa, Rodrigo Fernandes, Vando Félix, Nikolai Skoglund, Emanuel Fernandes and Gilberto Batista all participated in the session.

Gonçalo Inácio and Sebastián Coates, who had originally been selected to represent their respective countries, were withdrawn due to injury. On Tuesday they underwent treatment at the club's facilities.

The next training session is scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00am.

The Sporting CP coach reviews the 1-1 draw with FC Famalicão

Rúben Amorim reflected on Sporting CP's 1-1 draw with FC Famalicão (1-1) in his post-match press conference, lamenting that his side “did not manage to impose our game."

“FC Famalicão dropped back a lot and took some depth away from us, whilst we put the ball where they wanted it and where we shouldn't have. We played a lot of balls inside and they made transitions there. The fact that the block was lower and we were making passes inside, without the defense being too high, meant that there was space between the lines that created a lot of problems for us, but the defensive problems came more from the offensive side, when we had the ball. Even so, we had opportunities, and FC Famalicão also had transitions. Obviously we believed we could win until the end, but it wasn't to be. Now it's about moving forward,” the coach began by saying.

After praising Antonio Adán, whom he said “had a great performance,” Amorim also spoke about João Palhinha and the yellow card that the midfielder saw in the 14th minute: “This always affects Palhinha a lot, and he then has to be careful because he picks up yellows easily, but nevertheless he had a good game."
The Sporting CP boss also took responsibility for the draw.

“When the whole team doesn't understand where we have to attack, it's the coach's fault and not so much the players' fault. Maybe they didn't get the information in the best way, but, even so, we were the team that always had the most of the ball. Then, with our transitions, when we don't make good decisions we make things more complicated."

“In football, everything changes very quickly. Now we have the international break, and when we return we will be very motivated for the game against FC Porto. It's a very long season. We have to look on the bright side: Last year we also drew here and, therefore, we are on the right path,” he concluded.

Sporting CP draw 1-1 away

Sporting Clube de Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw at home to FC Famalicão on Liga Portugal Matchday 4, dropping their first points of the season.

Rúben Amorim made three changes to his starting XI, fielding Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Zouhair Feddal, Ricardo Esgaio, Matheus Nunes, João Palhinha, Nunes Mendes, Pedro Gonçalves, Paulinho and Jovane Cabral.

With three victories to start the season, Sporting CP were looking for a fourth win against a side that they had yet to beat since FC Famalicão's return to the top flight.

A good opportunity to score presented itself after two minutes through Jovane Cabral, but he, Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho were all thwarted in their early attempts. The first half also saw the home side enjoy chances, with Antonio Adán called into action twice.

The score remained 0-0 at halftime, and Amorim decided to make his first substitutions, bringing Nuno Santos and Pedro Porro on for Cabral and Ricardo Esgaio. They combined soon thereafter, the full-back crossing for the winger to shoot against the post.

Sporting CP found themselves chasing the game when, after Adán blocked a shot, Gonçalo Inácio tried to take the ball out of Ivo Rodrigues' reach and it ended up going in off Nuno Mendes, handing FC Famalicão the lead.

Amorim made further changes, with Matheus Nunes and Zouhair Feddal making way for Daniel Bragança and Tiago Tomás. The equaliser came ten minutes later, when following a corner, Gonçalo Inácio's ball found João Palhinha at the back post to score.

Sporting CP attempted to find a winner, but shots from Paulinho, Tiago Tomás and Pedro Gonçalves were kept out by goalkeeper Luiz Júnior, whilst Sebastián Coates saw a header deflected away.

Adán made a late save of his own from André Ricardo, as FC Famalicão and Sporting CP shared the points.

Following the international break, the team have a big game against FC Porto at the Estádio José Alvalade, with both teams level on points in the table.