The coach talks to the press before Sporting CP vs. Boavista FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal host Boavista FC this Saturday in Liga Portugal action, and coach Rúben Amorim is not expecting it to be an easy contest. He spoke in a pre-game press conference on Friday in order to preview the game.

“The team are doing very well. There were players who didn't have that much rhythm and who had a good game against a good team in midweek. The team are confident and prepared for this match, against a coach who always gives us a lot of problems."

"(New Boavista coach) Petit knows what to do to counter our movements, but we also know what to do. We are prepared and we know them well. I know we will have a full house at the stadium and we have to keep up our pace and play well  to keep our fans excited -because they are very important to us."

Winning takes on added importance after the defeat to Ajax in the Champions League.

“We lost the last game and we're in a big hurry to win, because we haven't won for a week," said Amorim. "We have this urgency and it is a very important game for us."

“The team are already used to switching from European to domestic competition. The most important thing is how this game is going to be. This will be different from the game against SL Benfica and AFC Ajax; we cannot let the ball get away from us, nor be hasty."

Amorim confirmed that he will not have João Palhinha, Jovane Cabral, Rúben Vinagre or Paulinho available for the match, although the club captain will return.

"Coates is going to be given the all-clear tomorrow, and if he gets here and tells me he's ready to play, then he's going to play. He's more than a player for us."