​The Sporting CP coach talks about the fixture against Manchester City

Rúben Amorim was present in a press conference ahead of the match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City FC, in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. The game takes place on Tuesday at 8pm local time, at the Estádio José Alvalade.

The coach began by explaining that "one of the great facets of the group is faith and belief," when questioned about his side's chances against one of the favourites to win the competition.

"We work hard and believe in our idea. We will be facing one of the best teams in the world and the best coach at present, but with a very strong base. Faith makes special things happen and that is what we will expect tomorrow. We want to make Sportinguistas proud," he told journalists at the Auditorio Artur Agostinho.

"It is very difficult to take focus away from the players. For the second time in history, Sporting CP have reached this stage of the competition, and we are playing against the Premier League leaders. The FC Porto game will not have any influence on this match," he added, later praising City coach Pep Guardiola.

"There is a big difference between the teams, but I'm happy. I have players who can reach a level of play that City have at the moment," he promised.

Again asked about the controversial game against FC Porto last Friday, the coach admitted "what happened at Estádio do Dragão was not pretty. The players are very much to blame. However, it is time to talk about a Champions League game, the Round of 16, against the best team and the best coach in the world. We have to change the way we look at football and focus on the game. Players and coaches have to improve, but a lot of people around football also have to do so."

In terms of strategy to achieve a good result, Amorim considered that "it is impossible to draw up a plan to cover Manchester City," but insisted that he will not change the team's identity.

"We base our style on what we do well and we will try to take the game into that terrain. When we look at City, we think we could do more of this or more of that. Sporting CP players can reach that level. We might be more careful in our pressure, but we will not change our idea or our identity."

On whether Pep Guardiola is one of the coaches he most admires, Amorim said that "my big reference has always been [José] Mourinho, "Guardiola is, at the moment, the best coach in the world. City are the most technically and tactically evolved team. Guardiola is the opposite of us; he has great flexibility. He's a reference for all coaches."

The coach confirmed that Pedro Gonçalves is fit and available for the game, and reiterated that his side have a chance to cause an upset.

"It is possible. I'm not going to give percentages or probabilities. My players have surprised me many times and performed miracles. It's more important that they believe a lot."