The coach gives credit to the team for their showing against CD Tondela

Following the triumph over CD Tondela, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim analysed the 1-3 away result, stating that the success came largely from an attack without an out-and-out striker.

“The idea was to take away any references for CD Tondela, who have three central defenders who are very strong in the air and field two very close lines: One defensive and one for midfield. We wanted to have strong players between the lines and arriving from behind, because they attack the area well and are used to playing high up the pitch. It had an effect,” he began by saying in his post-match press conference.

“We had a very complete first half, but the second half was not so good because we lost the ball in areas where we didn't have to. Without applying a high press, we gave the ball to the opposition and they had some transitions. It was one-way traffic, apart from a few breaks. We ended up winning fairly,” he stressed.

The coach then addressed the situation involving Islam Slimani, the striker having not been in the team's last training session and left out of the squad for the game.

“Slimani didn't know if he was going to play and he didn't participate in the last training session because, according to how the week went, we understood that he wasn't up to the standard of what is required of a Sporting CP player. There are basic things that are important, but there is no issue. I am sure that Hugo Viana and the president trust me and the way I lead the group. I'm sure that none of my players are bad people and, therefore, everyone can have bad weeks. Tomorrow he will have a new opportunity, he will be in training and he will be at his best. With a new week, comes a new life. He was not at the required level to play, but next time he will be,” he assured.

Finally, Amorim admitted that he was “irritated” by the fact that Matheus Reis picked up a yellow card, which rules him out of the derby against SL Benfica.

“He allowed himself to be pressured by an opposing player, and then when he wanted to go for the ball there was contact. I was irritated by the yellow card and the way we lost the ball. It takes away an option because he is a player with different characteristics and we don't have him to play left back now. But we have Vinagre, who started very well, and Nuno Santos, who was suspended this week. It’s one less option for us, but we’re going to go into the game with a lot of desire to win,” he concluded.