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

This Thursday, at 8:15pm local time, Sporting CP visit the Estádio do Dragão for a Taça de Portugal semifinal second leg against FC Porto. After their 1-2 defeat in Alvalade, the team are looking to turn around the tie, as explained by coach Rúben Amorim in his pre-match press conference.

"The fact that we have won trophies does not take away any responsibility from us. We had a difficult defeat against SL Benfica this past week that cost us, but we now have the same responsibility as if we had won. What we want is to get through the tie. We are at a disadvantage and we need to score at least two goals. That's what we're going to try to do," he told journalists.

"We have to score more goals than FC Porto. We haven't been able to do that before, because we've had draws against them. The two teams are evenly matched," he added.

"The day after the derby we felt better, and I can see the team thinking about a tie that will decide who goes through to the final. They seemed ok today; active, prepared and focused to face a great team."

"Whatever people say, Sporting CP are playing much better this year than last year."

"FC Porto are dangerous in all phases of the game: Counterattacks, organised attacks, second balls, set pieces... We have to focus on what FC Porto do well, but mainly on what we do well, trying to find spaces. In the last two games against FC Porto, their way of attacking was different. We studied that and we have a gameplan."

Asked about expectations for the remainder of the season, Amorim recalled that the team have already won two trophies (the Super Taça and Taça da Liga) and that the existing pressure is a consequence of success.

"There were seasons in which Sporting CP came in second and it was considered a successful campaign in terms of objectives".

He assured that "FC Porto will not play for a draw. We have to have a lot of conviction and play well, create opportunities, score goals and not concede."