The goalkeeper speaks in the Algarve

The work for Sporting Clube de Portugal in Lagos, Algarve, continues apace as they prepare for the upcoming 2022/2023 season. This Saturday, goalkeeper Antonio Adán spoke at the training camp.

"We are on the right path for what we are looking for from this preseason. I think this year the games are more demanding than in previous years; there are many young players and many new faces that are having to assimilate the ideas, but I think we are responding well," he reflected.

"The integration by players to Sporting CP is always good. We have a great group, which makes everyone fit in. Take Francisco Trincão: He is a fantastic guy, who has come in from abroad, from Barcelona, and knows what it's like to be inserted into new groups, knows Portugal and knows several of the players in the squad. It's easy for him and for all who come from outside."

Adán also praised Franco Israel, his understudy as goalkeeper for the team.

"All those who make up the squad are fighting for a place to play. He's come from a big club like Juventus FC, and you can see that. He has very good technique when it comes to his positioning, which is very important for what Sporting CP require. The club have the responsibility to win each game, and he brings that mentality too."

Looking ahead to 2022/2023, the experienced 35-year-old Spaniard stressed that the focus is currently on preseason. "We want to prepare for each training session and each game in order to be ready for the game against SC Braga, which as the first match is also the most important. From then on, we'll go game by game, as always."

Finally, Adán took stock of his career at Sporting CP to date, before the start of his third season with the club.

“The first year we were league champions, and the following year we finished second and competed in the UEFA Champions League. Playing regularly was one of the things I was looking for here."

“I was confident that I could offer good performance. I'm very happy to have renewed my contract, and I have the enthusiasm of a young man to be here for a long time, corresponding with the goals of Sporting CP," he concluded.

“Estava confiante de que podia dar um bom rendimento e assim foi. Estou muito feliz pela renovação [de contrato] e tenho o entusiasmo de um jovem para estar aqui muito tempo, correspondendo aos objectivos do Sporting CP", concluiu o guardião.