Sporting CP host SK Sturm Graz this Thursday in a game with nothing on the line

Paulinho accompanied Rúben Amorim at the press conference previewing this Thursday's match against SK Sturm Graz in the Group D of the Europa League. The game is a mere formality, since everything has been decided in the group and Sporting CP already know that they will be in the playoff to access the Round of 16 of the competition, but the striker made it clear that it is still important game.

“Although the game does not change anything in the table, it is still very important for us, above all, to win again. Not just because the club demand it, but because it's good for the group. Even though the table won't change for us, it is still a very important game for us," Paulinho began by saying, noting that Sporting CP are not yet thinking about next Monday's contest.

"The game with FC Porto not has no impact on us. It's not in the equation yet. We are only interested in tomorrow's game and in winning tomorrow. We, the players, have to be motivated every day to represent Sporting CP and that is what will happen tomorrow."

“It doesn't make sense to think about Monday yet, and anyone who has been here for a long time knows that this would be bad for us and bad for the club. We are going to go out there to win tomorrow's and everyone will be on edge, without thinking about any other games."

The forward knows what Sporting CP will have to do and what to expect from SK Sturm Graz.

“They are a physically strong team, they have quality, play well and have fast players. Even though every game has a different story, we have to be at our best to be able to counteract a team that have already played with several systems, and we have to understand how to fit into them. It’s going to be a good challenge, which will demand a lot from us, but that’s good.”

Paulinho also spoke about having competition for a starting role this season, commenting that the team is what matters and a battle for places is good for the whole group.

 “I've been working as I always have, to the fullest. We have to have competitiveness in the squad as it makes us better players, it demands more from us and it's good for the team. I work at the limit, as I always have, and then it is the manager who decides who plays. We have to be prepared for that."

When asked if he prefers to play alone or with another striker, in this case Viktor Gyökeres, Paulinho had no doubt about his response. 

“I prefer to play and I've even played in goal. I want to play. The position is not very important, although, naturally, there are more routines worked on up front, but I feel good playing in any position."