The Sporting CP coach speaks ahead of the season opener

Sporting Clube de Portugal will begin their Liga Portugal title defence this Friday, hosting Rio Ave FC at 8:15pm local time.

On Thursday, coach Rúben Amorim previewed the match and made clear the ambition of his side for the start of the season.

“I really like Rio Ave FC and I really like their coach. They play in a similar way to us, so our styles will combine very well and I think the individual duels will define many situations, but we are prepared for the difficulty of the game. We want to defend our title and we want to be champions again".

The defeat in the Super Taça was also addressed, and Amorim spoke openly about the setback, admitting that the last few days “were very difficult”, but that the focus now has to be different.

“These were perhaps the most difficult days we have ever experienced, because it was a defeat, because we lost out on a trophy and because of the situation itself. It has been difficult waking up this week, because the first thing that comes to mind is that game, but now we only have one thing to do, which is to look at this game, forget the previous one and the context and look objectively at what we need to improve. We have worked on several things, we have prepared for this game, which is in a different competition, and there is nothing like playing again to remedy a situation”, she continued.

Amorim does not believe that Sporting CP will enter the season under more pressure.

"We are always under pressure, but obviously we really want to win this game due to all the constraints that occurred in the Super Taça. Of course, my concerns are completely different from those that I would have had if we had won the Super Taça. We would have won another trophy, the week would have been much better and the confidence would be much greater, but it doesn't change anything. When this game starts, this is the one that will be important and we really want to win to continue on our path”.

The coach also commented on the incident that occurred in Aveiro, in which a Sporting fan was injured because of a glass that fell from the box where the Sporting CP players were, stating that the club's concern is, above all, for the fan.

"Our biggest concern is for Rita and we have been told that she is recovering well. A serious situation occurred that could have had even more serious consequences, and now many fingers will be pointed, but the responsibility will be determined. There was a statement from Aveiro City Council and another from her father, which were two completely different versions. I value the opinion of the person who was there more. I don't want to take responsibility for what happened away from my players, but I won't do as many people are doing and crucify them without having investigated all the situations".

“We are here to help the family, not only in their recovery, but also so that Rita can return to the stadium. We know it will be difficult, but we want to help in that aspect too".