The coach previews the match against Boavista FC

Sporting Clube de Portugal face Boavista FC on Saturday night at the Estádio José Alvalade, on Matchday 14 of the Liga Portugal season.

Before the game against a side just two points above the relegation zone, coach João Pereira gave a press conference to talk about his side's aspirations.

"We have been talking about this turning point for some time. We go into every game to win and with the desire and desire to do the best we can. That's what we're going to do with Boavista FC: Demonstrate that we really want the three points, like in the last games where we started well and scored, but also believe that some things –  as fate has played some tricks on us – won't happen again", he began by saying.

Sporting CP will once again have several players missing, with Gonçalo Inácio joining Eduardo Quaresma, Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança , Pedro Gonçalves and Nuno Santos on the sidelines. Although he did not deny the importance of these absences, Pereira highlighted that "there are other players and they have to demonstrate that they are prepared".

"What counts most is winning tomorrow. We know that victory is what gives coaches security. I would say 'yes' again [to President Frederico Varandas' call for him to take charge]. Of course I want to be here, I thought I was prepared and I still think that. I believe in the work of the technical committee, the players and the structure. I feel like we are all in the same boat and going in the same direction, so we are closer to victory. The results have not come, but competence, sometimes, is not only seen in the results and is seen in other things too".

Furthermore Pereira stated that he feels "the same confidence he felt on the first day".

"The results are not coming, but I believe they will. We all know the message we have to send out.  Everyone saw how the players celebrated the goal against Brugge. They really want to win again and get back to good performances. There is little I could ask more of them in this regard".

"There is no one more frustrated than me, the players and the structure for not being able to deliver the victories that everyone wants. We really want to win. This is our life, our work. I accept everyone's criticism and frustration, because it's normal. We have to be able to deal with it; that’s why we are professionals".