The league leaders visit Gil Vicente FC this Sunday (8:30 p.m.)

Sporting Clube de Portugal have an away game this Sunday at 8:30pm against Gil Vicente FC, on Liga Portugal Matchday 15. Before the game, coach João Pereira previewed the contest.

"Gil Vicente FC have a clear way of playing, which is well drilled and with a coach who has had some time to work on his team. They are very strong in their construction, they use their goalkeeper and number 6 a lot, they have strong players between the lines and very fast wingers. They are in their best form in the league, will play at home and are motivated,” he warned.

“Everything is easier when you win, even when victories are difficult to get,” he added.

“I don’t like to suffer so much and prefer to win by playing good football and putting on a show.”

"However, at this moment, the important thing was to win and we have won two in a row. There is a lot of work ahead and we want to improve in many aspects. The team still aren’t playing like they used to, but it's a process. We have to focus on the positive things, as there are good things to take away. The players want a lot, and sometimes wanting so much brings with it some anxiety.”

For Pereira, the win against Boavista FC was "the most successful game in terms of opportunities and where the best football was played.”

"We made mistakes that led to their goals and it seems like it was an evenly matched game, but it wasn't. Against CD Santa Clara, we didn't have many opportunities, but we were stronger defensively and we ended up conceding a goal past the hour. Before that, they had only had one chance.”

Asked about his own performance in press conferences, the coach said he is "evolving and learning".

"The communications department help me improve day after day and, like the players, I have to practice. I don't hide the fact that it's much easier to talk to you after winning than after losing, especially when it’s four times in a row. I've always been sincere with you and I didn't have much practice. Evolution has to do with the training, even though it's far from perfect.”

“We have some injured players and two suspended, but there is a need to win to remain in first place and be more relaxed over Christmas. Then we will spend a few days away from football, with our families," he added.

Regarding the use of players like João Simões or Mauro Couto, the coach said that young talents "are able to perform as well as they do because they are helped by their elders. This group have a special bond and want to win trophies for Sporting CP.”

"The gift I want for Christmas is to win in Barcelos. If I can ask for more, I would ask for the injured players to recover."