The young talent talks before the game against FC Bayern Munich

João Simões was the player chosen to represent Sporting CP in the Allianz Arena press room, ahead of the game against FC Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Perspectives for the game and personal experience in the main European competition
“We know that in this competition every game is very difficult, whoever the opponents are. It's very good to play against the best in Europe and try to learn from that, because I still have a lot to improve. I want to help the team as much as possible, which is always the most important thing.”

Ambition for the match
“All teams have their difficulties and also their strengths. We try to modify our work based on all of that and tomorrow we want to give an excellent response and have the best possible result: A victory. Sporting CP always go out to win, and we are not afraid of anything or anyone. We know the difficulties they pose and the team that FC Bayern Munich are, but we will go out there to match them.”

Confidence in the squad despite absences
“Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves are very important players, but whoever starts in their place will also give an excellent response, because they are Sporting CP players. Everyone has the ability to have a great game. We are calm about things.”

Sporting CP's commitment to youth development
“It's the result of the work of the Academy staff and the players themselves. Sporting CP aim to bring players into the first team, and each example of that happening proves that the youth development program is working very well. Regarding the 2007 generation of me, Geovany Quenda, Flávio Gonçalves, Salvador Blopa, and Eduardo Felicíssimo; it's great to see that the teammates I grew up with are also reaching the level we aspire to. It's a sign of Sporting CP's commitment to youth development.”

His increasing minutes since becoming a starter away to Napoli
“I think everyone gets their opportunity in due time. Sporting CP are a great club, with excellent players, and I'm trying to evolve as much as possible to help. That's how it is whenever I have the opportunity. Whatever competition it is in, I go out there to help the team as much as possible.”

Balancing university studies with top-level football
“It has been good, fairly easy, and I have enjoyed learning, knowing that the main focus is obviously on football. University is a good thing to learn more and achieve better development in my training. That's the goal.”