The coach reflects on a 1-3 win away at Vitória SC

After the final whistle in Guimarães, where Sporting CP beat Vitória SC 1-3 in Liga Portugal action, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the match in his post-match press conference.

"We started the game well, with a lot of possession, getting to the line to cross and controlling how Vitória SC's brought the ball out. We ended up conceding a goal that they hadn't really deserved, but we got back to being the team we wanted to be. We had opportunities to equalise and we did so with a penalty before halftime, which was very important," he began by telling journalists at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.

"In the second half we didn't begin things so well, but then we had an excellent period in which we pegged Vitória SC back, with good balls between the lines and playing with quality. Pedro Gonçalves coming on helped us in that sense, and we scored the second goal. We could have had more of the ball, and the stoppage didn't help us."

"Marcus Edwards's goal, killed off the game. It was a fair victory," summarised Amorim, who again hailed the impact of Gonçalves."

"We had an idea of what we could change, but the game required things and we tried to get the substitutions right. I felt that Slimani was lacking energy, so we changed the characteristics and Gonçalves is very strong between the lines."

Of the title race, the coach emphasised that "it's important to be in the fight until the end, but only one team will win. It's not easy for FC Porto to drop points, but the team always believe that it's possible, because there are still many points up for grabs. It's a roller coaster of emotions, we have our hopes and last year we were on the other side of the equation. we are looking to see who slips up first. What we have to do is win our games to have hope."

"It's not worth thinking about it too much, we have to get better. Today we were more complete than in Moreira de Cónegos and that makes me happy. It was an important and fair victory."

The coach prepares for the game against Vitória SC

Sporting Clube de Portugal travel to the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques this Saturday, for an away game against Vitória SC.

In the pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim began by responding to a question about the possibility of Os Leões reaching four consecutive games without conceding in Guimarães -their best run of the season.

"Not conceding goals, and the fact that we usually score, brings us closer to winning. Everything matters, such as how we attack and preparing for transitions. The focus should not be on not conceding goals, but rather on scoring and playing the way we want. We defend well, and most of the time play high up the pitch, and we are very focused", he said.

Amorim also revealed that he had not asked Marcus Edwards, the player signed from Vitória SC in the winter, for information about the opponents.

“I left the scouting to the coaching staff, because we already know Vitória SC well and we've played several times against Pepa's teams, which have their own identity. Of course, players change and the fact that Edwards is on our side now also helps, because he was a very dangerous player whenever we went up against them. There was no special talk with Edwards, because the focus is always on our team. Edwards is still in his adaptation phase and that has been our focus," underlined the coach.

All of the squad are available for the game, making selection tricky for the coach. "It is perhaps one of the most difficult games in terms of picking the side. Obviously, everything becomes a little clearer as the week progresses, but we take into account the last game, the characteristics of Vitória SC and how training has been during the week. There are many players who should be starters, but they won't be,” he stated, before adding that: "Another factor to take into account, and which this year has already been proven, is that we also need to think about how we are going to handle options on the bench. Now we have more solutions and we will field the best team for this game."

Finally, Amorim reaffirmed his confidence in the team for the remainder of the season. "We know that we are at a disadvantage in Liga Portugal, but it is not worth us doing a lot of maths right now. We want to play better and better and win every game that remains. We have to win practically all of them to still have a chance at the title. In the Taça de Portugal, anything can happen, so everyone's focus is on enjoying success, knowing that in the end it may or may not happen. But we have to do our part, play well and get better."

The coach gives a press conference before the home game against GD Estoril Praia

Back to Liga Portugal this weekend, Sporting Clube de Portugal play GD Estoril Praia at the Estádio José Alvalade this Sunday, off the back of a tough defeat in the Champions League at the hands of Manchester City.

Coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference before the league contest.

"We always have the same objective: to win the game. We are going to play against a team that knows what they are doing, who are well organised and who started the season very well. Then there was a 'normalisation,' so to speak, but they have a quality coach and have solutions," he began by saying.

"What we want is to do what we have done very often, which is to come off a Champions League game and realise that the league is very important for us. Our priority is to make that connection."

Sporting CP will be without the suspended Bruno Tabata, João Palhinha, Sebastián Coates and Ricardo Esgaio after the ill-tempered finale to the game against FC Porto, and will be up against a side that hasn't lost for three matchdays.

"We have enough quality players to face GD Estoril Praia. We are going to bring Dário [Essugo] back, for example, and that always opens up space for us to continue with our project, which is very important for us. GD Estoril Praia have always been a team that defend very well, and against us they have switched between a line of five and six at the back. They are strong in transition," he highlighted, adding: "We are sure that it will be a very difficult game, where they will be comfortable, because, in addition to the victory they had, playing at the Estádio José Alvalade takes the pressure off them. Therefore, we have to be very intense and we have the obligation and the need to win, which is our goal."

Asked to comment on the praise that Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, gave to Matheus Nunes, Amorim stressed that the young midfielder must keep his focus on working hard.

"I am pleased that other coaches recognise Matheus' ability, and I think he can become much better. We must also remember that at the beginning of the year, when we lost João Mário who had played in his position all year, there were many people who did not agree with the gamble that we took on Matheus Nunes. You have to look at it as being that at the beginning of the season he wasn't the worst and now he's not the best -you have to maintain your level and concentration to continue like this. It was very clear that he was a great talent, but I think that we still have a lot to work on."

Commenting on the return to training following the Champions League loss, Amorim described the feeling in the camp as 'normal,' given the result. "Today was completely different. It was difficult for us, but it's part of being a team that are used to winning."

On Liga Portugal, where the team drew against the leaders last time out, the coach explained that "obviously it was better to win; there is a 6-point difference and FC Porto don't lose many, but we have to play our games and always believe, because as the season goes on, the games become more difficult. Getting into the Champions League is very important for us, as is not letting those behind us in the table get closer whilst, at the same time, trying to move top.

"Our team is always strong in terms of spirit. We can win any game, even when we have players out, but of course we would be stronger if we had everyone available."

Speaking individually about winter reinforcements Islam Slimani and Marcus Edwards, he concluded that "everyone needs to understand the dynamics of the team well. Even the rhythm of training is different and all the details of a change count, but I'm sure that Edwards will be a great player."

"Slimani has had more opportunities, because the games have required that. They are both ready to help, and it depends on what we need in the game, but there is no rush, because our plan is not only for today, but also for the future."

The coach talks in the run-up to O Clássico against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal plays FC Porto this Friday at the Estádio do Dragão, and coach Rúben Amorim is expecting a different game from the 1-1 draw in the first half of the Liga Portugal season. He spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference to preview O Clássico.

“It will be a somewhat different game. Both teams have improved in some aspects and the players have changed. FC Porto have lost some players, but they are in better form," he explained.

"We're also going to present a slightly different eleven. It will be a different game. The previous meeting was very early on in the season, and now we are six points behind them. That changes the characteristics of the game. We're also going to play away from home, so the circumstances are completely different. We have taken reference of how FC Porto play and what they have been doing. We have done normal preparation for an important game."

"I predict an excellent game and I know that our team are prepared," he told journalists, before confirming that neither Pedro Gonçalves nor Pedro Porro will be available for the game.

“We have solutions and we have already proved this. The other players are prepared to give a good response.”
Sporting CP are currently six points behind league leaders FC Porto, making victory imperative.

“It's an opportunity to take points away from FC Porto, and it's about much more than that as well. This is a direct clash that can make the difference between a gap of nine points or three points. We have to treat this game as a final, like how we faced the game with FC Famalicão. We cannot drop points. Sporting CP fans have sold out our section of the stadium and we will do our part," expressed Amorim.

“It is our obligation to win. A loss would take the gap to nine points, and a draw would keep it at six, but we can't forget that we still have another side behind us. We have to win, as we cannot reduce the advantage that we have over SL Benfica. If we want to fight for the title,  we have to win. Nothing is decided in this game, but I've been on the other side and I know it gets harder later on. The obligation for this club is always to win; we are not obliged not to lose, but rather to win."

The coach said he expected a Sporting CP showing at the Estádio do Dragão similar to what he saw at the Estádio da Luz against Benfica.

“It's our identity. We know that we will be up against an equally aggressive team. It will be a very competitive game. We will have to be very strong mentally, physically and tactically to respond to the requirements of the game, knowing that we have a responsibility to win because we are the ones who are at a disadvantage in the table."

"I can't say it's a beneficial pressure, but this pressure will make us grow, it's part of the players' lives and it's a good thing. Sporting CP are where we should be. We are fighting on all fronts."

The coach urges his side to be aggressive in their first home game of 2022

For the first time in 2022, Sporting Clube de Portugal will play at the Estádio José Alvalade this Saturday, as they host SC Braga on Liga Portugal Matchday 19.

In his pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim began by addressing the opposition - currently fourth in the table with 32 points - recognising that the two games played between the two teams this season served as a reference for their preparation.

"They have a very strong identity. They maintain some characteristics that they already had last year; there is a focus on the formation and the things that change are the individual characteristics. Therefore, we looked a lot at the two games we had against them this season," said the coach of the previous 2-1 wins over SC Braga.

 Sporting CP come into the game in second place with 47 points, and the title race is heating up.

"We have to be at full strength to win the game. I know a lot of players [from SC Braga], and that helps, but obviously it doesn't give us any advantage. We have to be at our best, and very aggressive. We know each other, so I hope that it will be a great game and, even if not, Sporting CP need to win, which is the most important thing," he stated, before tactically analysing SC Braga.

"I've never seen SC Braga playing in low blocks. They choose the right moments to press. Sometimes there will be high pressure, other times they will wait longer for the moment. For example, we will have to pay attention to the depth of [Wanderson] Galeno and Iuri [Medeiros] is different too, so SC Braga will adapt to the game and so will we. Whoever is more inspired, more focused on defending and can better understand the game will win."

Asked about his decision to field Daniel Bragança in Vizela, instead of Matheus Nunes, Amorim explained that his coaching staff "try to use every opportunity to always keep players alert, because it is only this way that it is possible to win games and trophies."

"We are a team who have to work as hard as possible, otherwise we won't win games."

For this Saturday's match, he said that Jovane Cabral will be in the squad, before addressing the punishment that will remove Nuno Santos from the match.

"I made a correction to Nuno Santos and I shouldn't have, because it seems to me that it was used to justify a punishment that never occured. I don't want to go into too much detail, but I was looking at the footage and Nuno Santos threw water [towards the bench] and in the report it says that there was an obscene gesture -but I didn't see any images of it and the player also told me that he didn't. Sporting CP are very good at defending ourselves and our own. It doesn't seem fair to me. Nuno has to learn from these situations and the coach has certainly learned too. Nuno [Santos] will not be in the squad, and there will be another player in."

Regarding possible movements in the transfer market, Amorim said again that "whoever comes in will also be brought in with an eye on the future. I am very happy with the players that I have. They are more than enough to guarantee results until the end of the season. I want to emphasise the quality of my players, and what happens, happens."

The coach's reaction to the 0-2 win over FC Vizela

After the triumph in Vizela, Rúben Amorim said that Sporting CP were worthy winners, and expressed his satisfaction with the attitude that the team showed.

"The first ten minutes were a bit confusing for us. We weren't able to push FC Vizela into their midfield, as we wanted, and we only managed to do so after that. From there, we created chances, went forward more times and scored goals", he said.

"We went into the break with a fair lead, in my opinion. In the second half we had more of the ball, but we could have been more incisive and we should have scored. Even so, I think it was a deserved victory for a team that went back to its identity".

Asked about Pedro Gonçalves' return to goalscoring ways, Amorim reflected that: "I was satisfied, above all, with the way he played -and that the team were more aggressive than in the previous game".

On a set-to at the end of the game between Rapahel Guzzo and Nuno Santos, the coach said that the Sporting CP player "has to keep his cool" when provoked.

"There are some who can handle it better, and others less so", he said, justifying: "There were sendings off - for the coaching staff- that shouldn't have happened, but we have to protect our own and that's what we did".

The coach comments on progress to the Taça de Portugal semifinals

After the Taça de Portugal win over Leça FC, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim expressed his satisfaction with the attitude of his players, who competed professionally against opposition that had already eliminated two top flight teams.

“We knew that we had to take this very, very seriously. We thought that Leça FC would play with a line of five at the back, but they used a line of four. We managed to score and we didn't give the opposition many chances, and they only came close from set pieces -especially in the first half,” he began by saying in his post-match press conference.

“We were better in the first half than in the second, when the players felt some fatigue. We didn't let Leça FC bring the ball out and we scored four goals, but we could have scored more. It was a good game, where the main objective was to win. It's important to have got back to winning ways,” he said, revealing that it was also “very nice to be back on the bench” after having completed a period of isolation.

Amorim then praised Bruno Tabata, who scored a brace in the game.

“Tabata had an excellent game. He played almost like a false nine, and playing inside is where I think his position is. Sometimes that takes away some of the effectiveness of our crosses, because we lack a striker, but his way of playing and his quality fit into this way of moving more loosely and coming to get the ball. He put on an excellent display today."

After revealing that he has no preference as to the teams opponents in the semifinals, which will be either FC Porto or FC Vizela, the coach was also asked about Manuel Ugarte's performance.

“Ugarte has the talent to play both as a no.6 and a no.8. He has been used more as a no.8 in the past, but he adapts very well to both positions. We also have Matheus Nunes and Daniel Bragança in that position. He could play there again, depending on the strategy for each game,” he concluded.

The coach speaks after the 3-2 win over Portimonense

In his post-match press conference following a 3-2 win over Portimonense, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim discussed what was an eleventh league win in a row.

"It was a difficult game, in which we started well, but the two counterattacks by Portimonense SC left us a little uneasy. There was the goal situation. We are a team that is not used to being behind, especially in the second half, but that is the merit of the opposition. After half-time we came back stronger when it was 11 against 11, and the sending-off helped us; we put pressure on and the goals came with calm", he began by telling the media.

He also praised the star of the match, hat trick scorer Paulinho.

"It was his night because he scored three goals. He was decisive. It was a credit to Paulinho and the fans too, as when he wasn't in form they were always supporting him. But this doesn't end here. Now we move on to play CD Santa Clara".

Asked if 2021 was a perfect year, the coach commented that "I think 2022 is going to be the year, the continuation of our work. 2021 was a great year, but we have to do more and do better. We have to go game-by-game, that's how we think".

A game that takes place this Thursday between FC Porto and SL Benfica could change the situation at the top of the league table, and Amorim did not hide the fact that he would rather his club end the year as outright leaders.

"It's good to be in first place. Whatever happens is good, and I don't have a great preference for who wins that game. Many points will still be dropped. But I would like to have more of a lead in the table".

The coach casts his eye over a Wednesday night fixture

In his last pre-match press conference of 2021, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim previewed the Liga Portugal game against Portimonense SC, scheduled for Wednesday at 9pm local time.

"It's going to be a difficult game against Portimonense SC. They are a team who play very well. They have taken more points away than they have at home, they defend well, they're good at set pieces and they have players up front who can create difficulties for the opposition", he told journalists ahead of the Matchday 16 contest.

"The Sporting CP players are prepared. We are used to the system that Portimonense SC play, and prepared for if they show up with three central defenders. Nakajima has been a very important player for them and can create problems, and we focused on that. We are treating the game against Portimonense SC as if it were a final: We have to win the game and play well. It's important to keep the fans behind the team, and they are always there for us. We have to be humble, be strong and have fun in the game".

The Sporting Clube de Portugal boss also revealed what he feels will be the keys to victory: "If we are strong in our buildup, we won't give them any chances or lose the ball in the first phase. I think we'll be able to push Portimonense SC back if we do that, and the team are used to doing that. We have to be strong in one against one situations. We have everything prepared and we are motivated. I think that we will win".

Regarding possible absentees, Amorim revealed that Tiago Tomás will come into the squad, but that any novelties may only be seen against CD Santa Clara next time out.

Asked also about the rotation of players in defensive positions, the coach praised the adaptability of his squad.

"It was important, when we had everyone available, to keep working on things. The players are getting more and more adapted to positions. We also have a goalkeeper, Antonio Adán, who has made some very important saves. But the team in general are defending very well, which is the reflection of a good team and the solidarity between the players. We have defended well as a team". he concluded.

Amorim reacted to the draw for the Taça de Portugal with a brief comment: "Playing against Leça FC will be a tough game. It's a cup game, and I still remember seeing them in the Primeira Liga. We'll be at full strength, very aware of the difficulties we may face, and we want to go through to the next round".

The Sporting CP coach promises a revamped starting XI against Ajax

With a place in the Last 16 of the Champions League already secured, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim admitted in his pre-match press conference that he will use the game against AFC Ajax to field some less frequently used players.

“We are not going to change the way we play, but we are going to play with a few different players," he told the media.

"One of Gonçalo Esteves and Flávio Nazinho will start tomorrow, and João Virgínia will also be in there, because we have a decision to make at the end of the year and we have to watch him play right now,” said the coach.

“Our objective is much bigger than records and consecutive victories. We want to prepare our players for the Round of 16, bring everyone to the same level and give some young players the opportunity to start. We have a long-term project and we make use of every minute available. We know we have to honor the shirt that we wear, but there are certain moments that give us the opportunity to go further with the growth of everyone in our squad," he stressed.

“We are Sporting CP and the pressure on us is the same as always. The result in Alvalade affected us, but that also gave us strength,” he recalled.

“The only way for us to win the competitions we take part in is to prepare everyone and trust in everyone. I think we are going to have a great game tomorrow," he added.

"We have to win and should always be thinking about the future. Players who don't have that many minutes are hungry to play and deserve to play. Sometimes it's easy to say that the group is very united, but that's only because we believe in everyone a lot, and we're giving everyone the opportunity. When I say 'the opportunity,' I'm not taking responsibility away from them. Tomorrow the Sporting CP team will play to win."