Sunday night's big game is previewed by the Sporting CP coach

Sporting Clube de Portugal will travel to fourth placed SC Braga this Sunday, on Matchday 29 of the Liga NOS season. Ahead of the game, in his pre-match press conference, coach Rúben Amorim said that he envisions a tough contest.

"It will be a difficult game against an excellent team, who have experience, who are still in the fight for the title, and who play very well. They have a formation that adapts to how we play, because they use a 4-4-2, but [Wenderson] Galeno is the fifth man in the wing", he explained.

"We know SC Braga well and they know us, so the game could be decided by a detail. We are working on this. We will be prepared: We know SC Braga's quality, but we are also aware of ours and we are going to play for the win".

Despite the importance of the game, Amorim says that it is "not decisive" and holds the same importance as always.

Sporting CP remain Liga NOS leaders with 70 points, four more than the team in second place, and remain undefeated in the competition. Despite their draw at home against Belenenses SAD (2-2) in midweek, their coach is convinced of the way forward.

"We are creating more chances and we have to shoot better on goal, but we are also giving opposing teams fewer opportunities. It is up to me to make sure that we continue on that path. When the results don't come, people have their doubts, but that's part of the game. You have good phases and others that are less good, and we have to face things naturally".

"Last time out, we were losing in the 82nd minute, we scored, we went to get the ball out of the net, tried our best, scored our second and once again ran to the halfway line. That to me is a sign of the team's vitality. They did their best and that is why the players are not responsible for the dropped points. I am very proud of them and we are on the right track," he stressed.

Asked about the side he will pick against SC Braga, Amorim talked about some of his players individually

"Paulinho is doing his job well, and is the best Portuguese striker around. Bruno Tabata will not travel to Braga due to injury, but  Zouhair Feddal is fit and part of the squad, after missing the last two games."

"We already have our starting XI decided, and the team are prepared. Whoever is chosen will be ready to have a great game in Braga."

A hard-fought draw against Belenenses SAD underlined the squad's belief

Rúben Amorim had no doubt that Sporting CP “deserved more” from their Wednesday night match against Belenenses SAD, in which they came back from 0-2 down to draw 2-2.

“It is much easier for me to deal with these moments when the players give everything until the end, and that was what happened. We hadn't managed to score goals, but we believed until the end, which was why the draw was a reward for the team's belief”, said the Sporting CP coach in his post-match press conference, reminding journalists that "We had a lot of shots, compared to just two for Belenenses SAD."

“We had several situations in which we could have scored, and we didn't manage to. We allowed them two shots and conceded two goals, so we always had to go after the result. It should be noted that, on a day in which everything went wrong, we still managed to maintain our unbeaten record”, added Amorim, underlining that “Sporting CP were clearly the better side, so we have to look ahead from now.”

Confident and focused only on the next game, he believes his team are ready for both the game against SC Braga and the remainder of the Liga NOS season.

“We knew it was going to be difficult until the end. Now I am only thinking about SC Braga. The season will be tough until the end; there will be teams dropping points and we have to go game-by-game. We are a difficult team to beat. We can lose points in any game, but we can also win anywhere. This is what football is all about, and we have to be prepared for it."

A record-breaking win was analysed by the Sporting CP coach

Following the final whistle in the 0-1 win over SC Farense, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim answered questions from journalists in the press room at the Estádio São Luís.
The win marked a new record in club history, as they have now gone 27 consecutive matchdays unbeaten in Liga NOS competition.

"It's good, especially at a time in which people are talking about a crisis, to break a club's all-time record. Reaching that milestone and moving past the 26 matchdays the previous team to hold the record achieved is down to the players," said the coach.

As for the game itself, Amorim commented that "We were able to hold up when it was time to struggle. We scored our goal, but we weren't able to kill the game off. We suffered at the end and, as usual, our anxiety grew, but I think it was a fair result. SC Farense had their opportunities and so did we. It was an even game and a good game, but we were worthy winners."

Asked what the "biggest challenge" he will have to face in the near future, Amorim stated "choosing the best XI for the game against Belenenses SAD."

"That is the only objective and there is nothing else on our minds. The focus is on Belenenses SAD and a game that will be, like every match, very difficult. We will give everyone the opportunity to train and show their worth, and we will pick the best players for the task. This is the big challenge for the coaching staff."

Amorim is serving a suspension and was unable to assume his position in the dugout, a situation that he says adds to the tension of the task at hand.

"It makes me more anxious and nervous, because I can't talk to the players," he commented, before explaining the tactical change he made from the game against FC Famalicão.

"We knew that the pitch here is small, and that we were going to have a lot of second balls to win. We wanted more people in the midfield in order to keep the ball. SC Farense left us with an extra player in midfield, instead of just Tiago Tomás, to have this possession.

"At times we enjoyed success. Whenever we managed to get more time on the ball and vary the play, we created danger. We had phases in which, by changing up the midfield, we managed to create the space to play -which was the idea. At times we managed it, and other times we didn't. We won, and that is the most important thing."

Regarding the rather open final minutes, he offered up several possible explanations.

"Here or there, the team showed some inexperience. It's normal, and the players will grow. I don't know if it had to do with us taking off João Mário, who was playing a good game, but the game started to break up. SC Farense also pressed up on us, and anxiety at the end of a game is normal anyway. On Wednesday against Belenenses SAD there will be anxiety once again. We are prepared for that, and that’s what we are working for," he added.

"Whatever the outcome [today], we would be a side capable of beating Belenenses SAD. We are not going to hide that there is an idea in Sportinguistas about the title, as it has been many years since the last time the club won it. The fans have to be able to suffer and think like the team are: Game by game. We only want to beat Belenenses SAD, and then we will see."

A setback against FC Famalicão will not dampen Sporting CP's spirits, believes the coach

Rúben Amorim reacted to the 1-1 draw with FC Famalicão at the Estádio José Alvalade in his post-match press conference on Sunday night, analysing the performance by his side.

"We started the game playing very hastily. Then we settled down, created opportunities and scored our goal. We conceded the equaliser straight afterwards, which took some of the confidence out of the team", said the Sporting CP coach. "We finished the first half well, and in the second half we had several opportunities. We didn't score, however, and we were punished for that", he added.

Amorim would refuse to blame the draw on the officiating by referee Rui Costa and his assistants, despite several penalty appeals being waved away. "We could have won the game. We have a good league here and good things to talk about. We have a league full of artists. We know that and we have to give merit to the players", he remarked, although he admitted that he did not agree with the sending off he received after the final whistle. "It was the lineman who sent me off. I wasn't talking to the referee at the time", he said.

The season is heading into its final stages and Sporting CP remain in the driving seat, although he admits that "it will not be easy for anyone - either Sporting CP or other teams." "We focus on things game by game, and we don't think about the title. We are very confident. We played well against Moreirense FC and we should have won there. Today was more of the same: FC Famalicão had two shots. That's football."

"We have to think about SC Farense now. I have a lot of confidence in my players. Today we had a lot of shots and we didn't score from them. Last week we missed out on scoring by two centimetres. We are ok, we are confident and we knew that this was a possibility."

"This remains Sporting CP's best ever run of results, with a lot of young players in our squad."

Amorim was asked about Pedro Gonçalves' position in the game, and explained that 'Pote' "is a central midfielder," and thus his move from the wing to the middle of the park should not come as a surprise to anyone. "We thought that he would be more effective there and it is clearly his position. He doesn't score as many goals in that role, but he has more fun playing."

As for his decision to bring in Daniel Bragança, Matheus Reis and Eduardo Quaresma for João Palhinha, Zouhair Feddal and Luís Neto, respectively, the coach said: "When he is on a yellow card, it is sometimes not worth risking Palhinha, because he is a very aggressive player. His game came to an end with the first move, and he began to be more tentative. Feddal had a difficult week, and didn't train much, but he's a Lion. We wanted to bring in Matheus, who is faster. We also have to highlight [Eduardo] Quaresma, who is coming back from injury."

"We have a six-point advantage. If we win our next game, we will maintain our position. That is the focus," stated the Sporting CP boss. "We are paying the price in a way for the success we had before, and we have to put that in perspective. Sporting CP are a big club fighting for trophies, but we know where we started out from and where we want to go. We want to win against SC Farense."

The coach feels his side can return to winning ways against FC Famalicão

Sporting Clube de Portugal host FC Famalicão on Sunday, on Matchday 26th of the Liga NOS season. Ahead of the game at the Estádio José Alvalade (8pm local time), coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference in which he commented on the opposition's positive recent form.

"We are starting to get used to welcoming teams in good form. They have been getting good results and having good performances. The coach has had a great impact on the team. They have young players of great quality who just came out of a bad run, and they have built up a lot of confidence. It is up to us to make the game more to our way of playing. We are at home and we want and need to win -which is what we will try to do", he told journalists at the Artur Agostinho Auditorium.

Regarding the possible pressure that comes with playing after Sporting CP's direct title rivals, Amorim played down any concern.

"The important thing, for me, is to play. It doesn't matter whether it is after or before the other teams. With this game, we can reach the important milestone of the club's longest unbeaten streak. We want to win the game. We are having an excellent season and we are still improving. Whether you agree or not, my understanding is that the team are improving. Now we have to win again. Our fate is in our own hands, and that is our focus", he said.

For the coach, Sporting CP have been doing very well in several phases of play, but need to get better at creating opportunities on goal.

"The players are very strict in everything they do. We are a young team and we may not be as sharp as we were before, but the opposing teams have had almost no chances against us. At the beginning of the season, the other teams used to give us more space at the back -and we used that space a lot. Now we don’t have it. Now we control the games very well. We need to improve our creation of opportunities, but the control of the game is there. We dominate the games, and the rest will come with time", continued the coach, who talked about his squad selection for Sunday.

"Nuno Mendes, who was injured in the last match at Moreirense FC, is ready and is part of the squad. Gonçalo Inácio and Bruno Tabata took a couple of knocks and will not be available for the game, but will be back next week."

As for the role of title favourites, Amorim closed by saying that "Sporting CP's squad must keep calm. The responsibility lies with the coach. Sporting CP are doing things the way they need to be. Thus is a very big club, taking its project forward. We have to win our games and we don’t have to worry about anything else", he explained.

The Sporting CP coach felt his side deserved more against Moreirense FC

Following Monday's Liga NOS match against Moreirense FC, Sporting Clube de Portugal coach Rúben Amorim told the media that he believed the 1-1 draw was less than his side deserved.

"We could - and should - have scored a second goal. We even had the ball in the net, but it was disallowed by a question of centimetres. Then at the end, off a cross, the ball was left loose for a Moreirense FC player, who scored a great goal", he explained.

"I think we had a good game. We improved in certain aspects and we dominated possession. Moreirense FC had practically only one chance, when Rafael Martins was left on his own after a deflection off Feddal, but from there we were always in control of the game. We deserved a different result", he added, refuting that Sporting CP took too many risks.

"It's our way of playing. We tried to open the opposition up and create more space. We got that space and enjoyed several opportunities, but we were unable to score. The game lasts until the final whistle, and from one opportunity Moreirense FC got their goal. We even created more chances than in other games, but what happened tonight is what sometimes happens in football: A team get one chance and score."

Amorim also praised Paulinho, who scored his first goal for Sporting CP. "The performance he had today, even before the goal, proves that he is a mature player and that he is prepared for pressure. He knew the weight that being a Sporting CP player carries, and he is a player that we really wanted and that the team needed. A striker lives on goals, but he has the ability to do many other things, such as linking up the attack, defending and helping with set pieces. He will grow with the team and the team will grow with him."

Finally, the coach played down any possible negative effects of the draw and looked confidently to the future. "It is always better to win, but there are nine games to go and that’s our thinking; the players don’t have to worry about anything else. We had a good performance and we deserved to win, but this happens. Many points will be dropped before the end of the season. This game is in the past and now we take on FC Famalicão, who have not been losing lately and are very difficult opponents. There is nothing better than playing opposition like that to provide a response", he concluded.

Rúben Amorim speaks before the game against Moreirense FC

After the two-week international break, Sporting Clube de Portugal returns to Liga NOS action this Monday. They face Moreirense FC in Moreira de Cónegos, and Rúben Amorim is not predicting an easy game - as he explained in his pre-match press conference.

"They will be a bold side. Their coach [Vasco Seabra] likes to play good football; he has players who have been at big clubs in his squad and that helps when facing these games. The game against them at the Estádio José Alvalade saw them create some problems for us, but we were clearly the better side. Moreirense FC are doing very well, but we are also in good form", he told journalists.

Amorim stated that the aim for matchday 25 is "to continue to improve and win the game". "I hope it will be a great game, but even if it isn't, I hope that Sporting CP win", he added.

Os Leões were held to a draw the last time they visited Moreira de Cónegos in Liga NOS, last season, and it began a dip in results. However, their coach played down any effect this might have on his team.

"They are different seasons. Last season, Sporting CP failed to get points against the big sides, whilst this year it's the other way around: we haven't lost yet. We have to look at things both ways. We are more prepared and have a more balanced squad; there is no comparison whatsoever and there is no fear at all."

Sporting CP's position at the top of the Liga NOS table has inevitably attracted interest in their players from other European clubs, but Amorim doesn't fear heads being turned.

"This interest is to the players' credit. I am happy for them, but Sporting CP players are already playing for a big club. There are still many games to be played, and everything can change from one moment to the next. Sporting CP players are aware that what happens today could be different tomorrow. The success of the group makes these players grow, and when a team are doing well all the players must be valued."

Asked about Nuno Mendes in particular, he commented: "Nuno Mendes is not prepared to leave either this year, nor the next, nor the year after that. Maybe five years from now he will be ready to leave Sporting CP (laughing)."

"We want to keep the best players, but the market is a law unto itself. We know that we have to sell, but we are only thinking about getting the win against Moreirense FC. Nuno has a buyout clause and is happy here, so there is no concern. We are calm about that."

Liga NOS' Coach Of The Month prize presented at the Academia Sporting

Sporting CP boss Rúben Amorim joined Sebastián Coates and Antonio Adán in receiving recognition for the club's success in the month of February, as he was named Liga NOS's Coach Of The Month.

"I dedicate this award to my players, to the club and to my coaching staff, as they are the reason for this distinction," said Amorim upon being presented with the award on Thursday.

Sporting CP's 5 wins and 1 draw, as well as 9 goals scored and just 1 conceded, were masterminded by the 36-year-old coach, who -appropriately enough- received 36.60% of the votes.

The coach runs the rule over the game against Vitória SC

Sporting Clube de Portugal are back at home this Saturday to play sixth-placed Vitória SC in Liga NOS action. In his press conference ahead of the match, head coach Rúben Amorim spoke about the opposition, absentees in his side and international callups as a reward for excellent performances.

"Vitória SC are a very good team. They are not in good form, but there are no better games than these, against the big sides, to change that. Our focus has been on the quality that Vitória SC have in their squad," he told journalists.

"They have absences in defence [center backs Abdul Mumin and Easah Suliman], but up front they have players amongst the best in Portugal, who can decide a game. Our objective this week has mainly been to continue to improve our team."

Sporting CP will have absences of their own, with the recent positive COVID-19 tests for Matheus Nunes and Vitorino Antunes meaning they join Sebastián Coates (suspended for five yellow cards) and João Pereira (shown a red card when on the bench against Tondela) on the sidelines.

"It is always bad to have cases of COVID-19; from the beginning we have done everything to avoid them, but there are things that we can't control. When a positive test comes up, we have to be even more rigorous, if possible, and keep testing and protecting the players. On Saturday we will use the players who are available, and we have many of them," added Amorim, who may call on some young talents.

"We have a lot of young players as well, and these situations give us the opportunity to bring them in to train and work with us."

One player who is back available is forward Paulinho, guaranteed the Sporting CP coach: "He is another option, and therefore that is good news for our team. We can play in different ways and Paulinho can offer us other things in terms of the creation of opportunities, more aerial play and more in the area, so he is someone else that can help, making the team stronger."

Sporting CP continue to lead Liga NOS with 61 points, ten more than their nearest rivals, and remain undefeated in the competition. However, Amorim still sees room for improvement.

"The other teams are also well prepared and we have to evolve as a team. We have more time together now, and the squad have already acquired everything we gave them in the first phase, so now we are trying to introduce other nuances. The important thing is to win and to improve the way we play -and our fluidity," he pointed out.

Finally, the coach expressed his satisfaction with the debut of Nuno Mendes and João Palhinha in a Portuguese national team squad list, and also for the first callup for Pedro Porro for Spain.

"It is due to their merits and that of their teammates. They have worked and evolved a lot. Nuno Mendes played some games for the under-23s when in the under-19s side, and now after a year he is a full international. I think [João] Palhinha's callup is because he has different characteristics to all the players in that position for Portugal.

"As for Porro, we gave him confidence and our system helps him, as he is better defensively and has more intensity. Now he is going into a completely different world with the Spain team. He has to take advantage of the moment, but tomorrow there is still a game to be played."

Sporting CP coach reflects on 0-1 victory over CD Tondela

Following a 0--1 win away to CD Tondela, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim revealed his delight at the team's determination to take the three points in the Liga NOS encounter.

"I'm very satisfied with their performance. The danger that CD Tondela gave us was because we lost the ball without much pressure on us. We were looking for a goal from the get-go, whilst CD Tondela put a lot of people behind the ball. We had some good crosses but we couldn't score from them," he said in his post-match press conference.
"We will improve in every aspect. We almost afforded CD Tondela no chances at all. The game had only one team in it."

"What I didn't like about the game against CD Santa Clara was that we let the game run away from us. Not today. We didn't let CD Tondela have the ball, and whenever we lost it we were able to react. We have a lot to improve, but I am much more satisfied today than against CD Santa Clara," he assured.

"Tiago Tomás did a great job. He missed one or two chances and then scored his goal. He deserved it, the team deserved it and I think that the remaining games will all be like this," he told journalists at the Estádio João Cardoso.

"In the second half, we tried not to fall into the trap of getting anxious about searching for the ball. We have a lot to improve, but we do a lot of things well already. CD Tondela were on a run of five straight wins here. here. It's always difficult, but we ended up winning," he continued.

The coach also revealed that he "expected a game like this" and highlighted the difficulty of winning in Tondela.

"We saw a better CD Tondela compared to what we saw at the Estádio José Alvalade. A goal sometimes unlocks the door, and we are very effective. We weren't able to take advantage of some chances, and there are always things to improve, but we must remember that it is always a difficult place to win at, and Sporting CP won tonight."

Amorim also commented on two players brought up by the media, saying of Gonçalo Inácio that "We will take advantage of his characteristics. He is very fast," and of  Luís Neto that "he is very important to our team. He has had a great season, but he had a problem with COVID-19 and [Gonçalo] Inácio took over his spot."

Finally, the coach made a pledge to supporters.

"We promise a lot of hard work, and we will face the games with the same intensity, knowing that it will get increasingly difficult. We promise a few moments not for the faint-hearted, and some headaches, but we hope that there will be happiness in the end.