Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.
"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."
Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."
Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown
You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.
“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."
Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.
“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."
A Geny Catamo goal earns a 1-0 home win against SL Benfica
Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to the top of the Liga Portugal table with a 1-0 win over SL Benfica 1-0 on Matchday 16. Geny Catamo scored the only goal of the game, half an hour into the contest.
Rui Borges' first game in charge of Sporting CP saw a change in the lineup, with the return of Hidemasa Morita, who hadn't played since the beginning of the month.
Sporting CP started with Franco Israel in goal, Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande and Jeremiah. St Juste in the defensive trio, Geny Catamo on the right wing and Matheus Reis on the left, with the attack made up of Francisco Trincão, Viktor Gyökeres and Geovany Quenda.
In the first five minutes, Sporting CP twice sent the ball into the side netting, courtesy of Ousmane Diomande from a free kick and Catamo from open play.
Aktürkoglu had an effort on target for SL Benfica, but Franco Israel held it with ease.
At th other end,Trincão had a shot saved by Trubin, then put in a cross for Quenda to meet unmarked at the back post. The goalkeeper had to react quickly to make his second stop.
Israel also made a super save as Kökçü tested him off a free kick that he met on the drop.
The only goal of the game arrived in the 29th minute. Viktor Gyökeres broke away from marker Tiago Araújo and, close to the line, passed low to the far post, where Catamo appeared to convert the chance and make it 1-0,
Trincão and Gyökeres keptTrubin busy before the interval, but the game went into halftime with a single-goal advantage.
It was SL Benfica who approached the restart strongest, and threatened an equaliser -only denied by Franco Israel.
After 70 minutes, coach Rui Borges then made three substitutions, bringing on Maxi Araújo, João Simões and Iván Fresneda for Geovany Quenda, Hidemasa Morita and Eduardo Quaresma. Shortly afterwards, he introduced Conrad Harder for Francisco Trincão.
SL Benfica had more of the ball and were more dangerous, as Sporting CP lacked quality in the final third. However, they came close to doubling their lead in the 85th minute: A quick move saw Catamo stride through the middle, with Araújo and Gyökeres on each side waiting for the ball, but the winger decided to shoot and had his strike blocked by Tiago Araújo.
Next, Gyökeres again rushed away from Tomás Araújo, but Trubin prevented the Swedish striker's shot from going in.
The score remained 1-0 and Sporting CP won the derby, moving them joint top with FC Porto in the table. They start 2025 with a game on Friday, January 3rd, at Vitória SC.
The coach reflects on the win in his debut against SL Benfica
Rui Borges expressed his happiness with Sporting CP's derby win over SL Benfica in his first post-match press conference, as he reflected on the victory.
“I didn’t perform a miracle; this is all down to the players. We just tried to make them believe the few things we talked about, with few changes -nothing extraordinary- and they believed. We knew that the team would be far from what we want, but we knew they would give a very good response. We had a great first half, in which we could have scored more goals, and the second half was true to what I said about inspiration and attitude," he explained.
"The first half was inspiration and attitude and the second was more attitude than inspiration, but that's part of the game. The team fell off a little physically, but they held on as a team. Their spirit was important, and I had asked this of the team -that when we weren't so good on the ball, they should draw on the energy from the outside. That energy was fantastic during the 96 minutes and we were fair winners."
“It's still only three very good points” for Sporting CP. “The players focused, above all, on what we had to do to win, and they did it very well. Being top of the table is a consequence of the victory and now it's time to keep working, because on Friday we have a very difficult game away at Vitória SC," he continued by saying.
"Today the players can celebrate and they have the right to. Tomorrow we all have to think about the game against Vitória SC, which will be as difficult a game as today's match”.
"My teams have had quality and been very competitive and we're not going to run away from that. These are the club's demands. Sporting CP has its own soul, and we have to have this attitude from start to finish in every game. If so, regardless of everything, the fans will stick with us until the end. Today they were very important for us. I want the energy to be like this until the end, both from the players and the fans. Because, if it is like this, we will be very happy. I have no doubt about that.”
The new coach previews the derby against SL Benfica
This Sunday, at 8:30 pm, Sporting Clube host SL Benfica in a Liga Portugal derby with plenty at stake. The top two sides come face to face, and are separated by just a single point. It will also be a first game in charge for Sporting CP coach Rui Borges, who spoke in a press conference on Saturday.
“I don’t look at the ifs, I just focus on what I can control -and my focus is on winning. I know it will be a difficult game, a big game, and we want to win. If we win, the consequence is that we will be top of the table, and that is the best we can be. Therefore, the players also just need to focus on winning and not thinking about the 'ifs,'" said the coach.
"We have worked together for 72 hours, so obviously I'm not going to get here and perform magic, and the team will be far from what we want, but the attitude has to be there. Attitude and competitiveness will make the difference throughout the game.”
“There are no favourites. It will be a good game. SL Benfica are doing well and are in first place, but we are also doing well. The team are aware of what we can give and what winning means. So, more than focusing on first place, we have to focus on what we can do, how we can be better. If we are the better side, we will win and return to first place," he highlighted.
“It's a Clássico. They are different games, very competitive, and we are playing at home in front of our fans. It will be a very competitive game and, more than the quality, I think the competitive side will make the game better or less good -but what we want most is to win. I'm very focused on that."
As for Sporting CP's approach for Sunday's match, the coach did not reveal how his side will line up.
“I've played in several systems and the formation is just the starting point. The rest is dynamics, individual quality and characteristics. We're always trying to see how we can get the best out of each other and how we can be better than our opponents. Therefore, more than the way of playing, now it's about making the players believe," he explained, saying that he did not use the style played against SL Benfica as coach of Vitória SC as a basis for his plan.
“The teams are different, the players are different and they provide different things. So I just focused on what they can give tomorrow within my gameplan.”
Sporting CP will still be without several of the players who have been absent in recent weeks, but there will be a possible return for Hidemasa Morita.
“He is a wonderful player, with above-average intelligence and very good decision making. He impressed me playing against him, and working with him is different, you see other things. I was impressed with him, but with others too," revealed Borges, who also talked about striker Viktor Gyökeres.
“He will get back to scoring goals. He's a different player, he can give a lot to the team, he knows that and his teammates know that, but he doesn't play alone, so we need everyone connected to raise his and everyone else's performance.”
“We cannot give too much importance to the less positive phase of the season we've had, especially because Sporting CP are still in every competition. Sporting CP are candidates for the title and will fight until the end to become champions again.”
Borges commented that “I have taken on a group willing to train, compete, play and win, completely in line with what we wanted to convey. They seem motivated, willing to learn and able to listen. They have already demonstrated all their quality and will continue to show it, I have no doubt about that. I understand the psychological side, but I don't see the players as being down. They are doing well and are calm."
“As for starting with a derby, I immediately said that I wanted to come here as soon as possible. It may be more difficult due to the short time we have had, but that doesn't stop me from having huge ambition to win and the confidence that it will work,” he concluded.
New Sporting CP coach Rui Borges took charge of his first training session on Thursday, as he began to prepare his squad for the game against SL Benfica.
Young talents Eduardo Felícissimo, Henrique Arreiol, Mauro Couto and Miguel Alves were amongst those called up by Borges, who will have further sessions on Friday and Saturday before the Sunday game at the Estádio José Alvalade.
"The future will be bright," says new man in charge at Os Leões
Sporting Clube de Portugal presented Rui Borges as new coach of the first team, on a contract through to 2026.
At the Estádio José Alvalade, Borges - who joins from Vitória SC - was accompanied by Frederico Varandas, president of the Board of Directors, other members of the Board of Directors and other members of the coaching staff, for his official presentation.
Varandas was the first to speak, and began by dedicating a few words to outgoing coach João Pereira.
"João Pereira came in at a time when everyone knew there was an extremely tough challenge ahead. Unfortunately, we came to the conclusion that it was not working out. We knew the difficulties and the brutal emotional shock caused by Rúben Amorim's departure. There was also a wave of injuries, the likes of which I have never had before as president of this club, and unfortunate refereeing calls that went against us," he began by saying.
"The only thing I regret was not being able to help João Pereira more. We wish João all the best and have no doubt that he will succeed due to the qualities, skills and character he has. When I sat down with João Pereira to negotiate his termination , he didn't even want a cent as a payoff."
"Rui Borges' appointment marks a new chapter, looking to the future. He is a coach that we have had on our radar for over a year, who has progressed throughout his career. He started at a modest club, in SC Mirandela, and has moved to increasingly demanding clubs, always with his same style and leadership. Sporting CP are alive on all fronts, fighting for all the trophies available, and will continue to fight."
It was then Rui Borges' turn to speak, and he thanked Varandas "for his words, for his confidence and for his courage in seeing this coaching group as capable of leading Sporting CP."
"It makes us proud and happy. Thank you, too, to Vitória SC for everything they did and for believing in us. Everyone was important in our journey so we could fulfill our dream of getting here," he added.
The coach assured that he was "very happy, proud and honoured."
"I don't have many words to describe the feeling in the last few days. I'm happy and looking forward to getting to work. I have enormous confidence. The future will be bright. I don't see the current moment as being 'delicate;' the team are in every competition. I'm very happy to represent the Portuguese champions, it's a dream come true. Now that we're here, we want to work. What I promise is that: Hard work," he assured.
Regarding objectives for the remainder of the campaign, Borges explained that he wanted to "add trophies to Sporting CP's history, as well as giving joy to the fans. That's our focus. I'm happy with the players we have. We are going to be competent and competitive with them. For me, they are the best. At this great club, the demand is for victories and trophies. That's what we are here for, to fight for that. Things may not always work out, but there can be no lack of attitude," he stated
The 43 year old coach had been in charge of Vitória SC since the beginning of the season, finishing the league stage of the UEFA Conference League in second place, with four wins and two draws. In Liga Portugal, they are in sixth place.
Before Vitória SC, Borges coached SC Mirandela, Académico de Viseu FC, A. Académica de Coimbra, CD Nacional, UD Vilafranquense, CD Mafra and Moreirense FC, whilst his playing career saw him turn out for several clubs in the north of the country.
The coach reflects on the 0-o draw with Gil Vicente FC
At the end of the draw between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Gil Vicente FC, coach João Pereira spoke at the press conference to review the game.
"Unlike in past games, we didn't have a very strong start, and it was difficult for us to create opportunities in the first half. We had a lot of possession and absolute control of the game, but we didn't create chances. In the second half, we adjusted our pressing and Gil Vicente FC couldn't play. We created more opportunities, but we lacked the final detail: The last pass, the last shot. We had a very good game defensively and were very consistent, but we have to score goals," he began by telling journalists.
"Sporting CP once again controlled the game, as we have done in every case. If we had scored, the game would have changed. We continue to improve, especially defensively, but we have to create even more. There isn't much time to work on this, but I'm here to find solutions," he said.
According to Pereira, this result "doesn't affect anything" in the preparation for 'O Clássico' against SL Benfica.
"That's a game that we want to win and that we're going to go into it looking for victory," he stated.
"I think that the Christmas period will be good for the players, who will spend time with their families. They have experienced a lot in the last month and a half, and they have been warriors. They try to react and win in every game. We cannot forget that we played for 120 minutes just a few days ago. There came a moment when we noticed that the freshness was not the same," he added.
Finally, Pereira spoke about the fans.
"I understand their protests. I understand the fans. They supported us throughout the game and in the end they are free to say what they want. They did their job for 90 minutes and we were unable to repay them with victory. We have to own the moment."
Sporting CP are held to a 0-0 stalemate by Gil Vicente FC
Sporting Clube de Portugal drew 0-0 away to Gil Vicente FC on Liga Portugal Matchday 15, in a game in which they were unable to convert their chances in front of goal.
For the contest at the Estádio da Cidade de Barcelos, they took to the field with two changes in the starting lineup, as Ousmane Diomande and Conrad Harder replaced Matheus Reis and Geny Catamo. On the bench were Miguel Alves (18 years old) and Eduardo Felicíssimo (17), looking for their debut for the first team, as well as fellow youngsters Mauro Couto and Henrique Arreiol, who have already played minutes in recent weeks.
Sporting CP created the first opportunity with a great move from Geovany Quenda, as he set up Maxi Araújo with a great pass. The Uruguayan crossed for Viktor Gyökeres, whose header was blocked by defender Mory Gbane.
Gil Vicente FC missed the target off a chance for Josué Sá, but it was Sporting CP who were firmly on top and, in the 18th minute, Gyökeres shot from distance in an effort that whistled past the post. At the other end, Santi García's strike was easily saved by Franco Israel.
Several minutes followed with a battle in the midfield. Sporting CP lacked precision, while Gil Vicente FC favoured careful construction -albeit without turning it into opportunities.
Quenda's cross for Gyökeres to head towards goal ended up with goalkeeper Andrew saving, and the game went into halftime with the score at 0-0.
Matheus Reis came on for Eduardo Quaresma for the second half and Sporting CP started well. Araújo took an early corner kick, Francisco Trincão headed it on and Gyökeres shot, but his attempt went askew. After that, the Swede went through on Andrew, but the goalkeeper won out in the one-on-one.
In the 62nd minute, Quenda threatened off a free kick, but Andrew again saved. Gil Vicente CF withdrew and it was only Sporting CP who looked likely to score.
A perfect cross from Trincão was met by a powerful header from Conrad Harder, but Andrew made another stop to deny him.
In the final quarter of an hour, referee André Narciso gave a penalty for a foul on Zeno Debast, but overturned the decision after consulting VAR. Andrew saved the home team again with two great stops: One from a shot by Geny Catamo and the other by Trincão.
Mauro Couto came on three minutes into stoppage time, and Sporting CP continued to attack, whilst Franco Israel was only required to make a save from Félix Correia. The game ended goalless, and Os Leões now wait until a home derby against SL Benfica in Alvalade to play again.
Sporting CP: Franco Israel [Gk], Eduardo Quaresma (Matheus Reis, 45'), Ousmane Diomande, Zeno Debast, Geovany Quenda (Geny Catamo, 65'), Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões, Maxi Araújo (Mauro Couto, 87'), Francisco Trincão, Conrad Harder and Viktor Gyökeres.
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."
