The Sporting CP coach responds to a 3-2 win over FC Vizela

After the 3-2 victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal over FC Vizela, Rúben Amorim spoke in a press conference and analysed the game.

"We started well, pushing FC Vizela into their half with our quality. We reached a 2-0 lead and had the game completely under control. We went into the break, Daniel Bragança didn't come back out due to a blow to the head, and we felt his absence. We always looked like we were going to score the third goal, and it looked like a defense-attack drill out there. FC Vizela got an equaliser and you could feel the anxiety. I play with soul and a lot of heart. We were happy in the end. You always have to be prepared. It was a beautiful night, with a great atmosphere, which turned into a problem and I'm afraid I have to pay attention to that aspect," he began by telling journalists.

"There is no justification for the drop in performance in the second half and for the two goals that we conceded, and the match became very strange. We conceded a goal, there wasn't time to settle down and we conceded another. We can't make it easy for the opposition. However, on days like these, when you win, not everything is bad."

Asked about the reactions from the Sporting CP fans, Amorim said that "in the first half, everyone was excited and there were several opportunities. Then, we started the second half badly and we conceded twice. When a team goes from 2-0 to 2-2, the fans are not satisfied. The pressure is always the same. We sold out the stadium and the Sportinguistas are getting behind the team. They simply reacted like supporters of a big club do. What happened today was football and the reaction of fans of a big club."

"We had chances, but we conceded two goals quickly. The substitutions didn't help us. I'm going to sleep a little easier because we won and because one of the substitutes scored a goal," he also stressed.

Responding to a question about Viktor Gyökeres, he said that "he always wants the ball in space and that makes him more dangerous. He gives us more aggression, which makes the team stronger." Then Amorim commented on starting debutant Geny Catamo's performance.

"He sometimes joins the defensive line, but usually acts as a winger. I took him off because he was tired and because I wanted more control of the game. I really liked his performance, he's much more grown up now. It's good that players rotate, even if they don't play too much, to gain maturity. We will improve him even more."

Finally, the coach set out his expectations for 2023/24: "I feel that we can be champions and that we will fight for the title, but it's all a box of surprises. I feel that the squad is stronger now. Despite there being some inexperience, the kids are very hungry. We are more complete in terms of forwards and we need an experienced midfielder to help us in these games that become difficult."

Sporting CP strike in the 99th minute to beat FC Vizela 3-2

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat FC Vizela by 3-2 in thrilling fashion in their first match of the 2023/24 Liga Portugal season. Debutant Viktor Gyökeres scored twice and Paulinho grabbed a stoppage time winner to give the team the three points.

Gyökeres was playing his first official game and Geny Catamo made his starting XI debut, whilst Daniel Bragança was playing for the first time since May 2022 - coming back from a long term injury.

After receiving the award for the best pitch in Liga Portugal in 2022/23, Sporting CP got the contest underway. They could have opened the scoring after just four minutes, when Pedro Gonçalves took a free-kick and Sebastián Coates, with a header, forced goalkeeper Fabijan Buntić into an excellent intervention.

Shortly afterwards, Gonçalves was unable to reach Gyökeres's ball by a matter of centimetres, then later it was Hidemasa Morita's turn to try to set up Ousmane Diomande without success. The pressure from Sporting CP was very high and FC Vizela were unable to bring the ball out well.

The feeling was that it was only a matter of time before Sporting CP scored, and they got the goal in the 14th minute: Matheus Reis crossed into the heart of the area and Gyökeres took the ball off a deflection, taking on the defence and firing the ball into the net.

In the very next minute, the Swede took advantage of a mistake by the opposition to steal the ball, sell an opponent a dummy and shoot with his right foot to make it 2-0.

The two goals calmed the pace of the match, even though it was Sporting CP that continued to control proceedings. More goals could have followed, such as from the 27th-minute counterattack in which Gonçalves struck into a defender and from Gyökeres' header which Fabijan Buntić saved.

The first attempt by FC Vizela of any danger came in the 42nd minute, when Tomás Silva - a Liga Portugal winner for Sporting CP in 2020/21 - set up fellow former Leão Nuno Moreira, and he missed the target. In response, Gonçalves found Gyökeres and he crossed to Bragança, who shot over the crossbar.

For FC Vizela, shots by Kiko Bondoso and Samu went wide and were saved by Antonio Adán, respectively, before the halftime whistle.

During the interval, Sporting CP Women players Alicia Correia, Ana Borges, Ana Capeta, Diana Silva, Fátima Pinto and Joana Martins, who participated in Portugal's historic campaign in the Women's World Cup, as well as Olivia Smith, who also participated representing Canada, were welcomed onto the pitch.

For the second half, Marcus Edwards replaced Bragança, whilst in the 55th minute coach Rúben Amorim made another change to bring on Ricardo Esgaio in place of Geny Catamo.

Gonçalves had two chances before the hour, missing the target on the first and being denied by a good save from Buntić the second time around. At the other end, Diogo Nascimento shot from distance and Adán covered.

In the 64th minute, Afonso Moreira came on to make his debut for the first team, joined by Paulinho as Matheus Reis and Francisco Trincão went off.

It was FC Vizela who reduced their deficit in the 75th minute, when a mistake by Adán allowed Samuel Essende to make it 2-1.

They did not stop there and, two minutes later, they leveled after a cross by Tomás Silva found Nuno Moreira to turn it into the net.

After many minutes of indecision and frustration, the winning goal arrived. In the ninth minute of stoppage time, a high ball went into the FC Vizela area, Gyökeres headed on, Coates got a touch and Paulinho took the chance to score.

The late goal earned Sporting CP a winning start to the Liga Portugal campaign, and their first three points in 2023/24. Next up is a visit Casa Pia AC on Friday, August 18th.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Ousmane Diomande, Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo (Ricardo Esgaio, 55'), Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança (Marcus Edwards, 46'), Matheus Reis (Afonso Moreira, 64', Luís Neto, 90+10'), Francisco Trincão (Paulinho, 64'), Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres.

The coach previews the game against FC Vizela

Sporting Clube de Portugal open their Liga Portugal campaign on Saturday, with the visit of FC Vizela to the Estádio José Alvalade. Speaking ahead of the game, coach Rúben Amorim talked about the preparations and expectations for the match and the season.

“The preseason was as it should be: Well planned, with many young players who asserted themselves and won their place in the squad. We grew. We have lost some players, but the base remained the same and that helps us to take steps forward in what we are doing. We won friendlies, but that's not worth anything. The objective is to beat FC Vizela and fight for all the trophies in Portugal. It was a good preseason with success in terms of the club's DNA, which is bringing through academy players,” he said in the press conference for the match.

“The team look very well, confident and ready to start the season. Sporting CP are candidates for the title. The only year I said that we weren't, was a very difficult year. I feel and believe that the team are capable of it. I only have one objective, which is to take things game-by-game,” emphasised the coach.

On the characteristics that new signing Gyokeres can bring to Sporting CP, he noted that the team can play a little differently due to the characteristics of the Swedish international forward.

“Gyokeres is a striker who, in addition to scoring goals, allows our team to have the ability to play a little deeper and to have someone who operates more alone in transitions. We are more complete, and the fact that we are incorporating young players makes it seem to me that we are starting a new three-year cycle. We want to win now, but we are doing the same cycle we had three years ago. There is a lot of hunger in training and that pleases me and will make the team grow a lot."

Amorim praised the ability of sporting director Hugo Viana to transmit the Sporting CP project in the transfer market.

“We are still below 50 percent, between sales and purchases. Last year, Porro left in the middle of the season, Sarabia, Palhinha, Matheus Nunes also departed and there were more changes than this year. Only Ugarte left from the regular starters, which allowed us to plan better. We went looking for young players who already had some experience to join the first team. Many kids came in and will have their spot. We set targets early and we had good sales. We didn't do anything in a hurry, so now it's time to beat FC Vizela. We're on the right track. We know it's going to be a tough year, but having a base will make it easier," he noted.

As for the options for Saturday, Nuno Santos will only be ready next week and St. Juste continues with his recovery plan.

“Nuno Santos is doing better, but he will only start training with the team next week. Next week he will be an option. We're trying to get St. Juste into top shape. We believe in him a lot, and we are doing the best for him. He is world class.”

Asked about the importance of starting the season well, Amorim was even more specific.

“We are aware of the eight points that we had dropped last year by the eighth matchday. We can't lose too many points. We don't have to think about the first four games, but rather think about FC Vizela. We have to lower our average of goals conceded and it's a matter of consistency,” he noted.

Finally, asked which position is the ideal one for Pedro Gonçalves, he answered that: “Pote will vary between midfield and forward; we have more options up front. We can change our way of playing here or there. He cannot be assured f always playing up front, in midfield or playing all the time. It will vary from game to game.”

Sporting CP lose 1-0 to Everton in a preseason friendly

The preparation for Sporting CP's 2023/24 season came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park, in what was the team's final preseason friendly. Os Leões were the better side for much of the match, but failed to finish their chances in front of goal.

They travelled to England without the injured Sebastián Coates, Nuno Santos and Jeremiah St. Juste, and Rúben Amorim fielded a starting XI composed of Antonio Adán, Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo, Daniel Bragança, Hidemasa Morita, Matheus Reis, Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves and new signing Viktor Gyökeres.

On a cold afternoon with some rain falling on Merseyside, Sporting CP took control practically from the start of the match, and it didn't take long before they created danger. On a slick individual move on the right, Geny Catamo played the ball to Gyökeres and he crossed in, but Pedro Gonçalves' shot went just over the top. Soon after, it was Catamo himself who tried his luck, but without success.

The dominance was consistent throughout almost the entirety of the first half, even though the clear goalscoring opportunities were scarce. Everton -also playing their final game before the Premier League gets underway- rarely managed to get close to goal, with Antonio Adán little more than a mere spectator.

In the final 15 minutes, the duel gained more intensity and opportunities emerged. Gonçalves went through on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but shot weakly, and then Gyökeres, with a header in the six yard box, forced the England international into a save. Adán followed up with a stop from a long distance shot at the other end to deny Doucouré.

Unfortunately, a Calvert-Lewin penalty in stoppage time made it 1-0 to Everton before the break.

The only change at halftime was the introduction of Franco Israel in goal, and the first 25 minutes offered little in the way of chances. On 69 minutes, Rúben Amorim brought on Afonso Moreira, Marcus Edwards, Mateus Fernandes and Ricardo Esgaio to shake up the game.

Soon after, Everton FC almost doubled their lead when Amadou Onana hit the post. However, Os Leões were again more daring in their search for an equaliser  and almost managed to find it on two occasions. First, Afonso Moreira worked well in the area and shot very close to the target, and then Gonçalves hit the woodwork.

In the final stretch, Sporting CP had Everton on the ropes. Gonçalves was only denied by a lick of paint on the crossbar, and the home team hung on for victory.

The official start of the 2023/24 season is scheduled for next Saturday, August 12th, with the Sporting CP hosting FC Vizela on the opening day of the Liga Portugal campaign.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [C] [GK] (Franco Israel, 45'), Eduardo Quaresma (Ricardo Esgaio, 69'), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Geny Catamo (Afonso Moreira, 69'), Daniel Bragança (Mateus Fernandes , 69'), Hidemasa Morita, Matheus Reis, Francisco Trincão (Marcus Edwards, 69'), Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres.

Sporting CP train before their friendly with Everton

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to training on Wednesday at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo.

The squad began their preparations for the friendly against Everton FC at Goodison Park, in Liverpool, England, which takes place on Saturday afternoon. Thus far, the team have enjoyed a positive preseason with ever-increasing intensity.

Sporting CP will train again on Thursday morning.

The coach speaks after the win in the Troféu Cinco Violinos

Rúben Amorim was satisfied with his team's showing against Villarreal CF in the Troféu Cinco Violinos, as well as their efforts throughout the preseason. However, as he explained in his post-match interview, his focus is firmly on the start of the Liga Portugal season.

“The team have grown, we have a connection and a good atmosphere amongst ourselves. If we look at today's game, we can see that we had some moments of difficulty, but even so, we felt good, we were able to withstand pressure and we did what the game asked for, until the moment when we got on top of things and decided the contest. This is due to the growth of the team, which has increased maturity and consistency," he began by saying to Sporting TV.

"So far, the summer has been good, but what matters is the game against FC Vizela; that is our focus. Last year we didn't start out with wins, and this year we have to win the opening game."

“We really want to please the fans. I don't like to talk about the past, but our fourth place last season doesn't matter anymore -just like when we were champions it didn't matter the next season. We're going into the first matchday to win and to go straight to the top of the table," he continued.

"Starting the season with a victory is the only thing that interests us and for that we need the fans on our side. Without them, we have no chance, but with them we are candidates to win. I believe that we have the ability to beat every side in Portugal, and that is what we are going to try to do. We know that if the fans are behind us, like last year, for example against SL Benfica and Juventus FC, it will be very difficult for our opponents to beat us."

The coach also spoke of some individual players, in particular Geny Catamo and Eduardo Quaresma, saying that both "gained confidence in all of the training sessions."
“The coach doesn't pick the team. They themselves choose to play and I am here to do my job, which is to make them grow."

Amorim also commented on Viktor Gyökeres' adaptation, saying: “We already knew his characteristics, the adaptation was very quick and the understanding with his teammates has been very good. The season will be very long. He played two games against teams that gave him a lot of space, but he will experience other difficulties in the league. We are working on that."

Os Leões impress with a 3-0 triumph

Sporting Clube de Portugal won their presentation game at the Estádio José Alvalade, beating Villarreal CF 3-0 in the Troféu Cinco Violinos.

Before kickoff, the players were introduced one by one and “O Mundo Sabe Que” was played by five violinists in the centre circle, while the Sportinguistas gathered at the stadium sang along.

Coach Rúben Amorim opted for Antonio Adán, Eduardo Quaresma, Sebastián Coates, Gonçalo Inácio, Ricardo Esgaio, Hidemasa Morita, Pedro Gonçalves, Matheus Reis, Marcus Edwards, Viktor Gyökeres and Francisco Trincão in his starting lineup.

Despite Villarreal CF starting out with more of the ball, Sporting CP grew into the contest quickly, pressing high and creating dangerous moves.

The first chance came from Trincão's run, when he was stopped just outside the area. Gonçalves took over the possession sent a shot just over the goal occupied by Filip Jorgensen.

Viktor Gyökeres, in his first game at Alvalade, forced the Villarreal CF goalkeeper into a great save off an individual move by the Swedish striker, who ran down the right and then placed the ball towards goal. Off the resulting corner, Morita headed wide.

At the other end of the pitch, Villarreal CF, through captain Gerard Moreno, were also giving Adán a hard time, especially in the 24th minute, in which the goalkeeper prevented an opener with an excellent stop.

In response, Sporting CP were close to taking the lead: First when Matheus Reis fired into the side netting, then through Edwards after receiving from Gyökeres.

Villarreal CF had the ball in the net on 34 minutes, through Moreno, but the offside flag was promptly raised and a VAR review confirmed the decision. The striker would also hit the woodwork a few minutes later.

Finally, on the stroke of halftime, Edwards muscled his way past several opposition players and belted the ball with his left foot to make it 1-0 in style.

Gonçalves took a pass from Ricardo Esgaio and only needed a finish, but Aissa Mandi cut out his effort. This was followed by José Luis Morales having a goal for Villarreal CF ruled out for a clear offside.

For the second half, Amorim and opposition coach Quique Setién had contrasting approaches, with 'The Yellow Submarine' experiencing a series of substitutions and Sporting CP unchanged. Amorim would eventually make adjustments on the hour, taking off Edwards and Esgaio and bringing on Geny Catamo and Paulinho. Both started well, with the former heading wide almost immediately.

In the 64th minute, Amorim decided to freshen things up, introducing Franco Israel, Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Bragança in place of Adán, Coates and Trincão.

High pressure from Sporting CP paid off with the second goal in the 72nd minute. Pedro Gonçalves collected the ball on the edge of the area, rounded two defenders and placed the ball past Pepe Reina.

Not five minutes later, they made it 3-0, this time through Paulinho. Good work by Geny Catamo on the right, a cross into the six yard box and a subtle shot from the striker increased the advantage.

Gyökeres had a pair of shots, and Gonçalves a back-heeled effort, but the Villarreal CF goalkeeper got the upper hand. Paulinho was then denied by the upright, as the Sporting CP pressure continued.

The game ended 3-0 as Os Leões made a statement against Champions League-level opposition. Sporting CP will be back at the Estádio José Alvalade on August 12th, in the first match of the Liga Portugal season against FC Vizela. Before that, there is still one final preseason game, in England, on August 5th against Everton.

The team make their way back to Alcochete

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to work at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo in Alcochete on Friday morning, after a week and a half at their training camp in Lagos.

Rúben Amorim, who ran another demanding training session, continues to prepare his side for the new season, but the focus is currently on the annual Troféu Cinco Violinos presentation game, which will be played on Sunday at 8pm against Spanish side Villarreal CF, at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

The squad will hold another session on Saturday morning.

A 3-0 triumph over the Spanish side is spearheaded by Pedro Gonçalves

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Real Sociedad 3-0 at the Estádio do Algarve in the final friendly of their preseason training camp.

Before the opening whistle, a tribute was made to former Sporting CP and Real Sociedad players Carlos Xavier and Oceano (for professional reasons, Sá Pinto could not be present).

The game was a good test against a side who will play in the Champions League next season. The main interest for Sporting CP was whether Gyokares would play for the first time since signing for the club, and his debut proved that he was strong, fast and instantly on the same wavelength as his teammates. The icing on the cake was the goal that he scored on 20 minutes, after a great move by Sporting CP that started with a ball from Pedro Gonçalves to Ricardo Esgaio, a cross from the right winger and a deflection that was met by Gyokeres in the box to finish.

Sporting CP were playing with three defensive players (Gonçalo Inácio, Coates and Matheus Reis), with the wingers (Esgaio and Nuno Santos) high up the pitch and two central midfielders handling the ball (Morita and Pedro Gonçalves). Marcus Edwards operated on the right side and up front, Gyokeres and Paulinho formed the strike partnership.

Esgaio would come inside on several occasions, and from one of these situations he was perfectly assisted by Pedro Gonçalves to provide a two-goal advantage before half an hour had elapsed.

They would come close to a third goal before the break, as Edwards had a shot in the area intercepted by a Real Sociedad defender, but ended the first half 2-0 to the good.

In the second half, Sporting CP's superiority continued to be well established, and in a great move by Nuno Santos on the left, a shot by Pedro Gonçalves made it 3-0.

A harsh decision by the referee led to Leonado Barroso being sent off, and Real Sociedad tried to use the numerical advantage, but were denied three times by Antonio Adán.

There was no change in the scoreline and Sporting CP's 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad had some magnificent individual and collective lessons to take away. This Sunday they play against Villarreal CF at the Estádio José Alvalade in the Trofeu 5 Violinos.

The countdown to the start of the campaign continues

Sporting Clube de Portugal returned to training on Wednesday morning, preparing for the game against FC Vizela which will mark the first step in the 2023/2024 Liga Portugal season. 

The squad are scheduled for another session at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo on Thursday, under coach Rúben Amorim, behind closed doors.