On the eve of the clash between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Portimonense SC, Rúben Amorim, talked to the media in his press conference.

 

"The approach has to be different to that taken last weekend at Estádio do Dragão, where there was a completely different impact. It was a draw away to FC Porto home. I would say it was a stumble, but looking at the context of the game it didn't hurt us that much," reflected the coach, before outlining the ambition for what is to come.

 

“Everyone has their goals and we have a very big one: to win the game and get closer to the title. That's what we're going to do against a team with very good characteristics and who made us suffer a lot to win against them before. We have to be very intelligent, but we have everything thought out," assured Amorim.

 

Portimonense SC are in a delicate situation in 16th and second to last place, and the team coached by Paulo Sérgio have not won in three games.

 

For this match at the Estádio José Alvalade, striker Viktor Gyökeres “is fit and will play”, said Amorim, although he would not confirm whether or not he will be a starter, while Matheus Reis will be back in the options after injury: “He will be called up. He started training with the team later in the week, but are good characteristics for this game and we had one problem or another this week."

 

Sporting CP continue to lead the way with 81 points, five more than SL Benfica, with three games remaining. Furthermore, they are on a run of 18 consecutive matchdays without losing and have won all 15 games played at home in the league.

 

“I feel the team are very well prepared for the game. We aren't thinking about whether we can become champions this week, because we think about what we can control, which is getting two more victories. We can get one this weekend and take a big step forward, but we are prepared for any situation,” he pointed out, before explaining how he has managed the squad’s emotions.

 

“The only time I felt I had to speak was after the game with SL Benfica, otherwise I think the team are calm and know that, whilst there's not long to go, there's still a way to go."

 

"Becoming champions as quickly as possible is the objective, but anything can happen. All the logistics have to be prepared, otherwise there would be confusion. It is being prepared, but that does not mean that anyone here feels like a champion. We are not thinking about the party, we are preparing the game with Portimonense SC,” continued Amorim, without hiding that, in the event of a victory, "on Sunday we will naturally be rooting a little for FC Famalicão against SL Benfica."

 

Regarding the Sportinguista support that has intensified in this final stretch of the season, both at home and away, Rúben Amorim emphasised that the “enthusiasm” has been palpable, but he has felt it “since the first day."

 

“To the fans, I only have words of thanks. The enthusiasm generated since the first day of the season, which is not very normal when the team are coming from a fourth place finish, has been great. I remember on our first trip to Casa Pia AC, we had a full stadium supporting us, and that is much more relevant than now, because we are close to reaching the title."