The coach is expecting a tough challenge against the islanders on Matchday 7

This Friday, Sporting Clube de Portugal face CS Marítimo at home in a 7pm local time kickoff. Their coach, Rúben Amorim, spoke in a pre-match press conference to look ahead to the game, and warned that the side who occupy 11th place in table, will be very different from the one that closed 2020/2021 losing 5-1 to Sporting CP.

"It will be a completely different game. CS Marítimo are very difficult to beat. They drew at Famalicão and drew with FC Porto, they have a coach with good ideas and no responsibility whatsoever. We hope to play better than in that game and win. It doesn't matter if it's 5-1, as winning by one goal is enough, but we want to score as many goals as possible and not concede any," he began by telling reporters.

Despite reminding the press that "for the club, the most important thing is the Liga Portugal title," he denied any players would be rested for the CS Marítimo game with the visit to Borussia Dortmund in mind."

"By guaranteeing a good finish in the league, we guarantee Champions League participation, as well as experience. We won't save players, as the most important game is always the next one. I'm not worried about recovering for Dortmund because our motivation is always high. Those who are the best suited to the game will play," he promised.

Asked about Paulinho, Amorim commented that the striker "has to do what he has been doing."

 "He has been playing very well. Goals give a striker strength, but we are looking for much more than that. He's doing very well and the team have improved a lot. He improves Tiago Tomás every day in training because he helps him. I want him to keep up his performance and be very strong under pressure."

"At a big club, the feeling that sticks with you is that of the last game. What we took away was a victory against GD Estoril Praia, who had not lost before. We were clearly superior and we controlled the game from beginning to end. What we have to do is win the next game, and then we will focus on the next one."

Regarding Manuel Ugarte, the midfielder signed from FC Famalicão in the last transfer window, Amorim stressed that, "he may have to come in at any moment, and he has to prepare for that," whilst "[Daniel] Bragança is very useful and important, he will be a great player and has unique characteristics."

The coach also confirmed the absences of Pedro Gonçalves and Gonçalo Inácio due to injury and addressed the situation with Bruno Tabata: "Tabata plays as a central midfielder, but for a specific position for some games. He grew and played on the wing, but I think he has the talent to play more in the middle."