The coach runs the rule over another meeting with CD Tondela

This Tuesday, Sporting Clube de Portugal host CD Tondela at the Estádio José Alvalade Stadium, in the Round of 16 of the Taça de Portugal. Previewing the match, coach Rúben Amorim began by analysing the differences between this fixture and that played between the two sides in the Taça da Liga, which was won 1-2 by Sporting CP.

“This game will be completely different. The context has changed because at that time we had two possible results. They didn't show everything that they have in that game and now they will play differently. We already knew that we had two decisive games with CD Tondela coming up and, therefore, we had to have different strategies so that the opposition would not be prepared. That’s how we prepared for the game,” said the coach in his press conference, highlighting the desire Sporting CP have to win the competition.

“We really want to be in the final, because it would be special for the players, and to win it. We haven't won this trophy together yet and the Taça de Portugal is a competition in which Sporting CP have tradition, so we have more responsibility. We want to win and continue to play well.”

Amorim was then asked about the possible fielding of winter reinforcement Rafael Pontelo, a central defender who arrived a few days ago, and also Sebastián Coates, who has missed recent games through injury.

“I'm not going to say the starting XI, but they are both called up. Seba is never going to be able to play many minutes, but he will start. Today he trained and felt good, he is ready to play and we need him because of his position, the status he has and the player he is, in addition to the fact that he can help us with set pieces. Some players could play the whole game, but Seba is guaranteed not to,” he assured, before commenting on the fact that the team could have seven games this January.

“We already have some experience in this. We know that there are these moments when we have more games, playing every three days, but it's normal. Obviously we have to plan things in terms of fitness, but it’s a case of looking at it day-by-day,” he considered, opening the door to the use of young players from the second team at this stage of the season.

“[Diogo] Travassos will undergo surgery again, but I can see Afonso Moreira playing for us, as well as Chico Lamba, who is training with us and played for Casa Pia AC last year. A lot depends on luck, but I feel these players are more prepared than Gonçalo Inácio was when he started playing, although the demands are different now. Everything is different at Sporting CP at the moment, which makes it more difficult for the young players. The difficulty of joining a team that want to win trophies is part of the club's growth in terms of quality. The names I mentioned, like Rodrigo Ribeiro, who has already played, are ready to play, but they have great players ahead of them. But, when necessary, they have to make the move up."

In closing, Amorim confirmed that winning the cup is a personal objective, because although he achieved it as a player, he never repeated the feat as a coach.

“All coaches are very competitive and there is this flaw that we have. We got to a semifinal and were eliminated by FC Porto. The club really want to win it and the coach also really wants to win the Taça de Portugal with Sporting CP. It’s one of the big objectives for the season.”