The coach wants his side to take maximum points against in-form Bayern Munich

As Sporting CP return to UEFA Champions League action against FC Bayern Munich on Tuesday, coach Rui Borges gave his pre-match press conference at the Allianz Arena to preview the game.

The quality and strength of the opposition
“The level of difficulty is immense. Personally, I think we are going to play against the best team in Europe right now. From what we have observed, they must be one of the best teams of the last ten years. Besides having very strong individuals, collectively they are out of the ordinary, which I like and makes it even more difficult. They have a very mobile way of playing, mixed in with all the individual quality. I think the degree of difficulty is enormous against a great team, with great players and a great coach. In the context of what we are and what we expect, we will do our best to try to compete in the game and try to win. That is always our objective. Despite the difficulties, we will also find ways to overcome the opponents.

The absences of Francisco Trincão, Pedro Gonçalves and Geovany Quenda
“They are out and we have to fill their places with other players. We will start with 11 players, like the opponents, and individually we will not deviate from our game plan. Due to the high quality of our opponents, we will set up in a lower, more defensive block more often, and we have to be aware of that. It's not just us; all the teams do that against Bayern - even Arsenal, who handed them their only defeat so far. We don't like doing that so much, but that's football and we have to have that ability, without straying from who we are as a team.

Updates on each of the injured players
“Those who aren’t called up weren’t fit. Trincão was unfit, ‘Pote’ felt some discomfort in training and will not be ready for this game -and possibly the next one, in principle-, and Quenda will also be out for some games. Of course, I wanted to have everyone available and they are important players, we can’t deny that. Quenda is on his best run in terms of numbers, and both Trincão and ‘Pote’ are in their best individual seasons, but we can’t do anything about it. Gonçalo Inácio and Geny Catamo, due to injuries sustained in the game against SL Benfica, are doubtful, as is Vagiannidis, who also suffered a knock a few days ago in training.

Bayern Munich being the favourites
“I’m not going to say the percentage, but clearly we are not favourites to win. We weren’t more so with the whole squad available, especially given the ability that Bayern Munich have demonstrated so far. They have one defeat this season and haven't lost at home yet. It's not a 50/50 game. They are stronger and we have to be aware of that and be humble. Within our capabilities, we have to be effective - especially offensively. We may not have as many opportunities as we like, so we have to be as focused and rigorous as possible when they come.”

Accepting a point
“I wouldn't take a point now. I always want to win. Having been champions with so many youngsters speaks volumes about our ambition. A group isn't made up of just 11 players and I believe in all of them.”

A possible move up the field for Maxi Araújo
“I will always find solutions: we have Maxi, Ricardo Mangas was a winger under me against Vitória SC at the beginning of the season, Blopa… There are players who can play that position.”

Daniel Bragança's return after a prolonged injury
“I am very happy -we all are- to see him back on the pitch. He has traveñled with us, which is important too, but it will still take time for him to reach his best form and gain the confidence to contribute to the team. I believe he's a January 'signing' (laughs).”