Sebastián Coates was a largely unknown name for many Sporting fans when arriving at Alvalade this January, but the backing given by fellow Uruguayan and former teammate at Liverpool, Luís Suárez, has certainly rung true: "A player like Sebastián brings lot of quality to a team. I am certain he will be a great signing." Since arriving in the Portuguese capital, Sabastián truly has bossed the Sporting defence in an intimidating double-team with Rúben Semedo.
"All players dream of playing for a club that is fighting for titles, with ambitious objectives, and that made the difference for me", said Coates in an interview with the Sporting website after signing his loan extension, before adding a word on his odd forays forward: "Personally, my role is to defend, but If I can help in attack then I will."
Jorge Jesus' focus on defence has actually taken the Uruguayan by surprise, considering that goals are need to turn in wins. However, the final result can of course be decided by good defending. "The coach worries a lot about how we defend. Of course goals are needed to win, but he really worries about getting us all defending. Not every coach does that and it makes a big difference", said the defensive giant, finishing: "This is a great club with fans who are always pushing the players. I want to do my best for this shirt for us to get the results that we all want."
Alvalade president sits down with the Sporting president ahead of league showdown
You have to go back 42 years for the last time that Sporting and Benfica took the title race down to the last match of the season. It was in 1974, when millions waited for the final whistle. History isn't on Sporting's side, with the league leaders going into the decisive fixture tending to hold out and take the trophy, however Bruno de Carvalho sees things a little differently.
“Going into the last match of the season, we are two points behind first place. Of course it isn't the place we would prefer to be in and of course we would like to be in first. However, we are completely focused and we know anything could happen. That is what makes football such a beautiful game. While it is mathematically possible, anything can happen", commented the Alvalade president in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "What I see is a Sporting team focused on our match and that believes that we can bring home a title that we have been missing for so long now. We will do everything we can to do that."
Sporting's hopes of silverware after the dust settles this weekend does however not just depend on what happens in Estádio Municipal de Braga. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica will host Nacional, with Sporting needing the team from Madeira to at least steal a point.
“Looking at Benfica-Nacional, well from what I have seen and heard it seems like Nacional doesn't count for anything. It seems like Nacional doesn't care. That if what I have felt when listening to commentators associated with Benfica, but honestly I don't believe it", affirmed Carvalho, continuing: "Nacional are a good side and I don't think they want to be the side show for the league title. I know how hard Rui Alves has been working to put Nacional on the map and they are fighting for places further up the league now. Of course Benfica are motivated, because winning gives them the league, but Nacional are motivated as well."
Following the hard-fought victory at home against CD Nacional, Rui Borges looked back on the game in his post-match press conference.
Analysis of the game
"It was a difficult game against a good, well-organised team. CD Nacional employed a good strategy, and we had some difficulties understanding and exploiting the spaces, just like we had in Madeira. They tried to contain us in the first half, and we had to look for options on the flanks and in one-on-one situations. We also lacked inspiration in that aspect, and the players we had on the pitch didn't give us that either.
Despite that, it was a game where they could have made it 1-0 when Edu [Quaresma] slipped, but that was all in the first half, and in the second half they only scored their goal and had one other shot. We created chances, but we didn't have our usual offensive flow, and as the game went on, that ended up creating some anxiety.
Games after we've played in the UEFA Champions League are always difficult, but the ambition, attitude, and belief of the team are there. It's belief until the end, and the fans were very important in that. It was a difficult victory to take, to CD Nacional's credit, but we achieved what we wanted, which was to win."
Nuno Santos' return
"I'm very happy to see him back, we all are. He's an important player in the group, he's one of the captains, everyone recognises his competitiveness and quality. Few could come back the way he did -very few. His resilience is infinite, something which is difficult to explain. He's back on the pitch again, and it will take some time for us to have Nuno back at his best, but I'm happy to see him doing what he loves most."
Morten Hjulmand's absence
"It was our decision, due to a personal problem, to leave him out. He will certainly train tomorrow, he will certainly be a starter on Thursday, so it's not an issue."
Luis Suárez
"We were able to discover him, despite him already being a mature player -which was what we wanted. Because of all his characteristics, we knew he would be an impactful player because of how we play. He is valued, those around him are motivated, confident, and always work the same way. His finishing ability is incredible. He missed an easy goal, then scored two great ones. The skill on the disallowed goal was fantastic. He came to a great team, a title-winning team that help him grow, and he is always looking to do better. He is happy to be at a great club."
Late victories maybe being due to fatigue
"In previous seasons, there were also games where goals were scored in the 90th minute. The game ends when the referee blows the whistle. It's to the team's credit, as their ability has been stupendous, as opposing teams are increasingly defending and organising themselves better. We have to fight against that, despite some constraints: there are always 11 players. With all the constraints – Francisco Trincão and Pote had limited playing time, for example – sometimes it's belief that wins games.
In strategic terms, not having some players makes things very difficult. That's why I give the example of Gonçalo Inácio and Zeno Debast, for instance. Edu [Quaresma] had a great game, even with him having to wear the mask, and Ousmane [Diomande] also had a competent game, but against teams that play with lower blocks, we needed players with the ability to open space and make longer and more assertive passes. We didn't have them."
The fullbacks coming inside
"It's the variability of our gameplan. Sometimes they come inside, sometimes they go out to the wings. It goes back to what I said: within our individual characteristics, we try to adjust and find the best options we have. Geny [Catamo], Maxi [Araújo], Luís Guilherme are strong in one-on-one situations, Maxi and Iván [Fresneda] are very good at getting into space, Iván has a very good eye for attacking the area. We always try to be dynamic, to give variability to the positioning with different players, and to always expose the opposition to different things."
Alisson Santos' possible farewell
"I went to congratulate him on the growth he has shown, on the better decisions he has made to be a 'Sporting CP player'. He is growing, he is a Sporting CP player, he provided another assist today and I went to congratulate him for that."
A sublime Suárez stoppage time backheel provides a deserved 2-1 triumph
Sporting Clube de Portugal used a last-gasp winner to beat CD Nacional 2-1 in Liga Portugal, as Luis Suárez backheeled home in stoppage time to claim all three points.
A stormy series of days in Portugal continued during the Sunday fixture, making it an uncomfortable game at the Estádio José Alvalade.
The contest came just days after the historic win for Sporting CP against Athletic Club in the Champions League, and coach Rui Borges made four changes to the starting XI, bringing in Eduardo Quaresma, Hidemasa Morita, Pedro Gonçalves, and Luís Guilherme.
Before the opening whistle, there was a heartfelt tribute to club legend Fernando Mamede, who received a standing ovation from the 39,984 Sportingistas present.
There were few clear-cut chances early on, with the first solid opportunity coming in the 12th minute and going to the visitors. After a loss of possession in midfield, CD Nacional approached the area and Gabriel Veron aimed towards goal, with Rui Silva already on the ground. Geny Catamo raced in to clear the ball away from close range.
Sporting CP experienced difficulties in linking together passes and overcoming the well-organised CD Nacional back line.Luis Suárez was the first to attempt to break through the blockade: In the 24th minute, the Colombian responded well to meet a cross from Iván Fresneda, but the striker's header went wide of goal.
Half an hour in, following a free kick on the right side of the field, Ousmane Diomande went down in the penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, the officials did not consider the incident to be worthy of a spot kick.
In the 36th minute, João Simões shot straight at goalkeeper Kaique and, moments later, a good combination between Guilherme and Suárez broke down inside the area.
Less than five minutes before halftime, it was Pedro Gonçalves' turn to try, and he gained space in a dangerous spot and tried his luck, needing a save from the visiting goalkeeper.
The best opportunity of the first half, however, was saved for last: In stoppage time, Suárez went through on Kaique and shot, forcing an excellent save.
Sporting CP came back out with renewed energy for the second half, adding more speed to a game in which the weather conditions were considerably worsening.
Maxi Araújo's tame shot was followed up by a sequence of two attempts blocked by the defence, as Sporting CP began to take control.
In the 55th minute, after a foul on Catamo, Araújo's firm hit tested Kaique's attentiveness once more.
Seeking new solutions, Rui Borges brought on Francisco Trincão and new signing Souleymane Faye in the 64th minute.
From their first dangerous attack of the entire second half, CD Nacional launched a swift counter down the left and José Gomes pressured Rui Silva into a good save.
The response was the opening goal of the contest, as Trincão sprinted into the area on the right and shot low. Kaique saved, but Pedro Gonçalves reacted incredibly quickly to turn in the rebound. It was his 10th league goal of the season and his 100th career goal.
However, the joy was short-lived. On 77 minutes, CD Nacional equalised from a move very similar to the Sporting CP goal: Gabriel Veron shot, Rui Silva parried the ball and it fell to Alan Nuñez, who only needed to tap it into the net.
With just over ten minutes remaining, Borges made another double substitution, bringing on Alisson Santos and Giorgi Kochorashvili in place of Gonçalves and Catamo.
Trincão had a good chance to make it 2-1, but the ball got caught up in traffic, whilst on 88 minutes Suárez had a goal disallowed for offside.
Alvalade would celebrate a goal from the Colombian, and it came in stoppage time: In the 96th minute, Eduardo Quaresma recovered the ball in the opponent's half, found Alisson Santos on the left, and the Brazilian crossed for a clever backheel flick by Suárez, taking the score to 2-1 and clinching the three points.
Sporting CP play at home next Thursday at 8:45pm, in a Taça de Portugal quarter-final match against AFS.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Hidemasa Morita, Pedro Gonçalves (Alisson Santos, 80’), Geny Catamo (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 80’), Maxi Araújo, Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande, Luís Guilherme (Souleymane Faye, 64’), João Simões (Francisco Trincão, 64’), Eduardo Quaresma [C], and Luis Suárez.
The coach previews a busy week of action for Sporting CP
Sporting Clube de Portugal host CD Nacional this Sunday at 6pm, on Liga Portugal Matchday 20. In his pre-match press conference, Rui Borges talked about the fixture.
Analysis of CD Nacional
"Tiago Margarido has done a great job for them. For us coaches, and in this case for him, to be in charge of CD Nacional for a hundredth game -he must be the active coach in the league who has been at the same club the longest- it's something to be commended. They are a good team, very strong when making fast attacks and offensive transitions, and Gabriel Veron has added quality to that. Away from home, they have four defeats, but always by the narrowest of margins; they played very well against FC Porto and won in Braga, which clearly shows the quality we will encounter with them. They are a competitive team, strong in the duels, and they commit some fouls that demonstrate the intensity with which they approach games. They are strong on offensive set pieces and in Madeira we conceded a goal from that. After the UEFA Champions League, making a change of mindset is always difficult, but the ambition is there, and the motivation too. I believe we will have a great game against a good team."
Focus on the league after a European Top-8 finish
"I'm in charge of a great group, who know that games after the UEFA Champions League are difficult, due to physical and mental exhaustion. Only a great team can fight against this and maintain the same quality and intensity of play. This is a challenge for us as a team. I believe in the responsibility of the group, who know that we have to win, and that we will give everything to do so against an organised and competitive team, with the help of our fans. Our ambition, will to win and fight for the title will overcome all the difficulties that may exist in the game. I am happy for all the Portuguese teams for their success in Europe. It gives value to our football and our position in the ranking, where we have overtaken the Netherlands. Congratulations to all the teams that managed to qualify. It's good for all of us."
The squad and transfer market
"I want to use my entire squad. If someone has to leave, they will leave, whether it's Alisson [Santos] or someone else. It's a credit to the whole team, which has increased in value because of everything we have done throughout the season -in Europe and domestically-, and for the collective and individual quality we have demonstrated. These supposed departures and arrivals are natural, and I deal with it well. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sporting CP are above any player and any coach. I need everyone and I want everyone available, but when one player is missing, there are others to come in. Alisson is called up for tomorrow, he's a Sporting CP player and, therefore, I won't elaborate much further on that."
Luis Suárez and Pedro Gonçalves risking receiving fifth yellow cards
"They will come into the match without any restrictions. I'm looking at CD Nacional, I want to win the next game and that's what matters to me. They will both play, they are options, they know the responsibility better than anyone and the fact that they have four yellow cards, but it's pointless to think about FC Porto if we don't beat CD Nacional. Then, in Porto, whoever is available will give the best response."
Players unavailable
"Gonçalo Inácio is in the squad for tomorrow. Fotis Ioannidis is still out. We can bring in Souleymane Faye now. Zeno Debast is out; it's not a problem, it's just us managing the injury he had. We don't want him at 70%, we want him at 100%, because we need him in this final stretch of the season."
Different options on the wings
"They are all different. [Souleymane] Faye gives us different things than Alisson, Luís Guilherme and Geny [Catamo]. They are two very promising players that we went after. We believe a lot in the potential of both.
I don't look at a player just in terms of his shot or the goals he scores. We have to look at several things. Alisson, for example, has enormous potential, but it's necessary to understand the context and how much he has to grow. We sign players mainly for our league games, as those are the important ones, and the performance has to be high, especially there. That's our first focus. Of course, we want them to do well in every game, but they all have to improve in some areas. Alisson, in decision-making against low blocks, because he doesn't have as much space, while in the UEFA Champions League he can go one-on-one. Faye plays deeper and goes further up without the ball more than anyone else. They are very dynamic players and, above all, different. This increases the quality we have, plus the team's strategy and strategic options throughout the games."
The most important week of the season
"The team always have an inherent responsibility. It's an important week, like all the others. I understand the question, because access to the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal is at stake; we are in second place in the league and we have that responsibility, but Sporting CP aren't happy with just a cup; we want to fight for everything. We are in these fights and we will do everything to continue. We will play the league leaders away from home, but it's a game like any other. First, we have to beat CD Nacional, so as not to let that gap widen, and then we'll think about AVS, and only then about FC Porto."
After an incredible night in Bilbao, with Sporting Clube de Portugal's first team winning 2-3 away at Athletic Club and qualifying directly for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Pedro Gonçalves talked to the media about the achievement.
In the VIP Hall of the Estádio José Alvalade, accompanied by Morten Hjulmand and João Simões, shortly after returning to Lisbon, he began by mentioning that "the club are making history for Portuguese football. I saw that we've already overtaken the Netherlands in the UEFA ranking, so it's good for everyone".
"This group fights for victory until the last minute. The mentality of the club and the group is to go into every game to win," he stressed.
Regarding his involvement in the Portugal national team and a possible presence at the next World Cup, the Sporting CP player was clear, saying: "It's one of my biggest goals. I've been in previous training camps and in the UEFA Nations League. If I don't have any injuries, I hope to continue to be an option".
About his current form, back after injury, Gonçalves assured that he feels "good".
"You saw yesterday that when I came on I tried to give my best. I try to enjoy every moment on the pitch and have fun".
The coach looks back on the incredible 2-3 triumph against Athletic Club
Following the victory for Sporting Clube de Portugal against Athletic Club, which secured their qualification for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, coach Rui Borges analysed the match in his press conference.
His first reaction
"It's extraordinary to look at the standings and see Sporting CP's name among the big fish who qualified directly. It's a source of pride for the whole club and for our fans, including those at home who suffered a lot with us. The energy we feel from them is very important, and this one is dedicated to them. We achieved a historic and beautiful objective that will be remembered by Sporting CP and the entire country. There are no words to describe the pride we have in the group, the team, and the players."
Analysing the game
"Honestly, we were hindered in the way we expected. I don't agree that it was one of the worst first halves of the season. We had difficulties connecting, we made many mistakes in our passing and we didn't have the right energy. We were slow to make decisions, we lost the ball, and we didn't create many chances deep into their half. We can't concede that second goal like we did in this competition. We can't stop waiting for a foul to be called at this level. In the second half, the introductions of Eduardo Quaresma, Pedro Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita were very important. We corrected one or two things in the build-up and the team realised what they had to do. We improved and grew.
We had personality from beginning to end, but we lacked proactivity with the ball. Athletic were a very intense team and we knew that they would be. They are strong at pressing and we were slow to make decisions. We were somewhat stuck with our decision-making, even without the ball. I don't know if it was because we conceded a goal at the beginning amidst a great atmosphere -one of the best I've ever experienced. We improved simple things in the second half, within our game plan, and the substitutions worked well."
Morita
"He's important because he doesn't hide, he goes at the game and he came in very well. Pote is an extraordinary player and the team are different with him playing. Ousmane Diomande was having a great game and Edu responded in the same way. I'm happy to feel everyone is connected and willing to help the team. That's the great virtue of this team. They feel important, their teammates trust them. Alisson Santos came on and did very well, and he has given us that in these games. He's extraordinary in that sense. He has to grow in other ways, but in the UEFA Champions League he has been extraordinary."
The performance of Portuguese teams in the Champions League
"I'm happy because it helps our country's performance in European competitions. I hope that the teams in the UEFA Europa League also go through. It's important for everyone."
A possible contract renewal
"I'm not thinking about that. I have a contract here, so I'm not worried."
The financial benefit of direct qualification
"What guides me is doing my best for Sporting CP. It was never money that motivated me, but rather the passion I have for football."
Late winning goals
"It's down to the team's ambition, friendship and the respect they have for each other. It was the collective that brought us here and that won today's game. We're a family. Their ambition is enormous, almost infinite. They never tire of winning and they aren't happy when we win and haven't done so well in the game. They aren't satisfied just with winning."
Players who came off the bench
"Pote makes everyone grow, but it wasn't just him. Morita and Edu were important. The entry of those three was important. Morten Hjulmand, Luis Suárez and Francisco Trincão grew throughout the game, but it wasn't just thanks to Pote. The three [who came on] were important."
A 2-3 win against Athletic Club takes the team into the Champions League knockout stage
Sporting Clube de Portugal went straight into the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 thanks to a sensational turnaround against Athletic Club, winning 3-2 in Bilbao on the final matchday of the league phase.
The victory was the club's first ever on Spanish soil, and came thanks to a stoppage time goal from Alisson Santos.
Rui Borges made changes to the starting XI in the Basque country, with Matheus Reis and Luís Guilherme making way for Ousmane Diomande and Daniel Bragança.
Highly motivated after their unexpected victory away to Atalanta BC on the previous matchday of the competition, Athletic Club had their last roll of the dice to avoid elimination.
The home side's attacking attitude resulted in a goal just 3 minutes after the opening whistle, when the ball fell to Oihan Sancet. The striker shot and scored to put Athletic Club in front.
Sancet tried his luck again in the 7th minute, but put his effort off-target. At the other end, Sporting CP finally managed to play out from the back, but Francisco Trincão's final pass didn't quite find Luis Suárez.
Seeking to steady the game, Sporting CP found the necessary formula in the 12th minute: From a corner, Maxi Araújo put the ball into the area and Diomande, who hadn't played club football for over a month, headed in to equalise.
From that moment on, the intensity dipped, with Sporting CP dominating.
Athletic's Sancet shot again, but Diomande blocked the strike to keep things even.
Goal opportunities were scarce, and the 26th minute brought a setback for Sporting CP with an injury to Gonçalo Inácio. Matheus Reis was brought on to replace him, and experienced misfortune shortly after: Gorka Guruzeta took advantage of a lost ball, hit the post and then converted the rebound to make it 2-1.
Athletic Club fullback Yuri Berchiche's header went well wide before halftime, in the only other chance of note.
The first dangerous attack after the break came from the hosts, with Iñigo Ruiz De Galarreta striking from distance off a direct free kick, shooting just outside the post.
In response, also from outside the area, Morten Hjulmand forced Unai Simón into a save.
In the 53rd minute, Rui Borges made a triple substitution, bringing on Pedro Gonçalves, Eduardo Quaresma, and Hidemasa Morita, and taking off Daniel Bragança, João Simões, and Ousmane Diomande.
Chasing the deficit, Sporting CP were more dominant, whilst their opponents relied more on counterattacks. Gradually, greater possession translated into closer attacks on goal. In one instance, after a good move and cross from Maxi Araújo, Geny Catamo mishit the ball and shot over from a good position.
However, in the following minute (62'), Sporting CP managed to make it 2-2. After attacking through the middle, they benefitted from an incomplete clearance by a defender, leaving the ball for Francisco Trincão. He went through on Unai Simón and took the opportunity.
Catamo's dangerous shot forced an excellent save from Unai Simón in the 71st minute, and Luis Suárez had a goal disallowed for offside shortly afterwards.
A penalty decision for a foul on Catamo was , reversed after consulting VAR. Pedro Gonçalves shot wide, and then Sporting CP had to withstand a push upfield from Athletic Club.
Allison Santos had been brought on by Rui Borges, and had a big impact on the result.
After a corner for the home team, Rui Silva intercepted and launched Sporting CP into a counter-attack, which ended with Luis Suárez going one-on-one with Unai Simón. The goalkeeper made the save, but the rebound landed at the feet of Alisson Santos, who managed to control and score the historic goal to make it 2-3 just before the final whistle.
The superb result put Sporting CP directly into the Round of 16 of the competition, the draw for which will take place on February 27th.
Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande (Eduardo Quaresma, 53'), Gonçalo Inácio (Matheus Reis, 26'), Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], João Simões (Hidemasa Morita, 53'), Geny Catamo, Daniel Bragança (Pedro Gonçalves, 53'), Francisco Trincão (Alisson Santos, 87') and Luis Suárez.
The goalkeeper looks ahead to the Champions League tie
Rui Silva previewed the game against Athletic Club in a pre-match press conference in Spain, and reflected on his previous experiences of playing at San Mames.
Previewing the game
"I've had the opportunity to play several times in this stadium, which has an incredible atmosphere. I know the difficulties we will face and I've spoken about it with some of my teammates. We represent a great club, so we are used to this type of atmosphere."
Confidence
"Confidence and motivation are intrinsic to Sporting CP. We had a great game against Paris Saint-Germain and confidence is high, but tomorrow will be a new game and a very important challenge that could put us among the Top 8 in Europe."
Athletic Club
"LaLiga in Spain is very demanding. Athletic Club may not be having the season they want, but they have a lot of quality and excellent players. They highly value the players from the region, and it's a great club. They are very quick in transition and also like to have the ball. We are prepared for this and for the atmosphere we will encounter."
Playing in big games
"I feel very proud. It's great to be able to play in the UEFA Champions League. All players aspire to this and I'm no exception. It's very rewarding to represent this club and play in this competition."
Sporting CP winning in Spain for the first time
"Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to break this tradition. It's not easy to play here, but the focus is on achieving victory. We have to control what depends on us and have a good game in order to win."
The coach talks about Sporting CP's game against Athletic Club
Rui Borges answered journalists' questions at San Mamés ahead of Sporting Clube de Portugal's game against Athletic Club.
Previewing the game
"The past is in the past. I'm very focused on what we can do tomorrow. The group want to do something that will go down in the club's history, which is to finish in the Top 8. Even by winning, we still might not achieve it, but we have to be true to ourselves. We are up against a great team, with a stadium and identity that is very unique. We know all the difficulties ahead and that it will be a tough game, but we will try to do our best and see what happens. If we finish in the Top 8, it would be very good. If not, then it will have been good all the same. Nothing will erase the team's fantastic journey."
Nuno Santos' return to training
"It has a big impact on us. I've spoken several times about Nuno, who makes a daily impression on the group. He's experienced and very important to the group, because of everything he is as a sportsman and as a person. I'm happy to see him in training. He energises everyone and doesn't let anyone switch off. With everything he's won at Sporting CP and his history at the club, he's extremely important. Today, at the beginning of training, it was noticeable. He's a true warrior, there are very few people capable of overcoming what he has overcome. I'm happy to be able to have him available. He adds a lot to the team, and he's an example to follow."
Sporting CP's personality
"We will be a Sporting CP true to ourselves. We will be pressing at certain moments of the game and when we aren't, it's because the opposition have the quality to push us into a medium-low block. We won't stray from our identity and gameplan."
A possible two playoff games
"In terms of the calendar, it would be great not to have to play them. It would be very good to have the team more prepared and capable, and to control any excess workload, but we won't go into the game thinking about that. We will only think about winning and making history."
European ambitions
"The dream is to win tomorrow, I'm not going to stray from that. Dreams will materialise according to what we are able to do along the way. Tomorrow we will face a great team away from home, and if we manage to overcome them we will see what the consequences will be. Finishing in the Top 8 would be extraordinary, but if we don't, it will still be extraordinary -because we face great teams and never lower our level."
Central defenders
"We have to get Ousmane Diomande as fit as possible. Eduardo Quaresma has shown positive signs and it is necessary to highlight his willingness to train and be an option. He is highly motivated to help the team, even when he was injured. Adaptation to the mask he will wear will happen over time, naturally. Regarding Zeno Debast, we thought it best to take care with his condition."
UEFA Champions League points
"The key game was the first one, against FC Kairat, at home. We showed humility. The players know very well the competition we are in and have a lot of ambition in all the competitions we contest."
Preparation for the match
"Athletic Club are very good at transitions, they are very well organised. They activate the press very well and recover a lot of balls in the attacking midfield. They have a medium block at times and have players who make the difference on the counterattack. We prepared more for the collective than for the individuals. Of course, they will leave gaps, just like us."
His journey over the years
"Evolution is part of everything that is happening to us and the daily challenges that force us to grow. The growth must have been good because we arrived at Sporting CP. Just recently Fernando [Morato, a member of the coaching staff] was showing me photos from that year and we were laughing. Back then, nobody would have guessed that today we would be competing in the UEFA Champions League with Sporting CP, at a great stadium and against a great team. Every club we've been at has been important for our growth, and I'm grateful to all of them; the challenge has always been different. We are constantly developing, learning daily from players and staff, from everyone who works at the club. It all started when I was 26 years old and began coaching the youth teams at SC Mirandela."
The key to overcoming Athletic Club
"Understanding the moments that come up in the game and what to do in each one, given the quality of Athletic Club and the atmosphere, will be vital. Considering everything we've been able to achieve in Liga Portugal and the UEFA Champions League, it's natural to say we've been very strong offensively, but we've also been strong defensively. That balance is what we need to have tomorrow against a team that want to win to advance to the playoffs. Athletic Club are very well-coached and have a great manager. Mentally, we have to understand the moments of the game and deal with the atmosphere and Athletic Club's desire to win. They are very strong in transitions, and we have to be careful, even though we like to have the ball.
How he defines himself as a coach and as a person
"I feel like a very simple person and my Casio watch is always there on my wrist. It reminds me of my journey, where I came from and how much it took me to get here. Just because I'm here now doesn't mean I'm going to have a 500 or 1000 euro watch. I'm simple, honest, and direct. I'll always be like that, I can't be any other way. I don't forget those who helped me and I will always be grateful."
