Coates on extending his stay in Alvalade

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."

The coach reviews the loss to SL Benfica

After the derby defeat against SL Benfica, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave a press conference to analyse how the match unfolded and its impact on the Liga Portugal table.

Positive conclusions despite the result
“I take as a positive the team's commitment and ambition from the beginning to the end of the game. I think we paid the price for our ambition to win from the first minute to the last. We started very well, SL Benfica were reasonably intense, but then the issue of penalties -our misses, and them scoring and taking the lead- affected the team's morale. We became somewhat anxious, made mistakes in our passing, and gave SL Benfica what they wanted: The chance to counterattack. The only dangerous chance they had in the first half was a good save by Rui from a corner, and Otamendi's header. In the second half, we came out more calmly, looking for a goal, and SL Benfica counterattacked, where they had two dangerous chances.

Belief for the remainder of the season
“It gets more difficult, but we really want to keep fighting and doing our job. We will strive to be happy and fight for what we can still win. If it's still mathematically possible, we'll do what we can. The group have shown that. Despite all the fatigue along the way, nothing erases that. We have to lift our heads up and move on. We have another crucial game on Wednesday to compete for another trophy.”

The impact of UEFA Champions League 
“It was immediately shown that the Champions League didn't affect the team; on the contrary, it motivated us, because of everything we were able to do against a great Arsenal side. Regarding today, our sadness is natural, we have to deal with it, but from tomorrow we have to think about the next game, which determines the possibility of playing in another final. We have to get the team 'switched on' and capable of giving a great response. I have no doubt that we will respond well.”

Results in the 'big' games
“That's football. We have to understand how we lost these games and why. One year we win them, another year we don't win as much against the 'big' clubs, and it's part of the game. If we had won both games against SC Braga, we could be fighting for the title, and SL Benfica would be behind us because they weren't winning against mid-table teams. It's very subjective, so we have to understand why we couldn't win.”

The importance of Suárez's missed penalty in the outcome
“He knows the confidence we have in him and he has given a lot to Sporting CP. It's not a single chance that defines Luis, because the shots that hit the woodwork could also have gone in. Since SL Benfica ended up scoring from a penalty, it affected the team mentally a bit. Luis remained committed to the team and the confidence we have in him is total. That's the cruelty of the game, but he has given a lot to Sporting CP and will continue to do so.”

The decisive details in the final minutes
“Today we weren't happy with the draw, the team really wanted to win and that was demonstrated on the pitch. In terms of energy, I noticed that SL Benfica became fresher by changing their three forwards, but I don't think it was really that. We wanted to win. Perhaps we were too exposed at times and we paid for it. That's the cruelty of the game. I said that exhaustion wouldn't be an excuse, and it isn't, because the team gave a fantastic response. I repeat, I'm proud of everything the players were capable of today. They had a good game, we didn't deserve the defeat, but that's football.

A late goal denies the team a point against SL Benfica

Sporting CP lost 1-2 to SL Benfica on Matchday 30 of the Liga Portugal season, conceding in stoppage time when on course for a share of the points. Hidemasa Morita scored the goal for Os Leões.

Up against an SL Benfica still unbeaten in the league, coach Rui Borges opted for exactly the same starting XI he had fielded in midweek against Arsenal in the Champions League: Rui Silva started in goal; Eduardo Quaresma, Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio and Maxi Araújo in defence, Morten Hjulmand and Hidemasa Morita in midfield; and with Geny Catamo, Pedro Gonçalves, Francisco Trincão and Luis Suárez occupying the final third.

Trincão and Daniel Bragança were both honoured on the pitch before the game for reaching milestones of 200 and 150 games, respectively, for Sporting CP.

The contest began with Sporting CP dominating possession, and in the first five minutes they already had three opportunities to score: Two shots from Geny Catamo, including one saved by Anatoliy Trubin that bounced off the post twice, and Pedro Gonçalves striking into the side netting on the rebound.

SL Benfica’s response was also quick and came from a corner, but Rui Silva flew across to keep out Nicolás Otamendi’s header. From another corner, after a poorly distributed clearance by Trubin, 'Pote' came close to taking advantage, but hit his effort wide.

A great chance to take the lead went Sporting CP’s way on the quarter-hour, when Trincão was fouled in the area and a penalty was awarded. However, Luis Suárez's spot kick was saved by Trubin.

SL Benfica were the more effective from 12 yards, as when they were given a penalty of their own in the 27th minute  for a handball by Morita, Andreas Schjelderup shot hard down the middle to make it 0-1.

Sporting CP tried to react immediately, but repeatedly ran into Benfica's numerous defensive players, and had their play broken up by the numerous stoppages that the derby experienced until halftime.

Just before the interval, Benfica had a counterattack through a solo run by Franjo Ivanović, which Inácio dealt with masterfully.

Right at the start of the second half, Gonçalves cut inside from the left and hit the post with a low shot. Later, Catamo shot wide and 'Pote', once again in a good position, also put an effort off target.

However, with Sporting CP chasing an equaliser with more risk-taking, the game became more dangerous for SL Benfica's transitions, and two of them, both finished by Schjelderup, sent serious warnings. Rui Silva made a save from the first, while the second went just wide.

At the other end, a cross-shot from Morita saw Sporting CP come close.

Georgios Vagiannidis and Zeno Debast came on for Quaresma and Diomande, followed by the introduction of Geovany Quenda.

Rushing down the right, minutes later, Debast crossed perfectly for Morita to head into the back of the net, with Trubin rooted to the spot. Sporting CP were back level at 1-1.

The goal was followed immediately by a similar attack, but this time the Ukrainian goalkeeper blocked a long-range shot from Geny.

SL Benfica freshened things up with four substitutions at once, and managed to curb Sporting CP's momentum and possession more. Furthermore, Leandro Barreiro had a chance that he put over when unmarked at the far post.

Rui Borges responded by bringing on Bragança and Rafael Nel, replacing Morita and Geny for a final push in the derby and the title race.

Unfortunately, Sporting CP experienced two twists in the tale late on. Bragança tried his luck from outside the area and the ball whistled wide, then Rafael Nel broke free, feinted past Trubin and found the net, but was slightly offside. After the disallowed goal, Rafa entered the Sporting CP area and finished past Rui Silva, closing the score out at 1-2.

Sporting CP tried everything in search of an equaliser, but Inácio had his promising chance blocked and Trincão's final curling effort missed the target.

With the 1-2 defeat, Sporting CP drop to third in the Liga Portugal table, overtaken by SL Benfica.

Now the team shift their focus to the Taça de Portugal semi-final. Holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Alvalade (1-0), Sporting CP go to the Estádio do Dragão on Wednesday for the rematch against FC Porto.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Eduardo Quaresma (Georgios Vagiannidis, 60’), Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 60’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Daniel Bragança, 88’), Geny Catamo (Rafael Nel, 88’), Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 68’), Francisco Trincão, Luis Suárez.

The coach previews the derby against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal host SL Benfica on Sunday on Liga Portugal Matchday 30, and before the game at the Estádio José Alvalade coach Rui Borges previewed the contest.
 
What he expects from SL Benfica
"I believe SL Benfica will be strong, with them wanting and needing to win, whether because they want to be champions or take second place. SL Benfica have had a good season and they have a good dynamic. They are a very intense team, the side that recover the most balls high up the pitch. They have the ability to press and win duels, and they are very competitive. They have a lot of dynamic movement on the wings, a lot of one-on-ones, many crosses and headed goals. All this defines the quality of SL Benfica and we expect a difficult game against them. It’s a derby between two great teams and I hope, above all, it’s a good game."

The importance of the game
"It's important for our objective. SL Benfica are a great side who are still fighting for the same goal as us. They will present us with difficulties, but we are only focused on winning. At times we won't be able to be the Sporting CP we like to be, but I believe we will be a strong Sporting CP side with great ambition and courage. The strength provided by the fans will be extremely important, even to prevent fatigue from affecting the players' minds. The team are motivated, really want to win and are focused on the objective and what we have to do for it. We have to win. We will do everything we can to achieve it."

Refereeing
"I expect a good game from a great referee who will be working at the World Cup, which demonstrates his quality. I hope he is up to the task of the derby, and of the other teams."

Morten Hjulmand's statements
"He spoke in English and everyone in England understood what he meant. In Portugal, we have to try to translate better. He only referred to Arsenal."

Objectives
"Our aim is to win, and that's all we're thinking about, especially in the fight for our goals. We understand that we're not in first place; we're second. We need and really want the three points to stay in the title race until the end, because I think it's possible."

Points being lost after leading games
"We need to be more objective and understand how we drew those games. In the two games against SC Braga, for example, we conceded penalties after the 90 minutes were up. There are things we can't control. We play against good teams and we're subject to that, but none of that detracts from the great season we're having. Whoever is in first place is having an extraordinary campaign and we have to give credit to whoever is ahead of us, but whoever is chasing will do everything to get to the top."

Belief in winning the title
"The players believe a lot and have demonstrated that. We won't always win games 3-0 or 4-1; we'll win some 1-0 and it's better to win like that than not to win. The team showed enormous character in Amadora, where we achieved a difficult victory that further validates our work. Everything we were able to do against Arsenal has to motivate us to be at the same level in domestic competitions. If we managed to do it in Europe, we have to handle it in the league, and we have been doing that, even though there are games where we haven’t always had the same freshness or intensity. In the final stretch, everything becomes a big weight on our shoulders, but as long as the ambition and energy are there, as they have been in all the games, for me things are closer to going well."

Players in doubt for the game
"Iván Fresneda and João Simões are doubts for tomorrow. (...) Nuno Santos is still out, as are Fotis Ioannidis and Luís Guilherme. I don't know if they will be available for the next game, but they are already working on the pitch already."

A possible contract renewal
"I don't focus too much on that. I don't need any vote of confidence, and what motivates me is the day-to-day work at the training ground. From day one, the confidence and energy there has been very important and define our work well. I'm very calm in that sense, and things will happen when they're meant to happen."

The strategy for the game
"I believe that whoever plays against Sporting CP will take into account that we have the best attack and that we have been strong offensively. I hope the team will be at that level tomorrow because it's something that defines us, but we're playing against a good team. Defensively, we have to have the same will and intensity to defend and continue being one of the best defences. We are a very balanced team, and I don't just look at the attack, but at all aspects of the game."

The attacker reflects on the Champions League bow

After the game against Arsenal FC, Francisco Trincão reacted to the UEFA Champions League elimination in the mixed zone at the Emirates Stadium.

Feelings after the tie
“I feel proud of the group, the team, and the fans. We wanted more, we believed we could do more, but we are proud.”

Assessment of the two legs
“There's a little frustration, because throughout the two games we realised what we could be capable of doing. We managed to create our opportunities and even the game out. It could have gone either way, but above all we are proud of what we did and now we have to think about what's to come.”

The impact of the elimination
“My mother always says that football is like this, with both the good and the bad, and in three days we have another game. We have to be focused on the next one and prepare for it in the best way.”

His 200th game for Sporting CP
“I'm happy about it, it's a huge source of pride to play 200 games for Sporting CP, my club.”

Belief in third successive Liga Portugal title
“That’s why we’re here. We’re going to fight until the end. As long as it’s possible, we’ll believe and do our job.”

The coach assesses the Champions League exit

After the 0-0 draw against Arsenal that ended Sporting CP's journey in the UEFA Champions League, coach Rui Borges analysed the game in his press conference.

Overall analysis of the tie
"The word 'pride' is the right one to describe the team. Based on everything we did in these two games, I think we deserved more, and to at least take the tie into extra time today. In both games, the best opportunities belonged to Sporting CP. The character and personality we showed in fighting against one of the best teams in Europe was fantastic. The word 'pride' is the right one to describe this group and the demonstration of character, strength and quality they have shown throughout the season. Of course, today it has more impact because it's the Champions League, but we showed that we are also the best."

The possible penalty on Maxi Araújo
"I'm not going to talk about that because it would devalue what we did throughout the game, our ability and our quality."

Strategy fulfilled
“Strategically, the team were fantastic. We had the best opportunities to score, and Arsenal didn't create as many -both today and at Alvalade. With the ball, the aim was to prevent the game from flowing, to get into Arsenal's midfield and have organised attacks to wear them down. We are a team that like to have the ball, with an offensive style of play, and we didn't shy away from that. We showed our ideas, character, and personality, and that makes me very proud.”

The ambition shown
“We were very ambitious in both games; the best chances belonged to Sporting CP. This shows the collective and individual ambition and quality we have. We were courageous and committed; we are playing in the Champions League.”

The derby against SL Benfica
“Now we're thinking about the next game. It's about recovering, catching our breathe and thinking about it calmly. SL Benfica are fresher because they play once a week, but we'll go into the game with our spirit, ambition, and with our fans. Their energy will be very important, and I'm appealing to them now, so that on Sunday they are as they have been: At the team's level.”

Feelings after the outcome
“There can be no frustration, but rather pride in the two great games we managed to play against one of the best teams in Europe. If we want to be among the best in Europe, we have to be able to respond to this demand every three days. It has to propel us forward for the coming games. We can't lower our level. It has to serve as motivation, and never as frustration.”

Difficulties in scoring and the keys to defensive consistency
“Arsenal have one of the best defensive lines in Europe, with very strong and fast defenders. Physically, we are not a strong team in duels; we like a possession-based game and some transitions. It was important to be able to settle in and keep possession, with long attacks, without letting the game get away from us. In defensive terms, we didn't let Arsenal create chances. We were very compact, focused, and rigorous. The team were fantastic.”

The European campaign
“It's been very positive. We made history for Sporting CP and we can look back with pride. We have to look at it positively and think that it's the beginning of a dream, of the club's growth, so that more and more people look at Sporting CP differently. The feeling is one of pride, but we still have a long way to go and should always be growing.”

Pedro Gonçalves' form
“He had a good game and the team even dropped off when he went off. He's looking for his best form still, but he's important for us and his numbers speak for themselves.”

A lack of luck
“Whether it be luck or bad luck, I don't care much about that. Luck takes a lot of work. I say we could have been more effective. Luck is about work and competence, and we always try to have a lot of that.”

A 1-0 aggregate scoreline sees the team miss out on the semifinals

Sporting CP's thrilling UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end in London at the hands of Arsenal, as a goalless draw with the Gunners saw Rui Borges' men eliminated at the quarter-final stage.

Going into the second leg with a 1-0 deficit from the first meeting at Alvalade, the team needed to attack, and at the Emirates Stadium were up against an out of form Arsenal. Borges fielded a starting XI with three changes compared to the one used in the league game against Estrela de Amadora: Ousmane Diomande and Gonçalo Inácio returned to the defensive line, Eduardo Quaresma was moved to right-back to cover for the absence of Iván Fresneda, while in midfield Daniel Bragança gave way for the return of Hidemasa Morita to the starting lineup. The main novelty was the return of captain Morten Hjulmand after suspension.

Arsenal, without Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori but welcoming back Piero Hincapié, Christian Mosquera and Gabriel Martinelli in their lineup, began the game with suffocating intensity, but Sporting CP were able to stifle that impetus by maintaining possession for longer periods. 

Their first chance in attack was a powerful shot from Luis Suárez that went wide, although he was later called offside.

Defensive inaccuracies opened the game up for more  opportunities, and the two teams exchanged blows successively. Neither Francisco Trincão nor Viktor Gyökeres were on target with their respective shots, and Geny Catamo only failed to score from a counter-attack because of Martinelli's defensive recovery. Inácio was also crucial in blocking what seemed like a certain goal from Gyökeres in the six-yard box.

Sporting CP had two great chances for Pedro Gonçalves, then in a pivotal moment Maxi Araújo crossed to the far post and Geny Catamo rushed in with a first-time shot, which hit the post.

The first half ended goalless, with reasons to believe in a comeback.

Right after the restart, Araújo entered the Gunners' area, cut inside and shot across goal, but the effort went just wide.

Arsenal, who hadn't threatened for some time, had an initial reaction with a long-range attempt by Eberechi Eze, saved by Rui Silva.

The current Premier League leaders brought on Kai Havertz, replacing Gyökeres, and gained new momentum, issuing a more serious warning when Noni Madueke cut in from right and shot into the side netting.

Sporting CP regained possession and approached goal, and in the 65th minute Araújo complained of a push in the back inside the area -although no penalty was given.

Shortly after, Rui Borges made changes to try and add more unpredictability to play, with the entries of Geovany Quenda and Daniel Bragança, joined by João Simões moments later.

Arsenal took advantage of the constant stop-start nature of the game to keep things under control. Sporting CP began to lack energy and solutions.

Later, the Gunners had Leandro Trossard, unmarked at the far post during a corner, head the ball against the post.

Gabriel Jesus also got into the area and shot into the side netting.

Sporting CP, driven by their belief, managed one last chance in stoppage time, with a long ball from Quenda into the area that fell to João Simões. He struck low and the ball went just wide of the post.

The 0-0 scoreline on the night was not enough to see the team through to the semi-finals, and they bowed out with their heads held high after a momentous European campaign.

Sporting CP now return home for Liga Portugal action on Sunday, as the Estádio José Alvalade hosts the derby against SL Benfica.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GR], Eduardo Quaresma (Georgios Vagiannidis, 85’), Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (João Simões, 77’), Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 71’), Pedro Gonçalves (Daniel Bragança, 71’), Francisco Trincão (Rafael Nel, 85’), Luis Suárez

The striker is determined to help his team progress against Arsenal

Sporting CP visit Arsenal this Wednesday in the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Striker Luis Suárez spoke on behalf of the group to discuss the decisive duel with the current Premier League leaders.

Ambitions for the game
“Personal ambition takes a back seat, because getting the victory is paramount to continue making history at a group level. It's a very beautiful game and a great opportunity that we want to enjoy.”

His remarkable debut season for Sporting CP
“I think it's been a very beautiful season for me and I'm enjoying it to the fullest. Physically, I'm doing very well, I believe I'm in the best moment of my career in every sense. I work to make the season even better, without looking at any ceiling or records. I'm enjoying it and I think I can still give goals and more help to the team.”

A week with three important games (SL Benfica in Liga Portugal and FC Porto in the Taça de Portugal)
“We are here because we are professionals and because we know how to handle emotions all the time. It's a beautiful week and we'll take it game by game, so tomorrow is the most important game right now.”

The challenge ahead
“Since the first leg ended, we've been thinking about this challenge. Whatever happens, all Sporting CP fans imagine ourselves advancing to the next round. If there's any team that can do that, it's us.”

The feeling of shining in the UEFA Champions League
“It means everything. This season in the Champions League has a much sweeter taste than the first one for me, at Olympique Marseille. That one, without many minutes for me, made me reflect a lot, and I constantly sought to get back to that level. Therefore, I'm enjoying it so much. For that child who played barefoot at Santa Marta, this is a dream come true.”

Sporting CP's approach to the match
“We have no fear. Tomorrow we have an opportunity to show what we are made of. Many players work to enjoy these games and I think our talent will shine through once again in the Champions League.”

Memories of his time in England, at Watford FC
“I only had one pre-season while my future was being decided there. It was a transitional period and it served as a learning experience.”

The coach is confident of a turnaround against Arsenal

Following their 0-1 defeat in the first leg, Sporting CP face Arsenal this Wednesday away from home in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Having just arrived in England, coach Rui Borges gave his usual pre-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium.

The mission ahead
“I’ll be very cold about things: The team have to be true to ourselves. Just as we have been so far, regardless of the opponent and the competition. I don’t need to talk about ‘hunger’, because this team demonstrate the ambition, courage and pleasure we have in every game. We also have to enjoy the game, with the responsibility of going after something unprecedented for the club. We are aware of the difficulties we'll have against a great Arsenal side, and of doing what no one has done yet: Beating this team in the Champions League. We know this, but we believe very much.

The importance of the Champions League
“I'm calm and our driving force is ambition. We are among the eight best teams in the competition, when perhaps no one thought Sporting CP would be, and it is the result of the individual and collective quality of this team. There will be two great teams on the pitch and it will be an important week for us. We are at the end of the season, the games are becoming increasingly decisive, but we are still involved in every competition and want to win them. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, nothing erases this team's great season.”

Exclusively focusing on Arsenal
“We are fighting for a place in the semi-finals, so it's the most important game right now and we're going all out for it. We do so with enormous ambition and courage, thinking solely about this game and wanting to win. That's what we want, to continue making history for the club. Our focus tomorrow is only on the game against Arsenal.”

The message given to the group regarding this week's challenges
“My message is clear and if there's one week I don't need to talk to them, it's this one. For tomorrow, they are worried about knowing the starting XI, because everyone wants to play. They already know the responsibility of representing Sporting CP and, therefore, I don't need to wear myself out too much in that sense, but rather on the idea for the team and resting them so they are fresh throughout this week. I look into their eyes and feel the desire to play the game and believe in going through. Both football and life give opportunities to those who believe strongly, and if there's a team that believe strongly, it's this one.”

Recent negative results for Arsenal
“We're talking about a great team. It's natural that a great team don't always win, but I think it will motivate them even more. They'll be very 'switched on' and with high intensity to advance to the semi-finals. I believe that one or two less successful games don't define the season they're having and the great team they are.”

Iván Fresneda as a confirmed absence 
“He has been an important player for us and he has had a great season, but he is not one hundred percent fit and, therefore, we opted to leave him in Lisbon. Tomorrow's game demands one hundred percent from everyone. Edu gives us some things there and is a competent full-back, Vagiannidis is a natural, offensive full-back, and Blopa gives us speed, intensity and competitiveness. There are three different players we believe in and who can play."

Possible absences for the opposing side
"It doesn't make things difficult. We're talking about a team that have three great players in some positions. Of course, the characteristics change their behaviour in strategic terms, but it doesn't change their identity. Coaches and players have to have the ability to read the game to neutralise that."

The reasons for believing
"It's what brought me here: My work. If there's a team that believe, that is ambitious and committed, it's this one. It's a sign that we have the capacity to do it. Things happen for a reason, I'm very positive and this team, when put to the test, have the quality to overcome the challenge. In the last 20 games at home, Arsenal have two defeats. We know the difficulties, but we have this hope and we believe it can happen."

The importance of the game in the coach's career 
"It's another important game for me." We are in the competition that everyone dreams of playing in. First and foremost, it would go down in the history of Sporting CP, and that's what we want. This team deserve to make history for Sporting CP. That's what I feel, because it's a great group. It's about believing. 

The value of the two squads
"It's subjective. A Mercedes goes 200 km/h, but a Peugeot does too, and the Mercedes is worth twice as much. We have to know the shortcuts, the road, and know how to maybe get ahead of them."

The opponent's strength on set pieces
"They are a great team from set pieces, but they haven't scored goals like that in a long time. They earned that reputation through their competence. They have players who, in ten free kicks, put ten in the area the coach asks for, and then there are always six or seven players who are very athletically strong in duels. They are a very strong team on set pieces, but we have also been strong, and I am very confident in the team's ability."

The role of counter-attacks in the match
"Sporting CP are not only strong on the counter-attack, and the first game showed that, especially since possession was balanced. We like to have the ball, that's what we will try to do, but we know that in these games there may be more moments of quick attacks, where we have to be deadly. We know there may not be many opportunities, just like in the first leg, where we had more and still ended up losing. Above all, we have to be very balanced at all times during the game.”