Sporting CP beat Casa Pia AC 0-2 on the road on Matchday 1

The 2025/26 season got underway with Sporting CP taking all three points from their visit to Rio Maior, besting Casa Pia AC 0-2 in a Friday night fixture that opened the campaign. Francisco Trincão and Morten Hjulmand scored either side of halftime.

The winners of the last two Liga Portugal titles were dominant against a Casa Pia AC team who finished ninth last season, and had been particularly difficult to overcome on home soil. For the task, Rui Borges fielded the same Sporting CP starting XI from the Supertaça, bar one major change: New signing Luís Suárez made his official debut in attack, replacing Conrad Harder. Georgios Vagiannidis and Ricardo Mangas, the squad's newest additions, would feature on the bench.

After the season's opening ceremony, which featured the Liga Portugal trophy, a minute's silence was held in honour of the late FC Porto and Portugal player Jorge Costa.

When the match got underway, Sporting CP quickly took control and played suffocating football for their opponents. Chances soon followed, with increasing danger.

However, first the post denied Hjulmand from his shot from outside the box, and then the crossbar kept out Morita's header. Goalkeeper Patrick Sequeira also played his part, keeping out a Suárez rebound immediately following the captain's attempt, and making a diving save that thwarted Pedro Gonçalves off a beautiful curling strike.

From distance, powerful shots from Trincão and Geny Catamo went over the top. Their persistence was such that a goal would eventually arrive in the first half, albeit only in the 42nd minute, and after a few more missed opportunities: In the box, Maxi Araújo misdirected his header. Sequeira then got the better of Suárez twice, with a save and good positioning to smother the striker's run on goal.

It was then that a quick offensive transition and a perfect understanding between "Pote" and Trincão finally opened the scoring. The pass through to Gonçalves was latched onto, and when he returned the ball to Trincão on the edge of the box, a left-footed shot found its way in to take the scoreline to a well-deserved 0-1.

The second 45 minutes began with a series of setbacks, as Maxi Araújo and Diomande – in the span of just five minutes – were forced off with injuries. Rui Borges opted for Ricardo Mangas (making his debut) and Zeno Debast to come on to replace them. Geovany Quenda was also brought on in place of Geny.

Os Leões quickly turned things around. From a free kick won by Mangas, Trincão sent in a devilish cross, and Hjulmand, at the near post, deflected it into the net, doubling the lead.

Although more comfortable in terms of the score, Sporting CP continued to put the pressure on their opponents, not allowing any defensive blunders and pushing into the box -albeit more sporadically. 'Pote' shot low, square on for Patrick Sequeira to save, whilst a dynamic move from Suárez ended in a hit wide.

Going into the final five minutes, Giorgi Kochorashvili and Harder entered for Morita and 'Pote', and Sporting CP had a look at a third goal at Rio Maior. However, Trincão, off a pass from Mangas, saw his shot blocked, with a follow-up from the Georgian international cleared off the line.

Svensson, for Casa Pia AC, and Luís Suárez, for Sporting CP, had the final chances of the first match of the 2025/26 season, but neither efforts went in.

Thus, while extending their 100% winning record against Casa Pia AC in the league from nine matches, Sporting CP started another season on the right foot.

Next up for the team is a meeting with FC Arouca on Matchday 2, on Sunday, August 17th at 8:30pm.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Iván Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 57’), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo (Ricardo Mangas, 52’), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 84’), Francisco Trincão, Geny Catamo (Geovany Quenda, 57’), Pedro Gonçalves (Conrad Harder, 84’), Luís Suárez

The coach talks after the win against Casa Pia AC

At the end of the 0-2 win over Casa Pia AC, Sporting CP coach Rui Borges gave his first post-match press conference of the Liga Portugal season.

The dominant display
“I already felt that we had that in the Supertaça, regardless of the result. The team responded well. We were even stronger and more consistent, above all. I think it was one of the best first halves and best matches we've played since I arrived at Sporting CP. We just needed to finish our chances better, because it was a first half in which we deserved to come away with a better result at halftime, given what we were able to do and what we didn't let the opponent do. They didn't even reach our goal. We were very strong in defensive transitions. I couldn't be happier. The injuries in the second half disrupted the game a bit. It was natural that we would drop off a bit, but the opponents didn't pose much of a threat.”

Luís Suárez's starting debut
“Everything he was able to give the team in the 90 minutes was good. He put in a great performance, on a par with Trincão, and 'Pote' also deserved a goal for everything he created. We were very dynamic, and on an individual level, everyone put in a great performance. Suárez went for the goal, created chances, provided the assist, and had a great game. Even with such a short time with us, he kept up with his teammates and contributed greatly. I'm very happy with everything everyone was able to demonstrate."

Hjulmand's showing
"I'll talk about what he demonstrated in the game. He responded once again with a great game, just like he always does. He held the team together and guided them. That's what a captain does; he helps a lot. To the fans, I want to send out a big thank you for what they did today throughout the game, which is what they also did last season. They believed, they supported, and that's what matters: Feeling the fans are behind the team."

Proving they can also be champions without Gyökeres
"It's Sporting CP who are the champions. Many people have played here, and many haven't won trophies. The important thing is for Sporting CP to keep winning. The group demonstrated today the ambition and the 'hunger' to keep winning."

The importance of winning after a setback in the Supertaça
“It was important to be able to demonstrate the consistency of our play. In the Supertaça, the players showed what they wanted. They believed, and today we reinforced what we had already shown. I'm pleased that the team haven't lost confidence despite missing out on a trophy. Above all, I'm happy with the consistency and the feeling that they believe things are being done well.”

Maxi Araújo and Ousmane Diomande’s injuries
“I haven't asked the doctor about them yet. It still requires some analysis, but I hope it's nothing serious. I can't answer about the severity of the injuries.”

Still looking for more
“We always strive to do better. In the first half, we were very strong at all times: We were pressing, competitive, and provided quality play… The only thing we could have improved was our finishing. In the first half, on the whole, we were very good, and in the second half we dropped off a bit -but we were good nonetheless. We know we have to do better, and we always want to be better.”

More moves through the middle with Suárez up front
"These are your interpretations. I know exactly what I want to make the team stronger. Suárez gives us depth, linkup play, defensive transitions... He adds a lot to the team. In terms of game awareness, he's more mature than Harder -who's also developing, but who will improve over time. One is 19 and the other is 27. What matters to me is that the dynamics I want are there. As a coach, 15 or 20 percent is down to me; the other 80 percent is their decision-making.”

Using Suárez and Harder and choosing Geny over Quenda
"[Geny and Quenda] are two players who have worked very well. It's was just a choice; it's more about strategy and the feel of the game. I'm happy to have them both at Sporting CP as a solution. The two forwards could be a solution throughout the season. There are many games, so we want to have a more balanced squad in terms of options."

The 23-year-old defender joins through to 2030

Sporting Clube de Portugal have added to their squad with the signing of Georgios Vagiannidis, who comes in from Panathinaikos through to 2030 with an 80 million euro buyout clause.

The 23-year-old Greek international plays at right back, and came up through the Panathinaikos FC youth system to make his first-team debut in 2020, at just 18 years old. He scored a goal in his first start for the club.

Shortly thereafter, he was signed by Italian side FC Internazionale Milano, who loaned him to Belgian side Sint-Truidense V.V.

In 2021, he returned to Panathinaikos FC, and his career took off the following season. From 2023/2024 onwards, he became a key player in the side, winning two Greek Cups.

In his official presentation, Vagiannidis stated that he had been "very well received by the team. I couldn't ask for more. I'm very happy to be here. The most important thing for me is to improve, and Sporting CP is the best place for me to do that. It's a club where many young players have developed, and I knew it was the best choice for me from the moment I was approached. I was 100% focused on coming to Sporting CP and I was very happy when the deal was finalised, because I know it's the right move for me."

Regarding his characteristics, Vagiannidis explained that he is "a defender, first and foremost," but that his strengths include "playing on both flanks and helping the team offensively."

When looking for advice on the move, one of the people he spoke with was Sotiris Alexandropoulos, a former Panathinaikos FC teammate who was full of praise for Sporting CP.

"Sotiris and I grew up together; we spent over ten years together in the Panathinaikos FC academy. We talked a lot about Sporting CP -even before I knew of the club's interest-, so I already knew a lot about them. That's why the decision to come here was very easy. Sotiris told me about life here, the city, and what I have to do. He helped me a lot," he revealed.

The defender added that playing in the UEFA Champions League is "a childhood dream and one of the biggest motivations since the beginning of my career. I really want to play in this competition."

"I’m joining the champions of Portugal for the last two seasons, which gives me high expectations. The team are already at a very good level. They also won the Taça de Portugal last season. I have to give my all in every training session and every match to be able to compete," he said.

"As for the fans, what I would say to them is: I can't wait to see you at the stadium."

The new arrival reunites with coach Rui Borges

Ricardo Mangas has become the newest addition to Sporting Clube de Portugal's first-team squad. The 27-year-old left winger joins from FK Spartak Moskva and has signed a contract until 2029, with a €60 million release clause.

The club's new No.91 reunites with coach Rui Borges, with whom he has worked before.

"It was impossible to say no, right? It's an opportunity to represent the champions from the last two seasons," he said upon arriving for his official presentation.

In 2017/2018, the coach and player were together at Mirandela, competing in the lower levels of Portuguese football. They reunited at Vitória SC, where they qualified for a European competition in 2023/24, and will now work together again at Alvalade.

"He's someone who knows me very well. I also know him very well, and we've always gotten along beautifully. But it's Sporting CP, above all".

Able to play as a fullback or higher up the pitch, Mangas believes this versatility is an advantage built over time and competitive experience.

"Observing, analysing, and growing in various contexts is part of a player's development. Being able to play in three or four positions has helped me a lot as an athlete. I'm more mature and I really want to help Sporting CP," he said.

"Playing in France and Russia are completely different realities. I had to adapt, and that helped me grow as an athlete and as a man. I feel like I'm different."

"Everything is perfect here. The team are very close-knit. It's noticeable, and anyone who watches the games knows. A dressing room has to be a family; I share that philosophy, and I want to be a part of it," he emphasised.

Already in competitive shape after the official start of the season in Russia, the Portugal Under-17 international feels "fully prepared" to help as soon as the coaching staff see fit.

"Sporting CP fans are demanding, and that's good. It makes a player grow and get better at problem-solving under pressure. The fact that they're demanding makes us demanding on ourselves, and that's what makes a club win trophies, obviously."

Sporting CP kick off the league season with a visit to Casa Pia AC on Friday (8:15 p.m.)

The start of the 2025/26 league season has arrived, with the match between Sporting CP and Casa Pia AC at the Estádio Municipal Rio Maior kicking off proceedings. On the eve of the opening match, coach Rui Borges spoke in a press conference on Thursday to preview the encounter.

The atmosphere ahead of Matchday 1
"The team are doing well; this was a week of good work and hard training. There was a very good commitment and response after we failed to win the Supertaça. We have good energy and a good feeling ahead of the game."

The recent signings of Georgios Vagiannidis and Ricardo Mangas
"They are two solutions for the fullback positions. Both were players we had already identified -the coaching staff and the club. They add value to the squad, enabling us to compete in the competitions we're taking part in. We want to have more and more solutions."

Analysis of Casa Pia AC
"This Casa Pia AC side have maintained a very strong backbone to the team and have well-defined principles. They only lost five home games last season and took points from SL Benfica and SC Braga, for example. They're coming off their best season ever, so they're a highly motivated team. They're also quite well balanced, because whilst they don't score many goals, they also don't concede many. They're competitive and well-organised, which reflects their coach. They're playing at home against the league champions at the start of the season, and they're motivated, so we have to be aware that it's going to be a tough game. We can't go into the game thinking that, because we're champions, sooner or later we'll score and come away with the three points."

The chance of reinforcements getting a start
"Luís Suárez has worked hard to play, as has Harder. They dedicated themselves to training and to the strategic demands of the club. They are two good solutions, with different characteristics, and depending on what we think is best, we'll see who plays. Suárez came into the SL Benfica game having not played any training matches. He came in very well and has performed very well, as did Giorgi [Kochorashvili]. He came off a very demanding season and we had to be careful with him due to the long and difficult season he had at UD Levante. Both have performed very well on a daily basis, and now they just have to wait for the coach to give them opportunities. Mangas has already played official games in Russia, and Vagiannidis has played in European competitions."

Renewed ambition for 2025/2026
"I don't think there's any risk of complacency. All the coaches in the league want players with that hunger. Regarding the second title and the double: We deserved it, but the players must be aware that it's in the past. Although we didn't emerge victorious from the Supertaça, I think we demonstrated what we want for this season. They showed their desire to win, their enormous ambition, so I'm calm. I believe in the group's ability and, above all, in the response they've given."

The importance of starting the season with a win
"It's extremely important to instill confidence in the group and start things positively. We are all aware of that, but also that we'll face a team motivated by the fact they are playing against Sporting CP, at home, and what they were able to do last season. We're well aware that it will be increasingly difficult to win, given everything this group was able to overcome, but we have to find ways to ensure that hunger we talked about remains constant. What matters now is the present, and now we're on a level playing field with everyone else. We have to do a lot to win, maybe double what we did last season.”

The options in central defence
“Solutions exist, and we have to respond. It's going to be a long season, with many different games and competitions, fortunately, and we have to be prepared and come up with increasingly better solutions. It's with this in mind that we've been bringing in players, and we have a squad with five centre backs and Matheus Reis, who's also been playing at fullback. There are players who offer a variety of solutions, and Edu [Quaresma] is one of them. Last year, at times, he was a centre back with the ball and a fullback without it. He's a kid with a lot of potential and offers us different solutions than what we have on the wings and also at center back. Above all, I'm happy with the squad and the solutions we have."

Confidence in Geovany Quenda
"He's been responding fantastically, and in this early stage of the season, he's doing very well -unlike at the end of last season, when he dropped off a bit. Now he's doing very well and is also waiting for an opportunity. In the last game, he came in at left back because Maxi [Araújo] had to come off. We didn't have clear options there, we were losing, and we tried to take a risk with Quenda. I believe he'll have a great season at Sporting CP."

New ideas
"Criticism is part of the game. It's very subjective to talk about the formation, because if you look at the game, some things change and others don't. The formation is just a start; after that, it's a matter of giving the team mobility. The intention here is to improve. We lost a standout player from these last two years [Viktor Gyökeres], and we have to reinvent ourselves with each passing year. We want to add something different, to get better, but without giving up on who we were before."

Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança's recovery
"They are progressing within their allotted timeframes and the severity of their injuries. It's a difficult battle, but they are natural fighters and show enormous joy every day. It makes me very happy to see their ambition and desire to return as soon as possible."

The squad up the intensity in Alcochete

Sporting Clube de Portugal continue their preparations for the start of the Liga Portugal this Friday, when they take on Casa Pia AC at 8:15 pm in Rio Maior.

Rui Borges led another training session of intensity and commitment. Nuno Santos and Daniel Bragança were absent from the workout, as they were assigned to the Performance Unit.

The champions train again this Wednesday morning at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo Academy in Alcochete, behind closed doors.

The coach reviews the Supertaça loss to SL Benfica

After Sporting CP's 0-1 defeat at the hands of SL Benfica in the Supertaça, coach Rui Borges gave a press conference at the Estádio Algarve to answer questions from journalists.

The game
"We were clearly the better side. Of all the games we've played against SL Benfica, this was the one in which we were the best for 90 minutes. The game was evenly matched for a few minutes in the second half, and the opponents took advantage of us losing possession. They were lucky with their shot on goal."

His forwards
"Harder and Suárez performed very well. You can clearly see Suárez's individual quality. Harder is in a process of growth. Both responded very well. You can see that Suárez is in sync with the team, but also that he lacks some movement, which is normal. For the short time he has had with us, he played very well."

The impact of the defeat
"It doesn't hurt anything. We're better and we continue to be the best. Today we demonstrated that. The opposition were lucky and deserve credit. If we continue like this, we'll be very happy throughout the season."

Sporting CP missing Viktor Gyökeres
"Sporting CP are only hostages to ourselves. I'm confident about the future, especially given the team's response in preseason. Today they gave an incredible, fantastic response, both individually and collectively. It left me very optimistic and confident. They demonstrated why they are two-time league champions."

The transfer market
"We know what we have identified and we're working on things. We're on our own path, and everything will come together in due time. I'm happy with the squad I have and the response they gave today. I'm happy with what they were able to do and we deserved to have left here with the trophy."

A lack of effectiveness
"We have to work and try to improve to be more effective and score more goals."

Evolution
"We need to improve our finishing and increase our fitness so we can be more intense for longer periods under pressure. The players clearly recognised what we had prepared for the game and did it for 90 minutes. They never gave up and never lost touch with the game. They always went after the game with great quality."

Sporting CP lose to SL Benfica despite dominating the game

Sporting Clube de Portugal suffered a 0-1 defeat to SL Benfica in the Supertaça, missing out on a first trophy of the season in what was a harsh result.

At the end of a very sunny and hot day, Sporting CP fans - who quickly sold out their allotted tickets - turned out in force at the Estádio Algarve and created a great atmosphere.

SL Benfica's Kerem Aktürkoğlu had the first shot of the game, with the ball sailing well over Rui Silva's goal. Sporting CP found the back of the net soon after, when Pedro Gonçalves finished off a phenomenal collective move, but a VAR review saw the goal ruled out due to an offside call against Conrad Harder.

The game was slow, typical of the first encounter of the season, but Sporting CP were in the ascendancy, gaining more and more dominance until halftime. On 17 minutes, Francisco Trincão shot wide and, shortly after, Harder appeared on the right side and had his shot saved by goalkeeper Trubin.

In the 28th minute, Iván Fresneda found his way into the area -a move that he repeated several times- and passed to Harder, who ended up not being able to get a shot off when he was in an excellent position. In the aftermath, Pedro Gonçalves tried his luck, but the ball was deflected out for a corner.

For SL Benfica, the biggest highlight was a Richard Ríos effort off target, while Sporting CP, in the 34th minute, threatened again: Geny Catamo finished off a counterattack with a shot that narrowly missed the target. The Mozambique international was once again involved when, just before the interval, he produced a quality run and tried to tee up Harder, who arrived too late.

Os Leões came out better after the break and created the first opportunity, when Harder attempted to convert a move conjured up by Gonçalves and Hidemasa Morita.

SL Benfica managed to open the scoring through Pavlidis in the 50th minute, firmly against the run of play.

Shortly after, the Greek striker had a shot saved by Rui Silva, and Enzo Barrenechea, from distance, missed the target.

Rui Borges made three substitutions in the 68th minute, bringing on Giorgi Kochorashvili, Luis Suárez and Zeno Debast in place of Morita, Harder and Ousmane Diomande. For the Georgian midfielder and the Colombian striker, it was their official debuts in a Sporting CP shirt.

Five minutes later, Geovany Quenda replaced Maxi Araújo and Sporting CP began to enjoy more opportunities on goal. Trincão launched a piledriver that Trubin saved and, in the 77th minute, crossed for Gonçalves to head on target -into the hands of the opposition goalkeeper.

Next, it was Luis Suárez' turn, but he was also denied.

Five minutes from time, Geny Catamo came off and Ricardo Esgaio came on, but there was no change in the scoreline. Sporting CP missed out on the 2025/26 Supertaça by the slimmest of margins.

The team will now turn their focus to the start of their Liga Portugal title defence, which takes place on August 8th away to Casa Pia FC.

Sporting CP: Rui Silva [GK], Ivan Fresneda, Ousmane Diomande (Zeno Debast, 68'), Gonçalo Inácio, Maxi Araújo (Geovany Quenda, 73'), Morten Hjulmand [C], Hidemasa Morita (Giorgi Kochorashvili, 68'), Francisco Trincao, Geny Catamo (Ricardo Esgaio, 85'), Pedro Gonçalves and Conrad Harder (Luis Suárez, 68').

The winger wants to lift another trophy to kick off 2025/26

Francisco Trincão was part of the press conference before Sporting Clube de Portugal's meeting with SL Benfica in the Supertaça, which takes place on Thursday at 8:45 pm at the Estádio Algarve.

The start of the season
"Preseason is about getting back to the required level, and we've had plenty of time to prepare for this game. I think we're ready. We know it's a tough game and that we have a lot to do against a very good team, but we are performing at the highest level and we have to win this game."

On if it is possible to be stronger than last season
"I wouldn't say stronger, but different. We have new players, new ideas. Viktor Gyökeres had different characteristics from the current strikers we have, but this coming season could still be good, even with different ways of playing."

The controversy over the Taça de Portugal final
"From our side, everything is completely over. The only objective is to stay focused on the tactical side of this game and know what we have to do."

His individual aims
"I'll try to do the same as I have done before: Work as best I can, focusing on recovery and nutrition. Then, with the team, I have to do what the manager asks, and things will come naturally."

Franco Israel's departure
"We were very affected by his departure, but in the past we also lost players like Seba [Coates], Paulinho or Antonio [Adán] and we ended up adapting. It's part of football and we're prepared for it. Of course we're sad, but everything eventually passes and goes back to normal. (...) Who is my best friend in the squad now? I have a good relationship with everyone, but maybe Iván [Fresneda]."

Conrad Harder and Luis Suárez
"They're both ready. I'm not going to be the one to choose between them. They're both excellent, have a lot of quality and completely different styles. It's up to the manager to choose who will play."

This derby compared to those of 2024/25
"They all end up being very similar games. The teams have changed some players, but the dynamic is very similar, and it's a Clássico, which is always very competitive and decided by details."

His potential contract renewal
"There are talks and everything is being discussed and set up in that direction, but at this moment nothing has been signed yet."

His possible integration into the group of captains
"It's always a good thing, but I think Morten Hjulmand plays this role best. I try to help the younger players because I've been here for a while now, and I try to convey what I feel for Sporting CP, but Morten is more than capable of the role."

The coach previews the Supertaça against SL Benfica

Sporting Clube de Portugal officially start their 2025/26 season this Thursday, at 8:45 pm, with the Supertaça against SL Benfica at the Estádio Algarve.

Ahead of the curtain-raiser, Rui Borges gave a press conference previewing the encounter.

The Supertaça
"It's good to start the season fighting for a trophy. It's a sign that we've won trophies that we really wanted -in this case two. There can be no greater motivation than starting the campaign with a trophy, even though we know that the start of the season is always a different time to the rest of the campaign. We're looking for our best form; we've had players who have arrived back later, as well as changes to the squad. It's a race to find our best form. We're still searching for that, but I'm absolutely certain that we'll be competitive and competent against great opponents -our biggest rivals throughout last season. We expect a great game, with a large crowd, and that it will be, above all, a good spectacle."

The favourites for the game
"We are not favourites. These are 50-50 games. Regardless of who are league champions, we are two great teams with great players."

The importance of preseason
"It's always important at any club. For me, it's a new experience at Sporting CP, and we have to adapt because I'm at a big club that is different to others. Preseason is also different here. We wanted to have all the players in the squad from Day 1, but at big clubs like Sporting CP, it's not quite like that. The internationals arrived back later, and players come and go because they're attractive to other clubs. It affects our day-to-day operation, but I'm the happiest coach in the world because I'm at a big club. Preseason is important for us to develop, especially because throughout the season we will compete in many competitions, and it's almost all a case of playing and recovering at that point."

Sporting CP signing Luis Suárez
"It's not just about the coach's ideas, but about adapting to the individuals and the team we have. Suárez arrived a few days ago and doesn't yet have the collective dynamics in place. He's a mature player and I believe he'll easily acquire them, but there are very specific connections that are created. We've lost a standout player, we're not shying away from that, but we'll gain another, whether it's Suárez or [Conrad] Harder. They'll give different things than Viktor [Gyökeres] did. Players like Pote, [Francisco] Trincão, [Geovany] Quenda, and Geny [Catamo] had connections with Viktor and now they have to develop them with the new arrivals, which will take some time. It's part of the process. Tactically, nothing changes.

Maxi Araújo
"He is a doubt for the game."

Competition between Conrad Harder and Luis Suárez
"These are two players who will compete for the centre forward spot and for opportunities, but that doesn't mean they can't both play. It will depend on what they can demonstrate day to day and whether they seize the opportunities they get. Although he didn't start many games because he had a European and global standout in a very good form ahead of him, Harder, when called upon, delivered last season and did what was asked of him. He's not Viktor; he'll bring different things and, like Suárez, he has to adapt to the team."

SL Benfica's statement and the Taça de Portugal final
"I won't even talk about that. We are starting the season with a great game. Let's make it a great spectacle and let's not focus on something that doesn't make sense. We are two great teams and great fanbases. Let's have respect for each other, with passion and knowing how to behave. As for the Taça de Portugal? For us, it ended well. We won a cup and the fans were happy. The past is the past and I no longer think about what I have won."

The squad
"It's well balanced for now. Of course, we always want to add something or other. There's been talk of bringing in a right-back, a left-back, a striker..."

Starting preseason earlier than SL Benfica
"Anyone who wants to look at it as an advantage is entitled to do so. Our opponents finished the season later and had less holiday time, but they also lost less fitness. They were more prepared when they returned, while we had a longer break during which we lost fitness. Bringing back internationals later and having reinforcements arrive only a few days ago can be detrimental, but it's our job, and we have to adapt in order to be as competitive as possible. I don't think it will affect either team, because both teams will have enormous ambition."

Preparing for the game
"We have only had access to one game that the opposition played, but they have a large base from last season. We know the work done by coach Bruno Lage throughout the season and the main ideas will not differ much. They have different players with different dynamics, but that's no excuse. The motivation to compete for the trophy and win it has to be more important than that. We have to be able to adapt to what the opponents present."

The left-back position
"We have Quenda, [Ricardo Esgaio], [Iván] Fresneda], Geny... There are many solutions. Someone will play there, for sure."

Morten Hjulmand
"He's a player who belongs to the club. He has a buyout clause. Anyone who wants to come in for him will have to speak to the president. I watch him every day and he's motivated and focused. He's a captain, a leader, and he's been setting an example every day in training. He came back different... he'd got married [laughs]. Otherwise, he's the same. I feel he's calm and motivated."

The departure of Viktor Gyökeres
"These are things I can't control. I was more focused and concerned with the group, with starting training and being prepared for the demands of the season. We knew he would eventually leave because there was no shortage of clubs for him to go to. He defined an era here, and we're very grateful for everything he did. He helped me immensely, and I wish him the best of luck in the future. We are still here though: Strong, Sporting CP and champions."

Diogo Travassos
"His contract renewal must mean a lot to him. It's a sign that he's doing very well. He signed until 2030, which clearly reflects what we all expect from him. He's 21 years old and grew a lot last year at CF Estrela da Amadora in Liga Portugal. He was coming off an injury, went through that whole process, and managed to bounce back and believe in his dream of playing for Sporting CP. The outlook for his future is very good, which is why he's here at the start of the season. Later on, we'll all decide what the best option for him is."

Reinforcements
"We're trying to find the best options and solutions within our vision. We're working together, because at Sporting CP, everyone counts in every sector."