​The coach expects a tough game in the Europa League

Sporting Clube de Portugal will play away from home against Juventus this Thursday,  in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Coach Rúben Amorim spoke in the pre-match press conference for the game, and rejected comparisons between Juventus and Arsenal -who Sporting CP eliminated in the previous round.

“Our objective is always that, when we have an opportunity, to do better than we've already done, but we have to be aware of the quality of Juventus. We've watched a lot of their games and everyone says that they are not having the best of seasons, but without the points penalty they would be in second place in Serie A, and they are a completely different team than they were at the beginning of the season", he told journalists.

"They are a bit like us in the first phase of the season and have a very experienced coach. It is always a good day if you can beat Juventus away. Our objective is always to win, but we also have to think that it is a two-legged tie and we have to have that notion throughout the game”.

“For us to win here, we will have to be a perfect Sporting CP and Juventus have to be below their best", he underlined, adding that this game will also be different from Liga Portugal in that the pressure will be on the Italian team.

"We have a responsibility to try to win the game, but it's a completely different world to the league. We have to use that to our advantage, leaving the responsibility to Juventus and playing our game. We want to start well and have the ball in the first few minutes, but, above all, we want to be very focused, because they are a completely different team to Arsenal and more experienced".

"I'm sure people will look at us differently after the game with Arsenal, and the team are also more confident playing these types of games now than before that match. Nevertheless, these are going to be completely different games and we remain underdogs in this competition. The day will come when we are a strong candidate in European competitions, but we are still working to follow that path. That doesn't take away our ambition of wanting to win".

The winner of the Europa League will play in the Champions League next season, but  Amorim believes that this will also weigh more on Juventus than on Sporting CP.

“I think that objective is more in the minds of Juventus players, due to the club's status and because they are a team very used to playing finals, with several European trophies. Them not reaching the Champions League would have a very big impact. Obviously it would be for us too, but our project is completely different. We have a project based on youth and we have an ongoing process, which is making good progress and in which it is possible to compensate for not getting into the Champions League. So I think that it will be more in the minds of Juventus players”.

However, the coach knows that winning the competition would be historic, stating that “For Sporting CP it is an objective and we of course want to win a European trophy. For us it would even be more important than for Juventus, because we only have one Cup Winners' Cup in our trophy cabinet. Everything is possible. After eliminating Arsenal and, mainly, with the way we played in that game, we have to believe more".

“This game will be completely different and Juventus are completely different opponents. We believe, but we have to go step-by-step and use that factor that we don't have in the league, in that Juventus are expected to win".

Amorim was also asked about the words of Danilo, a former FC Porto player now at Juventus, who said that Sporting CP "are a team who put a lot of pressure on you. They are like a mirror of how Rúben Amorim was as a player".

"I'm happy about him saying that the Sporting CP team represent what I was like as a player, although I had many mistakes and defects. I think a coach's objective, after the main thing which is to win, is to be reflected in his team. Tomorrow, hopefully, we will live up to those words", he concluded.

The coach was demanding after a win over Casa Pia AC

At the end of Sporting Clube de Portugal's 3-4 victory over Casa Pia AC, coach Rúben Amorim analysed the match, beginning by talking about hat trick hero Francisco Trincão.

"Trincão has found his home here and will be much better in the future. It was important for us in a game in which everything was in place for us to be calm. There was a lack of aggressiveness in the goals that we conceded; it reminded me of the performance against SC Braga on the opening day of the season, which meant I was far from having a smile on my face. I know it's difficult for the players not being in the fight for the title, but this doesn't end here and they have to fight for the team and the club. I'm happy about the victory, but we have to do better in terms of everything else," he told journalists at the Estádio Nacional in Jamor.

Regarding the decision to take off Youssef Chermiti at half time, Amorim explained that his team "were creating danger in between the lines, which favours the characteristics of other players. Ousmane Diomande was having a lot of trouble, which could be because we are in Ramadan, and things weren't going well for Matheus Reis, which is why I subbed them off in the break."

The coach warned that "it's impossible to achieve our objective if we defend like we did today."

"Third place in Liga Portugal is the minimum requirement for us, and we make our evaluation at the end of the season. Casa Pia AC had four chances and we conceded three goals when we had an advantage. We didn't defend well and we were better with our finishing, in contrast to other away games," he reflected.

Asked about Pedro Gonçalves, he highlighted the fact that, "between assists and goals, he is having the best season of his career, even playing several times in midfield. He likes to play up front, but we have to make choices. Morita went off with discomfort in the last game and we have to manage that. There are choices we have to make and we made this one so that he doesn't get injured."

Finally, Amorim revealed that he had no doubts that "a lot of what happened" against Casa Pia AC was due to the draw against Gil Vicente FC in the previous match.

"The players felt that things were getting difficult, there's no way to hide that. I tried to convey to them that it wasn't the second half of the season that let us down, it was the start of the campaign."

Sporting CP win 3-4 on the road in Liga Portugal

Sporting Clube de Portugal beat Casa Pia AC 3-4 on Matchday 27 of the Liga Portugal season, with a hat trick scored by Francisco Trincão.

On a sunny afternoon and with good weather at the Estádio Nacional in Jamor, Rúben Amorim made three changes to the starting lineup from the 0-0 draw with Gil Vicente FC: Jeremiah St. Juste, Gonçalo Inácio and Hidemasa Morita were replaced by Ousmane Diomande, Nuno Santos and Trincão. On the bench, Héctor Bellerín returned from injury.

The many Sportinguistas in the stands didn't have to wait long for the first goal, which arrived after just 17 seconds. Pedro Gonçalves won possession in midfield, combined with Ricardo Esgaio and Manuel Ugarte and Trincão provided the finish for one of the earliest goals of the season.

The response from Casa Pia AC, however, was also quick. On 8 minutes, Rafael Martins levelled to make it 1-1.

After an attempt by Soma that was saved by Antonio Adán, Sporting CP settled things down and moved the ball around the midfield, only lacking chances in the final third which arrived as the match approached the break.

A shot by Youssef Chermiti in the 34th minute and a header by Matheus Reis -saved by Lucas Paes- were examples of the opportunities created by the team.

Their persistence resulted in Sporting CP going 1-2 up in the 39th minute: Marcus Edwards played to Esgaio and he in turn set up Trincão for his second goal of the match and his tenth of the season.

In first half stoppage time, Casa Pia AC responded again, from a scramble that saw a save by Antonio Adán, Nuno Santos cutting across, a deflection off Soma and the ball entering the net.

For the second half, Amorim made three substitutions, bringing on Jeremiah St. Juste, Gonçalo Inácio and Hidemasa Morita in the places of Ousmane Diomande, Matheus Reis and Youssef Chermiti.

As in the first half, the start to the second half was the best possible scenario for Sporting CP, who were back in front in the 48th minute. Off an excellent collective attack, Trincão backheeled to Morita, who sent Pedro Gonçalves through to score.

The story repeated itself in terms of Casa Pia AC's reaction, as with a good shot Felippe made it 3-3.

Felippe, however, was sent off soon after for a second yellow card, and the pressure from Sporting CP increased. Goalkeeper Lucas Paes staved off shots from Gonçalves, Trincão and Edwards, but five minutes from the end, a perfect cross from Gonçalves with his left foot, found Trincão in the heart of the area for his hattrick.

After the 3-4 win, Os Leões will now visit Juventus in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg in midweek.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Ousmane Diomande (Jeremiah St. Juste, 45'), Sebastián Coates [C], Matheus Reis (Gonçalo Inácio, 45'), Ricardo Esgaio (Arthur Gomes, 68'), Manuel Ugarte, Pedro Gonçalves, Nuno Santos (Rochinha, 85'), Marcus Edwards, Francisco Trincão and Youssef Chermiti (Hidemaa Morita, 45').

The coach wants more effectiveness from his side against Casa Pia AC

On the eve of Sporting CP's match against Casa Pia AC, coach Rúben Amorim talked in a press conference before the visit to the Estádio Nacional do Jamor.

“Playing against Casa Pia AC is always difficult, because they're a team who concede few goals. On the other hand, when we know that we are going to play against a team with three centre backs, our preparation can be easier, because we train for many hours against our own formation, against ourselves. It's thus easier to determine which player plays off the centre backs and the wing backs," he began by telling journalists.

“I think their system is identical, but Casa Pia AC might field a 3-5-2, as they did in the second half of the game in Alvalade. We have trained for everything."

Casa Pia have 38 points and are in eighth place, just three points off fifth. Sporting CP are looking for a return to winning ways, and the coach took stock of the team's situation in the table.

“We come into this one off a performance in which we controlled the game, but took a negative result, and I think that is a good sign. After several victories, having a draw at a difficult ground felt like a defeat, so we have to improve. We need to stifle the opponent's game, as we did with Gil Vicente FC, but we have to be much better in front of goal."

“We conceded a lot of goals at the beginning of the season and now we have gone five games with clean sheets, so we have improved. Not only because we are more focused, but also because we have more options. We continue to create many opportunities, and we have kept that up throughout the season, but we have to score more goals, obviously,” he reflected.

Amorim confirmed that striker Paulinho will remain out of the squad, without giving any timeframe for his return.

“We have Youssef [Chermiti], who is young, recovers quickly and needs to play to grow, but we also have other players who can play as a striker. We will be prepared for the game ."

“We have paid attention to the sequence of games that we have coming up, and looked at the characteristics of the players to try to manage them in order to win all the games. It is this type of squad management that we will continue to do. A false nine is a possibility and Youssef playing is also a possibility."

Full-back Héctor Bellerín will be back from injury, confirmed Amorim, saying “he will be called up, but I don't know if he will play. He's coming back in and he's stronger and more confident. The Medical Department have done an excellent job, because I think he is even better now in training than when he arrived from FC Barcelona. I would say that he is one hundred percent fit and is an option to play."

As for the final stretch of the season, he remained open minded.

“Anything is possible and everything can change. Now I don't want to do any more maths, as I'm fed up with it. We want to win every game. Right now, the objective is to beat Casa Pia AC and then move on to the next competition [the UEFA Europa League]. I want to use all the training sessions to keep improving and at the end of the season we'll count the trophies, as that's what matters. The  priority is the league, and the players know that if they do not perform well against Casa Pia AC, then they will not play against Juventus."

Sporting CP are in action on Sunday in Liga Portugal

The Sporting Clube de Portugal squad carried out another training session this Friday to continue preparing their game against Casa Pia AC, scheduled for 6pm on Sunday in Jamor. The focus is on an immediate return to winning ways, after the goalless draw with Gil Vicente FC in midweek.

Another youth player, 17-year-old goalkeeper David Ivanov, was brought into the fold for the session.

A further session will be held on Saturday morning at the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo, followed by coach Rúben Amorim's pre-match press conference for the Liga Portugal game.

​The coach talks after the 0-0 draw with Gil Vicente FC

After the 0-0 draw against Gil Vicente FC, Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim analysed the match in his press conference, highlighting the poor offensive effectiveness that proved costly.

“We needed to score goals and be better in our decision-making, not only in terms of shots but also in our passing before the shots. We recovered a lot of balls high up the pitch, and we could have made better decisions. We managed to control Gil Vicente FC, who are very dangerous in terms of breaking through with Navarro and Murilo coming inside. But when you don't score, you don't win games", he told journalists.

Asked about the importance of striker Paulinho's absence, the coach said "he would be a useful part of the team, because of the form he is in, but Youssef Chermiti did his job".

“There was a lot of space in transitions and we have to be better in those situations, because that way we will facilitate our play. In the first half, they tried to break up the game, but then in the second we had control, but we couldn't score".

“Is there a lot to grow? There is", he continued. "We lack that killer instinct. We have grown a lot, but we need another level of maturity and we will have it. I'm frustrated today, it's been a difficult year, but when we have to go back to square one, we do it”, emphasised Amorim, before assessing how the result will affect his side's chances in the league.
“It brings us down a bit from the form we were in and gives our rivals a chance, so we have to be aware of that".

A 0-0 draw with Gil Vicente FC denies Os Leões the three points

Sporting Clube de Portugal were held to a goalless draw by Gil Vicente FC in a rescheduled Liga Portugal Matchday 25 encounter, played on Wednesday night. The draw concluded a run of five consecutive wins in the league and, whilst they were the better side, the team were unable to convert their chances.

Coach Rúben Amorim made five changes to the starting XI from four days prior, with Ricardo Esgaio (returning from suspension), Jeremiah St. Juste, Sebastián Coates, Hidemasa Morita and Youssef Chermiti coming in at the expense of Arthur Gomes, Ousmane Diomande, Nuno Santos and Francisco Trincao. Paulinho was out due to injury.

Gil Vicente FC came into the contest in 13th place in the league table and had not lost at the Estádio Cidade de Barcelos since November.

Sporting CP had three excellent opportunities in a row to start the game: First, a shot from square on by Pedro Gonçalves went out. Chermiti's backheel forced goalkeeper Andrew into a save. Finally, Esgaio benefited from a recovery on the edge of the area, but would also be denied.

From then on, they managed to impose their game more unequivocally. Chermiti was narrowly denied a run through on goal, Gonçalves failed to convert a shot at the back post and Andrew responded with a save from a shot by Matheus Reis. Despite an attempt by Murilo, the danger was practically one-way traffic in the first half.

At halftime, Nuno Santos was brought onto the wing to replace Gonçalo Inácio, and Matheus Reis dropped into the trio of centre-backs.

In the beginning of the second stanza, Gil Vicente FC created their best opportunity, but Antonio Adán rushed out quickly and decisively to stifle a one-on-one with Marlon.
Marcus Edwards appeared to have made it 0-1, but his goal would be disallowed by VAR for offside against Chermiti at the start of the move.

Gonçalves forced another save from Andrew, then had a goal of his own ruled out for offside. Morita, in the middle, would shoot wide and Coates was very close to making the decisive glance on a Nuno Santos cross, as Sporting CP continued to dominate.

Amorim decided to introduce Trincão and Arthur Gomes for Ugarte and Esgaio, as the game closed in on its conclusion. Gil Vicente FC played more and more compactly, making offensive fluidity difficult for Sporting CP. 

In the last opportunity, Edwards had a shot inside the area blocked, and the score remained deadlocked at the end. Despite keeping a fifth consecutive clean sheet in Liga Portugal, they could not claim the three points. 

Sporting CP now have a total of 54 points and have another away trip this weekend, playing against Casa Pia AC on Sunday at 6pm local time.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Ricardo Esgaio (Arthur Gomes 76'), Jeremiah St. Juste, Sebastián Coates [C], Gonçalo Inácio (Nuno Santos 46'), Matheus Reis, Manuel Ugarte (Francisco Trincão 76'), Hidemasa Morita (Mateo Tanlongo 85'), Marcus Edwards, Pedro Gonçalves and Youssef Chermiti.

The Sporting CP coach speaks before the midweek game against Gil Vicente FC

Rúben Amorim previewed Wednesday night's Liga Portugal game against Gil Vicente FC in a pre-match press conference, in which he addressed the team's current form and rumours about his own future.

“We are in good form and, obviously, the results help. We are playing better and we are more consistent. Now we are up against Gil Vicente FC, who are a very well prepared team, with a very good dynamic, and I think it will be an excellent game for testing our consistency, but I would say that the main objective is to win again and maintain our way of playing, with our offensive quality and, mainly, a lot of defensive consistency," he said on Tuesday.

"We are aware that in the past we have also come off a good series of results and suddenly had one problem or another in a game that cost us in the table. We have to be aware of all this and go into the game confident. We are prepared."

Amorim noted that coach Gonçalo Inácio is fit for the match, although Paulinho has a problem with the sole of his foot and will miss out.

With Benfica and FC Porto meeting on Friday, a win on the road could bring Sporting CP closer to the top of the table, but Amorim said that nobody is doing the maths just yet.

“My players don't look at it much. They are very focused on getting into the starting lineup and playing. That's their main objective and I can feel this in training. As there are rotations and we have more and more options, their main concern at the moment is to earn their place and win the game. They know that wins take us closer to the Champions League places and, as they got to experience the Champions League this year, they really want to play in it again. They know how important this factor is for us."

This April Sporting CP will play eight games, two of them in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Their coach explained that he has no doubt that "it is an important moment in which a lot of things will be decided."

“This week we have three league games and then the Europa League, but nobody is thinking about the Europa League right now. We just think a little further ahead to manage the situation and help ourselves. Our priority is the league and it always has been. We really want to win in the Europa League, and we've already proved that we can beat any team, but we know the difference in that competition."

Amorim also commented on the interview given by Frederico Varandas on Monday night, saying that he considers that everybody should want justice to be done in cases involving Portuguese football.

“The president spoke and I would say that it's not just the president who thinks that way, but all the fans, be it supporters of SL Benfica, FC Porto or Sporting CP: All the fans want justice and fair play. I don't draw any conclusions about what is happening, but if I was at a club that has a problem in the courts, I would want justice to be done, regardless of whether I was harmed or not. That's why I say that it's not just the president who wants it: I say that everyone wants fair play. That is the main objective for all of us."

In recent days there has been talk of yet another club interested in the Sporting CP coach taking charge, but he batted away any suggestion of his departure.

“The main reason why I want to stay is because I really like being here. I've seen many coaches move to other leagues and not be happier. It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but it's an important factor in the decision we have to make and I'm not looking for anything. I already had contact with other clubs, Sporting CP even know this, but I always wanted to stay because I like being at Sporting CP. If I ever have to leave, either because I've been pushed out with white handkerchiefs or because I've gone to another club, then what happens, happens. But I won't be leaving the door ajar because I think Sporting CP deserve another level of respect. If I ever want to go, I'll tell the president and Hugo Viana and I'll go. At this time, I want to stay here and I want to fulfill my contract. I have very clear objectives for what I want to do. In addition, any club that wants me -just like Sporting CP wanted me- will have to pay the buyout clause, because my way of doing things requires that. I am very happy where I am and I want to continue here,” he concluded.

The coach gives his opinions on a win against CD Santa Clara

In the aftermath of the 3-0 triumph over CD Santa Clara, coach Rúben Amorim analysed that his team started well, but warned that they switched off slightly when in front.

“What I liked most was the complete way we began the game. We showed good offensive dynamics and also a very strong reaction when we lost the ball. We didn't let CD Santa Clara create opportunities or connect with the players up front. We were strong in aerial duels and we often made it three against three," he started by stating in his post-match press conference.

“What I liked least was that we turned off our intensity a little, and the fact that CD Santa Clara had many shots on goal, which is not normal for our team. Some of them weren't  dangerous, but others, like the ball hitting the post, they could have scored from. Players have to learn to enjoy the good moments more, when we are winning comfortably in the game. We have to play better in the easier moments."

Amorim then spoke on the return of Luís Neto, who came on in the second half to play for the first time in almost seven months, after recovering from a prolonged injury.

“Players are not only important for what they do on the field, but also off it, and Neto is an example of that. Even at his age, he has grown a lot in the quality of his game and was always an example in the dressing room during his time on the sidelines, for the way he recovered from a very serious problem and grew in fitness and maximum speed. He has many years to go in his career, he has won a lot and is comfortable in life, but he is still hungry to be an important person on the team. That is a very important factor, especially in a team with a lot of young players."

Questioned about Arthur Gomes, who started on the right wing, he said that the Brazilian performed very well in a new position.

“Offensively, it's easy for him because he has good timing. Maybe he's one of the best on our team in attacking behind the back of the defence. Even so, in the second half we had some difficulties in constructing play due to the way they pressed us higher, as he didn't track back as quickly as usual. There are good and bad things, but he cut out two transitions and had a very complete game."

As for Afonso Moreira, the 18-year-old winger who was on the bench but ended up not making his debut, the coach spoke highly of the young talent.

“We believe in Afonso Moreira a lot. He has very good characteristics. He could do what Nuno Santos does, not just because of his physical ability and speed. He has to start feeling what the first team is all about. He didn't come on today because it wasn't necessary; if we need a replacement for Arthur he could play that position or go further forward. I really believe in Afonso Moreira, he plays well with both feet and has a lot of quality."

Amorim also commented on the rotation that he has been using, whether in his starting eleven or during the course of the game.

“It doesn't matter who plays, the ideas and positions are there. Everyone has to feel important and in this team, with so many young players, either everyone feels that they are important or they end up getting down. But the team are growing in this aspect, and hunger for the ball sometimes works miracles."

Sporting CP cruise to victory on Liga Portugal Matchday 26

Back in action after a two-week international break, Sporting Clube de Portugal beat CD Santa Clara 3-0 at the Estádio José Alvalade on Liga Portugal Matchday 26. Paulinho, Trincão and Marcus Edwards scored the goals in a routine win for the team.

Rúben Amorim made some changes to his starting lineup: In defence, Matheus Reis joined Diomande, who moved to the right side, with Gonçalo Inácio at centre back with Coates out of the squad. On the wings, Nuno Santos occupied the left and Arthur Gomes the right, replacing the suspended Ricardo Esgaio.

The game started with total dominance from Sporting CP, and they were rewarded with a goal just 13 minutes in. Pedro Gonçalves hit a free kick into the area, and Paulinho rose highest to head home the opener.

Arthur Gomes came close to scoring a second with a long-range shot that went slightly over the crossbar, but it didn't take much longer for Sporting CP to make it 2-0. On 22 minutes, a ball through on the left flank allowed Trincão to break free from the defence and line up a strike to score.

It was only after that that the Azoreans, currently bottom of the Liga Portugal table, managed to see some of the ball and produced their first move of note, when Gabriel Silva headed over. Right after, at the other end, Gonçalo Inácio met a free kick and smashed his effort against the crossbar.

In the final stretch of the first half, despite the rather languid pace, Sporting CP continued to control things and could have extended their lead. After a beautiful team move, Nuno Santos crossed into the penalty area to feed Paulinho, who scuffed the ball over just before the whistle went for the interval.

After the break, Jeremiah St. Juste came on for Gonçalo Inácio, moving Diomande to the center of the defence.

In the 52nd minute, Paulinho recovered the ball high up the pitch, gave it to Marcus Edwards and the Englishman, after taking a defender out of the equation, struck into the back of the net to take the score to 3-0.

Trincão forced goalkeeper Gabriel Batista to make a good save, and Sporting CP were so comfortable that Amorim made a series of substitutions. Morita, Mateo Tanlongo, Rochinha and Luís Neto were all introduced, with the latter returning to action after seven months out.

Two attempts by Paulinho and a shot by the visitors that hit the post were the only moments of excitement before the end, and Sporting CP ran out resounding winners with a 3-0 triumph that extended their unbeaten run to nine.

On Wednesday they play at home to Gil Vicente FC on Matchday 27.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [C] [GK], Gonçalo Inácio (Jeremiah St. Juste, 45'), Ousmane Diomande, Matheus Reis (Luís Neto, 69'), Arthur Gomes, Manuel Ugarte (Mateo Tanlongo, 69'), Pedro Gonçalves (Hidemasa Morita, 69'), Nuno Santos, Marcus Edwards (Rochinha, 70'), Francisco Trincão and Paulinho.