The coach is clear about the way through against FC Midtjylland

Sporting Clube de Portugal play this Thursday in Denmark against FC Midtjylland, in the second leg of their playoff to go through to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Estádio José Alvalade, and coach Rúben Amorim highlighted the importance of his side putting on a good performance, in addition to achieving a victory and progressing to the next stage of the competition.

“We can't think that it's just a matter of winning, we have to do more than that: We have to play better. We didn't look at FC Midtjylland's last game that much because they are in a different league and the team they played against, Viborg FF, have a different setup. We did look at the first leg and the positions they had, how they marked us and blocked our players on the channels," he said in his pre-match press conference.

“What we took away from their last game was that they had a victory against the league runners-up that gives FC Midtiylland a morale boost. Isakson is clearly a player who makes a difference and they are very strong on transitions, as they scored three of the four goals from them. That was a lot of what caused us problems and some anxiety in Alvalade when we lost the ball, especially when building from the back. From then on, that game snowballed."

“What we have to do is have the ball without anxiety or doubts about what we do and play better, because then we will be closer to winning. We have to pay a lot of attention to set pieces, both defensive and offensive, which will be decisive in this game. Basically, we have to play better to win the game", underlined Amorim.
In closing, he highlighted the importance of continuing to play in European competitions.

“We have to stay in Europe because we need that experience. In addition to that, we want to win games because the season has not gone how we wanted and we have to play better. We have an obligation to do better than we did last weekend. We cannot show the same anxiety that we had in the first leg of the tie. We have to be ambitious and feel the importance of the result, but when we get onto the pitch we have to play our game."

The coach gives his viewpoint on the victory over GD Chaves

Rúben Amorim considered Sporting CP's 2-3 triumph over GD Chaves a fair one, and expressed his pleasure with the way the team played in the Liga Portugal fixture.

“Above all, we are a team that start strongly, and that has been our way of playing. We scored, we opened up the game and then we maybe could have kept the ball more and stretched Chaves more, but we started to complicate things a little bit with the ball. We always had the game under control, we continued to create opportunities and I think we should have gone into the break in the lead," the coach began by saying in his post-match press conference.

"In the second half, defensively we went back to how we are normally, we continued to create opportunities, had the ball and then when we scored we withdrew a little more withdrawn than usual -and that creates space for the opposition."

“It was a fair victory, which turned out to be a bit of a reflection of the season: The game was under control, then there was a cross, a goal and we didn't know what might happen. We have to improve because we want to have two or three goal leads. The first half was good and we created opportunities, and the second was more consistent and secure."

Amorim also commented on recent performances, saying that “This month, we played SC Braga and we played very well, against FC Porto in the Taça da Liga we also did well until the sending off. We didn't play so well at home to FC Porto in the league, but we were the more dominant team, even if we were less consistent in some details. The truth is that we only played badly last Thursday.

"Today, the way we started off and the way we played reflects our style, but it also reflects the way we always create problems for ourselves by not killing the game off. There are good and bad things, like us conceding two goals -one from outside the area, another off a cross late on in which we weren't tracking back. Above all, we have to look at the way we played today, which showed our characteristics, whilst last Thursday we were suspicious of everything."

The team earn an away victory in Liga Portugal

Sporting Clube de Portugal picked up the three points on Monday night in their game against GD Chaves, winning 2-3 on the road. A Pedro Gonçalves brace and a goal from Nuno Santos earned the team the victory on Matchday 21 of the Liga Portugal season.

Rotating his side for a game sandwiched between Europa League ties, coach Rúben Amorim made four changes to the starting eleven, with Antonio Adán, Ousmane Diomande, Sebastián Coates, Gonçalo Inácio, Héctor Bellerín, Pedro Gonçalves, Manuel Ugarte, Nuno Santos, Marcus Edwards, Paulinho and Francisco Trincão taking to the field.

As expected, Sporting CP started well, took over possession and immediately began to threaten. Opposition goalkeeper Rodrigo was called into action just five minutes in, denying Nuno Santos.

That was followed by the opening goal after seven minutes. Paulinho was brought down in the box and Sporting CP were awarded a penalty that Pedro Gonçalves converted.

The home team were not intimidated by the disadvantage and, although Sporting CP had the game under control, GD Chaves also created danger, forcing Antonio Adán to make two saves before the half hour.

Gonçalves had a shot from outside of the area that went wide, then it was Paulinho who had the opportunity to score, striking against the woodwork.

However, it was GD Chaves who scored next, off a quick move in which João Teixeira appeared on the left side of the area and tried his luck -the ball swerving past Adán.

Before the interval, Paulinho recovered the ball, handed it over to Héctor Bellerín, and the Spaniard shot just wide of the far post -where Gonçalves was also close to making contact.

After the restart, Sporting CP immediately had the ball in the net from Paulinho, only for VAR to cancel out the goal for offside. They followed up with two opportunities that were saved: Santos from open play, and Trincão off a free kick.

Soon after, another goal for Paulinho was disallowed, but Sporting CP were getting ever closer. On the hour, Amorim made his first substitution, bringing on Hidemasa Morita in place of Trincão.

The goal arrived seconds after the change, as off a quick move Gonçalves gained space in the middle and fired in to make it 1-2.

That became 1-3 in the 70th minute, off another quick move by Sporting CP. Paulinho was played in by a long ball, broke into the area and had the opportunity to shoot, but instead handed over the chance to Nuno Santos to finish, albeit with a deflection.

Jeremiah St. Juste and Arthur Gomes switched places with Ousmane Diomande and Marcus Edwards, and ten minutes later it was Youssef Chermiti and Mateo Tanlongo who came in for Paulinho and Manuel Ugarte.

Chermiti, a sensation in recent weeks, entered the game well and soon had an opportunity, which Rodrigo saved, and a penalty after a foul on Pedro Gonçalves, but the home team's keeper again kept it out.

Rodrigo made yet another great save in stoppage time, from Nuno Santos, and although GD Chaves would score again late on, Sporting CP held on for the win.

After a deserved triumph, they will now play again on Thursday, in Denmark, against FC Midjtylland in the Europa League.

Previewing the game against GD Chaves with the Sporting CP coach

Sporting Clube de Portugal will face GD Chaves this Monday, on Liga Portugal Matchday 21 On the eve of the match, coach Rúben Amorim gave a press conference to talk about the meeting with a side 11th in the table.

“Above all, we have to be careful with transitions and score goals. In the home game, which ended 0-2, we had many opportunities in the first half but we didn't manage to score. Obviously, we have to play better than in the UEFA Europa League game last week if we are to win this game. We know it's a tough ground and that we are facing a team without pressure, whilst we have to win every game -especially with us not being in such good form," he began by telling journalists.

“We know the GD Chaves team well and expect a good performance. We have to get back to our way of playing ”, he stressed, before addressing Sporting CP's recent results.

“There are phases in football and what we have to do is play well. Against FC Porto we played well, but in the last game, not so much. There's a lot to take away from this game, looking at the tactical side in order to improve. The good thing about these weeks with three games is that we can win and get into that dynamic right away."

“I have learned that I can survive these phases. When we are winning we maybe miss some things, so this recent form makes us think about what we have to change: How we have to plan preseason, what changes to the formation we need to make, etc. Therefore, I would say that these phases are essential, and they will come in handy in the future, but we find them hard," he continued.

“We are going to grow with these phases and we are going to evolve, I will be a better coach and we will be a better team in the future."

“We have to look at the context of each game. We've always had the support of the Sportinguistas, now we're in fourth place and we have to accept that and play our role, and the fans will return to the stadium in droves as a result,” noted Amorim, who acknowledged that improvements can be made in terms of finishing chances.

“We can improve everything in games, but if we've been failing to achieve that, it's because the other teams have been doing well. We have recently had a sequence of games in which we scored five goals in one game, then six and then three. We live off goals and victories and we have conceded too many and scored too few for the chances we are creating. The previous game against GD Chaves was a reflection of that”, he recalled.

“We have to improve in terms of performance and, if something goes wrong in the game, we have to maintain our identity."

“When we score a goal, we improve our game a lot. Opponents have to open up a little more, we become more confident and from then on we are a completely different team. With GD Chaves we have to try to avoid their transitions, playing simpler after losing the ball in the buildup. Confidence comes from results, goals scored and not conceding goals."

In Chaves, Amorim will reach 100 games for Sporting CP in Liga Portugal, a number that leaves him satisfied.

“I feel like we've messed up the win average a bit lately, as it was really good before. For now, it is obviously a source of pride to be at as big a club as Sporting CP and reach 100 games. It's difficult to choose the best moment and I don't like to talk about it because it was so long ago, but becoming league champions brings fulfillment to any coach."

The coach assesses the 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland

After the 1-1 draw against FC Midtjylland, coach Rúben Amorim gave a post-match press conference to review the game, starting by analysing what can be taken away from the first leg.

“Above all, we are equal in terms of goals; we are not at a disadvantage. Obviously, we were playing at home and we wanted to establish an advantage. We took not of how our opponents played against our system and we have to see what we were missing", he said, before explaining the way his team approached the match.

"We had a lack of confidence. We started well, but as the game progressed, things didn't go our way and it made everything more difficult. We still had a few chances to score, but then we started to do things we didn't have to do. We have to be convinced of our way of playing", he stated.

"The difficulties are mental and have nothing to do with the physical side. I've already gone through what they're going through. They want it a lot, but it isn't happening, and all players go through that".

The coach also revealed what he tried to transmit to the team to seek a reaction.

"What I wanted to convey to them was that we have another game. As difficult as it was, we managed to turn it around. I want to help them all the time", he said, before being questioned about Antonio Adán's mistake.

"There are phases like that and a few minutes before, he made an extraordinary save and prevented us from conceding a goal. The same thing that applies to all players, also applies to Adán: I know what they are going through and I am very demanding with them".

Amorim also noted a "lack of experience" in his players, saying "we might have players who were league champions, but who never took those 'knocks' in football, who never went through this; so it's their first time and they don't know what it is like".

"In terms of the fans, I have never felt so fulfilled, even as a player, as I have felt here at Sporting CP and nothing will change that. Everything that happens on the pitch is my responsibility, the atmosphere at the club is my responsibility. I know it's very difficult and the fans have their reasons to be upset. There are difficult times and better ones, but the way forward is to stick together".

Finally, looking at the second leg in Denmark, the coach was confident in the team's ability to respond and qualify for the Round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League.

"I fully believe that we can win in Denmark and that we can play better, with a little more confidence. How do we get more confidence? By winning in Chaves. Everything goes through that", he concluded.

Sporting CP take on FC Midtjylland

This Thursday, Sporting Clube de Portugal's UEFA Europa League quest gets underway with a meeting with FC Midtjylland, in the first leg of the playoffs for the Round of 16. Coach Rúben Amorim talked about the game in his pre-match press conference.

"These games are always dangerous. The fact that our opponents have been out of action for several months could give Sporting CP an advantage," he said.

"We've had less time to prepare for the game, but competing with teams around us makes us grow. FC Midtjylland have a coach who always plays 4-3-3, and we won't be surprised by the way they play, but I see this as just another game. We gave a lot of tactical information to the players, but no extra motivation is needed - we're going to be prepared," he told journalists.

Regarding the objectives for the competition, the coach stated that "there are very strong teams in the UEFA Europa League and the Portuguese sides are never the main favourites."

"What we want is to win the next game. If I have this philosophy in the league, imagine what it's like in the UEFA Europa League. What I want is for the players to feel comfortable and play good football," he added.

Admitting "that this season has fallen short of our objectives and not even winning the UEFA Europa League will make up for Liga Portugal," Amorim went on to talk about young talent Youssef Chermiti.

"We've been renewing the young kids and we're working on that with Youssef. I'm not worried because we still have one more year left on our contract with him, and because players like Youssef or Mateus Fernandes know they'll have an opportunity here at Sporting CP. They grew up here and want to play here."

After revealing that Hidemasa Morita will remain sidelined, Amorim spoke about Ousmane Diomande.

"I believe that soon Diomande will have the opportunity to play in the starting lineup because he is doing very well and has adapted. It is not easy to come on when he did against FC Porto and use ball like he did. He's more than ready to play, he's very grown up."

In response to a question from a Danish journalist, the coach showed he was aware of the dangers of this Thursday's opponent.

"We have the advantage of being in midseason in our league, and FC Midtjylland were at a standstill. But they're a team that won 5-1 against SS Lazio, so we can't say we're obviously going to win clearly. It's going to be a tough game against a motivated team in the UEFA Europa League. I am confident, as always, that we will win the game."

Invited to comment on the fact that Czech footballer Jakub Jankto has come out as homosexual, Amorim showed his support and said that he considers that the topic is still "taboo" in the world of football.

"I have two kids, I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow and it was something I wouldn't be ashamed of."

Sporting CP vs. FC Midtjylland is scheduled for 8pm this Thursday, February 16th, at Estádio José Alvalade.

The goalkeeper previews the meeting with FC Midtjylland

Before Sporting Clube de Portugal's game against Danish side FC Midtjylland in the UEFA Europa League playoff, Antonio Adán chatted to the media.

The Spanish goalkeeper began by saying that "it's important to forget about the last defeat, which was tough, but for a big side like Sporting CP, every game is important. Tomorrow we have another big game, in a new and exciting competition for everyone. We are confident despite the negative results. We are playing good football and we want a positive result," he told reporters.

After admitting that "it's true that the season has been inconsistent for everyone," Adán assured that he felt "good in terms of fitness."

"We can identify two big mistakes that I made this season and I take full responsibility for them, but I have more than 110 games for Sporting CP to my name. You have to look at everything with a certain perspective and accept those occasional mistakes. I consider that I am performing at a great level and that I have the confidence and strength to continue playing."

Regarding the objectives for what remains of 2022/23, the shot stopper recalled that "there are many games ahead and many things to do."

"We have things to achieve and that's what we're looking for, like the consistency of results that we haven't found yet. As a Sporting CP player, I always look at myself as a favourite. We have a great team and I trust my teammates. I believe that tomorrow we will be able to give a good showing of ourselves."

After praising new signings Héctor Bellerín and Ousmane Diomande, Antonio Adán spoke again about the current form for the team.

"Both in life and in football, we lose more times than we win. Football changes from one moment to the next and we have to try to stay on the winning path for the team's growth. I'm sure we're on the right track and doing things well -despite the results," he concluded.

Sporting CP vs. FC Midtjylland is scheduled for 8pm on Thursday, February 16th, at Estádio José Alvalade.

The coach explains the loss to FC Porto

Rúben Amorim talked about the 1-2 defeat in O Clássico and expressed his opinion that Sporting Clube de Portugal were punished excessively for small details.

“Again, we were lacking some details. We should have gone into the break ahead and then, off a rebound, we conceded the goal, which made everything more difficult," he explained.

"After the opening goal we struggled to create chances, we tried to break through -but not always with care- and there were some stoppages. The game became a bit like the League Taça da Liga final. Then, at the end, we pushed FC Porto closer to their area, we tried to hit them with crosses with Paulinho and Youssef inside, but off a transition we conceded the second goal. We still scored and made it 1-2, but there was no time for an equaliser."

Amorim started to change the team early on in the game, and justified his adjustments and the reasons for them.

“I would make them again, because that was what the game required. Esgaio had to go off and I apologised to him, but I have to think about the team. Bellerín, having not had much game time, got tired, so we had to change him. Then we conceded the goal and, looking at everything, where we had to have more width was upfield instead of at the wing. Therefore, I would do everything again."

“That's not why we lost the game," he continued. "We lost because of the details, not because FC Porto played better than us or pushed us. I would make those substitutions again because when I looked at things that's what the game was telling me. Trincão wanted to play on, but he has had tonsillitis and I felt he wasn't at his best. I do what the game tells me to do."

“As for my starting lineup: The best players in training, play. I'd rather lose one game or another, but win the rest. I have so much confidence in my players and in myself that I put in those I think should play and who are in the best form. What gives me confidence is the players being at their best and ready to play, knowing that I won't get everything from Youssef and Fatawu now, but it's part of their process and I thought they should play."

Focused on what lies ahead, Rúben Amorim said that he knows what is needed.

“We have to have a better second half of the season and see what happens in the end. Our aim is to win every game. That's always our aim, regardless of our position in the table. On Thursday we will be back here to win in the Europa League. In football, there has never been anyone who has been successful without going through difficult times, and so it is up to us to approach this with a clear conscience and face the challenges. That is what we are going to do once again," he concluded by saying.

Sporting CP lose 1-2 at home to FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal were beaten 1-2 by FC Porto in 'O Clássico' on Sunday, on Liga Portugal Matchday 20 at the Estádio José Alvalade. Deserving of a better result, Os Leões put in a strong showing but lost out due to two FC Porto goals against the run of play.

Rúben Amorim made changes to his starting XI, including handing a first start to Héctor Bellerín. Antonio Adán, Gonçalo Inácio, Sebastián Coates, Matheus Reis, Bellerín, Manuel Ugarte, Pedro Gonçalves, Abdul Fatawu, Francisco Trincão, Youssef Chermiti and Marcus Edwards made up the initial lineup.

The game began intensely and with a pair of opportunities for both sides. In the sixth minute, Sporting CP's Trincão was denied by Marcano, who cut across to clear. From a corner emanating from the chance, Bellerín hit a full-force shot that caught a deflection to go out.

When Reis was fouled on the left side of the area, a dangerous free kick by Gonçalves went wide of goal.

In response, FC Porto forced Adán to make two saves: The first off a cross-shot from the left, which the goalkeeper tipped towards the back post, and the second from straight on that he punched clear.

A recovery from Bellerín kickstarted a move for Fatawu, and his cross from left was hit wide by the incoming Edwards.

Trincão's weak right-footed shot was held by Diogo Costa thereafter, as Sporting CP remained focused on scoring. Edwards, off a quick move by the team, sent a ball fizzing over the FC Porto goal.

Shortly after, on 28 minutes, Chermiti went down and required treatment after Pepe stepped on him -an incident for which not even a foul was called.

After half an hour of play, FC Porto also came close to opening the scoring, but their first shot hit the post and the rebound was struck over.

Amorim adjusted the team in the 35th minute, with Trincão having felt unwell before the game, and brought Paulinho into the game.

In the last five minutes of the first half, two more opportunities went Sporting CP's way. First Chermiti got a ball in from Bellerín, but Marcano cut out the danger. Then Edwards fired off a free kick that Costa needed to send away.

The score remained 0-0 at the interval and Amorim made more adjustments for the beginning of the second half. Nuno Santos came on to replace Fatawu, and under ten minutes later there was another change: Bellerín was withdrawn for Ricardo Esgaio.

The second half also began at a good pace, but without much danger in either area. That proved to be the calm before the storm, however, as off a rebound, FC Porto opened the scoring with a goal by Uribe.

Ousmane Diamonde and Arthur Gomes came on for Esgaio and Reis on 70 minutes, as the coach used up all his available substitutions.

Now in front, FC Porto slowed the rhythm of the game with fouls and stoppages.

Sporting CP were always looking for a response, and in the 88th minute Chermiti was close to scoring with a shot at the back post, but Costa managed to save it.

A minute and a half later, a shot by Arthur Gomes was saved and Chermiti had the ball in the net, but VAR ruled the goal out.

With another seven minutes to play in Alvalade and Sporting CP putting pressure on the opposition area, a cruel twist saw FC Porto get their second with a quick move finished by Pepê.

A consolation goal went Sporting CP's way when Gomes crossed from the right and Chermiti headed in, but there was to be no equaliser -even when Adán went upfield and headed wide.

Os Leões play again on Thursday, hosting FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League playoff.

The coach anticipates what will happen against FC Porto

Sporting Clube de Portugal play FC Porto at home on Matchday 20 of the Liga Portugal season, and coach Rúben Amorim spoke in a press conference on the eve of 'O Clássico.'

After confirming that Paulinho will be available for the game, the coach gave his thoughts on the opposition.

"We know FC Porto and they know us. We can make both changes, but the way the two teams play is very present in the minds of the coaches, who will have prepared this game in the same way we prepared the Taça da Liga final. It will be a very competitive game, as always, and we hope to win this time around," he began by telling journalists.

Regarding Otávio's likely absence for FC Porto, Rúben Amorim guaranteed that "this will be a strong FC Porto in the same way that Sporting CP are always strong, with whichever players feature. FC Porto are a team as a whole."

"I've not enjoyed the results, but I've enjoyed the way Sporting CP face the big teams," continued Amorim.

"We have evolved year after year and that is what I look at. We haven't won our last few games against FC Porto, but we've played well in them. Now we have to add results to the performances."

"The two teams will want to win, but they will respect each other. A draw is no use to either side and we both need to win. We are going to field an 11 to be the better side and to take three more points," he stressed.

"Both Héctor Bellerín and Ousmane Diomande will be fit. The only doubt is Jeremiah St. Juste, who had a bad night last night," he said of the players available to him.

"Everyone knows the importance of this match, but we only go game-by-game. The players only have to think that they have to win and that if they don't, it's the end of the world. It's a way of thinking that the game is everything for us. It's the same way that we will approach the next game, and the same way it was against Rio Ave FC."